"Check out Julia Gjersten's music here: ► modernarecords.com/julia-gjertsen ► Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/6dEpJ... (Thanks Julia for the samples!)"
@@richarquis No I'm afraid not. I'm never on Reddit : ) If interested her name is Julia Gjertsen. You'll find some older stuff of her's here on YT, and newer on Soundcloud and Spotify. Her label is moderna records.
This video made me think about eurorack because of how much I wanted the Bitbox micro in my setup, but I couldn't pull that big of a trigger. I just bought a Nanobox tangerine, which seems to have a lot in common with it, and can't wait to try it out! As always, even from across the years, thank you Loopop!!!
Great review as usual. As you're in 1010s forums you must know I have been begging for this multi-sample with velocity support assistant feature to be added on the Blackbox. So now I can't wait for the next Blackbox firmware release :)
Wow. I wonder if there's been any further development to improve that time-stretch feature when slowing it down. That example shown @17:45 makes it completely useless in my mind.
Just bought Micro off Ebay... not arrived yet but I can't wait to get it in my rack. It will, hopefully, enable me play much longer modular sets as well as getting creative with phased loops. Thanks for a fab lesson!
Thanks for this review. At first i was thinking those of us with an original BitBox were being left behind, but soon found out there's a beta of the 3.0 firmware with these great new features. So happy - this is a great update!
And today my life changed forever, I’m just getting into understanding euro rack possibilities and this does a bunch of stuff I was trying to do but was frustratingly difficult because I was pushing my equipment to its limits. This seems to do it all and it’s meant to. Wow
So my next set up is the micro and polyend Perc to sample with a lot of velocity layers That is the simplest multi layer sample system I have seen No painstaking file labels This is huge at least for me
Great review! How would you compare the Erica Synths Sample Drum to the Micro? Aside from more in/out, stereo processing and time stretch from the latter
Hey, obviously I'm not Loopop, but... I've been trying to figure out which sample module to buy, and I kinda came down to the Erica DS and the BB Mk2. I currently own nothing by either, so I'm speaking purely from an interested party perspective, not an experienced user. I'm definitely going for the BB2 though, no question... Longer sample time (unlimited, as opposed to 5 minutes, but hey, Erica, 5 minutes is still pretty fucking awesome) 4 tracks rather than 2 More modulation As an Ableton user, it saves presets as .als files, so that's really handy A fucking touchscreen, with pretty damned minimal menu diving, and what there is is pretty simple, as easy as a cellphone As for audio manipulation and so on, well... Just like the Erica SD, BB2 depends heavily on the other modules you connect to. I'm about to throw down on the BB2, having looked into the Erica SD. The choice is obvious for me. Other users may disagree, and that's cool, but for me, BB2 looks so far ahead.
@@inf0tr8r Since my original comment, I've owned the bitbox2 about 8-9 months now. It's ridiculously easy to navigate. I've not yet used anywhere near all the functions, but anytime I try something new, it's a simple process. Definitely one to consider among the lot.
Thanks for this! Looks like they've made some intriguing improvements to bitbox. Is the loop quantization decent at keeping transients on beat with the MIDI clock, a la Ableton's sample warping? It's cool that they've added some more options for slice ordering, too. Gotta make the hard choice about which size to go for though...
Is it possible to record CV and play it back using time stretch to follow clock changes ? This would make the bitbox a nice CV sequencer. If so, how many simultaneous CV output channels could the two models support ?
Love this! I just read that the I/O is DC coupled = omg!!! it can be used as a CV sampler! just wanted add to the greatness of this glorious display of the bitbox fam
@The real deal Hi the real deal. In eurorack we deal with voltage signal that are not always ment for speakers to playback. These are called CV(control voltage) trigs or gates, the CV signals are often used to carry modulation - envelopes lfos ect. So if it can be used as a CV sampler (record and playback)pinchdoublewithassignable
Random question, but if the Rackbrute Power module is rated at 800ma… how are you able to power those modules? The Bitbox micro needs 400, the mk2 needs 350, and Pam’s needs 50. That’s 800 right there! I’m asking because I am worried about my module choices with a total of 750ma? Any info would be appreciated! 🙏
@@loopop hey! Thanks for the reply! I just looked into it a bit more! And you are totally right! It’s 1600ma. The power is divided between two separate circuits/rails (800ma each) The Sweetwater website only mentioned 800ma! Should have done more research! Anyways, thanks again!! 🙏
About to watch tho was TRYING to find a Blackbox Studio vs Bitbox shootout. LOVING MY blackbox Studio especially with the new LFO and orher Firmware 1.9 additions
How much of the interface could be navigated by midi? The question is mostly around the idea of using a midi controller to select the pad, and then arm and enter loop record mode. If it were possible to record without having to touch the screen at all, that could be great for my way of performing live.
Once again, Loopop, you have helped me make my choice. Bitbox Mk2 it is for me... I first saw your review of the Blackbox, but now that I've started a rack, Bitbox 2 is the obvious choice. It will give me an unlimited set of drum sounds, which are otherwise pretty damned expensive in modular, plus take care of sampling, which is awesome, since I have a recording of a Korean friend losing her temper when our other friend tied her shoelaces around the legs of a barstool. She didn't get hurt or anything, but by god, she howled like a banshee. I had my audio recorder and a mic on me, and caught the whole thing. I promised her I'd make a song with it. Bitbox 2 looks like the perfect tool with Marbles running the clocking on the splices. You should hit 1010 up for a commission on the sale when I push the button this week. Thanks as always for your reviews!
Could you set loops on a huge sample being played back? I’m thinking of using it like a mini dj rig, allowing me to play back a song, loop transition, and fade in the next track. Will it allow continuous playback while changing presets?
The original bitbox could not continue playback of a sample while switching presets. That would be a very useful feature, but may be tricky to implement. Less important when you've got multiple sound sources to alternate focus between
Yes, it should work on MK2 but I've not tried it. BTW I don't know if Blackbox supports multi-velocity multi-samples in the current firmware, but indeed one would hope that would be added in the future if not currently supported.
This looks like a winner! What is the RTL? Samplerate? Would have been nice with velocity-gate triggered inputs! DC coupled in and out now i hope? Would have been nice to hear how good audiorate modulation sounded like...aliasing much? Midi CC# or pitchbend for all parameters to control the unit via external sequencer, control surface like Lemur (if not already in there) Multisample thing looks really great! Please add roundrobin support for the "auto sampler" and playback. What a bout a tempolocked built in LFO or 2 with different waveforms, S&H, trigger reset, one-shot...etc. To add to the modulation sources! I would suggest a triangle wave that is morphable from ramp-tri-saw and with one-shot mode and exp-lin-log slider and one-shot or looping mode....and a hold mode that keeps the wave at the highpoint and goes to the release part when gate is low.
I was wondering if you can have all cells looping and then swap out loops on the fly without it interupting playback? IE. Being able to switch the cells out with different tracks to be used in live mixing.
i own a squid salmpler but looking to replace it. im thinking of the micro since despite the cool feats and sound of the squid is tedious to remember all sorts of button combos to do something. On squid there are trigger ins to trigger a loaded sound and i do this from my beatstep pro. to do the same on micro i guess i have to turn all inputs on gate mode?
When you connected the computer audio into the micro did you use a preamp to go into modular audio level or the micro accepts line level input? Also if I want to connect it into my mixer (not eurorack) do I need an attenuator? I am thinking this to be my first module so I don't have any utility modules at the moment. Thanks!
If i understand correctly both devices can use several modes per pad at the same time? For example stems on pad 1 and 2, multisampledrumkits of 1 sample per key on pad 3 and 4, quantised loops on pad 6 and 7, granular on pad 8 etc If it does this it will end up in my rack for shure
Yes, you can choose any mode for any pad on either device - note kits in a single multisample are possible but they're subject to whatever the polyphony limits are (EDIT: 16 voices per pad)
Hi there I have searched the web for much of the day but can't seem to find an answer, by rights can i use a minibrute 2s to sequence different samples in the bitbox? Could I use a keystep to trigger different drum sounds on the bitbox ? What are the sequencing options besides forking out for a eurorack sequencing module (like eloquencer or Nerdseq etc) any advice would be much appreciated and thanks!
Thanks for the awesome video, but how in the world do I multi-sample via CV with the Bitbox Mk2? You covered doing MIDI multi-sample with the Micro but not CV/Gate with the Mk2, and I can not seem to find instructions anywhere. (Maybe its not possible and went over my head). Thanks again
Could everyone please share a procedure to perform multisampling of a vst in ableton live with the Bitbox Micro? I’m really having a hard time with this, ableton does not receive midi notes from the Micro. Thanks!
When I set up a multisampled polyphonic pad, and attempt to CV control pitch, if the tail of the note lasts past the start of the next note, that note also gets shifted when the pitch changes, resulting in jarring portamento. Anyone know how to/if you can setup polyphony so the triggered note stays at the pitch set by the CV in at the time it was triggered, rather than following the CV as it changes?
is there any way to assign pads to different inputs? for ex: I have my clock on input 8 so I'd like input 7 to trigger both 7 and 8 to launch loops. Is it possible?
loopop so in theory one could use the CV and gate on keystep with a DAW to achieve the same results? I do believe, I saw that this firmware will be available for the MK1 as well.. I’ll have to dig in and see if it’s possible to multi sample that way
@@danielmiller5015 I think you would need to send CV & Gate out of Bitbox into a sound source, like semi-modular synth or a rack of modules that form a voice, and the audio from that back into the audio in of the bitbox. Or CV/Gate out from bitbox into a CV-to-MIDI converter if you want to get a multisample of a MIDI-controlled instrument. But unless the bitbox can send an extra CV out for velocity at the same time, you'd have a hard time capturing the full expressivity with the auto-sampling feature.
Hey! In the video you have a loop in the micro set to sync with Pamela. Was wondering if you (or anyone here lol) could share how that pad was set up? I have my pad input set to clock and is set as a clip but won't loop right. Thanks!
Hi! Saw your question on Patreon but that disappeared for some reason? Anyway, it has been a while since I made this so I don't remember the exact clock division but my guess is that might be what's throwing this off. Otherwise please email 1010music - they must get these types of questions asked a lot, I'm sure they'll have a more precise answer...
Is it possible to download the samples including the slice/que points? And vice versa does the Bitbox read que points set in Reaper as with the Morphagene?
@@loopop Dove into the manual, page 38; "The slice markers that are inserted into the file. Some other software calls these Cue Points. Stored in the WAV cue points." Cool.
Thanks for your time and great review! My burning question is, I was going to purchase 1010 Blackbox due to the weak Mk1 bitbox for euro specs... So is bitbox mkii close to the same as blackbox in as far as memory/specs? Thanks in advance and keep up the awesomeness!
Thanks! I don't know - hopefully 1010music will review the comment section and address. Their site states 16 voice polyphony for Blackbox and 24 for MK2, I don't know if that's just an adjusted measurement or an actual hardware difference.
The bitbox mk2 and bitbox micro have a slightly better processor than the blackbox. The RAM is the same. As far as the polyphony count, you can expect similar results.
I am very interested in the long form sample record and playback (not tempo synced) of the Micro. Is it possible to record direct to microSD or do sample files need to be loaded onto the microSD card from another device?
Thanks for the very informative video! I wanted to know if its possible to trigger samples by choosing which MIDI note is triggered. For example, pressing C2 would trigger the 1st sample and pressing D2 would trigger another one? Do you have to use separate MIDI channels or notes can also be used? Thank you very much! :)
Funny how modern samplers all appear substantially more fiddly than all the Akai and E-mu samplers I/we used during the 80s and 90s... ~ The touchscreens are a welcome addition, but half a dozen function buttons would make the interface much more tactile. - just my opinion. ~ Still, solid review, thanks...
Thanks! Cross fading works very well and helps smoothen out loop points if you turn looping on - the "con" was that it hurts polyphony, so you should use it only if it's a must or you don't need polyphony
Hey man, very nice job, of presenting these gadgets. Quite versatile, .. which seems to be more the trend, than ever before, in the overall modular world, eh? Many features on this, that I would not imagined possible, .. and probably wasn't, until recently .. at least in this price range.
And too, .. the multi-sampling power of the Micro, using a synth instrument, the automatic sourcing to the outside synth .. IF I'm understanding this right (and am about to experiment with, on my new Micro) .. another clever thing.
Dan Pearson we have changed how polyphony is managed. There is no longer a per pad limit. It is now a module wide limit. So if you only have one pad you could have 24 note polyphony for that one pad. If you have multiple pads you can spread out that polyphony how you want.
On a serious note how long does it take you to get to know how to use these items before you can make these videos that make? Because it looks like you invented them. Lol. Thank’s again for taking all who are lucky enough to see your content through these new to/pre market goodies. Stay safe
Thanks very much! It takes about the time between video releases with a day or two off in between to chill and answer comments... I didn't invent them of course but I do find myself trying to "reverse engineer" them so I can really figure out how they work and explain it
Hey! Sthe mk2 is just an updated firmware of the bitbox 1010 that I bought 6 months ago? If so, how EXACTLY, can I update my bitbox (and all other modules) at that, when it comes to firrmware. thank you!
Thank you for this review loopop! Thank you 1010 music, the new updates are fantastic. I do have a question about the 'MIDI OUT' on micro - can someone say more about this? I am not clear how the standard size unit is limited by not having MIDI OUT.
@@loopop Just watched again. I'm not understanding how MIDI-OUT facilitates multi-velocity sampling of multi-samples. Wouldn't the velocity be a MIDI-IN parameter (sent from keystep into the module), that could be encoded in a multi-sample on the standard bitbox (and thus allow multi-velocity multi-sampling)? And in your demo, you run the MIDI-OUT into your computer; don't you have USB interface that brings MIDI data into your computer? These are where I'm not getting it. This is @ 23:31 for anyone curious what I'm asking about. Thank you!
@@scottkinder4888 In order to record a multisample, the bitbox micro or bitbox mk2 tells the keyboard you are trying to sample what note to play. It does this via MIDI (micro) and/or CV (micro and bitbox mk2). So, the need is for a MIDI output--not an input--for the recording process.
Seems like the main difference between micro and mk2 - aside from interface - is that mk2 has far more inputs, many gates plus dedicated audio and clock, while the micro has extra audio outputs and a midi output.
Just joined the Patreon after watching this video. Considering a sampler and looking at Bitbox's offerings and Squid Salmple and possible alternatives.
I wonder if 1010 is going to do anything to encourage current Bitbox owners to upgrade. Also, I'm pretty disappointed with where they left off with Toolbox. It feels like the latest firmware is incomplete.
We just released a beta with a major update to the MK1 (version 2.9.9) that brings in some of the new features, like granular. Our next big challenge is to get the new units in stock. We don't have any promotions planned for now.
Just preordered a micro! I’m new to samplers but this video makes it look pretty comprehensive. Guess I’ll have to disconnect my mutant brain and actually learn how to use midi now
You get a lot of well-deserved praise for your reviews, but I often just come here to listen to your music. The outro is beautiful!
"Check out Julia Gjersten's music here: ► modernarecords.com/julia-gjertsen ► Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/6dEpJ... (Thanks Julia for the samples!)"
Thanks very much! Much of the credit for that outro goes to the samples by Julia Gjersten - I just detuned, mixed and looped them :)
I'm not a synth player but I love your videos - they are so interesting, comprehensive and downright enjoyable
Honestly though. Even greater to hear my friend Julia's loops on my favourite eurorack learning and reviews channel. Really made my day : D
Aha! I think you're the guy I talked to on Reddit! You mentioned her piano loops in the Morphagene video, yeah?
@@richarquis No I'm afraid not. I'm never on Reddit : )
If interested her name is Julia Gjertsen. You'll find some older stuff of her's here on YT, and newer on Soundcloud and Spotify. Her label is moderna records.
This video made me think about eurorack because of how much I wanted the Bitbox micro in my setup, but I couldn't pull that big of a trigger. I just bought a Nanobox tangerine, which seems to have a lot in common with it, and can't wait to try it out! As always, even from across the years, thank you Loopop!!!
You played us out with a beautiful piece of music. Thank you
Great review as usual. As you're in 1010s forums you must know I have been begging for this multi-sample with velocity support assistant feature to be added on the Blackbox. So now I can't wait for the next Blackbox firmware release :)
Amazing review, made me buy it. The only thing I figured its lacking banks, seems hard to switch in between presets in a live setting
Wow. I wonder if there's been any further development to improve that time-stretch feature when slowing it down. That example shown @17:45 makes it completely useless in my mind.
Yeah I agree. That’s not good at all. They need to fix that. I’d probably buy it if they do.
The closing music is sublime
Just bought Micro off Ebay... not arrived yet but I can't wait to get it in my rack. It will, hopefully, enable me play much longer modular sets as well as getting creative with phased loops. Thanks for a fab lesson!
Thanks for this review. At first i was thinking those of us with an original BitBox were being left behind, but soon found out there's a beta of the 3.0 firmware with these great new features. So happy - this is a great update!
And today my life changed forever, I’m just getting into understanding euro rack possibilities and this does a bunch of stuff I was trying to do but was frustratingly difficult because I was pushing my equipment to its limits. This seems to do it all and it’s meant to. Wow
I need to unfollow this channel. It's getting expensive now and I've run out of HP.
Lol
Just cut some grass and pick up some hearts.
same with Divkid he must have a million bucks in modular gear but probably gets a lot free demos.
You're now officially a loop op(erator) with these two beauties.
The MK2 needs a individual output breakout module.
please 1010 music listen this guy
Wow, what a great video. SUPER helpful and informative for someone trying to pick one or the other and what each does. Thanks very much!
just filled up my first rack with this today. and kinks. great stuff, like taking a class, i come back often for refreshers.
Option to place upside down seems like a good thing for using the touch screen on vertical euroracks like yours.
So my next set up is the micro and polyend Perc to sample with a lot of velocity layers
That is the simplest multi layer sample system I have seen
No painstaking file labels This is huge at least for me
Man, you know how to make a review. Insane one
Would love to see you compare Bitbox with Squid Salmple and Rossum Assimil8r!
Excellent comparison
Wicked walkthrough. Ended up getting the BitboxMK2. Thanks for the info!
Awesome review Ziv! I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a Bitbox micro..
Thanks! Yes, it's an amazingly capable little module
Great review! How would you compare the Erica Synths Sample Drum to the Micro? Aside from more in/out, stereo processing and time stretch from the latter
Hey, obviously I'm not Loopop, but... I've been trying to figure out which sample module to buy, and I kinda came down to the Erica DS and the BB Mk2. I currently own nothing by either, so I'm speaking purely from an interested party perspective, not an experienced user. I'm definitely going for the BB2 though, no question...
Longer sample time (unlimited, as opposed to 5 minutes, but hey, Erica, 5 minutes is still pretty fucking awesome)
4 tracks rather than 2
More modulation
As an Ableton user, it saves presets as .als files, so that's really handy
A fucking touchscreen, with pretty damned minimal menu diving, and what there is is pretty simple, as easy as a cellphone
As for audio manipulation and so on, well... Just like the Erica SD, BB2 depends heavily on the other modules you connect to.
I'm about to throw down on the BB2, having looked into the Erica SD. The choice is obvious for me. Other users may disagree, and that's cool, but for me, BB2 looks so far ahead.
@@richarquis good call, tried them both and SD is a pain to navigate
@@inf0tr8r Since my original comment, I've owned the bitbox2 about 8-9 months now. It's ridiculously easy to navigate. I've not yet used anywhere near all the functions, but anytime I try something new, it's a simple process. Definitely one to consider among the lot.
Thanks for this! Looks like they've made some intriguing improvements to bitbox. Is the loop quantization decent at keeping transients on beat with the MIDI clock, a la Ableton's sample warping? It's cool that they've added some more options for slice ordering, too. Gotta make the hard choice about which size to go for though...
I didn't try midi clock, only analog clock from pam's which seems to work fine
Fantastic Video and comparison. I somewhat feel after this I need both! LOL
You are right.
Fantastic video! Super excited for the micro. Will be purchasing for sure. Did you say the sampleslicer was mono only? Did I mishear that?
Thanks! No, I don't think it's mono - I certainly didn't say it though
@@loopop great thanks
Slicer mode is duo-phonic
I am trying to decide whether to keep the bitbox or get the micro or get sth. else and this was really helpful.
Great review but I would have loved to hear more from the granular mode. Kind of blew past that. :)
Is it possible to record CV and play it back using time stretch to follow clock changes ? This would make the bitbox a nice CV sequencer. If so, how many simultaneous CV output channels could the two models support ?
Love this! I just read that the I/O is DC coupled = omg!!! it can be used as a CV sampler! just wanted add to the greatness of this glorious display of the bitbox fam
@The real deal Hi the real deal.
In eurorack we deal with voltage signal that are not always ment for speakers to playback. These are called CV(control voltage) trigs or gates, the CV signals are often used to carry modulation - envelopes lfos ect.
So if it can be used as a CV sampler (record and playback)pinchdoublewithassignable
It might not play back precisely - i haven’t tested it and it may not be calibrated to output exactly what comes in
Random question, but if the Rackbrute Power module is rated at 800ma… how are you able to power those modules? The Bitbox micro needs 400, the mk2 needs 350, and Pam’s needs 50. That’s 800 right there!
I’m asking because I am worried about my module choices with a total of 750ma? Any info would be appreciated! 🙏
I certainly don’t want to guarantee anything but I think the numbers are higher if I remember correctly
@@loopop hey! Thanks for the reply! I just looked into it a bit more! And you are totally right! It’s 1600ma. The power is divided between two separate circuits/rails (800ma each) The Sweetwater website only mentioned 800ma! Should have done more research!
Anyways, thanks again!! 🙏
I bought Rample and Sample drum. Shoul've bought this. The multisample feature blows my mind! Props for them for implementing that function! :o
About to watch tho was TRYING to find a Blackbox Studio vs Bitbox shootout. LOVING MY blackbox Studio especially with the new LFO and orher Firmware 1.9 additions
How much of the interface could be navigated by midi? The question is mostly around the idea of using a midi controller to select the pad, and then arm and enter loop record mode. If it were possible to record without having to touch the screen at all, that could be great for my way of performing live.
Once again, Loopop, you have helped me make my choice. Bitbox Mk2 it is for me... I first saw your review of the Blackbox, but now that I've started a rack, Bitbox 2 is the obvious choice. It will give me an unlimited set of drum sounds, which are otherwise pretty damned expensive in modular, plus take care of sampling, which is awesome, since I have a recording of a Korean friend losing her temper when our other friend tied her shoelaces around the legs of a barstool. She didn't get hurt or anything, but by god, she howled like a banshee. I had my audio recorder and a mic on me, and caught the whole thing. I promised her I'd make a song with it. Bitbox 2 looks like the perfect tool with Marbles running the clocking on the splices. You should hit 1010 up for a commission on the sale when I push the button this week. Thanks as always for your reviews!
how long can the samples be on the micro?
Can you point out where the time-stretching algorithm is?
Thanks in advance.
Could you set loops on a huge sample being played back?
I’m thinking of using it like a mini dj rig, allowing me to play back a song, loop transition, and fade in the next track.
Will it allow continuous playback while changing presets?
The original bitbox could not continue playback of a sample while switching presets. That would be a very useful feature, but may be tricky to implement. Less important when you've got multiple sound sources to alternate focus between
You said that bit box playback can play multi and velocity samples
So can I record on the micro then use in the
bit box
Or in my case black box
Yes, it should work on MK2 but I've not tried it. BTW I don't know if Blackbox supports multi-velocity multi-samples in the current firmware, but indeed one would hope that would be added in the future if not currently supported.
loopop I just looked black box will play multi but not velocity
Thanks for the quick reply
The micro looks like a huge time saver
And a great way to get samples for the expert sleepers disting ex
John Krummrich Aaron conformed you can play back velocity layers on mk2 with MIDI. We plan to add that to blackbox in the future.
This looks like a winner!
What is the RTL?
Samplerate?
Would have been nice with velocity-gate triggered inputs!
DC coupled in and out now i hope? Would have been nice to hear how good audiorate modulation sounded like...aliasing much?
Midi CC# or pitchbend for all parameters to control the unit via external sequencer, control surface like Lemur (if not already in there)
Multisample thing looks really great! Please add roundrobin support for the "auto sampler" and playback.
What a bout a tempolocked built in LFO or 2 with different waveforms, S&H, trigger reset, one-shot...etc. To add to the modulation sources! I would suggest a triangle wave that is morphable from ramp-tri-saw and with one-shot mode and exp-lin-log slider and one-shot or looping mode....and a hold mode that keeps the wave at the highpoint and goes to the release part when gate is low.
I was wondering if you can have all cells looping and then swap out loops on the fly without it interupting playback?
IE. Being able to switch the cells out with different tracks to be used in live mixing.
This is awesome. Would have loved polyphony on granular but you can't have it all
Great review and I like larger screen on the regular bitbox
Dear @loopop thank you for this review. Just ordered the mikro .. out of curiosity.. how much polyphoni does it have in the multisample mode?
Ohh you Said it in the video.. 24 poly.. 😂
like the new video segments on the slider bar
i own a squid salmpler but looking to replace it. im thinking of the micro since despite the cool feats and sound of the squid is tedious to remember all sorts of button combos to do something. On squid there are trigger ins to trigger a loaded sound and i do this from my beatstep pro. to do the same on micro i guess i have to turn all inputs on gate mode?
Anyone know why I can’t see the pad mode window or change it to multi sample mode? There is no other box between Rec and the pad matrix.
Can these devices accept CV to modulate the attack and decay of samples/segments ala the Erica Sample Drum?
Sound quality of these is pretty nice!
When you connected the computer audio into the micro did you use a preamp to go into modular audio level or the micro accepts line level input? Also if I want to connect it into my mixer (not eurorack) do I need an attenuator?
I am thinking this to be my first module so I don't have any utility modules at the moment. Thanks!
No preamp, and if you lower levels and gradually bring them up you won’t need an attenuators but better to have one just in case
My brain melts ...trying to understand this...and why I persist trying to be a songwriter in the 21st century.
You can do it!
How can you tell the difference between the MK1 and MK2? Hard to buy it used, especially when its not powered on.
If i understand correctly both devices can use several modes per pad at the same time? For example stems on pad 1 and 2, multisampledrumkits of 1 sample per key on pad 3 and 4, quantised loops on pad 6 and 7, granular on pad 8 etc If it does this it will end up in my rack for shure
Yes, you can choose any mode for any pad on either device - note kits in a single multisample are possible but they're subject to whatever the polyphony limits are (EDIT: 16 voices per pad)
Sample mode as well as multisamples can do up to 16 note polyphony per pad.
Hi there I have searched the web for much of the day but can't seem to find an answer, by rights can i use a minibrute 2s to sequence different samples in the bitbox? Could I use a keystep to trigger different drum sounds on the bitbox ? What are the sequencing options besides forking out for a eurorack sequencing module (like eloquencer or Nerdseq etc) any advice would be much appreciated and thanks!
Great ! Can't find the track mode on my new MK2 ?
Thanks for the awesome video, but how in the world do I multi-sample via CV with the Bitbox Mk2? You covered doing MIDI multi-sample with the Micro but not CV/Gate with the Mk2, and I can not seem to find instructions anywhere. (Maybe its not possible and went over my head). Thanks again
ARe you going to do a review on the squarp Rample 4 voice sampler for eurorack? I just got one and have only seen 2 videos on it. Thanks again.
Could everyone please share a procedure to perform multisampling of a vst in ableton live with the Bitbox Micro? I’m really having a hard time with this, ableton does not receive midi notes from the Micro. Thanks!
How long can the samples be per pad on the Bitbox MK2?
Is there any option for timestretch? Especially for loops its quite usefull
does the bitbox micro require VCA's on the outputs for external modular processing? say, running one of the pad outputs through mimeophon?
no
When I set up a multisampled polyphonic pad, and attempt to CV control pitch, if the tail of the note lasts past the start of the next note, that note also gets shifted when the pitch changes, resulting in jarring portamento. Anyone know how to/if you can setup polyphony so the triggered note stays at the pitch set by the CV in at the time it was triggered, rather than following the CV as it changes?
is there any way to assign pads to different inputs? for ex: I have my clock on input 8 so I'd like input 7 to trigger both 7 and 8 to launch loops. Is it possible?
Is it possible to modulate panning with MIDI or CV?
Does panning work with mono samples?
hey, it is possible to controle a starting point, (loop, or play sample) with cv information ?
Is the multi sampling the same on the mark 2 version without the midi out?
For playback yes; sampling on MK2 is currently only CV and gate - there's no MIDI out on it
loopop so in theory one could use the CV and gate on keystep with a DAW to achieve the same results? I do believe, I saw that this firmware will be available for the MK1 as well.. I’ll have to dig in and see if it’s possible to multi sample that way
@@danielmiller5015 I think you would need to send CV & Gate out of Bitbox into a sound source, like semi-modular synth or a rack of modules that form a voice, and the audio from that back into the audio in of the bitbox. Or CV/Gate out from bitbox into a CV-to-MIDI converter if you want to get a multisample of a MIDI-controlled instrument. But unless the bitbox can send an extra CV out for velocity at the same time, you'd have a hard time capturing the full expressivity with the auto-sampling feature.
Hey! In the video you have a loop in the micro set to sync with Pamela. Was wondering if you (or anyone here lol) could share how that pad was set up? I have my pad input set to clock and is set as a clip but won't loop right. Thanks!
Hi! Saw your question on Patreon but that disappeared for some reason? Anyway, it has been a while since I made this so I don't remember the exact clock division but my guess is that might be what's throwing this off. Otherwise please email 1010music - they must get these types of questions asked a lot, I'm sure they'll have a more precise answer...
@@loopop Ah ok, will do! Thanks for responding!
Is it possible to download the samples including the slice/que points? And vice versa does the Bitbox read que points set in Reaper as with the Morphagene?
I've not tried it, perhaps email the company and ask, and if you find out, let us know back here.
@@loopop Dove into the manual, page 38; "The slice markers that are inserted into the file. Some other software calls these Cue Points. Stored in the WAV cue points." Cool.
Thanks for your time and great review! My burning question is, I was going to purchase 1010 Blackbox due to the weak Mk1 bitbox for euro specs... So is bitbox mkii close to the same as blackbox in as far as memory/specs? Thanks in advance and keep up the awesomeness!
Thanks! I don't know - hopefully 1010music will review the comment section and address. Their site states 16 voice polyphony for Blackbox and 24 for MK2, I don't know if that's just an adjusted measurement or an actual hardware difference.
The bitbox mk2 and bitbox micro have a slightly better processor than the blackbox. The RAM is the same. As far as the polyphony count, you can expect similar results.
I am very interested in the long form sample record and playback (not tempo synced) of the Micro. Is it possible to record direct to microSD or do sample files need to be loaded onto the microSD card from another device?
Yes it’s possible to sample directly to the sd card
Thanks for the very informative video! I wanted to know if its possible to trigger samples by choosing which MIDI note is triggered. For example, pressing C2 would trigger the 1st sample and pressing D2 would trigger another one? Do you have to use separate MIDI channels or notes can also be used? Thank you very much! :)
How'd you know I was going to ask about phased looping?
Funny how modern samplers all appear substantially more fiddly than all the Akai and E-mu samplers I/we used during the 80s and 90s...
~ The touchscreens are a welcome addition, but half a dozen function buttons would make the interface much more tactile. - just my opinion.
~ Still, solid review, thanks...
Great video as ever. You mention cross fading of the samples in the pros and cons section. Did I miss an explanation of this earlier in the video?
Thanks! Cross fading works very well and helps smoothen out loop points if you turn looping on - the "con" was that it hurts polyphony, so you should use it only if it's a must or you don't need polyphony
@@loopop So where are you turning on crossfading? Apologies if I'm missing something.
Wow you get everything. Sick one mate. Can you get a SYNTRX?
Thanks, not everything but I try to look at what’s interesting, and SYNTRX is certainly interesting
@@loopop everything, I mean everything i like. Cheers!
Amazing. Can you sample velocity with the Bitbox Mk2? Seems that it doesn't have the midi out... :/
That's right. If you want to sample with multiple velocity layers you will want the MIDI output, only available on the micro.
Hey man, very nice job, of presenting these gadgets. Quite versatile, .. which seems to be more the trend, than ever before, in the overall modular world, eh? Many features on this, that I would not imagined possible, .. and probably wasn't, until recently .. at least in this price range.
And too, .. the multi-sampling power of the Micro, using a synth instrument, the automatic sourcing to the outside synth .. IF I'm understanding this right (and am about to experiment with, on my new Micro) .. another clever thing.
What’s the polyphony on a multisample patch?
24 voices
@dan are you sure? I know total polyphony is 24 but I think I saw 4 per pad somewhere. I may be wrong
@@loopop right, I'm interested in per pad and I know it was 4 on the original version
Dan Pearson we have changed how polyphony is managed. There is no longer a per pad limit. It is now a module wide limit. So if you only have one pad you could have 24 note polyphony for that one pad. If you have multiple pads you can spread out that polyphony how you want.
I just got more clarification that slicers are still two note polyphony per pad and granular pads are monophonic.
On a serious note how long does it take you to get to know how to use these items before you can make these videos that make? Because it looks like you invented them. Lol. Thank’s again for taking all who are lucky enough to see your content through these new to/pre market goodies. Stay safe
Thanks very much! It takes about the time between video releases with a day or two off in between to chill and answer comments... I didn't invent them of course but I do find myself trying to "reverse engineer" them so I can really figure out how they work and explain it
So to have clock on the Micro Bitbox only if i use it with the beat step pro then? No other way right?
Bitbox micro has the option to use one of the analog inputs for clock, making it compatible with most eurorack options.
Hey! Sthe mk2 is just an updated firmware of the bitbox 1010 that I bought 6 months ago? If so, how EXACTLY, can I update my bitbox (and all other modules) at that, when it comes to firrmware. thank you!
Also I'd love an in-depth how to on the akai mpc live 2, like you have done with the mpc one. just suggstions, thank you!
Thank you for this review loopop!
Thank you 1010 music, the new updates are fantastic.
I do have a question about the 'MIDI OUT' on micro - can someone say more about this? I am not clear how the standard size unit is limited by not having MIDI OUT.
Thanks! I mention it in the video. Not having MIDI out means (Currently) no clock out over MIDI and no multisampling via MIDI
@@loopop Just watched again. I'm not understanding how MIDI-OUT facilitates multi-velocity sampling of multi-samples. Wouldn't the velocity be a MIDI-IN parameter (sent from keystep into the module), that could be encoded in a multi-sample on the standard bitbox (and thus allow multi-velocity multi-sampling)? And in your demo, you run the MIDI-OUT into your computer; don't you have USB interface that brings MIDI data into your computer? These are where I'm not getting it. This is @ 23:31 for anyone curious what I'm asking about. Thank you!
@@scottkinder4888 In order to record a multisample, the bitbox micro or bitbox mk2 tells the keyboard you are trying to sample what note to play. It does this via MIDI (micro) and/or CV (micro and bitbox mk2). So, the need is for a MIDI output--not an input--for the recording process.
could you record a 1v/o sequence or other cv into the audio channels?
please ask the company to make sure what you need would work
Seems like the main difference between micro and mk2 - aside from interface - is that mk2 has far more inputs, many gates plus dedicated audio and clock, while the micro has extra audio outputs and a midi output.
Oh wait, 8 pads vs 16!!!
Hi there! Why the power module is upside down?
The power cable got in the way of the shot
Just joined the Patreon after watching this video. Considering a sampler and looking at Bitbox's offerings and Squid Salmple and possible alternatives.
Welcome aboard - thanks very much for joining! Both are great, it depends on the interface and features you find most important.
Are the outs on Micro DC coupled?
I think so but please verify with 1010...
Yes, all inputs and outputs are DC coupled on both units
The mk1 does it have the fx also now? Greetz👍✌️🤞
The mk1 lacks the horsepower to do the FX, so unfortunately no.
Inspiring stuff, thanks for another great review. Any idea about latency when using triggers or midi?
Thanks! I didn't compare them - perhaps someone else can comment
Both modules have about 5ms of latency. While this is not zero, we have found it to be good enough for nearly all applications.
Well there goes that $400 If Woody had gone straight to the bank none of this would ever have happened. Thanks for all the awesome videos
About multisampling- I guess Ziv got his DAW output up to modular level somehow?
I didn’t - either recorded at regular line levels or perhaps increase gain on the input. Line levels are still audio just lower
@@loopop just saved me buying a pico input til I try it! Thank you!
Are these released yet? Now i need to upgrade from the Mk1.
I’m told they’re in production so my guess is soon
They'll be released in June
A bit off topic, but how are you finding the keystep pro?
I think it's great - feature rich and easy to use which is a good combo. Obviously not perfect but hopefully with firmware updates...
Nice! But, You cannot set BPM?
Not currently - you have to clock it with an external clock.
@@loopop Ok thanks :) it would be nice if they add it in a next update
Excellent, thanks
0:40 - very hard to hear what ur saying
I wonder if 1010 is going to do anything to encourage current Bitbox owners to upgrade. Also, I'm pretty disappointed with where they left off with Toolbox. It feels like the latest firmware is incomplete.
We just released a beta with a major update to the MK1 (version 2.9.9) that brings in some of the new features, like granular. Our next big challenge is to get the new units in stock. We don't have any promotions planned for now.
Just preordered a micro! I’m new to samplers but this video makes it look pretty comprehensive. Guess I’ll have to disconnect my mutant brain and actually learn how to use midi now