Looking to expand my setup

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codename
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Nov 08, 2015 3:04 pm

Looking to expand my setup

Post by codename » Sat May 07, 2016 6:37 pm

Hello, I recently got a Push 2 and loving it, but i'm looking to expand my setup. Something that would go well with my Push+Ableton. But I feel like Ableton can do so much already. I'm looking for a good hardware sampler, since my music is all sample based. Been thinking of the Octatrack, OP-1, and SP-404sx. Anything that would compliment my Push 2?

102455
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Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2009 1:41 pm
Location: UK
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Re: Looking to expand my setup

Post by 102455 » Sat May 07, 2016 7:22 pm

Pioneer are bringing out a sampler, the TORAIZ SP-16, in a few months.

jlgrimes
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Joined: Mon Jan 22, 2007 1:55 am
Location: Atlanta, Ga

Re: Looking to expand my setup

Post by jlgrimes » Sun May 08, 2016 1:19 am

If you want a Sampler, I'd suggest something 12 bit like an S950. They are good for drums.


That said programs like Battery, Maschine, or even Kontakt will have MPC 60 emulations which are similar.


If you want sampling Keyboards or drum Machines, I'd look at the following:

1. Ensoniq EPS/ASR/ASR X series.
These samplers are known for a pretty unique sound even though they are 16 bit. The ASR series had pretty good effects and a function similar to wavetable synthesis. The ASR X was Ensoniq's take on the MPC. They are pretty quirky units but comes with sounds.

2. Kurzweil K2 series.
These samplers are cleaner sounding, but the Kurzweil came with pretty good synth sounds, and have pretty good filters. If you could find a K2600, they have really good piano, organ, and rhodes sounds if you got the vintage synth expansions. The K2 series had a deep synth engine and the k2600 has great effects as well. Kurzweils are great midi controllers as well as they have some of the best key action IMO in the business. Even their synth action keyboards are nice. But the K2600 comes with a wealth of ribbon controllers and sliders.

3. EMU E4X Series.
Known for their filters.

4. EMU Emax Series/Ensoniq Mirage
Known for their "lofiness" and are cheaper than classic units like SP1200s or MPC 60s

5. Korg Triton Extreme. Has a basic sampler, but comes with plenty of usable sounds



That said it depends on what you want and your style of workflow.

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