Koala Sampler 4+

Quick to get sampling. Fast loading app, then just press and hold a empty sample pad and you’re recording. You can create a complete track. It’s there ready to quickly capture inspiration when it strikes. It’s a powerful app but easy to use. The children love to play with it but don’t let that fool you into thinking this is a toy because it’s not, but it is a lot of fun to use. It’s a must have pro bit of kit. There are more complex dedicated samplers on the app store that are more for sound designers but it’s unfair to compare Koala to them as they are the equivalent to a single pad in Koala, and require other apps and or equipment to use them. Part of a much more complex setup more about sound design than capturing inspiration. These apps are samplers but not about sampling in the way a lot of us think when you hear people talking about samplers. Koala is what you expect a sampler to be. If you need a sampler Koala is a must have. It’s all about the art of sampling and letting your creativity flow. And if you want to go beyond what Koala can do it’s export options are great.

This app is perfect for music (especially sample based) creators! Personally it’s the best app I’ve ever owned period. The simplicity of the work flow to get ideas out is amazing but please don’t think that this app isn’t capable of doing nearly anything a traditional MPC/SP can….it’s incredibly powerful but just set up in a way with the iPad that makes it a swift smooth pleasure to dive into. I’ve paired mine up with an AKAI MPD218 controller to really bring the experience up to more traditional sampler feel. Yes logic on iPad is great and extremely powerful but it’s still fiddly and not easy to just jump into and make a wicked beat. Would probably do 80% of the (fun/creative) stuff in Koala and then move the project over to logic for last 20% to do the (boring) automation and mastering stuff. Hats of to the creator of this he’s really pulled it out the bag with this app and for the price (even with add ons) it’s actually AMAZING!!! …..one thing that would be nice would be option to change colour scheme (blue and pink gets a bit intense sometimes lol, but not a big deal at all ;) ….*****

I tried this app when it first came out but ultimately dismissed it as a sample toy. Nothing wrong with that, but it wasn’t what I needed. I recently saw this app mentioned a few times and figured I’d better give it another go.

I’m REALLY pleased I did. It’s been seriously developed since it was first launched. I upgraded to the auto chopping and slicing options and it’s worth it. Fast, fun, and it encourages experimentation. Personally, the ability to export individual stems, samples and slices is awesome. The tight integration with AudioShare is also most welcome. Not used the “breaking apart” of mixes yet, but that sounds crazy cool. The import, export options allow it be the focus of your production or an essential tool in your work flow.

Where I think Koala really wins is that it just tries to be the best sampler ever. Nothing more, nothing less, just focused on doing that really well. It lacks pretentiousness, and it encourages fun. Music is about play and playing. I think this developer really understands that. If you make sample based iOS music, get this now.