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Sonicware’s SmplTrek is a handheld sampler and sequencer that lets you record sounds around you, shape them into samples, and arrange them into music on the same portable device. Capture through its built-in microphone, audio inputs, or USB audio sources; then slice, stretch, or retune the recordings and sequence them into a song.
How SmplTrek makes music from everyday sounds
A sampler records or imports audio and makes it playable as musical material. With SmplTrek, a sound such as a voice, a struck object, or an instrument can become a one-shot hit, a loop, or another part in a sequenced arrangement. The practical advantage is that capture, sample editing, and song-making happen in one device rather than requiring a separate recorder and computer-based editing workflow.
Sonicware’s SmplTrek product page and Reference Manual describe a battery-powered handheld sampler that records using its built-in mic, audio inputs, and USB audio sources. New Atlas’s April 4, 2022 launch report introduced the same core idea; its campaign pricing and delivery estimates are historical, not current buying information.
From captured sound to a sequenced part
Capture audio
Use the built-in microphone for nearby sounds, or connect an appropriate source through the audio inputs. Sonicware says the device accepts dynamic microphones, electric guitar or bass, line-level audio devices, and USB connections to computers and smartphones. It also supports USB audio streaming. Connection setup and compatibility details can depend on the source, so check the current manual for the exact configuration.
#1 Best Overall
![Sonicware SmplTrek [Portable Production Sampler] Compact, lightweight and battery powered Drum Machine & Sampler with Built-in Mic & Speaker](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AUXXt82fL._SL160_.jpg)
- [Easy Sampling] One-touch sample recording. Auto-slicing can quickly split samples across the pads. Time-stretching can adjust a sample’s tempo to match your song. Pitch-changing functions can keep your samples in key.
- [Flexible Song-making] Each song project has 16 scenes. One scene contains: 10 sequencer tracks 3 additional audio tracks for longer recordings such as vocals or guitar
- [Effortless Music Streaming] With a single USB cable connected to your smartphone or PC/Mac, you can stream full-quality audio to audiences all over the internet.
- [Massive Sample Libraries] Find inspiration for your next song with: 1,000+ high-quality sample sounds and 30 internal DSP effects. Import your own sounds with a SD card.
- [Versatile Connectivity] Can accept input from a variety of equipment: Dynamic Microphones, Electric Guitar/Bass, General Line-level audio devices, PC/Mac and smartphones via USB. It can also synchronize playback with many musical instruments using MIDI and audio sync.
Shape the sample
The manufacturer lists automatic slicing across pads, time-stretching to match a song’s tempo, and pitch adjustment to fit a key. These tools help turn a longer recording into playable pieces or adapt a sample to an arrangement. The device’s manual documents different track types, including loop, one-shot, drum, instrument, and MIDI tracks.
Arrange it into a song
SmplTrek organizes songs into scenes and tracks. Sonicware’s product page lists 16 scenes per song, with 10 sequencer tracks and three additional audio tracks per scene. The company also lists more than 500 sample sounds and 36 internal effects. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent performance results.
Rank #2
![Sonicware SmplTrek [Portable Production Sampler] – Special Bundle with Case](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41XjM1GY28L._SL160_.jpg)
- Easy Sampling
- Flexible Song-making
- Simply Music Streaming
- Massively Sample Libraries
- Versatile Connectivity
Connections and portability
SmplTrek is designed to work as a portable music-making device: Sonicware describes it as compact, lightweight, and battery-powered. Beyond recording directly, its listed connections support microphones, instruments, line-level sources, computers, and smartphones. The product information also describes MIDI and audio synchronization with other instruments, along with USB audio streaming.
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These connections make the device useful in more than one workflow: capture a sound on the spot, bring in audio from another device, or integrate SmplTrek with other music equipment. Which cables, adapters, or settings are needed depends on the connected equipment; consult the current SmplTrek Reference Manual before relying on a particular setup.
Rank #3
![Sonicware Lofi-12 XT - Limited Retro Color [Low-res Digitized Sampler] – Special Bundle with Case](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41eMVrwYRiL._SL160_.jpg)
- 12/24kHz Early-Digital Sound Sampling with 12BIT Sampler mode
- Intuitive & Non-stop Beat Making with 8-Track Sequencer
- Powerful Signal Processing: 8 × Insert FX, Delay, Reverb and Master FX
- Effortless Background Mix-Tape Recording
- Versatile Connectivity with Other Devices - Extensive Sample Libraries of over 2,500 samples
What to check before choosing it
SmplTrek is a music-production sampler and sequencer, not simply a general-purpose field recorder. Consider whether its capture options, sample-editing tools, track structure, and connections fit the way you want to make music. For a comparison with another portable music device, useful criteria include:
- Capture: built-in microphone, audio inputs, and USB audio sources.
- Sample editing: slicing, tempo-matched time-stretching, and pitch adjustment.
- Arrangement: scenes, sequencer and audio tracks, and supported track types.
- Portability: battery-powered operation and handheld form factor.
- Integration: instrument and device connections, MIDI and audio sync, and USB audio streaming.
For setup and version-sensitive details, check Sonicware’s current manual and firmware page. The firmware listing gives version 3.1.154; firmware versions and availability can change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The hard EVA shell is shockproof, dustproof and splash-proof, protecting the creative sampler and its accessories from drops, scratches, bumps, splashes and dust.
- The case is equipped with a comfortable handle for easy carrying when out working or traveling.
- The top has a soft sponge, and the lower has a velcro adjustable protective compartment for placing the power adapter, battery and other accessories to protect the device from scratches.
- Storage case external dimensions: 9.8 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches (25 x 19 x 6.5 cm).
- Compatible with SONICWARE Lofi-12 XT, SONICWARE Lofi-12 XT Limited Retro Color, SONICWARE CyDrums, SONICWARE SmplTrek.
Rank #4
![Sonicware Lofi-12 XT [Low-res Digitized Sampler] – Special Bundle with Case](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41RacN3tpuL._SL160_.jpg)
- 12/24kHz Early-Digital Sound Sampling with 12BIT Sampler mode
- Intuitive & Non-stop Beat Making with 8-Track Sequencer
- Powerful Signal Processing: 8 × Insert FX, Delay, Reverb and Master FX
- Effortless Background Mix-Tape Recording
- Versatile Connectivity with Other Devices - Extensive Sample Libraries of over 2,500 samples
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
