Live performance requires practice. And creating a truly performance-oriented module also requires a long process of iteration and refinement. Sampleslicer MKIII, the live sampling-looping-slicing labor, by Jan Willem (ginkosynthese), is the culmination of that process. And it just keeps getting better: today’s beta update, just announced, adds features like momentary reverse, non-repeating one-shot, and gate-triggered resets.
The story so far
But let’s back up. A module like this is an original, from-scratch effort by artists and coders. And part of the reason Sampleslicer is legendary in the modular world is that it’s that special instance of an original idea, grounded in performance. Jan Willem Hagenbeek began developing modules as an outgrowth of his performances; he’s done things like building an orchestra out of kids’ toys, controlled by an Atari computer. That’s how I first got to know Jan, through the rich experimental DIY scene in the Netherlands. And that sense of what it takes to make live performance and improvisation work is part of the DNA of every module he’s designed, including his other modules, the TTLFO, VOLTAGE RUNNER, BATTLE, and TEPHRA.
The MKIII took those ideas about what a live-sampling, live-looping, live-slicing module could be and developed them into a more flexible, fully fleshed-out instrument. Ginkosynthese still a one-man company–Jan and his soldering iron–but thanks to crowdfunding support, he added a programmer to realize his ideas and feedback from Sampleslicer users. Rob Bothof collaborated on the firmware. (Rob is also doing lots of wonderful art projects.)
The reason Sampleslicer is legendary in the modular world is that it’s that special instance of an original idea, grounded in performance.
What Sampleslicer MKIII can do
There are a lot of modules that claim to be samplers, but really just do sample playback. And there are a lot of modules that work as sampling, but aren’t designed in a way that allows different ways of performing and improvising. Sampleslicer MKIII is a module you can play.
All new in this MKIII edition:
- Stereo audio input with live sampling (previously mono)
- Quantized sampling option to a clock pulse (via the rec sync input, or non-quantized; speed is always set to clock)
- Monitoring of playback
- Reverse samples
- Punch in to individual slices (this alone is worth the price of admission)
- Style sample character
- microSD card for loading and saving
And more features:
- 1-shot or looping playback mode
- Style modes: choose time-stretched or a truncated mode with no time stretching
- Pitch knob range, from 0 up to -/+ 5 octaves
- Clock div, with 4, /3, /2/, 1, x2, x3, x4 options
When you start playing this, then you really get the concept. Switch Style to the first mode, and you can get funky, chopped slices with no stretching. Switch off Rec Sync, and tap Sample to start sampling, or clock sampling with an external input with Rec Sync on.
Set start point and play length, and punch into individual slices. Bend the pitch. Twist the knobs. Add CV. You have constant control over slicing and looping, with any combination of your fingers and patched-in signals.
This video does a great job of showing how that elegantly-designed panel relates to manipulation of the content. Of course, you can use any stereo samples; the (nice!) crunchy lo-fi sound here is the source rather than the sampler. But those raw, blippy electronics also give you a sense of what the functions are doing.
And there are some key expansions in the firmware update released just before I wrote this up.
Today’s beta firmware update
Jan keeps improving the already rock-solid MKIII with firmware tweaks. That included improving pitch tracking and other enhancements. But today’s beta is the most interesting–for those of you who are lucky enough to have a Sampleslicer, we can get your weekend started with this. Jan’s definition of a beta is “tested” but not “onstage” in a live show–I like that.
New:
- Reverse playback is now momentary, not just a toggle, for quickly flipping samples as you play
- Additional loop mode with one-shot— set both loop mode LEDs to off, and you can play one-shots without looping individual slices
- Gate input now works as a playback reset, so that gate signal resets playback to the starting slice. (That makes loads of sense, as you can always use a VCA separately.)
Watch it in action
Modular icon and fellow Dutchie Paul Tas of Error Instruments gives the complete tour of this with the creator, and a convincing rig built around some Sampleslicer action. (Build your own system; buy three! Or more!)
Get one from Jan
Jan is selling these directly in Europe – that’s €347,10 before VAT, or €420.00 including NL VAT:
In the USA, they’re in stock at Perfect Circuit for
If you buy something from a CDM link, we may earn a commission. I swear in this case, I’ll use it to buy another skiff and some better lights for more Eurorack videos!
Ginkosynthese Sampleslicer MKIII
And if you do have an MKIII, I’d love to hear some music or live performance from you–get in touch!