The Sonicware SmplTrek is an ambitious portable sampling groovebox that combines sampling, sequencing, and recording capabilities into a single compact device. Designed as a hybrid between a digital portastudio and a beat-making groovebox, it offers a workflow reminiscent of Ableton Live Lite or Roland Zenbeats, featuring tracks arranged vertically and scenes horizontally.
Design and Build Quality
The SmplTrek features a thick but compact black plastic construction designed to be held like a portable gaming console, though it's typically used on a desk. The device includes a threaded mount on the bottom for mic stand attachment, making it suitable for live performance applications. The front panel houses 16 illuminated scene buttons and 15 velocity-sensitive track buttons that double as finger-drumming pads with RGB LEDs. The control interface centers around a small 1.5-inch OLED display (approximately Apple Watch-sized) surrounded by five control knobs and a directional pad with button controls.
Connectivity and I/O
The SmplTrek offers comprehensive connectivity options including:
- Dual quarter-inch line inputs with switchable impedance (guitar/mic capable)
- Stereo quarter-inch line outputs
- Full-size 5-pin DIN MIDI in/out ports
- Micro USB port for data transfer and USB audio/MIDI interface functionality
- 3.5mm headphone output
- 3.5mm analog sync in/out
- SD card slot for storage
- Built-in omnidirectional microphone and 1.5W mono speaker
Track Types and Functionality
The SmplTrek supports five distinct track types:
- Audio Loop Tracks: For continuous looping samples
- One-Shot Tracks: For single-hit samples like cymbals and percussion
- Sample-Based Instrument Tracks: Piano roll sequencing for melodic content
- Drum Kit Tracks: Step sequencing for rhythm programming
- MIDI Tracks: External hardware control via MIDI
The device provides 10 main sequencer tracks plus 3 additional "Global" audio tracks that function as a traditional multitrack recorder, allowing for full vocal performances and live instrument recording alongside programmed content.
Sampling and Recording Capabilities
The SmplTrek operates at 48kHz/16-bit resolution with extensive sampling capabilities. Users can sample from multiple sources including the built-in microphone, external inputs, USB audio, or internal track outputs. The device includes sample editing features such as manual and automatic slicing, time-stretching (melodic and rhythmic), pitch adjustment, normalization, and trimming functions. However, it lacks real-time beat detection and automatic tempo matching, requiring manual BPM adjustment for proper sync.
Sequencing and Arrangement
The sequencer supports up to 128 bars per scene across 16 scenes per project. It offers both real-time and step recording methods with comprehensive editing capabilities including velocity, pitch, panning, and automation lane programming. The piano roll editor supports up to 8-note polyphony for instrument and MIDI tracks, while drum tracks provide detailed parameter control for each pad including choke groups for realistic hi-hat behavior.
Live Performance Features
The SmplTrek excels as a live looping device, allowing direct recording into clips and scene-based performance launching. The 15 velocity-sensitive pads, while compact, provide expressive playing capabilities and easy access to all drum sounds within natural finger reach. Scene launching enables smooth transitions between different song sections, though clip launching is restricted to the currently selected scene.
Effects and Processing
The device includes 36 effect types divided into insert, send, and master effect categories. However, it's limited to one effect of each type simultaneously. The mixing section provides 8-channel metering display, basic EQ/filtering, level and panning controls, and effect send capabilities for all 13 available tracks (10 sequencer + 3 Global tracks) plus USB and external audio sources.
Power and Portability
True to Sonicware's portable philosophy, the SmplTrek can operate on six AA batteries (approximately 4 hours with alkaline batteries) or via the included DC adapter. The compact dimensions (5.8" × 7.8" × 1.8") and lightweight design (1 lb 3.5 oz) make it highly portable for mobile music creation.
Software Integration
The device functions as a 2×2 USB audio/MIDI interface, enabling integration with computers and mobile devices. It requires an SD card for all storage operations (no internal memory) and supports SDHC cards up to 32GB. The unit ships with a 32GB card containing over 1,000 samples from Black Octopus.
Technical Specifications
Audio Performance
- Maximum Polyphony: 35 voices total
- LOOP/SHOT/DRUM/INST tracks: 30 voices
- GLOBAL audio tracks: 3 voices (3 mono tracks)
- USB audio track: 1 voice
- External source: 1 voice
- DRUM and INST track limit: 8 voices per track maximum
- MIDI track output: Up to 8 notes per track
Sampling & Recording
- Resolution: 48kHz/16-bit linear PCM
- Maximum sample time: ~180 minutes stereo per sample (2GB limit)
- Data format: WAV
- Storage capacity: Dependent on SD card size
- Features: Resampling, auto-slicing, time-stretching, pitch adjustment
- SD card support: SDHC up to 32GB (SDXC not supported)
Sequencer Specifications
- Scenes per project: 16
- Tracks per scene: 10 sequencer + 3 audio tracks
- Maximum bars per scene: 128
- Note resolution: 1/1 to 1/32
- Track allocation limits:
- Loop tracks: Max 10 per project
- Shot tracks: Max 10 per project
- Drum tracks: Max 4 per project
- Instrument tracks: Max 4 per project
- MIDI tracks: Max 4 per project
- Recording modes: Real-time and step recording
- Additional features: Copy functions, transpose, metronome, pre-count
Effects System
- Total effects: 36 types
- Categories: Insert, Send, Master effects
- Limitation: One effect per category simultaneously
Physical Interface
- Pads: 15 velocity-sensitive with RGB LEDs
- Controls: 5 control knobs, directional pad with 2 buttons
- Scene buttons: 16 illuminated
- Display: 1.5-inch OLED
Audio I/O
- Built-in microphone: Mono omnidirectional (94dB SPL)
- Built-in speaker: 1.5W mono (4Ω)
- Input L/Guitar: Switchable impedance (10kΩ/1MΩ)
- LINE gain PAD: -20dB
- Hi-Z gain: LOW 0dB, NORMAL +10dB, HI +20dB
- Input R/Dynamic Mic:
- LINE gain PAD: -20dB
- MIC gain: LOW 0dB, NORMAL +28.8dB, HI +50dB
- Line outputs: Stereo, max +6.5dBV
- All main I/O: Balanced 1/4" TRS connectors
- Headphone output: 3.5mm stereo mini jack
Digital Connectivity
- USB port: Micro USB Type-B
- USB Audio: USB 2.0 Full Speed, 48kHz/16-bit, 2-channel I/O
- USB MIDI: Mass Storage Class, USB 2.0 High Speed
- MIDI I/O: 5-pin DIN connectors (IN/OUT)
- Sync I/O: 3.5mm mono mini jacks (IN/OUT)
- Mobile compatibility: Requires Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter for iPhone
- Storage: SD card slot
Power Requirements
- DC adapter: 12V/500mA (center positive, 2.5mm inner/5.5mm outer diameter)
- Battery operation: 6× AA batteries (NiMH rechargeable or alkaline)
- Battery life: ~4 hours with alkaline batteries
- Note: Batteries sold separately
Physical Dimensions
- Width: 147mm (5.8 inches)
- Depth: 175mm (7.8 inches)
- Height: 46mm (1.8 inches)
- Weight: 550g (1 lb 3.5 oz)
- Mounting: 1/4-20UNC threaded hole on bottom
Factory Included Accessories
- 32GB SDHC card with 1,000+ Black Octopus samples
- AC adapter
- Warranty documentation
- Note: USB cable and other connection cables sold separately
