Best Samplers, Grooveboxes and Drum Machines of 2024: Our Top 6
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Which new samplers and groove machines stood out from the rest in 2024? Here are the best samplers, grooveboxes, and drum machines of the year – from pocket-sized gadgets for producing on the go to a charming retro sampler for lo-fi aficionados.
Best Samplers, Grooveboxes and Drum Machines of 2024
Elektron Digitakt II: The Sampling Drum Machine Got a Big Upgrade
Ever since it came out in 2017, the Elektron Digitakt has been one of the most popular sample-based drum machines, or samplers for that matter. Seven years later, the Swedish manufacturer finally released the updated second-generation Digitakt this year. And the Digitakt II comes with so many improvements and alleviates so many shortcomings of the previous version that you can’t even really call it a drum machine anymore. Consequently, Elektron decided to remove the drum labels (Kick, Snare, Tom…), inviting you to use the 16 tracks for drums, basses, leads, pads, or anything else you see fit.
With twice as many tracks as the predecessor, stereo samples, lots of new filters and effects, and a whopping 20 GB of storage, the Digitakt II is a full-blown sampling groovebox that can do much more than just drums. That said, you still can’t play samples polyphonically – a bit of a bummer and a clue that this thing was originally designed for drums.
All 16 tracks can be used for internal samples or to control external MIDI gear, so the Digitakt II also makes for a great DAWless hub. The expanded sequencer now offers 128 steps per pattern and a Euclidean pattern generator. And in October 2024, Elektron finally added Overbridge support to the Digitakt II.
The Elektron Digitakt II is available from Thomann*.
Polyend Tracker+: The Tracker is a Proper Synth Now
The Polyend Tracker also received a major upgrade this year. At Superbooth 24, Polyend revealed the Tracker+. And just like the Digitakt II, the new version comes with so many improvements over the previous generation that it feels like a whole new instrument.
Support for stereo samples (at last!) and more memory are just the beginning. In addition to this, the Tracker+ boasts four new synth engines that drastically expand its sonic potential. While the original Tracker was all about samples and granular processing (which the Tracker+ can still do, of course!), the new version is a proper multi-engine synth with virtual-analog synthesis, wavetables, and FM. Moreover, the Tracker+ also received a new drum synthesis engine named PERC.
But that’s still not all. Like Elektron, Polyend doubled the track count to 16 tracks. There’s also a resampling feature that allows you to capture audio from the synth engines as samples. And the improved USB interface now supports audio streaming. A major upgrade for one of the most unique grooveboxes and samplers on the market!
The Polyend Tracker+ is available at Thomann*.
Roland P-6 Creative Sampler: One of the Best Samplers for on the Go?
Roland added the new P-6 sampler to the AIRA Compact series this year. And the tiny sampler offers much more functionality than you’d expect from a device that fits in your shirt pocket.
Unlike its main competitor, the KORG volca sample, the P-6 offers onboard sampling without the need for a special app. It’s even got a built-in microphone. And because it also has a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to three hours, it’s one of the best samplers for producing on the go.
With 16 voices of polyphony, you can play samples chromatically and – even the Digitakt II can’t do that! – polyphonically. The sequencer has 64 steps per pattern and Motion Recording for parameter automation. In addition to this, the P-6 offers a good selection of performance effects and even a granular engine for advanced sample mangling. A resampling feature lets you bake the results into new samples. With so much on offer, the P-6 instantly became one of the most powerful pocket samplers.
The Roland P-6 is available from Thomann*.
Yamaha SEQTRAK: Portable Idea Machine
Yamaha kicked off 2024 with a surprise. Hardly anyone would have expected something as cool as the SEQTRAK from a manufacturer best known for large-format synthesizer workstations, arranger keyboards, and digital pianos. Many were quick to point out the conceptual and visual similarities between the Yamaha SEQTRAK and the Teenage Engineering OP-1 / OP Z. Luckily, however, the price is a completely different story. At around $300, no one would accuse the SEQTRAK of being an overpriced hipster toy.
As the spiritual successor to the Yamaha QY series from the 90s, the SEQTRAK is a portable groovebox and beatmaking sketchbook with three synth trackss, a drum machine, and even a simple sampler with a built-in microphone. In addition to seven sample-based drum tracks and two AWM2 synth parts, you get an 8-voice FM synth with four operators.
Moreover, the Yamaha SEQTRAK offers two sequencers – one for drums, the other for melodic parts. There’s also a well-stocked effects section, as well as lots of knobs and touch sliders for hands-on control. Perfect for jamming on the go!
The Yamaha SEQTRACK is available* in two color variants.
AKAI MPC Key 37 and MPC 3.0 Update
In the weeks leading up to this year’s NAMM Show in Anaheim, rumors started to spread that a new AKAI MPC might be in the works – even though AKAI Professional wasn’t even at NAMM this year. After a string of leaks, the manufacturer officially announced the MPC Key 37 in early February.
As a more compact, portable, and affordable alternative to the MPC Key 61, the MPC Key 37 offers 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage. It comes with about 8 GB of content, including eight plugin instruments. While it doesn’t offer quite as much connectivity as the larger samplers of the MPC series, you still get a capable machine with MIDI In/Out, two USB ports, four CV/Gate jacks, stereo input and output, and three pedal connectors.
The AKAI MPC Key 37 is available from Thomann*.
More exciting news for MPC owners followed in the summer. The new MPC 3.0 operating system for all current MPCs comes with loads of new features, such as a completely overhauled user interface and a linear arranger – a first in MPC land. The update also includes XL channel strips, new automation features, and macro controls for controlling several parameters at once, as well as direct sampling to pads and disk streaming for quicker loading times. A massive update for all owners of a current AKAI MPC*!
Sonicware Lofi-12 XT: Sample Like It’s 1989
While the Sonicware Lofi-12 XT was announced in 2023, it didn’t become widely available until the spring of 2024, which is why it deserves a spot on this list. While the idea is similar to the LIVEN Lofi-12, it runs on the more powerful hardware of the SmplTrek platform, so it has more tracks and more possibilities all around.
If you’re a fan of classics from the early days of sampling like the famous SP1200 or S900, the Lofi-12 XT is one of the best samplers you can buy right now. It samples in 12 or 24 kHz and there’s a 12-bit mode for an extra helping of retro punch. Samples can be up to 40 seconds in length and each project can consist of up to 256 samples (64 MB). For storage and sample transfer, there’s an SD card slot.
The 8-track sequencer holds 128 patterns and 16 songs and supports parameter locks. In addition, the Lofi-12 XT offers a mix tape recorder for recording performances, 22 track effects, and a master compressor with a sidechain function.
The Sonicware Lofi-12 XT is available* in black and in a limited retro version in classic sampler beige.
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One response to “Best Samplers, Grooveboxes and Drum Machines of 2024: Our Top 6”
Polyend Tracker Mini with the new firmware. All the above machines give you plenty of options, but I picked this one out for its ‘make an album with it’ featureset. It has at least the basics of what you need to make and render a tune to a decent standard. Trackers don’t suit everyone, but if you’ve ever been into Protracker or Octamed, these Polyend ones with the new firmware are like everything you’d ever have wanted in one tiny box. So much better than using a tracker on a computer.