Beat Box: Korg Marries the Sampler With Classic Micro Keyboard Series

I have to say, I was taken back when I first saw this new addition to Korg’s popular micro keyboard series! The 37-key Korg Microsampler combines a standard MIDI keyboard with a full sampling device that is about as powerful as a typical hardware sampler. This is an interesting product because very few hardware-based samplers have been introduced within the last decade with many producers preferring to craft their sounds with software samplers.

Cool things about the MicroSampler: This keyboard occupies a small footprint and can operate on batteries. With a host of input/output options, including full audio and MIDI as well as USB, bringing in samples is a snap. The recessed button look is pretty neat and has a retro feel to it. There are over 20 built-in effects, many of them being practical (reverb, compressor, delay, etc.) The MicroSampler allows you to trigger loops with a single key, chop loops to individual keys, and has a built-in pattern sequencer which allows you to build loops with various samples on the fly.

A few negatives: The MicroSampler appears to have a bit of a learning curve so it will take a bit of time to get accustomed to. It acts as a MIDI keyboard for use with your favorite DAWs, however there are no octave transposition controls or a mod/pitch wheel. There is no way to monitor the samples you import through a built-in cueing system, which hinders it’s usefulness for live performance. The sequencer is only a pattern sequencer; a step sequencer would’ve been cool too. 

Overall, a nice effort on Korg’s behalf, and easily the only keyboard like it on the market right now! Street price is $500.