1010music Blackbox —  VS  — Polyend Play+

Summary

In this blog post, we’ll dive into a comparison of two popular music samplers: the 1010music Blackbox and the Polyend Play+. Both offer unique features and capabilities for music enthusiasts, but which one is right for you? We’ll explore their features, pros and cons, and help you decide which sampler is best suited for your needs.

Introduction

Hey there, music lovers! If you’re into creating beats, loops, and electronic music, you might be on the lookout for the perfect sampler to add to your collection. Today, we’re comparing two awesome devices: the 1010music Blackbox and the Polyend Play+. Each of these samplers offers something special, whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned pro looking for new tools. Let’s jump in and see what makes these samplers tick!

Feature Comparison

Design and Build

The first thing you’ll notice about the 1010music Blackbox is its compact and portable design. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket, making it perfect for musicians on the go. The Blackbox doesn’t have traditional pads, but it uses buttons and encoders along with a bright LCD touchscreen to navigate and control your music.

On the other hand, the Polyend Play+ sports a modern look with an 8x8 velocity-sensitive pad grid. This gives it a larger footprint compared to the Blackbox, but it’s still portable enough for travel. The high-resolution color display makes it easy to see what you’re working on, and the entire build feels robust and ready for any performance.

Sound and Sampling

Both samplers operate at a 44.1kHz sample rate, providing high-quality sound. The 1010music Blackbox boasts a whopping 128-note polyphony, allowing you to layer lots of sounds and create complex tracks without worrying about voice limitations. It’s designed to let you record sounds from other instruments and arrange them with ease.

The Polyend Play+, while offering only 8-note polyphony, focuses on stereo sample playback, which can be ideal for those who prefer richer and more immersive soundscapes. It includes powerful track-based sequencing, letting you create intricate patterns and songs that can be perfect for live performances.

Sequencing and Effects

When it comes to sequencing, both samplers have you covered. The 1010music Blackbox features a simple sequencer that’s great for building beats and melodies on the fly. It’s geared towards musicians who like to keep things straightforward yet effective.

The Polyend Play+ takes things up a notch with a 16-track pattern-based sequencer. It’s designed for more advanced users who want to dive deep into step automation and MIDI sequencing. The effects available on the Play+ include reverb, delay, overdrive, EQ, and master FX, giving you plenty of options to shape your sound.

Connectivity and Integration

In terms of connectivity, the 1010music Blackbox offers MIDI In/Out, USB, and audio In/Out, making it versatile for connecting with other gear. However, it lacks software integration, so you’ll be mainly working within its standalone environment.

Meanwhile, the Polyend Play+ shines with its USB-C connection and support for drag-and-drop sample management. This makes it easy to move your samples around and integrate with your existing setup. It also includes stereo In/Out and MIDI In/Out/Thru, providing plenty of options for expanding your music-making experience.

Price and Value

When it comes to price, the 1010music Blackbox is more budget-friendly at $649, while the Polyend Play+ is priced at $799. This difference reflects the added features and capabilities of the Play+, such as the larger pad grid and advanced sequencing options.

Pros and Cons

1010music Blackbox

Pros:

• Compact and portable design
• High polyphony (128 notes)
• Simple, intuitive interface
• Great for live performances and on-the-go creativity
• Lower price point

Cons:

• No velocity-sensitive pads
• Limited software integration

Polyend Play+

Pros:

• Large 8x8 pad grid with velocity sensitivity
• Advanced sequencing and automation features
• High-resolution color display
• Extensive effects options
• Easy sample management with USB-C

Cons:

• Higher price
• Lower polyphony (8 notes)

Final Verdict

In the end, both samplers have a lot to offer, but they cater to different kinds of music makers. The 1010music Blackbox is perfect for those who want a lightweight, straightforward tool for sketching out ideas and performing live without the need for a computer. Its high polyphony and compact design make it an excellent choice for musicians who are always on the move.

On the other hand, the Polyend Play+ is ideal for electronic producers and performers who want a powerful and flexible setup. Its advanced sequencing features and effects make it a fantastic choice for those who want to dive deep into music production and performance.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your arsenal, both of these samplers are fantastic choices. Consider what features are most important to you and how you plan to use the sampler in your music-making journey. Happy creating!