Hi there!
I want to keep my DT / DN combo as my main focus but need a capable sampler.
I would like to record from external gear alongside patterns playing on my DT and play them back instantly.
I also want to modify those recordings with external gear.
I tried MPC already. It‘s capable and I like it’s sample editing features, but it‘s not as seemless as I would like it to behave.
So, is this a task for an Octatrack?
Not-to-far-removed / similar I reckon - I’ve been thinking about using my OT in parallel to my main system, but would want to remove it from the mix when not in-use, since I’m not convinced it works great as an audio thru unit.
I could mix it in and out I guess? …but that would probably mean dropping the output
Maybe I could use it more for mangling effects for transitions?
This is exactly how I use my Octatrack. I have it routed so that any signal that comes through my computer can be routed to the OT and back. I treat the Octatrack as a creative bouncing and editing unit. I record snippets and loops from my other gear, mangle and slice and rearrange them completely, and then record back to computer.
This is how I use my SP-404, triggering recorded samples from a machinedrum. Compared to an octatrack, you get more polyphony and track lengths, but you can’t record from other gear and then play back “instantly” like a looper, which you can do on an octatrack. You need to stop playing other things, record your part, and then figure out what midi note you need to be sending to trigger the new recording.
I use my iPad for this. It hooks up via USB-C, and all audio and MIDI goes over the wire.
Loopy Pro for synced recordings and adding FX, or Drambo for the same, plus sequencing. Then resample back to the DT if required.
I keep thinking about getting an Octatrack again for this, but the Drambo+Loopy+Koala combo is easier, more flexible, and way more portable.
OT as sidekick sounds like a good idea - I did try this briefly as part of my setup, sending audio out my sound card to OT then back in….hmm perhaps a rethink is in order - have unlisted my OT and will attempt to incorporate it…
This is the crux of your decision.
Are you playing live?
If instant playback is crucial, then the OT should cover that (and live with its other limitations as a sampler).
If you can prep and do some organising, the MPC or SP404 would be way better IMO.
More sample slots. More recording time. Polyphonic sample playback.
The MPC’s Looper doesn’t get enough credit either, it’s amazing, and let’s you do sound on sound.
I would agree on the SP404 MK2. For super immediate record and playback with minimal fiddling, this would be a really good choice. Octatrack can so the sound on sound looping thing if that’s your requirement, but to get to that level of confidence in a live situation with all of the parameters available you would want to be Jedi-level on the OT. Also, the 404 is way overkill for a basic sampling solution. If you aren’t using the sequencer, you are paying a lot of $$ for something to record and play back samples…
I would play live only with prepared samples.
My goal is to collect material at home in a seemless way. I would like to sample lots of one shots and loops from external gear, let it play back immediately or place it in the sequencer where I think it fits.
For this workflow I do not have a song yet. I stay within one project within DT & DN. The resulting sketches may branch out to dedicated projects later. In an arrangement phase I would like to trigger the best material from something like a sound pool.
The octatrack came to mind because it records, plays back immediately and streams from disk.
I already have a SP404 mk2 but must admit I don‘t gel with it, will try a few runs though.
Currently I included the MPC1k for this but hadn‘t had the time to try it in this scenario.
Thanks for your thoughts so far!