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The Akai MPC2000 was my first real sampler.  I used it throughout all the original Xero and Hybrid Theory demos and our first album.  After that, I started making beats directly in ProTools.

I got back into the MPC with Fort Minor.  But I ran into a little problem: I’ve been collecting samples and sounds for about 15 years now, so I have a massive library of stuff I might want to pull from, and a lot of them are in different formats.  It would take forever to import all that stuff on an MPC.  Not to mention I couldn’t travel with an MPC–it’s too bulky.  I opted to use the MPC for some stuff, and other solutions at other times.  It was complicated, and I wanted to have one sampler that could do everything.

A year or so ago, I found a solution.  MASCHINE, made by Native Instruments, is a software-based sampler.  It’s a laptop program + physical controller combo.  I can import my stuff easily, sample new stuff in it, store and organize my samples on my laptop, and make beats using the built-in sequencer.  The effects are solid, and I can add more effects from third parties (like Waves, for example).  It can open as a stand-alone program (which is how I usually use it), or open as a plug-in in ProTools.

But most importantly, it’s pretty compact, and the actual controller is awesome.  Even the big one fits in my backpack, and I can write with it almost anywhere.  It’s got the MPC pads–which feel like the MPC–but they light up when each sound is playing.  I love this feature, because without it, I’d occasionally find it hard to remember which button corresponds with which sound.  It has 16 pads x 8 banks, which leaves room for tons of sounds.

Native Instruments just released an update to the software, plus two new controller options, seen above.  I use the big one, which is great.  The smaller one and the little iPhone app versions will be available October 1st.  They didn’t ask me to write this, nor am I expecting any piece of gear for writing it.  I simply love this piece of gear.  I’m going to go download the software update now…

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I rarely post about stuff that I buy–mostly because it’s music gear that 99% of the people reading this blog wouldn’t care about even if they understood what it does (Yes, I’m talking about you, Neko).

But I just got something that I can’t stop talking about, for two reasons: 1.) because I’m appalled that I didn’t have the sense to try it out sooner, and 2.) it’s literally changing the way I listen to and find new music.

Friends have been telling me to try out SONOS for months, and I kept putting it off.  I remember Joe Hahn saying something like, “you really need to try this.  It puts your entire music library, plus all kinds of online stations and stuff in any room you want, and it’s really easy.”  Someone else knew I love Pandora, and told me, “If you use Pandora, you have to get SONOS, because they work really well together.”

The Sonos website calls the product “a wireless multi-room music system unlike any other. One that sets up instantly and expands effortlessly.”  There are basically two types of player units they offer: one that plugs into your existing stereo, and one that is independent (it has speakers).

Add a little internet connection, and each of these little guys allows you the option to listen to: iTunes library, Pandora, IHeartMusic, Sirius, Last.FM, Spotify, Napster, Rdio, a bunch of other music services, and what seems to be any radio station–terrestrial or internet–from anywhere in the world.  Flip between alternative stations in Australia and France, dance stations in the UK, and local music from the Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands; listen to your iTunes playlists; search music on Spotify.  All your playlists, favorites, stations, songs, and virtually every bit of information is available and editable when you turn it on.

If you look at the units, you’ll notice that there aren’t really any buttons.  They sell a Sonos remote…but, after a quick download from the App Store, you can use your iPhone, Android phone, iPad, or iPod Touch for FREE.  I love this part.  I can be anywhere in the house, and I don’t need to go over to the unit or my computer to change the song–I just pull out my phone.  That part is just as easy as Apple’s “remote” in a sense (which I was using before)…but “remote” only controls iTunes; Sonos allows you to access a lot more.

Each of the players run from $350-$500 new.  The app for your phone is free, as is an app for your desktop or laptop computer.  There are a few other optional devices that enhance the experience.  All of it can be found at http://sonos.com/

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