AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Samplers for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Roland SP-404MkII ($544). Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler Composer gives you the most for the money at $357. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 24 models across 10 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 4, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
- Weight1.1 kg
You get a compact sampler with 17 RGB pads, 37 built-in effects and room for 160 samples per project. It suits you if you want to chop, loop and layer sounds on the go, since it runs on batteries or USB-C power. Skip back holds the last 40 seconds of your playing, so plan your captures with that limit in mind.
Pros
- 17 velocity-sensitive RGB pads respond to how hard you hit them
- Holds 160 samples per project across 16 pads and 10 banks
- Includes 37 built-in effects, such as vinyl simulator, lo-fi, reverb and delay
Cons
- Batteries and the PSD-230 power supply are needed to run it, and batteries are not included
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$544 now$544€487 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler Composer
EP-1320 Medieval · Teenage Engineering
22 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight0.62 kg
You get a small, handheld sampler with a built-in mic and speaker, so you can record and play ideas anywhere. Its 9 touch-sensitive pads and 12 tracks per pattern make it a fit for building loops and patterns. It is a good pick if you want a portable tool for sketching beats and short song ideas on the move.
Pros
- Has 9 pressure-sensitive and velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch
- Built-in microphone and loudspeaker for sampling and playback on the go
- Runs on 4 AAA batteries or USB-C, so it works away from a power outlet
Cons
- Sampling runs at 46 kHz / 16 bit, so it is not a high-resolution sampler
78AudioFu
Index↓ 4.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$374 · Aug 17$357 now$357€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.78 kg
If you want to make beats and have sampling, sequencing and effects in one box, this one is worth a look. You get eight sample tracks, 32 pads that light up, and a microSD slot for saving your projects. You will need to buy the microSD card yourself.
Pros
- Eight sample tracks with 32 step patterns each, cascadable up to 256 steps per track
- Samples and projects can be stored on a microSD card
- 32 velocity-sensitive RGB-illuminated pads for playing and programming
Cons
- microSD card is not included, so you will need to buy one for storage
-
If you want to make beats or play samples by hand, you will like this compact box. It has 16 pads that respond to how hard you hit them, over 100 factory kits, and four effects processors with 60 effect types. A built-in battery lets you take it almost anywhere.
Pros
- 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads for playing and triggering samples
- 32-voice polyphonic (stereo) sound engine with 2 GB RAM
- 8 GB internal memory with over 100 factory kits pre-installed
Cons
- Only three knobs for real-time control, with a 2.4" colour display
68AudioFu
Index↓ 1.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$430 · Aug 17$424 now$424€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg KP3 Kaoss Pad 3 Dynamic Effect / Sampler
Kaoss Pad V · Korg
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1.3 kg
You get a touch-pad effects unit with many effects and a built-in sampler for loops. It suits you if you want to shape sound by moving your fingers across the pad, since two parameters can change at once. You can connect it to a computer or other gear through its USB and MIDI ports.
Pros
- Dual Touch control lets you adjust two effect parameters at once with two fingers
- 170 preset effects plus 100 user memories give you plenty of options to choose from
- Built-in USB audio interface and MIDI input and output connect it to a computer or other gear
Cons
- SD card for sample storage is not included and must be bought separately, up to 32 GB
-
Teenage Engineering EP-40 Riddim Supertone with EP-2350 Ting FX…
EP-40 Riddim Supertone · Teenage Engineering
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight0.62 kg
You get a portable sampler, sequencer and composer with a built-in microphone and speaker, so you can make beats almost anywhere. It has a subtractive synth engine for classic bass and lead sounds, plus over 300 sounds from reggae producers. It suits you if you want to make reggae or other beat-driven music on the go.
Pros
- Built-in microphone and speaker let you record and play back without extra gear
- Over 300 hand-picked instruments and sounds from renowned reggae producers
- Grid-synced loops keep your parts locked to the beat for precise performance
Cons
- Its 240 x 176 x 16 mm body is compact, so the pads and fader are small
63AudioFu
Index↓ 8.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$390 · Aug 17$357 now$357€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 27-Key Sampling Groovebox
Lofi-12 XT · Sonicware
7 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight0.55 kg
This is a lo-fi sampler and groove box with 16-bit sampling, sample slicing, and 15 velocity pads you can play. It suits you if you like chopping and building beats from your own recordings or imported samples. Since sampling is mono and the unit works with samples on SD card, it fits best as a tool for sketching and making beats.
Pros
- Samples can be imported via USB or SD card, and a 32GB SD card with 2500 samples is included
- 15 velocity-sensitive pads with RGB LEDs let you play and trigger samples directly
- Sample slicing and real-time sample editing are built in, with 16-bit PCM sampling
Cons
- Sampling runs in mono, so stereo sources cannot be captured as stereo
-
- Weight0.62 kg
This pocket sampler lets you record straight to the speaker with its built-in mic. It holds lots of samples in its 128MB memory and lets you automate faders easily. Perfect for jamming alone or as a compact studio tool.
Pros
- 128MB memory holds hundreds of samples easily
- Built-in mic and speaker for instant recording
- Nine polyphonic pads with velocity sensitivity
Cons
- No external USB connectivity mentioned
- No listed battery life or power options
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$372 now$372€333 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight2.6 kg
This bundle packs a lot of power into a small box for anyone wanting to record beats on the go. The RGB pads make it easy to see what's playing, and the built-in battery means you can work anywhere. However, the limited RAM and small memory slots mean you'll need to manage your samples carefully. It's a solid choice for portable recording, though big sample libraries will take up space quickly.
Pros
- RGB pads offer clear visual feedback during playback
- 32-voice polyphony handles complex chord progressions easily
- Built-in lithium-ion battery enables mobile studio sessions
Cons
- Only 2 GB RAM limits large sample libraries
- 8 GB internal storage fills fast with new samples
55AudioFu
Index↓ 2.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$535 · Aug 17$520 now$520€465 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This little sampler is great for quick demos and mobile recording. You get a mic and speaker right on the unit, plus 100+ kits to start with. It handles 32 voices well, but the small RAM means you can't load huge samples. It's perfect for students or travelers who want something simple.
Pros
- 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads for fast play
- 32-voice polyphonic stereo sampling built-in
- 100+ factory kits ready to sample
Cons
- Only 2 GB RAM limits sample size
- No built-in sequencer mentioned in text
All 24 samplers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Elektron Octatrack MkII Dynamic 8-Track Performance SamplerOctatrack MKII Black · Elektron82↓ 5.9%$1,556€1,392$1,556€1,392Check ↗
- 12
Elektron Digitakt IIElektron76↑ 3.6%$1,005€899$1,005€899Check ↗
- 13
Elektron Tonverk 8-Voice SamplerTonverk · Elektron75Stable$1,329€1,189$1,329€1,189Check ↗
- 14
Teenage Engineering PO-33 Pocket Operator K.O! 2018PO-33 K.O. · Teenage Engineering62Stable$105€94$105€94Check ↗
- 15
AKAI Professional MPX8AKAI Professional59↑ 4.0%$115€103$115€103Check ↗
- 16
Teenage Engineering PO-35 Pocket Operator Speak Vocal SynthPO-35 speak · Teenage Engineering58Stable$106€95$106€95Check ↗
- 17
Bastl Instruments Kastle 2 Wave BardBastl Instruments36Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 18
Roland AIRA Compact P-6 SamplerRoland37↑ 1.7%$201€180$201€180Check ↗
- 19
1010music blackbox 21010music53Stable$837€749$837€749Check ↗
- 20
Torso Electronics S-4 Sculpting SamplerS4 · Torso Electronics50Stable$941€839$941€839Check ↗
- 21
Korg Volca Sample New GenerationKorg38Stable$153€137$153€137Check ↗
- 22
Elektron Digitakt IIDigitakt II Case Bundle · Elektron46↑ 1.9%$1,117€999$1,117€999Check ↗
- 23
1010music bento1010music38Stable$1,016€909$1,016€909Check ↗
- 24
Elektron Digitakt II EVA Case BundleElektron34↑ 1.2%$1,005€899$1,005€899Check ↗
Samplers by the numbers
Measured across all 26 models we track, not a sample.
Median $531 — half of all samplers here cost less.
median of 16 models · 0.55 kg–2.6 kg
How to choose the best samplers
Playability
How intuitive is the workflow? Can you tweak parameters on the fly without diving into endless menus? A cramped layout or awkward controls kill your creative flow, especially when you're trying to nail a vibe mid-song.
Sample Manipulation
Beyond basic looping and pitch shifting, can you time-stretch, granularize, and really mangle your source material? Intermediate players need to move beyond basic sounds and start creating textures.
Modulation Options
LFOs, envelopes, step sequencers - these are your tools for bringing sampled sounds to life. Limited modulation options mean you're stuck with static, boring sounds.
Polyphony & RAM
This isn't just about how many notes you can play at once. It's about how many samples you can comfortably load and layer without constantly swapping them out, which is a huge drag in a live setting.
Sound Engine Characteristics
Does the engine introduce unwanted artifacts when time-stretching or pitching? Does it have a warm, analog-like character, or a harsh, digital edge? This dictates the overall tone and feel of your sounds.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're past the basic loop-based stuff and want to really sculpt sounds with a sampler. It's a rewarding journey, but it can be overwhelming. You need something with enough depth to explore, but not so complex it'll leave you staring at menus for hours - that's the sweet spot for the intermediate player. Let's break down samplers that'll actually help you grow as a sound designer and musician.
Don't chase the highest sample rate or the most knobs. Those often come with a steep learning curve and diminishing returns. Look for something with a clear, logical layout and a responsive interface.
Many cheaper samplers will have limited RAM - be prepared to manage your sample library carefully. Spending a little more on something with a good workflow will save you a ton of frustration and time in the long run.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 26 samplers from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a sampler and a ROMpler?
A ROMpler has pre-recorded sounds built-in - you can tweak them, but you can't easily replace them. A sampler lets you load your own samples, giving you virtually limitless sonic possibilities. You're aiming for a sampler.
I'm on a tight budget. Are there any decent free sampler options?
Definitely. Vital is a powerful wavetable synth that can also sample and is free. It's not exactly a sampler, but it gets you a lot of the functionality. However, learning curves can be steep.
How much RAM do I really need?
It depends on your sample library size and complexity. 1GB is a bare minimum these days; 2-4GB is a safer bet, especially if you like layering. More RAM means less time swapping samples mid-gig - a huge quality-of-life improvement.
Can I use a sampler for live performance?
Absolutely. But prioritize something with tactile controls and a responsive interface. Pads, knobs, and sliders are your friends. A screen that's a pain to navigate in low light is a non-starter.
What about plugins vs. hardware?
Plugins are more flexible and often cheaper, but hardware offers a tactile experience and can inspire a different creative approach. Both have their place; it's about finding what fits your workflow and budget. A plugin sampler running on a laptop is perfectly viable for most intermediate players.





