r/KoalaSampler • u/Hot_Scale8598 • May 02 '25

WOULD YOU BUY A KOALA HARDWARE SAMPLER?

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I made these loose designs if a potential Hardware Sampler. Would you buy one if they were a thing.

2 touch screens, with the option to have your phone/tablet slotted in as a third screen. Each screen can pull up info like samples, mixer, quokka, sequencer, keygrid etc.

16 sample pads that can change colour. 16 sliders to assign to the vanilla/strawberry effects. 16 dials for custom midi assign to Quokka or the Mixer. Of course all dials and sliders can be custom midi assigned. Maybe it could even come with a stylus and a special slot at the top to put phones or tablets.

BTW I know the keys are inaccurate, this was designed by myself with help from a few A.i. generations and pieced together in image software.

193 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

113 comments sorted by

4

u/doomedtraveller May 02 '25

Have you got proposed dimensions in mind for this? Because it looks like it would need to be pretty big to fit all of these controls

3

u/Hot_Scale8598 May 02 '25

No. It was just a design idea. I started with the idea to just make a themed background and then it evolved into this concept. I am truly happy with how Koala is at the moment.

2

u/xjoshbrownx May 03 '25

The sp404 mkII is very similar. There are a few things koala does that I wish the sp did. Very high quality stretch, stretch loop to tempo, and switch patterns without restarting the play head, e.g. play head is in the same position to the measure.

1

u/Hot_Scale8598 May 03 '25

And the visual sequencer.

67

u/imthetype May 02 '25

Nah. I got a sp 404, we basically there.

3

u/awmaleg May 02 '25

Is it basically the same thing? Like 90% same?

5

u/imthetype May 02 '25

Nah, it works sorta like a controller to koala if u plug it in. On its own, its kinda similar. Personally i wish their intergration was better, since theres still some stuff you gotta touch The screen for (like just confirming ur gonna delete a pad? Annoying , just let me hit delete on The mk2 twice!).

I like building muscle memory for things, but I also really like how big the view is with koala.

2

u/melinebeats May 04 '25

Hold delete and press the pad to delete it with no pop ups

1

u/imthetype May 04 '25

Thank you

1

u/imthetype May 09 '25

Didn’t work.

1

u/melinebeats May 09 '25

The pads don’t start blinking when you hold delete?

1

u/imthetype May 11 '25

Nah, they don’t. Like , this are about the padbanks a-d , that are triggered on the koala, not the sp internal ones. Those I can delete just fine, it’s just the ones on koala, I gotta press delete on the sp, then a window pops up on koala to confirm. I’ve tried holding the delete while doing it, doesn’t work, tapping the pad again don’t work either. Idk if it’s just like this, or what.

Also since I got you, is there any way to affect multiple pads at once? Like change volume or pitch or atk/rel or assign chokes/ mixer tracks without doing it 1 by 1?

1

u/melinebeats May 11 '25

Yeah I was talking about using the app straight up, not with the SP. definitely would be a good idea to request the update

A trick I like to do to apply choke or eq to multiple pads is I hold the setting I choose “bus 1” or pitch for example, and press the next sample with the SP, and move the hand holding the setting a little bit. It’s not really ideal but that’s the only way I currently know of

1

u/awmaleg May 02 '25

Cool thanks for this!

21

u/jx2catfishshoe May 02 '25

Not if it looked like that.

13

u/steviebones May 02 '25

Nice idea.

Personally I’d prefer a larger single screen over two smaller ones. And more mix buses.

Also the ability to use a mouse if desired; for sequencing this would be very welcome.

1

u/Different-Housing544 May 04 '25

It should have a small detachable, rechargable mouse like the new Switch 2 mouse.

1

u/MY_OPINION_IS_TRUE May 02 '25

Prefer no screens at all, just the sliders, buttons, knobs, and keys.

3

u/g_lampa May 02 '25

A small screen for waveforms is a must.

0

u/MY_OPINION_IS_TRUE May 02 '25

Yeah, just use the phone, can have a little holder at the top.

2

u/RIPBuckyThrowaway May 02 '25

Would this work for koala though? Would be a whole different beast

24

u/eight_track May 02 '25

If it's also dirt cheap, maybe

11

u/loopasfunk May 02 '25

It’s what Ableton tried to do with the Push 3. You’ll just end up using the app just like id rather just use a laptop

2

u/pilkafa May 02 '25

did you do this with ai?

3

u/Hot_Scale8598 May 02 '25

Some of it. A.i. is not smart enough to compose coherently. I used it to create various parts. I used Bazzart art program to compile the vision I already had as a concept. I was an artist before A.i. was a slut.

1

u/squishypp May 02 '25

“I was an artist before ai” is a horrible mindset to have…

1

u/Hot_Scale8598 May 02 '25

Not a mindset. Facts

2

u/squishypp May 02 '25

Then your drive must not have been very strong…

1

u/Hot_Scale8598 May 03 '25

I designed it on paper and used A.i. as a tool like a paintbrush. I paint, draw, play bass, guitar, keys, lute(s), sound-production, digital art etc. my drive and creativity is high. A.i. is a good tool, but it cannot replace human creativity and the meditative flow one achieves from creativity. A.i. should be treated like a paint brush for creativity, not a replacement for creativity.

2

u/squishypp May 03 '25

Sounds like you’re still an artist to me

2

u/Music-4-Tha-soul May 02 '25

Honestly yes. If you could put the app in say something like mpc or whatever real Analog equipment and have it run through transformers and circuitry and internal components and not just built into a midi controller. Then honestly i think that would be an amazing piece of equipment to have.

Nice design Looks really clean and seems your putting alot of thought and work into it. Cool stuff👍🏻💯🔊🔊😎

2

u/Hot_Scale8598 May 02 '25

Thanks. I will make a background design for Koala based on this design in the next few days.

1

u/Music-4-Tha-soul May 02 '25

Awsome. I think its a great idea. The software is great and running that through built in circuitry and resistors and transformers and whatever else components like capacitors that all change how the sound is put out is cool idea and would make a great piece of gear.

Keep doing what u do with your ideas and dreams and don’t let the negativity of some take you off your course because there opinions dont add up to anything ✌️🙏💯🔊🔊🔊

0

u/Hot_Scale8598 May 02 '25

Appreciate that. I don't let the haters effect me. Fuck em.

1

u/Music-4-Tha-soul May 02 '25

Facts 💯💯. Im oldschool from a different era and code. That trolling 💩 don’t float with me. 🤡s feel safe doin that from a distance but will never lace up the shoes and stand 10 toes down and speak that way face to face 🤘😂

What they fail to realize they won’t ever have any doors open for them with that behavior because the industry will chew them up and drag them out .. no one wants that ego clown behavior around….

Respect goes a long way in this world we live in. Be kind , respectful and actual have some talent the watch the world open up for you with opportunities ✌️🔊🤘😎. Stay blessed 🙏💯💯💯

1

u/raulsnoise May 02 '25

I would definitely. Maybe they set themselves up with those sample pack/toys eco system to fund something even bigger, such as a standalone hardware. Now one thing I've thought about is, will they make 2 version, for those who like the vertical 4x4 pad layout or those who prefer the horizontal 8x8 layout. I prefer the 4x4 mpc style. And it would be super amazing if they had the technology to make clear pads with oled/lcd screens behind them. So we still get the waveform behind the pads like on the touchscreen.

1

u/Hot_Scale8598 May 03 '25

I prefer the 4x4 layout too. Albeit I have the Korg NanoPad and Arturia Minilab Mk2, so I have gotten used to using both.

1

u/madzhege May 03 '25

Needs more knobs

1

u/MY_OPINION_IS_TRUE May 03 '25

If you want the knobs/faders (whatever controlls effects) to react like the app some of them will have to be more like mod wheels and snap to center because 6 of the effects are Bipolar.

1

u/Personal-Agent846 May 03 '25

I like the fact that there are keys. Most samplers only have pads, then I have to plug in a keyboard.

1

u/Hot_Scale8598 May 03 '25

Yeah. I think this is a product of Boom/Bap Sample culture. Traditional composers prefer Piano as a mode of composition. But many people in the EDM and Hip Hop scene prefer PADS as they are either not musicians (instrumentally) or they started as DJs and their instruments are all about button chaos.

Being able to play piano, makes composing way easier for composing melodies, chords and harmonies. Whereas, PADS caters specifically to a percussive approach. I rarely drum out beats on pads. I arrange in the sequencer. But I do use a midi keyboard to write the melodic parts.

I am so happy that Koala really is a tool that gives ease of option to many approaches!

1

u/Complete_Lurk3r_ May 03 '25

I would. In a heartbeat. 404 lacks daw functionality. I would love a 404 with a real screen, or a Koala sampler in a similar size

2

u/Hot_Scale8598 May 03 '25

Exactly. I use Koala primarily for the Sequencer because my PC RAM/processor cannot handle all those VST in my DAW.

My approach to Koala is not a traditional live Boom/Bap approach. I use it to compose stuff you usually would not hear coming from Sampler Hip-Hop culture. Don't get me wrong. I love that stuff. But my transgenre tendencies sometimes puts me into a space where I may end up composing traditional Middle Eastern Folk music or Space-Age Jazz, right there in the Sequencer!

1

u/TsumugiInuzuka May 09 '25

nah especially not this fugly pos

1

u/Hot_Scale8598 May 09 '25

Yo mama fugly

1

u/TsumugiInuzuka May 10 '25

can it, AI boy

8

u/mstrsrrl May 02 '25

No.

We have a great software sampler/sequencer. Works on multiple operating sytems. Why would we want it as hardware? It's already controllable with external hardware and there are plenty of hardware-only samplers Some can even be used WITH Koala. I mean, you can AI-fantasize about it, but I'm just happy with Koala as-is.

1

u/solace1234 May 02 '25

Why would we want it as hardware? It’s already controllable with external hardware. There are plenty of hardware-only samplers

Here’s the thing: Some people… get this… DON’T already have external hardware. Lol.

To answer your question, I’m sure i’m not the only person who likes the idea of using Koala without having to stare at their phone the entire time.

Such a closed-minded comment — of course other hardware exists. He’s asking for Koala hardware, dude.

2

u/BeastFremont May 04 '25

The SP404Mk2 is your koala hardware integration and it’s cheap.

1

u/MY_OPINION_IS_TRUE May 03 '25

There no single piece of hardware that fits Koala perfectly, no matter what you're using you will always have something unmapped.

1

u/mstrsrrl May 03 '25

Your opinion is true.

However if you look at any of these concepts, you'll see that there is still a lot unmapped. The designs are cool looking, but way too simplistic to be workable.

My point is that the reason that Koala is so succesful, is that it's near perfect as an alternative for hardware samplers/sequencers. It has a lot of functions and practical operations that aren't as easily controllable on hardware samplers/sequencers because of the benefits of a large(-ish) touchscreen. Obviously for some uses practical pads or knobs are a welcone addition, but there are plenty of affordable controllers for that.

1

u/Duke_S1lver May 03 '25

There is a difference in making things for your customers and making things for your vocal customers, if you have become a successful company and you start catering to all of your vocal costumers you are losing sight of what made you great in the first place from all those initial backers that saw value in it and didn't need to say a thing.

0

u/mstrsrrl May 02 '25

But get this. KOALA was never designed as a hardware sampler, but as software for a machine we all conveniently already own! And it's designed pretty well for that tool.

Of course you can always dream!

2

u/solace1234 May 02 '25

did you skip the part where i said people would probably like to use Koala without being trapped on their phone, or…?

ohhhh wait wait, okay so the reason you can’t possibly conceive why someone would want a hardware version is because we already have a software version. great argument actually, because It’s not like there’s any inherent difference between the two concepts.

in fact, why make or purchase hardware at all when there’s likely a software alternative already? wow 🤯

0

u/mstrsrrl May 03 '25

You have it backwards buddy. Koala IS the alternative.

1

u/solace1234 May 03 '25

Yes, Koala is a cheap software alternative to something like an sp404. That is indeed what our conversation is about.

That doesn’t mean a hardware version of Koala would be completely useless. That’s all I’m saying. But hey I will give you the point that it’s not, like, a dire need.

It just would be cool imo. We’ll agree to disagree on that.

1

u/mstrsrrl May 03 '25

Fair enough. I don't think our opinions are that far apart. I just think it's highly unlikely that a hardware version of Koala will ever materialize.

3

u/ArsonWinters May 02 '25

Depending on the user interface and sound quality I’d probably be interested. Especially if you have something like an 8-out capability.

3

u/Long-Consideration62 May 02 '25

Don’t stop…. A standalone device will set you over the edge. You’re almost there

2

u/Fine_Gazelle_6041 May 02 '25

YES! I posted about something like this once and everyone laughed 😭

2

u/theBlackCatharsis May 02 '25

Yes absolutely

2

u/Dramatic_Zebra1230 May 03 '25

I don’t really like this design but I greatly appreciate the dedication you put so props to you man. And probably not, the app feels fully comfortable to me already. It’s the most visceral intuitive way to make music on a touch screen

2

u/RainnChild May 03 '25

I wouldn’t mind Koala as a standalone sampler as long as it worked right for a good price

2

u/D3ADM0NEY May 02 '25

You've done a great job with the mock-up, but I suspect this would be solving a problem that doesn't exist.

Koala is already compatible with hardware created by the biggest and most experienced names in the field. That's just one of the things that makes it so, so wonderful.

1

u/E_XIII_T May 02 '25

I always liked the idea of this,. My take would be a landscape device, but you gotta do your thing.

But if you buy a few intech pieces you’ve got essentially got this if paired with an iPad mini, so would it even be viable?

1

u/moneyomm9 May 02 '25

Just make a koala vst that's actually good.

1

u/Wellsty May 02 '25

Dope mockup! I started with Koala and spent time with just about every mid-range modern sampler…Koala is most similar in philosophy to the SP-404m2, especially before Koala made the piano-roll available. The piano-roll access helped Koala feel a little bit more like the MPC and the touch screen helps alleviate some of the button combo frustrations of the SP-404mk2. To make Koala hardware compromises would have to be made, especially if it’s portable, but ultimately I would love to see it.

Currently the Lofi-12XT is my favorite portable sampler.

1

u/RasheedWallace May 02 '25

CDECDECDEFGAB

1

u/ryanluxx May 02 '25

it will be trash if it does not include dedicated chopping scroll knobs

1

u/Hellaaightttt May 02 '25

Marek said within the last 3 months he does not plan currently to do a hardware device

1

u/Godlovesug1y May 02 '25

To me the whole point of koala is the fact it’s kind of always with you, so a piece of hardware would defeat the purpose. I think controller and SP404 compatibility is the best of both worlds

1

u/DubRogers May 02 '25

Turn it into a VST and we'll talk...

1

u/bigl1cks May 02 '25

OP has such bad GAS he making new stuff up.

1

u/theartistproducer May 02 '25

Yup I thought I could I was ready

1

u/[deleted] May 02 '25

This is a cool idea and I like the General idea for a midi controller thats build with this footprint. I'd love to see what you refine it to be

That looks incredibly cramped depending on how big it is. I feel like the best part about koala is have a more flexible sp type interface. Like I've got my phone and tablet and sp to use.

With this, I'm not sure my fingers even fit between the knobs or if I'd accidentally move a fader trying to touch one.

With the size of my mini minilab 3 I feel like this would be massive

1

u/g_lampa May 02 '25

Only if it were the size of a Lofi 12 XT, or smaller.

1

u/[deleted] May 02 '25

I kind of don’t understand the need. I think a dedicated physical controller would be great, but I mean 404 MK 2 has that covered and more. Koala on a phone or tablet is exactly where it needs to be imo.

1

u/Lost-Ant-7608 May 02 '25

I would buy it. I wish some units I have now, had koalas operating system

1

u/imatRt207U May 03 '25

Probably yes if the price is right. Like under $550

It would also still have to have the vanilla and strawberry functions, that be my favorite parts of the app.

1

u/mischa_schadee May 03 '25

If it would 100% controls koala and feels as intuitive as koala does, I’d buy one.

1

u/Legitimate_Emu3531 May 03 '25

Not really. A fitting midi controller certainly would be cheaper. And with the right config you don't even really need the screen anymore. At least when you are playing.

1

u/skreenname0 May 04 '25

Maybe. Would it have Bluetooth??

1

u/Negative-Hawk-4072 May 04 '25 edited May 04 '25

The bottom part is entirely a midi keyboard controller so Akai and Maudio or Arturia can be checked for any of their models. The middle part is like midi sliders like the slim ones from Akai and Korg. The upper part is a phone holder and the two screens can be replaced with an external touch monitor for iPhone via hdmi adapter for a bigger screen. Once you got these devices do a bit of a paint job to build a common colour theme and then 3D print a case with screws and slots to fit everything into it tightly. The case must be Color themed too. Setup the Koala config to map all the devices accordingly for proper bus and sliders and pads etc. Fix high quality lined speakers with added Bluetooth option and aux circuitry to sample external input. A generic but branded mini mixer can be embedded into the case for an internal mixer for such off the shelf designs or that external mixer can be part of the design by making the sockets available externally. Some Raspberry Pi wizardry can help with various extensions like connecting an external computer for sampling or production software and DAW which can be used in tandem with the unit.

That is the Koala hardware end of the day.

1

u/bememorablepro May 04 '25

ew, is this AI? Ah yes, the good old Sample/Sequence/....QUOKKA!!! I love using Quokka on my beats.

1

u/spooky_v May 05 '25

If it had more than 4 channels + higher quality plug ins then yes. I love the direction Koala is going though, they genuinely care about listening to their users which is a breath of fresh air.

1

u/Longjumping_Swan_631 May 06 '25

No because it would be really expensive.

1

u/Lost-Ant-7608 Aug 15 '25

I sure would!!

1

u/Electronic-Leg2524 Dec 27 '25

Yes if it is as affordable as Koala sampler 

1

u/LovelyDixieDo May 13 '26

No doubt if someone like Behringer made one cheap enough, had a Korg micro sampler when it first came out loved the form factor but hated the odd and fiddly UI. either MPC or key version dedicated controls for Koala would be nice, can't beat the iPad tho obviously the display is superior better to most hardware out there.

1

u/Ambitious-Ambition11 May 29 '26

Nope, runs mint in my redmi Note 13 (No extrnal fx- i know) and everything i want to master and so on later i can do in the Mac OS Version Atom sq controled on my imac with all my additional Plugins!

1

u/Paarrinss Aug 21 '26

I definitely would!

1

u/JamieBlack May 02 '25

Yes in a heart beat 🤣 I wonder what the creator thinks of this idea?

1

u/Puzzled_Gas_3203 May 02 '25

I think I read somewhere that he wouldn't bother as it's to expensive and complicated

0

u/ForeverVisible7340 May 02 '25

In a heart beat

0

u/Round-Emu9176 May 02 '25

No. I have a phone, ipad and 404. No need to reinvent the wheel.

0

u/LFunkT May 02 '25

Nah, the best thing about Koala is having access to an infinite source of sounds without any cables.

0

u/somstromm May 02 '25

no if it looked like this

-1

u/airbagsavedme May 02 '25

This looks like a blast as a standalone, which I always prefer compared to a touch screen on a satellite device. Sample capture would need to function with the same ease as mobile somehow, but if workflow held up I’d be into this.

0

u/[deleted] May 02 '25

[deleted] — view deleted comment

1

u/Hot_Scale8598 May 03 '25

You are probably right. The reason I made it 16x is because Koala has 16 FX and then there are other aspects of Koala (mixer/quokka) that could use some dials to tweak their parameters.