1010music Blackbox — VS — Korg Volca Sample
1010music Blackbox
The Blackbox Compact Sampling Studio is a small but powerful music tool that lets you make full songs without a computer. You can record sounds from your synths or drum machines, slice and arrange them with the touchscreen, and build beats and melodies on the go. It's great for live performances too—just tap to trigger samples in real time. With a strong, pocket-sized design, it's built for travel and creativity anywhere. It comes ready with sounds, cables, and adapters so you can start making music right out of the box.
Korg Volca Sample
The original Korg Volca Sample is a small, hands-on drum machine that lets you play, tweak, and sequence up to 100 custom sounds. You can build beats, add motion effects, reverse samples, and create grooves with its fun and easy sequencer. It includes features like a powerful analog isolator, reverb, and song mode for more creative control. You could only load new samples using a special iOS app. This model has now been replaced by the improved <a href='/samplers/korg-volca-sample-2'>Volca Sample 2</a>, which adds USB, more memory, and a better workflow.
| Spec | 1010music Blackbox | Korg Volca Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | 1010music | Korg |
| Year Released | 2019 | 2014 |
| Polyphony | 128 | 16 |
| Sample Rate | 44.1kHz | 44.1kHz |
| Storage | MicroSD card | Internal memory |
| Pads | No pads, uses buttons and encoders | No pads, uses buttons |
| Sequencer | Yes | Yes |
| Effects | Multiple effects | Reverb, Delay |
| I/O | MIDI In/Out, USB, Audio In/Out | MIDI In, Audio Out |
| Screen | LCD display | LED indicators |
| Software Integration | No | No |
| Build | Compact standalone sampler | Portable |
| Price | $649 | $149 |
| More about | Details | Details |
Buy the 1010music Blackbox on Amazon.com
Buy Now On AmazonKorg Volca Sample vs. 1010music Blackbox: Which Sampler is Right for You?
Summary: This blog post is a detailed comparison of two popular samplers for music enthusiasts: the Korg Volca Sample and the 1010music Blackbox. We’ll explore their features, pros and cons, and help you decide which one is best suited for your musical needs.
Introduction
Welcome to the world of music sampling! If you love creating music, you’ve probably heard of samplers. These magical devices let you capture sounds and turn them into music. Today, we’re going to explore two exciting samplers: the Korg Volca Sample and the 1010music Blackbox. Both are popular choices, but they’re quite different from each other. Let’s dive into their unique features and see which one might be the perfect fit for your music-making adventures.
Feature Comparisons
Polyphony and Sample Rate
First, let’s talk about polyphony and sample rate. Polyphony is the number of sounds a device can play at the same time. The Korg Volca Sample offers 16-note polyphony, while the 1010music Blackbox boasts a whopping 128-note polyphony. This means the Blackbox can handle more complex arrangements, making it a great choice for intricate compositions. Both samplers have a sample rate of 44.1kHz, which is the standard for high-quality audio.
Storage and Accessibility
Storage is another important feature. The Korg Volca Sample uses internal memory, which can limit the number of samples you can store. In contrast, the 1010music Blackbox uses a MicroSD card for storage, allowing you to expand your library with ease. This makes the Blackbox more flexible if you need to carry a large collection of samples.
User Interface and Controls
Now, let’s look at how you interact with these devices. The Korg Volca Sample doesn’t have pads; instead, it uses buttons for triggering sounds. It also comes with LED indicators to guide you. The 1010music Blackbox also uses buttons and encoders, but it has a more advanced LCD display. This screen provides a better visual interface, which can make navigation easier and more intuitive.
Sequencer and Effects
Both samplers come with sequencers, allowing you to arrange your samples into full tracks. The Korg Volca Sample includes basic effects like reverb and delay, which add depth to your sounds. The 1010music Blackbox features multiple effects, giving you more options to experiment with your audio creations.
Inputs, Outputs, and Integration
When it comes to inputs and outputs, the Korg Volca Sample has MIDI In and Audio Out, making it easy to connect to other gear. The 1010music Blackbox offers even more connectivity with MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio In/Out. However, neither of these devices has software integration, so you’ll be working entirely within the hardware.
Build and Price
Both samplers are portable and compact, designed for musicians on the go. However, they differ significantly in price. The Korg Volca Sample is much more budget-friendly at $180, while the 1010music Blackbox costs $850. This price difference reflects the additional features and capabilities of the Blackbox.
Pros and Cons
Korg Volca Sample
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Portable and easy to use
- Built-in sequencer
- Basic effects like reverb and delay
Cons:
- Limited storage with internal memory
- No screen, only LED indicators
- Less polyphony compared to the Blackbox
- No software integration
1010music Blackbox
Pros:
- High polyphony (128 notes)
- Expandable storage with MicroSD card
- LCD display for easy navigation
- Multiple effects for sound creativity
- Extensive connectivity options
Cons:
- Higher price point
- No built-in pads
- No software integration
Final Verdict
In conclusion, both the Korg Volca Sample and the 1010music Blackbox have unique strengths. If you’re just starting out or on a tight budget, the Korg Volca Sample is a great choice. It’s simple, affordable, and perfect for live performances. On the other hand, if you need more power and flexibility, and you’re willing to invest more, the 1010music Blackbox is the way to go. It’s ideal for musicians who want to experiment with a wide range of sounds and need more polyphony and storage.
Ultimately, the best sampler for you depends on your needs and budget. Happy music making!