Korg microSampler Review Sonic LAB

[okTH3nMaN]

can i plug this to a amp?

[Cambaudio]

Amazing review. Your the best reviewer Ive seen. Period.

[ShazaLondon]

Can it be used as a normal keyboard ?

[berlinbonez]

You guys do the best reviews we´ve seen on the interweb! greetings from the fatherland

[jpmartineau]

Get one while you can. These little beasts are awesome!

[sebarueda]

02:25 . mark silva has thirty seventies

[withaspoon94]

if ram is so cheep today why dosent this device have more memory or if my phone can have a 1.5 GHZ dual core processor why cant the analog synths?

[iamarapgod]

@withaspoon94 analog synth with dual core processors? huh?

[withaspoon94]

@iamarapgod im saying why isnt there more ram in the sampler.

[eddiewarlord]

@withaspoon94 what size condom do you use? your not going to buy magnums if you can only use 10% of the rubber ( this product has what it has because thats all it needs)

[Musicmathics]

Can u consider this a workstation?

[BuSamra1]

Hi Nick. Great and very helpful video. My question is would I be able to use the microSampler for percussion use. By midi my roland octapad to it and play the samples on the pads instead of the microSampler?

Thanx

[MarctheDarc]

@BuSamra1 That would work just fine. It receives/outputs MIDI note data on 2 seperate channels, for the sample-mode and keyboard-mode respectively. You can set the channels etc. Its onboard effects are decent, only 1 active at a time though. The sample recording/editing options are nice.

HOWEVER, for moving samples to/from computer, you are entirely restricted to the USB-connection, and Korg arent the best at keeping USB drivers working. Didnt work on Mac from november to may - that's 6 months!

[muzikman2008]

Nice review! I agree with other viewers... an accomplished well spoken, to the point guy! Thanks... i agree, a bit limited not keen on the recessed buttons and knobs either.. think i will stick with my triton extreme... lol :0)

[defkhann1]

Informable, thx!!!!

[kolakube123]

Love this guy. Great thorough review as always.

One point you didn't mention and maybe because you don't see it as a problem was no individual outs. I would buy this if it had four outs so I could add other FX and mix and EQ live away from the built in FX and such.

I have never know a sampler with 2 outs. Even the mid 80s S900 had 8.

[damnsavage]

He's a good reviewer isn't he? Props to the Batt.

[skywalkmangeforce]

you my friend are a brilliant reviewer, both very clear and very thorough, this is perfect for me to use as a sequencer/samper to go with the microkorg xl and micro x, its in the post because of this review :)

[yesusgearfly]

silly question: for a live use in a alternative rock band which one would you go for between Microsampler and Monotribe?

[AnalogAudio1]

Does the Microsampler has a full ADSR envelope vor the volume? Does it have a filter with ADSR env.?

[westberlin4lifee]

seriously i would buy it if you could use cf cards

what a pitty

[twelvemeister]

can you play any music on it?

[QUDASCIENTISTTV]

I KNOW YOU CAN TAKE 1 SOUND AND PLAY IT ACROSS THE KEYBOARD, RECORD IT TO THE SEQUENCER BUT, WHAT IF I WANT TO PLAY SOMETHING ON TOP OF THAT. EXAMPLE; TAKE A PIANO NOTE, HIT KEYBOARD MODE, RECORD SOME NOTES, NOW FIND A SYNTH NOTE, KEYBOARD IT ACROSS AND PLAY IT ON TOP? IF THIS CANT BE DONE, IS THERE A WORK AROUND?

[transitaautomatic]

man you sure do good reviews of gear. i mean you answered every question my brain has in it. just really cool review. looks like a great entry level piece of gear or addition to a live rig. i gotta get me one of those.

[MarctheDarc]

A small update on the USB-driver thing. They have now updated the driver, after 10 months, 3 of which without a working driver. And the new driver, DOESNT resolve the problem! So even in spite of said update, we're still WAITING for a WORKING USB-driver!

I am absolutely in awe over a company thinking they can ignore supporting a basic feature of the things they sell. And meanwhile happily advertise said feature in the gear though it doesnt work...

[theDragonaut]

@MarctheDarc WHAT? The driver doesn't work? FUCK THAT! As an aside, what kind of USB cable (what type of connection is on the microSAMPLER side?) do I need to connect the mS to my Macbook? Although if the driver doesn't work there's no point...

[MarctheDarc]

@theDragonaut Note it's supposedly only Snow Leopards updated within the past 3+ months that are currently affected (as far as i know), anything 10.6.4 and older SHOULD work just fine. It comes with a basic USB-cable in the package, same type as you would use for a printer. All onboard recording/editing works just fine, the problem is the editor software used to load samples directly from the computer to the sampler, and back, just times out because the driver isnt working. No SD-card option.

[mrtvi46]

@MarctheDarc Have you checked the start menu?

I installed the Korg usb-driver and nothing happened. I looked it up and there was another install in the start menu (Korg folder). That solved it!

The info from Korg is very obscure about this.

[MarctheDarc]

@mrtvi46 I'm well aware of how it works and installs. It used to work untill i updated my OSX past version 10.6.4, and then it stopped working, and 6 months later that's still the case. Rumor has it they actually halted updates for the microsampler a full year ago because the unit didnt sell as much as they anticipated. And gradually it will stop working with the various OS' as updates are implemented. Prices are being dumped all across europe now. Luckily i got a full refund not long ago.

[mrtvi46]

@MarctheDarc Ah. I assumed you used Windows. Refund? Good! I'm stuck with mine now. No refund, dropped prices means I'll get much less if I sell it and I can't afford something else right now. :/

[MarctheDarc]

@mrtvi46 You should actually check your country's laws on sales and commerce. According to danish law, the producer (Korg) must maintain full support/updates of all primary function for no less than 2 years after purchase. Otherwise it's considered a breach of the agreement and you're entitled to a full refund (hence i got it).

I do hope Korg reconsider and restart support. When it works i think it's a great little sampler! I loved mine untill it stopped working.

[jeffbrent]

You do really great reviews. All of them are to the point and informative.

[jewberrysmyth]

great review much more indepth then most on jewtube :)

[Boonxster]

Nice review!

I only have one question :

I can't find any videos, where somebody uses the microsampler to upload ambient and drone samples, and than use those, tho play melodies.

Could it be used for that effectively?

Thats what I would like to do with it if possible, I'm not really interested in drum loops, and beats and stuff.

[VonCarnstein]

@Boonxster If you are talking about loading an ambient sample and then playing it at different pitches in the keyboard mode yes you can do that effectively. I use it mostly for sampling software synths and playing them across the keyboard, so yes it works well for things other than drums loops and stuff like that.

[loganmcc93]

thank you so much for this review, it made me purchase my microsampler one drunken night and Ive never been happier!

[MarctheDarc]

Mac users thinking about getting this or any other USB-based Korg device, should be aware that Korg dont update their software, so if you update your Mac it wont work...

[IvyMike777]

Thanks for a very thorough, illustrative review. I've gotten more out of this than any other review.

[VonCarnstein]

Really really nice and thorough review.

[Heritage1969]

That's a great review. Thank you very much!

[Saibot216]

I heard there were patches included with the sampler, how many are there and are they any good?

[microkorger]

3:05 This is interesting: i own one and, in fact, i can't hear the difference between 24 and 48 kHz in my Sennheiser phones. How about Youtube? But thanks. Great review.

[mikeoxlong11]

is there a mono-mode? (you touch a key to start a sample loop, it plays until you touch a different key, the previous sample stops as soon as the new one is triggered?)

[klorsnomade]

wow, that drumloop is so fantastic...where can I get drumloops like these? ah, and nice review btw. :)

[Gstargeorge]

your reviews are great! a few questions. can you use it as a normal keyboard with like the grand piano sounds? also can you use it as a midi device on my mac in garageband? can i record me playing something on the microSampler then loop it, change the sound and record something else alongside it? thanks

[mysticradio]

what data cards does this use? usb finger drive ?

[sausagefoot]

Once again, excellent review!

[TheDuke540]

Would this be valuable for using as a main source of drum beats, that were created with ableton, for live performances?

[techstyle123]

good machine but too small

[JaKeDiZzLe111]

if you hook up a roland sp-555 to a midi keyboard can you play the samples on the keys and have them be different keys like the microsampler? thats the only reason i want the keyboard is that feature, its like the casio but doesnt change the pitch+tempo automatically, and its awsome

[tngregory]

can the sequencer's click track be routed to a headphone output rather than the mains? i'm curious if i can build sequences live onstage without the audience hearing the click.

[ryanspanger]

say i hear a sample from a song i like

can i put that sample onto the micro sampler?

[MarctheDarc]

If you're taking requests, i would very much like a video comparing this with other "cheap" portable hardware samplers, like the Roland SP-404SX, Akai MPC500 etc.

Main points being:

Overall user-friendliness.

On-the-fly sampling options/ease.

Editing ease/options.

Memory size/options.

Setup integration.

Live usage.

Thanks for loads of great vids!

[amstaff007]

is there any software which allows me to do similar things with midi keyboard? Thanks

[3sleeves]

Take a look at my videos of this beast in use.

I'll be posting more MS-1 videos soon.

[CeSektion]

so is this just midi controller? or ca i load sound onto it and use it without my pc being on.

[sheatheman]

Can you pitch down/up samples on a key to key basis, as in a minor 7th chord sample assigned to the C key, and the same sample pithed up a 3rd, assigned to D?

[ZKLKZK]

Hey can anyone help me out here? Im relatively new to the sampling/DJ world. I need an opinion which sampler would be best and if there is any difference between the two and what they may be. The two im looking at seem very different but I don't know which is best. First is the Korg MicroSampler and second is the Roland SP-404sx. Thanks everyone

[sheatheman]

@ZKLKZK It depends on your pref. The 404 has a traditional interface-pressure sensitive keys. If you are a more percussive player, the 404 might be better, but the microsampler would be good if you like the feel of a keyboard. People have been using midi keyboards as sample triggers for years now, and it seems like korg sort of reverse engineered a hardware sampler with that in mind. Either way it sounds like a new idea worth checking out. I want one.

[microkorger]

i laughed at 8:10 lol

[rafael28]

im LOVING that grain effect, seriously considering buying this

[moribund14]

Many thanks for this thorough review - I especially appreciate discussion of the downside. I may run right out and get one, but it's good to know ahead of purchase what compromises are involved.

[techstyle123]

tested this thing today....its got tiny keys thats the only bad point.....but hence the micro sampler name......its cool at on the fly sampling...goose neck mic is awsome....for chopping up samples this things a beast.....9/10 to korg on this

[romagen]

world class review as always. thx guys ;)

[Wyrehedd242]

id still like to see one of these bad boys in a full size board like the older emulators and emax boards... id pay the extra for full size keys...

[flammatus]

Is it at all possible to mute paticular loops and such? parhaps with a midi extension\?

[burama6891]

I'm after a keyboard sampler to sample some sounds from my computer so I can go and play it live at venues.

The main function I want is the 'keyboard mode' featured at 4:57 so I can load my several samples into a keyboard and play them as if they were new patches.

I want this function but I dont want to spend alot (£200 maximum)

Is there another keyboard out there that does this for half the price of the MS?

Any help would be great.

[thaigalog]

Great.. I think it makes sampling much easier.

[fezufo]

Good,unbiased video and very informative.

[rathat48]

Do you think it's great for a live performance?

[gattart]

Finally a decent review... thanks! Did you manage find a way to mute the input while sampling on this or does it just not do it?

[tyron26musikman]

WoW I am on this thing!!

[Firstu6]

It seems like Korgs rival to the NI maschine. But I like thst this isnt computer based. Also in theory you could sample any sound off of the radias with wav. and really not need to buy any new gear for a while and just build a huge libery of samples. This could be a remixing and beat making beast. Why is it so cheap whats the catch?

[flux302]

@Firstu6 this is in no way close to what maschine is.... not sure how your making that comparison. it's much more in line to an old sampler like the asr (though still not the same as the asr is much more of a full fledged workstation.)

[SportMegane]

This thing really should have speakers.

[timeforthecrunge]

You should really have headphones.

[madr0x]

I've looking at getting somthing like this for quite a while. how easy is it for a pretty much newbie to learn?

[Cambaudio]

I think its a great place to start. Should be pretty easy, just read the manual if your really new to this kind of thing. Don't worry, it's not long, could be done in a half hour.

[djyucatec]

damm! 2 hours more practice.this machine is a monster>with the software reworking your sample bekomme so sharp,you can trunk and readjust your sample so fast,precise and smooth in a minute,upload ,reimport,export just like a cool cat....this machine is unbeilievable

[djyucatec]

here is my rerport after 4 hours of use. first very intuitive and easy of use. i sample from my korg microx and from vinyls,the quality stay as original! many review say you cannot save ,it s not true you have 8 bank and on each you can save up to 56 samples,of course if you make huge sample you ll have to reduce and when no memory left Then all you do is export your sample to your pc!! this toy here is quick and evrything possible ,trunk sample at speed of light , loop 16 step sequencer ,

[1430sl]

agree to question of pablospace, please, help for this question! thanzs!

[QKroko]

So i can connect it to my mikrokorg?

great vid *****

[owlwink]

samples can be played in polyphony...i love this.

[Cambaudio]

What's really cool though... in pattern mode you can layer and play complex keyboard mode phrases, and then mute individual notes within the phrase while the pattern plays!

[owlwink]

recessed buttons,great for mobile use..

[MarsHottentot]

I think, when you look at what Korg did with the Microsynth, this unit makes a lot of sense. It's putting basic sampling in the hands of people with little interest in the minutia of sampling - namely, guitar bands -hawhaw. It will make a GREAT first sampler for the uninitiated and, if found for cheap, a fun toy for sampling enthusiasts. I'm not sold on it, but it looks fun as long as you accept it on it's own terms. Great vid - thank you.

[enefkei]

i have it and i love it!

[djyucatec]

wrong..i use akai mpc 2000xl for years,exept having great memory this thing is actually pretty good at sampling,and trununking is pretty sharp enough to rock the house..before you talk test the machine ,too easy to criticise without knoledge.

[enefkei]

i don't know anything about criticising >> you must be super dumb ... before you write, think .. i have microsampler sitting next to my computer right now, eat your MPC shit dumbhead

[pablospace]

I´m going to buy a minisampler to play loops with my emx.

Kaoss pad 3

Microsampler

Sp 404 SP

Is the microsampler 140€ better than the other 2?

Thanks 4 the info!

[djyucatec]

for sure this is better than any sampler i have been using...even akai should fear this machine

[pablospace]

Ok! Thanks 4 the info!

[Cambaudio]

This machine is to be a destined sleeper hit, and become rare when Korg stops selling them because nobody bought them.

Good for you and me though, because well have them, and they are brilliant! People haven't learned the power of this machine and ease yet. By the time they do, I bet theyll be discontinued and go up in price, way up.

[djyucatec]

yeah man this machine is by me since 48hours,and i just keep on realize how amazing it is,yhe effects delaay over the mic can be use in audio in and have incredible use,hold on loop control are unbeilivable...so simple of use and so full of function...yeah this machine is a hit!

[djyucatec]

shit dumbhead! wow you seems to be a real smart guz...primitive as your lunguage

[nevahard]

EDITOR is just a simply interface to load sample inside the MICROSAMPLER

MICROSAMPLER is just a LOOP REPLAY DEVICE

A nice concept but failed. In the EDITOR you have NO pattern editor, NO pattern mixer, only ONE chromatic sound can be recorded at time, then you have to resample, resample.. sampling function lacks.. missing portamento, and PARTIAL LOOP!!! wich means sound doesn't last for ever, but finish always too soon on high notes..

it works just like a PAD SAMPLER but you got keys!

[nevahard]

by the way, The review is very nice and clear.. the guy who made this explain very well what you are going to buy. it's just up to you to don't get too euphoric and get exactly the meaning of the words..

[nevahard]

"a simple loop replay device or maybe sound effects trigger for DJs"

that's it Guys! nothing more..

personally, this machine doesn't worth

450 euro

dunno guys, i reccomend to try it several times before you get it.. everyone seems to be happy about his funny shape and lights.. but for that price, you can get more power!

MY OPINION..

[MrLovelace]

What an informative chap! Awesome review. Please come for a cup of tea anytime your in Sydney :)

[junevortex]

cool stuff . nice review

[ikkepic]

What is the full size version of his sampler? I mean a Korg with the same possibilities but with fullsize keys.

Anyone?

[MarsHottentot]

I don't think there is one. I believe the 'Micro' tag is just piggybacking on the success of the Microsynth. To me, it seems like an ES-1 expanded with a keyboard.

[TheCountaaron]

can you take multiple samples of different bpms and have them both synced to the master bpm?

[sonicstate]

Yes if you enable timestretch for the samples. However, if you do this it uses up DSP and halves the number of available voices.

[3sleeves]

@TheCountaaron You can set the "original BPM" for each sample in the editor software also. That can give you interesting results.

[liveweyer]

wonderful review. if it had a modwheel, a pitch bender, and an octave switch, it might be perfect...oh well, close enough.

[dojodin]

What a great review! Very entertaining and informative.

[adzy31]

was really interested until i heard him say at 11:34 you can't load external samples :( shame!

[sonicstate]

Well you can load sounds via the editor over USB, but not from any other 'dumb' storage devices

[jogl]

best review of the Microsampler so far

[foketesz]

AND he looks like Elvis Costello!

[david2263]

agreed.

[desnos]

manual user is nor write very well

make a new video

please

[VJFranzK]

Most detailed review yet, great! So you get 16 patterns (selectable by dial) in EACH of how many banks?

Can you change patterns while playing?

[sonicstate]

16 patterns in each of the 8 banks. Each bank has its own samples, patterns and fx settings recalled.

[metaball]

i have a huge sample bank that i'd like to get more use of live. dumping to an EMU ESI32 over SCSi is a pain. this might do the trick.

[009relic]

can you record over the preset samples patches?

[webbpassion]

you are the best - your presentation is perfect

[webbpassion]

Awesome! Tnx . My Micro Korg Sampler

comming today.

[009relic]

preordered mine as well....:)

[elyseum]

really detail review, thx a lot!

[TheMrAlexander]

Awesome review, very helpful and detailed!

Thanks!

[techstyle123]

10 outa 10 why cant everybody do a review like this....still think these would sell better a 299 pounds..

[009relic]

these guys are the best at reviews.

[PiggybackOrchestra]

Thanks. This was a very practical review that has helped us decide whether to get one or not.

[Jonohawes]

In the pattern recording mode can one for example record a beat in using the mode where each key plays an individual sample and then add other parts over the top using the keyboard mode? So if I had a sample of an electric piano in a bank as well as basic drum sounds, I could record a beat and add some keys over the top from that individual ep sample played in keyboard mode? Thanks for any help

[sonicstate]

Jonohawes, I think you can - I'm pretty sure I did do that at some point. I dont have the unit anymore so I cant check again, but I am pretty sure it does.

[willievega]

Always, always, always! excellent demos.

That's why I'm a subscriber, isn't it?

[groovindj]

Got one yesterday!

Disappointed that it can only play one sample in keyboard mode, so you can't layer played keyboard riffs when recording.

One possible way round this might be to sample the notes you need as individual samples, so four bass notes for a bass line for example, assign them to any four keys in sample mode, then play them.

Long winded but not much you can do about it!

Live recording only - also a pain because you can't do any editing other than wipe and start over.

[klausito1970]

Good review!

[NakedJKid]

I like this a lot.

[Dani2300one]

Yeah I'mhe first watcher.

NICE!! :-)