Korg microSAMPLER 37-Key Compact Sampling Keyboard

The Korg microSAMPLER is a compact performance sampling keyboard designed for real-time creativity, live looping, and hands-on sample manipulation. Built for musicians who want an immediate, intuitive way to capture and play sounds, it combines sampling, sequencing, and onboard effects in a highly portable instrument format. It is engineered for spontaneous performance workflows where sampling itself becomes part of the music creation process.

At its core, the microSAMPLER allows users to record audio directly from microphone or line inputs and instantly assign those samples across the keyboard for chromatic or trigger-based performance. This enables fast transformation of external sounds, vocals, instruments, or field recordings into playable musical material without requiring a computer-based workflow.

The instrument supports multiple sampling modes including Loop, One Shot, Gate, Key Gate, and Auto Next, giving performers flexible control over how sounds are captured and triggered. This makes it suitable for rhythmic sampling, melodic phrasing, or experimental sound design, all performed directly on the hardware interface.

A built-in pattern sequencer allows layered composition and live loop construction, enabling users to build complex arrangements by stacking sampled patterns in real time. Combined with onboard effects derived from Korg’s KAOSS-style processing engine, the microSAMPLER can radically transform audio through modulation, filtering, delay, and creative sound mangling tools.

Designed for portability, the unit features a mini-keyboard with velocity sensitivity, allowing expressive performance while maintaining a compact footprint. It also includes USB connectivity for transferring samples via editor software, enabling hybrid workflows between hardware performance and computer-based sample management.

Key Features

• Performance-oriented sampling keyboard with real-time sample capture
• Multiple sampling modes: Loop, One Shot, Gate, Key Gate, Auto Next
• Built-in microphone input and line input for direct recording
• Assignable chromatic sampling across the keyboard
• 16-pattern loop sequencer for layered performance creation
• 21 onboard effects including delay, modulation, filtering, and grain effects
• Time-stretch and reverse playback for creative sound manipulation
• Velocity-sensitive mini keyboard for expressive playability
• USB connectivity with editor/librarian software for sample management
• Battery or AC power operation for portable performance use

Sampling & Sound Engine

The microSAMPLER is built around a flexible sampling engine that allows users to capture audio at multiple sample rates, enabling both high-fidelity recording and lo-fi character effects. Samples can be edited with basic trimming, normalization, and time manipulation tools directly on the device.

Each sample can be mapped across the keyboard for melodic playback or triggered individually for percussive and rhythmic performance. The system supports resampling, allowing users to process and re-record their own performance layers for evolving sound creation.

Performance Sequencing & Effects

The integrated pattern sequencer enables real-time loop construction, allowing performers to build multi-layered arrangements without stopping playback. Each bank can store multiple patterns, supporting live arrangement switching and improvisational workflows.

The onboard effects system includes 21 effect types such as delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, distortion, reverb, and grain-based processing. These effects are designed for live manipulation, making the microSAMPLER particularly suited for experimental performance and DJ-style sound transformation.

Design & Portability

The compact form factor and lightweight design make the microSAMPLER highly portable for live performers and mobile producers. It includes a built-in microphone and supports battery operation, allowing sampling sessions anywhere without additional equipment.

Connectivity & Workflow Integration

USB connectivity enables sample transfer and management via dedicated editor/librarian software, supporting import and export of WAV and AIFF files. This allows users to prepare sample libraries on a computer and deploy them to the hardware for live performance use.

Ideal For

• Live performers focused on real-time sampling and looping
• Experimental musicians and sound designers
• Electronic music producers seeking hardware-based workflows
• Performers using vocals, field recordings, or external instruments as sound sources
• Portable jam sessions and mobile music creation setups

The Korg microSAMPLER remains a distinctive performance-focused sampler that prioritizes immediacy and creativity over complex programming. Its combination of live sampling, sequencing, and effects processing makes it a unique tool for spontaneous music creation and expressive sound manipulation.