Sonicware Launches Kickstarter For SmplTrek Portable Production Sampler

Sonicware has launched a Kickstarter project to fund production of their new SmplTrek portable production sampler.

SmplTrek is a portable sampler and music production system that lets you record sounds with the built-in microphone, your microphone, electric guitar connected to the input, or even a USB-connected smartphone or PC/Mac.

Sounds can be recorded with or without effects, edited, and then quickly assigned to pads for sequencing. Once you have created the samples you want, you can use them to build complete songs.

Each song project has 16 sequential parts called “Scenes”. Each Scene has 10 sequencer tracks which can behave in different ways, as described below:

  • Loop Track: Sequencer for a looping sample
  • Shots Track: Sequencer for a single one-shot sample
  • Drum Track: Step sequencer for drums
  • Instrument Track: Piano roll type sequencer for musical instruments
  • MIDI Track: Piano roll type sequencer for external MIDI equipment

Three additional Global Audio Tracks are available for longer recordings like vocals and external instruments. These tracks can record multiple takes which can be spliced into a final perfect version. Traditional “punch-in” style recording is also supported.

More than 500 samples and over 100 drums kits are included internally, so you can get started right away.

Pricing and Availability:

Production of the SmplTrek is being funded via a Kickstarter project, and it’s available to project backers for about $291.

Note: Crowdfunded projects involve risk, so make sure you read the project details.

27 thoughts on “Sonicware Launches Kickstarter For SmplTrek Portable Production Sampler”

    1. Its a pseudo sp404 with a step sequencer and a visual arranger for $300 bucks. Will go like hotcakes. As far as the audio quality and range of FX, thats yet to be seen but for 300 bucks, might as well give it a shot, get in early, then resell it on reverb for $900 bucks like the sp404 mk2. Considering selling my 404 MK2, dont use it enough and the pattern sequencer is still lame.

      1. it looks like it has all the things that i want that the 404 doesn’t have – like stretching and cv sync, piano roll, etc. more like a sampling QY than something made for triggering. I do trust sonicware too – I have all of the the liven series boxes and they are all unique, well thought out and sound really good

          1. I got a notification from the shipper and a shipping notice as well from them when it shipped- for reference I was preordered around the 1000 mark

            1. Thanks for the reply. That’s what I thought how it would be since the (pre-) order confirmation said that they would send another email, once it’s shipped. Guess I’ll have to wait some more. I’ve ordered mine in the last week of January.

    2. For sure man this is typical. Then it will get funded and updates will be on the regular. Then slowly the updates will slow down and deadlines will get missed. Years will go by and people will start demanding for updates on the project. To get a “we ran out of funds the project is stalled update” and you’re out $300. Good luck backers hope all goes well.

      1. Nah. Sonicware is solid. I’ve backed them in the past and they’ve delivered every time. Admittedly, this is a different product category, but they’ve earned my trust.

  5. This kind of self-contained production device often has such a powerful allure & charm. Remember the KDJ-ONE? Of course, the OP-1, Electribes, and other such things. It all comes down to how well the feature set overlaps with the users needs.

    A popular tablet with a connected MIDI controller can almost always smoke a standalone device. But still these devices are compelling, perhaps because of their finite and quirky limitations.

      1. Yea, I think that tiny screen was a bit of a missed opportunity. Do they mention being able to use a device as a second display (i.e., touchscreen)?

        Nice to hear that sonicware has a decent reputation (thx, Mongr)

    1. Yea, adamcee, I agree. An iPad with a decent MIDI controller (even a tiny knobby one) is a much more versatile & powerful choice. However, some people like UI’s with hardware knobs, cursor diamonds, etc. Also, there is something paradoxically freeing about having restrictions/limitations that force people to work in a specific way.

      As for me, I’d rather set up something limiting/freeing on the iPad I already have.

      As an aside, though it is not talked about ever, there actually is a KDJ-ONE simulator for iOS. Might even be free. I never use it, as it’s not my cup of tea. But it has a fun skeuomorphic GUI.

    2. A computer with a DAW is even better than that. Having a full band and a fully stocked studio is even better than that.

        1. I wished I was. A lot of people asked them to use USB-C instead and they said that this is not possible (in the Campaign comments).

  10. somehow i blanked on this being a Sonicware product

    i am really liking this guy’s stuff… reminds me of Elektron in the old days

  11. I saw they hooked an iPhone to it. For a few bucks, you can use Koala Sampler on that phone. Small, portable. Touchscreen all over. A build-in mic, and most of the functionality this box has to offer, if not more.

  12. Looks good to me. Need to check for more details. I’ve been after a proper portable sample for ages that’s cheap and is actually portable. Hopefully this will be Lithium powered. Eager to find out more!

  13. hehehe you fools, instead of buying this 300 dollar thing you should buy a 500 dollar minimum iPad and an app, also the fact that this has no genuine reverb tank and a lack of Firewire outputs makes this unusable for professionals like I am

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