Koala Sampler

Koala is so good for me because of two factors, being fun and being simple. I was hesitant and first to buy this app because over the years I have collected a large amount of computer software, instruments, and hardware samplers to make beats with. So for me I was like “why would I need this? I already have everything!” But my favorite beat maker posted a video using it so I gave it a try and wow. I loved it. koala was designed to be intuitive and easy to use but still very powerful. In a age of complicated, extremely powerful beat making computer programs and Phone apps. A lot of my time is spent just tweaking on small details to make my song “perfect” which takes away from the natural fun flow of making music. Koala gives that back to me. Is it worth the few $$$? Yes. I have music hardware that costs $1200 dollars and this app is more fun and easy to use. I love it!

Keeps me from having to carry around a 404, but allows me to work the same way (with even more flexibility). My biggest gripe is that a recent update replaced the highly functional “clear note” button with an absolutely useless “clear” button that deletes an entire sequence. Clearing sequences can be done by dragging and dropping them into the trash icon... why add a button for it? And one that replaces a frequently used function like “clear note” no less? Sequencer could benefit from a more targeted delete method, the way it did prior to the last update, that’s all I’m saying. The physical 303, 404, and MPC samplers all have note delete functions— it’s a standard!

I ❤️ Koala Sampler’s layout, features, and ease of use. My request is for landscape mode be made available for iPad. I use a Focusrite iPad dock and portrait mode isn’t practical in terms of workflow going from App to app. The second request is to be able to easily transfer songs & sample set-ups from iPhone to iPad. Maybe via iCloud? That way the iPhone can be used as a Field Sampler, & the iPad can be used, with it’s more ergonomically friendly size, for further song & soundscape production. Seriously, Landscape mode would make this incredible work-flow wise if it were an option. Thank you

I have only used it for about an hour but it’s very easy to get started and has a lot of power for an affordable app. I was looking for something like the old days. I could play a sound into the Emulator II where I worked and have a beat looped in seconds. I have a full on software sampler but you have to record in one program and drag files to it, assign a key range etc. which is precise but not creative. It records from the iPad mic but I was able to use a Rocksmith guitar cable into a Camera kit adapter to record line level samples with ease. I am sure it could be more than what it is, but then it wouldn’t be what it is!

I love this app. It’s like a nod to the SP-303 and PO-33 and I’m a big fan of both. It almost checks off all my wishes I had for a portable sampler. The workflow is smooth making it easy to use and bang out ideas quickly. I picked up an iRig 2 that works perfectly for sampling from any line out and it takes this app to the next level. It even has a 3.5 mm headphone jack that allows you to monitor your sample source and the Koala app while it’s plugged in. I feel like I underpaid for this app and I would gladly pay for extra features like a one shot option for samples, sample load and a simple step sequencer, but that doesn’t take away from how dope this app already is. I’d also like to see the ability to load tracks into the performance section to be able to do 303 style beat sets. Looking forward to future updates to this slick app. Edit: I’d like to see an update that allows copying a pattern or sample between one page/bank to the next. Edit 2: I figured out how to move patterns from page to page. Sorry.