Comparing the Korg Volca Sample and Sonicware SmplTrek: Which Sampler is Right for You?

If you’re interested in creating music, you’ve probably heard of samplers. These neat devices let you capture, manipulate, and play back sounds. Two popular options are the Korg Volca Sample and the Sonicware SmplTrek. But which one should you choose? In this post, we’ll compare these two cool samplers to help you decide.

Summary

The Korg Volca Sample and Sonicware SmplTrek are both great tools for making music. The Volca Sample is perfect for beginners wanting a simple and affordable way to create beats. The SmplTrek is a more advanced option for musicians who need more features and flexibility.

Introduction to Samplers

Samplers are like magic boxes that let you capture sounds from the world around you and turn them into music. Whether it’s a dog barking or a catchy drumbeat, samplers let you record, tweak, and play back these sounds in creative ways. They’re used by musicians to add unique elements to their music. Now, let’s dive into the world of the Korg Volca Sample and Sonicware SmplTrek!

Meet the Korg Volca Sample

The Korg Volca Sample has been a favorite among music enthusiasts since it came out in 2014. It’s small, portable, and designed for hands-on fun. With the Volca Sample, you can play, tweak, and sequence up to 100 custom sounds. This little machine is known for its easy-to-use sequencer and effects like reverb and delay. Although it doesn’t have pads, you can use buttons to control your sounds. The Volca Sample is affordable, costing only $149, making it a great option for beginners.

Meet the Sonicware SmplTrek

The Sonicware SmplTrek is the new kid on the block, released in 2023. It’s a compact all-in-one sampler workstation that’s perfect for musicians who are always on the go. With the SmplTrek, you can sample, arrange, and perform tracks without a computer. It offers more features than the Volca Sample, like onboard recording, mic and line inputs, and a color screen. It’s a bit pricier at $429, but it provides lots of flexibility for more advanced users.

Feature Comparisons

Polyphony

Polyphony refers to how many sounds a device can play at once. The Volca Sample has a polyphony of 16, while the SmplTrek offers 10. This means the Volca Sample can play more sounds simultaneously, which might be useful if you want to create complex layers of sound.

Sample Rate

Both samplers have a sample rate of 44.1kHz, which means they record and play back audio at a similar quality. The SmplTrek uses a 16-bit format, providing good sound quality for most music-making purposes.

Storage

The Volca Sample uses internal memory to store samples, while the SmplTrek offers both internal memory and a microSD slot for expanded storage. This means you can have more sounds ready to use on the SmplTrek, which is great for carrying a large library of samples.

Pads and Controls

The Volca Sample doesn’t have pads; instead, it uses buttons to control sounds. The SmplTrek has 10 buttons for performance and transport, giving you more control during live performances and recordings.

Sequencer

Both devices have sequencers, but they differ in complexity. The Volca Sample features a straightforward, easy-to-use sequencer. On the other hand, the SmplTrek offers a song-based and pattern sequencer, allowing for more intricate compositions.

Effects

Effects can make your music sound more interesting. The Volca Sample includes reverb and delay effects, while the SmplTrek offers EQ, delay, reverb, and master effects. If you love experimenting with different sounds, the SmplTrek gives you more options.

Inputs and Outputs

The Volca Sample has MIDI In and Audio Out, while the SmplTrek comes with Line In/Out, USB-C, MIDI In/Out, and Mic In. The SmplTrek provides more connectivity options, which can be important if you want to integrate it with other gear or record directly from different sources.

Screen

The Volca Sample uses LED indicators, which are simple but effective. In contrast, the SmplTrek has a color screen, making it easier to navigate menus and settings.

Software Integration

The Volca Sample doesn’t have software integration, while the SmplTrek supports USB file transfer. This means you can easily move samples between the SmplTrek and your computer.

Build and Portability

Both samplers are portable, but they differ in design. The Volca Sample is compact and easy to carry, while the SmplTrek is a more complete production station with more features built-in.

Price

The Korg Volca Sample is budget-friendly at $149, making it accessible to beginners. The Sonicware SmplTrek is more expensive at $429, reflecting its advanced features.

Pros and Cons

Korg Volca Sample Pros

• Affordable price
• Easy-to-use sequencer
• Portable and compact
• Supports up to 16 simultaneous sounds

Korg Volca Sample Cons

• Limited effects compared to SmplTrek
• No pads for performance
• No software integration

Sonicware SmplTrek Pros

• Advanced features and effects
• Color screen for easy navigation
• More connectivity options
• Expandable storage with microSD

Sonicware SmplTrek Cons

• Higher price
• Polyphony limited to 10 sounds

Final Verdict

The Korg Volca Sample is perfect for beginners who want to start making beats without spending too much money. It’s easy to use, portable, and great for learning the basics of music production. If you’re just starting out and want a fun way to experiment with sounds, the Volca Sample is a fantastic choice.

The Sonicware SmplTrek is ideal for more advanced musicians who need more features and flexibility. Its expanded storage, advanced effects, and additional connectivity options make it a powerful tool for live performances and serious music production. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive sampler that can handle complex projects, the SmplTrek is worth the investment.

In the end, both samplers have their own strengths and weaknesses. Your choice will depend on your budget, experience level, and what you want to achieve with your music. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your music to the next level, there’s a sampler out there for you!