I Made a Tier List for Drum Samplers

Since everyone ask my opinion on which is the best drum sampler out right now. I made a tier list instead. Feel free to comment.

[@BigMuff520]

The Azz pick was on point. TE is basically just trolling people these days. A good list for real

[@ericvernooij2917]

I'd move both the Digitakt and the SP-404 mk2 up a tier. They're my two favourite pieces of equipment. I agree with the critcism of the limited storage on the Digitakt, and the clunky workflow on the SP, but they are the instruments I use the most.

[@wesrosner]

The list I needed, thanks bro 🤙

[@tonyhill2318]

First time seeing your videos...excellent! You have a new fan

[@parisdontlikeyou]

The force is fire

[@digitaldiezel5870]

Exactly!! Ave is having a clown moment…

[@mikevenus4117]

This guy is trolling!

[@zandtussenjetenen]

FORCE ROCKS!

[@GoLoopAudio]

Nice to see the SmplTrek getting some respect, great video!

[@Epicfuzz]

The Sp404mk2 is a beast once you get to know it. I also use the Synthstrom Deluge and for me, it is better than anything I have used so far

[@CDMESD]

I really like the SP404 MK2. It can be clunky but the sound is amazing.

[@smoovart]

yea, I've had enough time to work with it, that the workflow is not a problem

[@CDMESD]

@@artisans8521 You are telling the truth.I really like the sp404. I have been working with it more than usual and it is a beast for effects and sounds. I like the new workflow.

[@omnidirectional1]

I don't do everything on the 18:05 it is the once I reach for the most it's small and once you understand its character you got magic plus effects wise I use it before I use any plugins I think it argumently better

[@jaderington]

How does the micro freak sample. I know therse a mic input. Perhaps that's how. Thought its just a really good little synth. I don't use mine often but I've have some great noises out of it for my Trax. I never sell my kit on.

[@subtracktion]

Any thoughts on the Nektar Aruba/Aura? The recent update seemed promising, especially for Ableton Live users.

[@RemixSample]

Haha I really enjoyed this video! Love the AZZ category! 😆

[@MarianoPerez]

This goes to show how we all have different needs and wants from machines. In my opinion, the verselab should be in the great category. If getting an idea from inception to a finished song is important to you, the verselab is a must. And it even makes it easy to export parts to daws so that you can polish or swich out sounds if you want. It is not a perfect machine, but it sure belongs in the great section.

[@dillipphunbar7924]

I don't have one, but what about the 1010Music Blackbox? At the time , a few years ago, I was trying to decide between it, the Digitakt and then the MPC One came along , at the right price.

[@jlegitdjspider]

I have one super underrated sampler definitely deserves a spot in the good tier

[@Drrolfski]

TFW just a six-dollar Koala Sampler app wipes the floor with most of these samplers

[@olobeatz9404]

Agreed 💯

[@fanusamurai]

I saw Push is on “Meh” tier based on the fact it can’t read memory cards. I honestly think its sequencer is really good, and you can do both drums and melodies with it. It’s really powerful. Also I think a lot of people miss the fact that it can do “parameter locks” just like Elektron gear. Anyone who says Push is basic hasn’t learned to use it and learn what it can do, imho.

[@apoclypse]

I think the price point is what put it in the meh category and I kind of agree.

[@AveMcree]

There’s a whole lot more I could say but imma let you buy it, come back here, and cry.

[@fanusamurai]

@@AveMcree I've had Push 2 for years and Push 3 for some months. No crying - I get music made. The only real critique I have is lack of arrangement mode. PS: I've meant to buy Digitakt many times, but lack of memory card has prevented me, I admit. Also as for “crying”. I’ve been making music for 31 years. Started with Amiga in 1992. So I get the music made with anything - instead of “crying” in public about why I do not like something ;)

[@alchemistrpm82]

@@AveMcree Get a clue bruh. He owns one.

[@NUAMNUME14]

Agree ! I think it's a trend to hate Push. I had a sp, digitakt, push 2 and mpc live , only Push 2 is still in my studio because it's the fastest to sample and make a beat. You literally have extra steps with other machines.

[@thepeopleschoice431]

I feel that. I sold my op1 after I never really got into using it like I thought I would. Looked cool, but the sound was not for me. For a portable battery operated system, the deluge was more my style (logical workflow), but for just something that had better sound, any drum machine plus any synth module and midi keyboard was always better.

[@Lauterbachsyndikat]

Like the perspective 👍

[@4WingsMild]

Good job, I would put the SP404 in the good category. For the size, you can’t beat it. USB-C can power, midi and audio all in 1 cord. Skip back sampling is dope. And the effects are good too.

[@chatmingleton8240]

yea putting the ko over the sp 404 mk2 is wild to hear as an owner of both

[@victor-hi2uw]

I'm thinking about getting one myself, and I have a question: How complicated is the workflow really? Everyone I've seen talking about the device has mentioned its steep learning curve, and I see a ton of used ones on Ebay with the sellers saying it wasn't for them, they didn't really use it, or they didn't like the workflow. On the other hand, there are also loads of people who praise how fun and inspiring the workflow is. Realistically, *how long does it take to get a good understanding of the device and actually make music* (assuming you practice it, say, half an hour a day)? How many shortcuts are there to learn? For some background; I've been producing for a year, mostly in FL, and I want something to make beats independently of my laptop. *I'd appreciate any insight from owners, the response doesn't have to be as long as my post :)*

[@andystandys]

@@victor-hi2uwThe workflow isn’t that bad. And it’s a really versatile machine. You can do a lot with it. It’s miles ahead of the KORG Volca sample. (I own both.) I would never put them in the same ranking category. For example, the KORG will hold 16 patterns. The SP-404 MKii will hold 2,560 patterns.

[@sawtooth808]

I’m sold on the SP 404 mk 2, because I remember telling my younger brother the last time I saw him alive that one didn’t need an MPC, and that J Dilla used an SP 404 (I later found out it was an SP 303) to produce a whole album. So I do want to purchase an SP 404 mk 2 to honor his memory.

[@sawtooth808]

@@victor-hi2uw I am not going to lie, there is a learning curve to the SP 404 mk 2, but if you put the time in, it will be worth it

[@towerrunner4675]

That chart is on point! I knew I have to get an MPC to upgrade my Pocket Operator. 😁

[@coyote-wang]

I'm a circuit rhythm fan but I use koala sampler to do the actual sampling since I largely sample my own acoustic instruments. However I am working on a soundpack that features jazz piano chords sampled it.

[@FlatWHDF]

You ever finish that sample pack?

[@coyote-wang]

@@FlatWHDF Soon, I forgot about this but I can get it out today. I'll post a link when its ready

[@magi115]

we forgot the "Exceptional" category above great which would include the Rossum SP1200 and the Isla S2400.

[@ugood8023]

So the digitakt 2 would be in the 'great' category? When you doing a video on that btw? :)

[@mintautosales8349]

Loved this!!!

[@timmyweeps218]

Holy shit, I was gonna look into getting an OP-1. Good looking out.

[@leewightman8619]

Iv got the novation circuit rhythm and the p.o KO nice to see them in the good section the KO it's not what I would call great but I like going walks and making beats while I walk and it's great for that ..the novation rhythm is limited but works for me iv only had it 5 days and it's a beast ..all probably update to an MPC eventually

[@A1MadeTheBeat]

Crazy ass list, if you got the FORCE in the mid category but, have all the MPCs in the great category. Tells me you just never learned the button layout/the workflow. It is the exact same as the MPC workflow except you press buttons instead of the pads for things like mute. I see I really need to do a FORCE/MPC workflow comparison video.

[@FlatWHDF]

Please do

[@devote]

lmao. This is more like - Best tier - What I use. Good tier - what I've used once or twice. Meh tier - what i hate because its in direct competition with the MPC.

[@vertigev]

Interesting that the Force is in the meh category since it's literally the exact same sampler as the MPC (which is listed at the top), but with more hardware controls which makes editing the sample a lot easier 🤔

[@apoclypse]

The Force should be in the phenomenal category. It's that amazing, but you know these kinds of videos are made for clicks/views so whatever.

[@tinykarpo80s]

can u recoment a drum machine hardwear new one that is good for soviet post punk like the style of molchat doma ?

[@reedereed]

Great video as usual but, no Rossum SP1200? No Roland MV 8800??? Is it just the newer joints? I still rock my MV so…😂😂

[@paradox3470]

I’ve got live 2, po 33, lofi 12 and few more but those 3 are special for me

[@davidg7136]

Feeling this list

[@LL-wz7je]

I know the MV -1 doesn’t have as extensive of sampling editing features as the MPCs or the SPs but I do all my chopping of samples and editing in Roland zen Beats and then just load up chops into MV with USB cable. Then assign them to pads on a drum kit. The TR 808 and 909 sounds on the MV are very well done. Really the MV-1 is incomplete without Zenbeats program but as a tandem I put them against even the MPCs plus zenbeats is a free program

[@wakinglife7065]

I have an MPC X Se and MV1. I have studio where my MPC lives and in my lounge I have a dawless set up. Mv1, elektron cycles, guitars, bass, and Tascam 12 and sp404mkIi. I don’t use it as a sampler per se but I do use it for sequencing drums, melodics and access to Zenbeats. I like it. But don’t use it as intended for song modes but I should. I got it second hand and I’ve definitely enjoy using it. It’s sweet sounding. I do want to explore the Digitakt and digitone but I’d be remiss to cancel out Roland in the workflow. MPC X I use mostly for recording drums and instruments. I don’t really like the sequencer at all on it . I use it but it’s weird. Has some great plugins though

[@AntraxBeats]

I heard rumors of an Mpc live mini, have you heard anything yet Ave?

[@BostonRubyEric]

Love your videos in general, but this should just be a video about comparing drum machines to your preferred workflow (MPC).

[@georgewoolf6300]

No Isla S2400 and Pioneer SP-16? Both sound superior to the new MPC's... step ya game up Ave!

[@AveMcree]

Damn!!! I forgot about that machine. I never mess with it though

[@georgewoolf6300]

@@AveMcree Both sound better than the modern MPC's... ya gotta get your ears on them.

[@badboy69cancer]

I've owned both myself and still own the SP. That SP does sound amazing. Wasn't too impressed with the Isla as far as coloring goes, unless you're looking specifically for that 1200 sound treatment and it does that well.

[@georgewoolf6300]

@@badboy69cancer S2400 can sound 12 bit SP1200 gritty, MPC 3000 in your face phat, or clean modern. You have to use the different converters teamed with the different classic or modern settings, it's a tonal beast and Isla have 8 channel analog filter cards and built in FX cards coming soon. SP-16 and S2400 are the top sounding hardware sampler boxes today IMHO.

[@braggaboutit1233]

Wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the M8 if you love the Polyend. I grabbed the Polyend before the M8 and loved it. Didn’t think the M8 would come close from a first look but took a punt on it bc the Polyend did such a good job of converting me to the tracker workflow, but wow the M8 is something else. Recommend giving it a crack before passing it off

[@ron.h264]

Agreed, m8 whoops tracker in my list

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

The M8 has a weird interface with just the 8 buttons. Not everyone wants to use their thumbs to navigate.

[@MrCosmicVictory]

you missed the isla s2400.

[@AveMcree]

Yeah Ikr

[@karabovilakazi5021]

MPC Live 2 changed my life 😢❣ and I'll never sell it

[@makesenz]

I'm surprised that you brought up the amiga 500, i used to mess around with that stuff when i was a kid lol.

[@Jiglo71]

Having owned most of these, i'd put M+ at the top with the Tracker. I think the workflows are what makes both really enjoyable to use and fast to make beats and tracks on.

[@AveMcree]

The M+? Cmon fam

[@AveMcree]

Can’t really speak on it but from watching other people use it. Rather just fw Polyend

[@Jiglo71]

Yeah, it’s pretty deep and very simple to use and I rarely have trouble with CPU unless I use loads of internal synths and effects, or time stretch many groups of samples, but doesn’t seem to glitch anymore when I push the cpu to the max and i think i’ve had 1 crash since purchase and didn’t lose my work when I rebooted it. Not as deep as an MPC, but much faster to create with. Still getting flack for it’s original price and early firmware, but much more stable than the Tracker. The MPC I always wanted, almost. Ask NI for a unit and demo it if you aren’t tied to AKAI 👍

[@Jiglo71]

Loving the channel though man, even if you don’t agree with me. I still use a large selection of grooveboxes just as they all produce different results and keep me loving making music.

[@Yoloslides]

same

[@hieksuave6555]

Based on what do you dismiss the dirtywave m8 that easily when talking about the polyend tracker? The fact that it is a one man project and you have to pre-order, he is not sending you a review unit? It is costly, but compared to the current tracker (and most probably the upcoming mini as well when comparing specs) much more powerful (synthesis) options next to sampling. Baseless criticism if you haven't reviewed it imo.

[@NimbleX-MC]

I had the AKAI force but returned it. I didn’t like the layout or the main system in general. The MPC X SE is by far my favorite. I also have the MPC ONE and still love it. I also have the SP 404 MK 2, it is taking me a while to get into it. It seems good though. For me the Push 3 is not even on my wish list at all.

[@Unders]

Since switching to a Sandisk Extreme in the Maschine, Not a single issue. Like i said in my video back in January. If that's the fix NI need to address that so badly and supply a legit SD card with whats a premium priced unit.

[@user-bx2xl7ex7r]

Hey thanks for your breakdown on your opinion. I have an issue to post (if anybody see's it) ...I only have a "thumbs down" as an option no "thumbs up" option on not only this video but others from other channels. Could somebody tell me if they have similar experiences.

[@EverettVinzant]

Two boxes that I think you overlooked. First is the 1010music BlackBox. Others have already commented. I’d have it in Good because it doesn’t have a built in battery. If it had a built in battery it would compete with everything in the great class. Second… Gotharman’s SpazeDrum. It allows you to use samples, is a digital monosynth, and has a built in analog drum synth that supports 4 different sounds at once. It also has a bevy of great sounding filters. I’d place it in the great category. I’d have to put the Volca Sample II in Basic AF. I had one until I sold it.

[@_P_M_]

1010 Blackbox should be in here. Very useable. I sold mine since I was basically just sampling Reason into it, so I just decided to stick with Reason. But I really thought Blackbox was a great feeling, well-designed unit.

[@vincentdelmas2792]

i was really happy with 6.5 reason since my computer crashed. Do you think i would benefit from buying the latest version or just stick with the good old version ?

[@_P_M_]

I just updated to 12.7 during the black friday sale for $99. Totally worth it IMHO. They added a lot of sounds/rack units, reskinned in everything in hi-def so you can make it bigger on screen, it runs VST's and can be used as a VST plug in other DAW's. Lot's of improvements under the hood. @@vincentdelmas2792

[@noodles4921]

Teenage engineering + breakout cable + 404mk2 + guitar amp= face melting

[@iwmaxx]

I've never tried it, but the Dirtywave M8 is supposed to be more powerful than the Polyend Tracker. I really want to see how that M8 and the Tracker Mini compare. No auto hate Ave, test them out for us. :)

[@astonzoyldyk9124]

Yo Ave make a review video for the lunch table VST

[@fangan4770]

Timestamps and product names / link to the list would help! Thanks for the effort

[@ricardomilice2470]

😂😂dope list. I got the Smpl Trek after watching your video, But the screen is too small for me. If Novation had a screen……I’d get it.

[@kenzgbr]

Ahh man Ave, a drum sampler gig and you didn’t mention the TR-8s. Maybe not your style but for me this is the best all round drum machine on the market.

[@ILLUDIUM_Q_36]

Synthstrom Audible's Deluged and Isla Instruments S2400 are both slept on and sonically sound better than everything up there minus the Digitakt and sp404mk2

[@FirstSkyWalker]

I’m the proud owner of the MPCX (original on preorder at the time) and Live II.

[@loubang100]

I agree with the assessment. I hope Roland fix the sampling on the MV1😕

[@controllerforce_50East]

They need to fix a helluva lot more than that. Ave got compensated for it. Maybe he should update the ranking.😠

[@irife2771]

I could understand how somebody could come to that force conclusion. I will state now, its better than the others... but if we are focusing on just sampling, I understand that it is a lot. Anymore I just use it as a sequencer for the walls of keyboards I have with the benefit of having drum sounds ITB.

[@jackiegreen1692]

SP404 is excellent though !

[@gazfunk]

What about the MC 707?

[@EZBOT_]

Yo, where is the Octatrack!?

[@darkjord5823]

You tripping on the m8. Much better than polyend tracker

[@threal6870]

Did he do the Octo track?

[@FROMlefttoRightGritsgo]

Dude... It's your Lights... And your Lens Bro.

[@Epicfuzz]

You sure love Akai LOL

[@femmy820]

The Analog Rytm Mk2 needs to be there. It is the best drum machine out there, as far as drum programming is concerned but it's sampler abilities might not be at par with some of the best samplers out there.

[@chevere4209]

Recently copped, I enjoy it more than almost any of my samplers/drum machines. Especially run through 404 mk2 and the Analog Heat FX. I feel the Octatrack also deserves a spot cause its sampling abilities go above and beyond a lot of these machines.

[@anthomusic]

If only they were capable of using stereo samples without turning them Mono ): awesome machines though

[@alchemistrpm82]

Honestly don’t know why anybody asks this dude anything 🤔

[@nitad001]

Sir can you add chapters to this? Appreciate you!

[@LilReikoGold]

Do fl studio got one of those?

[@parisdontlikeyou]

Nope

[@TacRobinson]

So only Akai stuff is worth it? 😁

[@controllerforce_50East]

You know with all the hype. I still have not been convinced that I need to run out and grab the LIVE or the Keys which are affordable. And drop my vintage drum machines to bang out beats and melodies.

[@mikoajczeski1272]

Smpltrek is better than maschine and force?

[@aoterou]

I think you missed the Polyend Play, definitely almost as good as de Digitakt… also agree with pretty much every other comment, the SP404 is amazing

[@cokedoutmarv2006]

I'm curious did you ever use either of the Roland MV-8X00s and what were your thoughts on that unit?

[@MrScrooge1980]

I own the 8000 to this day, 🔥

[@cokedoutmarv2006]

@@MrScrooge1980 i just bought my second one 3 months ago.

[@controllerforce_50East]

​@@cokedoutmarv2006 I know someone who owned one when they came out. It's was a beast compared to the 2000xl. Where on earth did you find that thing? Let me guess unearth from a swap meet in Russia.

[@cokedoutmarv2006]

@@controllerforce_50East Reverb

[@cokedoutmarv2006]

@@controllerforce_50East Reverb

[@mikeelse4096]

The rationale for this list is that if someone who reviews hardware and doesn’t make music.

[@Reggi_Sample]

Sp1200? 2400?

[@salix5380]

Mpc for life

[@01kmacias]

I like this video. I would have put the 404 in good category though 💔

[@vapotube2025]

This guy said ableton basic AF 😂😂😂😂

[@jreign]

Nice work Ave M8 is great, the synth engines are pretty cool and sounds good. Way faster work flow than the PT imo. I have the PT too, but hate having to gather samples in a pool before going to work.

[@rich6066]

octotrack?

[@koraamis5568]

Its great when your job is not to give a damn 😀

[@michaelmoog1]

tOOOOOTALLY AGREE ABOUT THE OP1!!!!!!!!!!!!! had that shit for less then two weeks before I cHUCKED THAT SHIT!!! can't believe you don't even mention the synthrom DELUGE. HUMM...

[@MK-vi2cm]

SP404 MK2 is definitely at the Good rank at the lowest, I love the PO 33 but putting it ahead of the MK2 is nutty considering what the MK2 is capable of especially once they added step sequencing and psuedo stem exports

[@soulbeatzmajor]

Coming fresh off the Daw and into the stand alone world. The Force seem very intimidating but once I learned the basic workflow making beats became a breeze. However the possibilities of creating is very overwhelming in a good way. I spend hours making tweaks and adjustments. With the force I feel like I’m in control

[@clashclashbangbang]

The Deluge not even mentioned?

[@MusicianParadise]

This video is such a great ideia! It's quite impressive to see how many drum samplers are already on the market. It's hard to argue with the MPC X being top tier!

[@spencewine]

M8 tracker smokes the polyend tracker in every way and it's cheaper than the newly released mini

[@n-spired]

The 404 mk2 can kick akais ass easily after you learn how to use it. You can offer me an mpc x for it and I would trade. Sell the x and by 2 mk2s for the money. 😁 Seriously, it is a great creative device. The akais are not really inspiring machines.

[@jakejesuss]

New Maschine incoming? 👀

[@sceptikalmedia]

I laughed for 19min straight. Eye-opening opinions.

[@FlatWHDF]

At least you made it through the video! 😂😂

[@RoeJogan]

Beat thang is the greatest one.. cough cough

[@antikytheramechanism7909]

M8 Tracker does a million times more than the Polyend Tracker. Once you understand the workflow it is better and I have them both.

[@RobotSnake]

So you like MPCs a lot and don’t know a whole hell a lot about everything else. The Force, 404, Push 3 (standalone) and Octatrack belong at the top with the MPCs!

[@RobotSnake]

How do you not even have the Octatrack on here??? 🤡

[@TheOriginalEUrban]

NO ELECTRIBE? COME ON AVE LMFAO.

[@MrCosmicVictory]

cant lie, i forgot about that too

[@AveMcree]

It would be in azz tier.... Maybe super azz tier

[@spot1119]

Bro I’m starting to think you’re getting delirious. You put the Volca ahead of the Model Samples when the Volca has smaller sample time, and no midi out. That’s crazy. Then you put both of those ahead of the MV1 which you keep comparing to samplers when it isn’t even a sampler. Yeah you can on it and it’s super clunky but it’s not it’s real function. It’s really just a studio (basic one) but a studio in a box that you can literally make a complete song start to finish in which most of these others can’t. Your bias in your reviews are becoming too much for you to be a reliable source anymore. Peace

[@GradyNickel]

You're wrong on the op-1. It's fun and way more advanced than you think.

[@9londoncalling]

Pretty much agree with most of the selections ,Akai yes top of the tree, SP should definitely be up there (amazing sound in my opinion ) and Nonjuror really is the SP king and shows everyone else up when using it. Maschine plus major fucking let down,they could’ve stolen the crown instead fell over on the way into the ring. Sonicware nah mate not for me, Novation yep totally agree. OP 1 is a yuppie Starbucks beat making on a lunch break unit,overpriced shiny and shit. The force is a beast in the correct hands, Digitak yes and yes. The Push 3 looks like it could’ve been but won’t be!!!, Few top end units not on the list the elektron octatrack ( again drop it in the right hands and it will bop and weave with any sampler) and the Dave Rossum SP 1200( the Ferrari of samplers) .

[@MyNameJeff..]

Totally agreed with the M+, NI completely abandoned it. Straight up just abandoned their flagship product. I barely even use it anymore, especially in standalone. All they do is release mostly recycled sample packs. What a joke they’ve become.

[@bboymac84]

Korg sample 2!!

[@lorddevin6314]

I'm still using an MPC2000XL LOL.

[@frankhsifu219]

I clicked on this video just to see if all the MPCs were put in the great category and although I was not disappointed in that aspect , I was disappointed in others. All of these machines are being compared to the MPC and not placed based on their own merit and that's cool but lets not pretend like that is not what is happening here.