AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Samplers Under $800 2026
The top pick is Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler Composer ($357). Teenage Engineering PO-33 Pocket Operator K.O! 2018 gives you the most for the money at $105. Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 27-Key Sampling Groovebox leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 16 models across 7 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 15, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler Composer
EP-1320 Medieval · Teenage Engineering
23 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight0.62 kg
This portable sampler has built-in mic and speakers, so you can record and play right out of the box. It includes Latin labels and 96 MB of built-in sounds for easy use. It works best for jam sessions where you need quick recording and fun medieval sounds.
Pros
- Built-in microphone lets you record live vocals instantly.
- Latin labeling makes navigation intuitive and fun.
- 96 MB of ROM sounds means no external library needed.
Cons
- Fixed memory capacity limits large sample sets.
- No external MIDI control mentioned in description.
77AudioFu
Index↓ 4.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$375 · Aug 17$357 now$357€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight1.1 kg
The SP-404MKII is a modern evolution of a classic, bringing a ton of creative power into a remarkably portable package. It’s perfect for beatmakers, live performers, and anyone wanting to capture and manipulate sounds on the fly—especially those who appreciate a hands-on, immediate workflow. The loop capture and resampling features are seriously inspiring.
Pros
- Intuitive workflow builds on SP-555 legacy, instantly accessible.
- Vibrant OLED display greatly improves visual feedback and navigation.
- Battery-powered operation provides unparalleled portability and creative freedom.
Cons
- Limited polyphony (32 voices) can restrict complex layering scenarios.
- Sampling time restrictions demand creative, concise loop construction.
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- Weight0.78 kg
The Circuit Rhythm is a seriously fun, accessible sampler and sequencer. It's perfect for beatmakers, producers, and live performers wanting a portable, hands-on groove machine – especially those who love chopping and manipulating samples on the fly. The workflow is genuinely inspiring, and it's a great way to get creative without getting bogged down in menus.
Pros
- Intuitive sequencing with cascading steps unlocks complex rhythms.
- Velocity-sensitive pads offer expressive sample triggering and performance.
- Compact size and lightweight design enable portable music creation.
Cons
- MicroSD card requirement adds an unexpected cost and potential hassle.
- Limited sample time per track restricts longer sample manipulation.
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Korg KP3 Kaoss Pad 3 Dynamic Effect / Sampler
Kaoss Pad V · Korg
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1.3 kg
This is a great pedal for musicians who want to shape sound without touching knobs. You can load seven hundred effects and record loops directly to your computer. It fits well in a small rack space but lacks manual control knobs. Ideal for live performers who prefer foot pedals over a keyboard.
Pros
- Dual touch controls multiple effects at once instantly
- Seventy presets plus one hundred user memories included
- Built-in USB audio interface for direct recording
Cons
- No physical knobs for real-time manual effect tweaking
- Memory capacity limited to thirty-two gigabytes only
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Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 27-Key Sampling Groovebox
Lofi-12 XT · Sonicware
7 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight0.55 kg
The Lofi-12 XT is a surprisingly deep and characterful groove box, perfect for producers and musicians chasing that authentic lo-fi vibe. It’s a fun, immediate instrument, excellent for sketching out ideas and creating unique textures, but it's not a replacement for a full-fledged DAW. If you’re looking for a portable, inspiring, and affordable creative tool, this is a strong contender.
Pros
- Excellent lo-fi sound character, instantly recognizable and warm.
- Intuitive sequencer with robust step locking capabilities.
- Flexible track modes unlock diverse sonic textures and workflows.
Cons
- Mono sampling limits stereo imaging and creative possibilities.
- Limited sample time per slot demands careful editing choices.
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Teenage Engineering EP-40 Riddim Supertone with EP-2350 Ting FX…
EP-40 Riddim Supertone · Teenage Engineering
2 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight0.62 kg
This little box packs a huge reggae library with over 300 sounds and a built-in mic for recording. The grid-synced loops help you stay tight on time while jamming with friends. It runs on batteries or USB, making it easy to take anywhere. Perfect for mobile producers who want a classic bass and lead sound in one device.
Pros
- Built-in microphone lets you record vocals directly.
- Over 300 reggae sounds from famous producers included.
- Pressure-sensitive buttons feel great to play.
Cons
- No external hard drive slot for expanding storage.
- Battery power limits continuous studio use time.
59AudioFu
Index↓ 8.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$391 · Aug 17$357 now$357€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Teenage Engineering PO-33 Pocket Operator K.O! 2018
PO-33 K.O. · Teenage Engineering
18 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The PO-33 K.O. is a ridiculously fun little sampler – it’s basically a pocket-sized creative playground. Perfect for beatmakers, experimental musicians, or anyone wanting to quickly capture and mangle sounds on the go. Don't expect studio-grade fidelity, but it's a blast for sparking ideas.
Pros
- Tiny footprint, ideal for travel and experimentation
- Integrated mic enables immediate, spontaneous sampling
- Jam Sync opens doors to collaborative, creative workflows
Cons
- Limited sample time restricts longer, complex loops
- Mono sampling and output limits stereo field possibilities
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- 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$373 now$373€333 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Teenage Engineering PO-35 Pocket Operator Speak Vocal Synth
PO-35 speak · Teenage Engineering
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The PO-35 Speak is a seriously fun little vocal sampler and synth. It's perfect for experimental musicians, beatmakers, or anyone wanting a quirky, portable sound design tool – it's all about instant gratification and unexpected textures. Don't expect studio-grade fidelity, but embrace its lo-fi charm.
Pros
- Integrated mic allows for immediate, creative vocal sampling and manipulation.
- Jam Sync provides seamless integration with other Teenage Engineering devices.
- The 16-step sequencer unlocks surprisingly complex rhythmic patterns and melodies.
Cons
- Limited sample time (120 seconds) restricts longer, more elaborate samples.
- The small form factor makes the controls a bit cramped for extended use.
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This little sampler packs a punch with 100 built-in kits and glowing pads you can tap on the go. It runs on a built-in battery, making it perfect for gigs where you need quick access to sounds. While it lacks a big storage slot for custom samples, the 8 GB memory handles most studio work fine. It's a solid, portable tool for anyone who wants to sequence and sample without carrying a laptop.
Pros
- 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads for fast playing
- Built-in lithium-ion battery for mobile use
- 100 factory kits ready to play instantly
Cons
- Dimensions are incomplete in the provided text
- No specific sample library size is listed
43AudioFu
Index↓ 1.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$431 · Aug 17$424 now$424€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 16 samplers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Roland AIRA Compact P-6 SamplerRoland42↓ 9.1%$202€180$202€180Check ↗
- 12
AKAI Professional MPC Sample Case BundleAKAI Professional · 2 finishes40↓ 4.8%$532€475$532€475Check ↗
- 13
AKAI Professional MPX8AKAI Professional39↑ 6.2%$115€103$115€103Check ↗
- 14
Korg Volca Sample New GenerationKorg38Stable$153€137$153€137Check ↗
- 15
Bastl Instruments Kastle 2 Wave BardBastl Instruments36Stable$212€189$212€189Check ↗
- 16
AKAI Professional MPC Sample Bag BundleAKAI Professional25↑ 1.0%$469€419$469€419Check ↗
Samplers by the numbers
Measured across all 18 models we track, not a sample.
Median $420 — half of all samplers here cost less.
median of 10 models · 0.55 kg–2.6 kg
How to choose the best samplers
Sound Quality
It's not just about the DAC; it's about the internal processing, the filters, and how the sampler handles dynamic range. Cheap samplers can get muddy quickly, especially when layering or processing sounds.
Workstation/Sequencing
A sampler's more than just playback; it's often your sequencer too. How intuitive is the interface? Does it have enough sequencing lanes? Can it handle polyphony without choking?
Sampling Capabilities
How easy is it to get sounds into the sampler? What sample formats are supported? Is there a decent built-in sampler, or are you relying on external software?
Modulation Options
LFOs, envelopes, filters-these are what turn a collection of samples into a living, breathing instrument. Limited modulation means limited creativity.
Build Quality/Reliability
Gigs are brutal. You want something that can handle a few bumps and bruises without crapping out mid-set. Plastic cases and flimsy knobs are red flags.
Buying guide
Okay, so you want a sampler but your bank account isn't screaming 'vintage Akai'. Totally get it. Sampling's a cornerstone of modern music, and you don't need to break the bank to get something that'll inspire some serious sound design. We're focusing on samplers under $800 - enough to get real functionality, but still requiring some smart choices.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect lightning-fast processing or a massive sample library. Focus on the core functionality you need - if you need serious looping chops, prioritize a sampler with strong time-stretching.
Be realistic about your workflow; a complex interface can be a time-sink, especially if you're gigging.
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 18 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
Can I realistically sample vinyl with something in this price range?
Yeah, but be prepared to spend a bit more on a decent audio interface and some cleanup software. The sampler itself isn't the bottleneck; it's the front-end capture.
What about used options? Are there older, higher-end samplers I can find?
Definitely. You might find some older Akai S-series or E-mu gear, but be wary of maintenance costs and potential repairs. Vintage gear is a gamble.
Is a software sampler a better option than a hardware one at this budget?
Software gives you more power for the money, hands down. But hardware's tactile interface can be a huge workflow boost, especially for live performance. It's about what you prioritize.
How much RAM do I need?
More is always better, but 128MB is the absolute minimum. 256MB or more will allow for larger samples and more polyphony without constant swapping.
What about time stretching algorithms? Do they matter?
Absolutely. Bad time stretching sounds like digital garbage. Listen carefully to how a sampler handles pitch shifting and time manipulation - it can make or break a sample's usability.
