Sonicware’s SmplTrek is a handheld pad sampler for self-contained production

Roland’s SP-404 portable sampler sometimes feels like it sits in a product category all of its own, but it could soon be joined there by Sonicware’s SmplTrek, a handheld sampler that's just debuted on Kickstarter.

This compact device promises one-touch sample recording; it comes with a built-in mic and inputs for dynamic mics, electric guitar/bass and line-level sources, and you can also sample from your smartphone over USB.

Sampled sounds can be auto-sliced and split across the bank of pads and timestretched and pitchshifted to match the tempo and key of your song. On the sequencing front, each of your projects can have 16 scenes, with each of these containing 10 sequencer tracks (these can handle loops, one-shots, drums, instruments and external MIDI). You also get three additional global audio tracks for recording the likes of vocals and guitar.

All parameter automation can be recorded and edited, and finished songs can be run through mastering effects and then exported to a single audio file. Hook up a USB cable to your phone or computer and you can also livestream your audio, adding your voice over the top.

SmplTrek comes with more than 500 sample-based sounds and more than 100 drum kits, and there are 30 effects, too. Samples are stored on SD card. You can currently put down a Super Early Bird pledge for SmplTrek – this costs ¥35,500 (around £222) or more. The funding target has already been reached, so backers should start receiving their units in September this year.