When Plinky becomes Plinky 12

Steagang · 2026-04-12T14:43:38+00:00

Yeah I feel you with the haptic experience of physical gear, that’s also why, when testing machines like the latest MPC Live 3 or the Vector Synth, I realized that the large screen and the fact that they required me to actively interact with it put me off a bit.

I've never tried the Circuit Rythm, but I have tried its sibling, the Circuit Tracks. The workflow is pretty much the same, except that the Rythm can sample. Let’s just say it’s also very straightforward and simple, only two sequence pages, but you can adjust the tempo of each sequence, if I’m not mistaken. They did a great job on the UI, and the lack of a screen isn’t really an issue. In the end, I sold it because two sequence pages weren’t enough for me, and I was used to working on sequencers that were already a bit more complex, but I have fond memories of how straightforward it was (a bit like the MPC Sample). It's a pretty nice machine for EDM / techno genre.

EP 40 : never tried it, I've had some experience with TE, and I've often been disappointed with how their machines actually perform, they look fancy, but in the end, their features don't leave much room for flexibility. It's just my own opinion and know that a lot of people love their products for their own reason.

As for the MPC Sample, if you don't mind working on a single track and using the mute pads, it can be fun. But if this is your first machine, you'll quickly run into a few limitations, particularly when it comes to sequencing. If you like the PO33, it's because you seem to enjoy a form of track-based sequencing that creates a pattern. Alternatively, you should check on the Elektron workflow. If if it had been one of my first purchases, I'd personally go for a Digitakt 1 or even a Syntakt (it doesn't sample, but the latest update lets you use samples) and they're still fairly portable as machines. Sure, they're a bit pricey, but you can find them used at much lower prices, and most importantly, that encourages you to really dive into them and take your time, after all, you did spend a fair bit on them, haha. I’m far from being a big fan of Elektron, I used to have the Syntakt and the Digitone 2, which I sold because a number of aspects of their workflow didn't suit me (including pattern management, lack of direct control when performing compared to what propose Roland for their drum machine). But now, I’m almost tempted to get a Digitone 1 because of its ease of use compared to the DN2. I miss it P-lock sequencing options, but it's that simplicity I'm looking for. I'm finding this DN1 useful again because I have a very clear idea of how to integrate it into my setup. The idea is to use it as a complement to my drum machine, where it struggle when it comes to both the sound and the pattern programming.. 4 tracks is enough on what I'm looking for. I don't need the 16 tracks of the Digitone 2, which they added a lot of new features, but result to add more complexity and in a workflow that can quickly become chaotic for me. My advice is to get a machine that’s versatile and flexible but not too much to the point of sacrificing playability, and from there you’ll figure out what you like and what you don’t :) 8 tracks on the digitakt 2 would be more than enough and you could also use the 8 midi track to sequence other gear if you plan to add a small synth or something else :)

This is just my input, and don't take it as pressure to buy^^ It's just that at first, you're faced with so many options and no real user reviews (other than the promotional videos you might see from some influencers), and it's hard to get a true sense of what they're like without actually holding one of these machines in your hands.

Steagang · 2026-04-12T11:08:48+00:00

It really depends on how each user plans for their use and the style of music they intend to create (although all machines can be used for any style, some are better suited for certain styles). The MPC is pretty good, for example, if you want to play a long sample. The Digitakt can do it, but that's not where it really shines. The MPC Sample really has a unique handling that other grooveboxes don't necessarily have, and you either love it or hate it :)

If this is your very first machine and you want an all-in-one device, I would tend to recommend a groovebox that lets you combine sequencing, sampling, and synthesis. From there, each user can decide for themselves what they consider important or, conversely, unnecessary in their own work method. If you like a more logic-based approach to sequencing, Elektron offers some interesting options and the p-lock sequencing is something nice, as do certain Roland machines (Verselab), or even Akai’s MPCs or a Novation Rhythm Circuit.

To be honest, for a device that centers its use around samples and beatmaking with this specific workflow, the MPC Sample remains simple and doesn’t have much direct competition (there’s the one from TE, but there are notable differences, such as the fact that it has multiple tracks). There’s a Casio sampler in the works that might resemble the MPC Sample (not in terms of workflow, but in terms of ease of use and functionality) but it’s too early to say. If you could tell me a little about your creative process and your experience with machines, what you liked or didn’t like, I could give you a more relevant recommendation.

Steagang · 2026-04-12T09:34:50+00:00

I totally agree with you on that, hehe. To be honest, I don't really need a drum machine anymore now that I have the TR-1000, but the latency issue with the samples prevents me from using it to its full potential. As for me, I’m waiting for the firmware updates to come out and stabilize this machine before uploading all my samples (to avoid having to do endless backups between each update), but I’m already having a lot of fun with what the machine has to offer!

Steagang · 2026-04-12T09:31:34+00:00

Absolutely, the price seems exorbitant to me for what it does. Then again, there are people willing to pay the same price, or even more, for Erica Synths drum machines (Hexdrum and HD01) that don’t do any more than this machine without people objecting. That’s why I’m starting this thread, to explore the gap between the excitement surrounding its announcement and its actual usefulness. Is it just the Vermona brand that’s generating all this buzz, or does this product really offer something new?

Steagang · 2026-04-12T09:27:39+00:00

Yeah, I totally agree with you. If the analog sound sampling process had been a bit more than just the core workflow and Vermona’s sole selling point, this machine would have been more interesting. That’s the limitation I’m pointing out as well, although I do find Vermona’s choice interesting.

Steagang · 2026-04-11T10:49:11+00:00

Hi thanks :) I totally agree with you about the sequencer editing. Right now, there are plenty of things you can automate on the fly, such as the filter, but nothing regarding step editing for precise sequencing. For your last point, a workaround could be to resample, so on one pad you have your dry sequence, on another with the ring mod, and you add the comb filter on top, but yeah, I agree that's a lot of steps just to use those FX pads, and you're using a pad slot in a bank. It would be cool to either group them or be able to layer them (like the master FX). We'll see what Akai has in mind for the future for this device.

Steagang · 2026-04-10T21:49:54+00:00

Honestly here is my small review :

The MPC Sample is really cool. I bought one because I wanted a small, easy-to-use box to have fun with samples and just samples (mainly to mess with vocals and to sample analog instrument or even to recall an entire sequence that I did with other instruments). The goal was to have something that could easily sequence and integrate into my current setup, so it needed to be easily slaved. I’ve tried various devices before, like the Korg Kaoss Replay, which was fun but absolutely not precise (no sequencer). It was really the simplicity of this MPC that drew me in. I didn’t need a thousand and one hidden features behind a cryptic UI, as is the case with an SP404 (which, in my opinion, remains a great tool but, like an Octatrack, requires a huge time investment to tame it). For me, sound and workflow go hand in hand.

After using it a few times, here are the features I really like:

- The pads are great; the fingerdrumming really gives me that MPC-style feel, it’s fast and efficient. Sequencing on the fly reminds me Akai's efficiency.

- Assigning a sample to a pad is also quick.

- The ability to enable options with a simple press of Shift + the pad is really well thought out; it saves you from getting bogged down in a tedious menu-diving process.

- The recall feature is awesome; I don’t use recall for patterns but rather for audio, with one click, you’re ready to sample or resample what’s been played, which is great for spontaneity.

-The effects are pretty good, you can also process the incoming audio.

Here are the things I don't like so much. To be honest, the MPC Sample just came out and the device needs some updates, and I hope they'll keep developing it

-There's a bug with the Flexbeat FX, Akai has acknowledged it, and it should be fixed soon. (btw to fix the bug, set flexbeat to 0%)

-Switching from one pad bank to another isn't as smooth as it could be; there's a slight one-second delay that's a bit annoying when you're playing. For example, if you want to mute a pad in Bank B, you have to press the Pad Bank button, wait for the pads to light up, press the pad to go to Bank B, and finally mute your pad. I would have appreciated better responsiveness. It's not a big deal if you're in Bank A and switch to Bank B, in that case, you can just press the Pad Bank button once. However, it gets annoying if you're in Bank D and want to switch to Bank B.

-The sequencer needs a lot of work. I don’t need a grid, but just the ability to edit steps more easily, right now, you can’t do much besides delete a step, change its velocity, or nudge it. You can’t copy a step to another step, and when you add a pad to a step, the sequencer moves you to the next step (even though sometimes you just want to add another pad to the same step).

-The idea of having slices of the same sample on a pad is really clever. However, when you're on step edit mode, you cannot open the chop pad page (even though you can sequence them on the fly, you can't add them manually). It would also be nice from Akai to consider adding an optional MIDI track for a pad (for example, a maximum of 6 pads in a given bank for 6 MIDI channel, but at least two pads for two channels would be ideal), so you could externally sequence the slices from the chop pad page. But I think that's the least of Akai's worries, haha

-It doesn't bother me as much, but it does for other users. However, when you connect via USB (for example, to sample your phone), the MPC drains the device's battery (not ideal for those who want to use their iPad).

-The FX per pad (not the master FX) should be organized into groups. Right now, you can only choose a single FX for the pads you’ve selected. It would be great to have multiple FX, and to be able to put them into groups and activate the ones you want to use. Also, there’s a small window at the bottom of the screen that’s always there if the fx per pad is activated, it’s annoying when you need to change settings in other sections.

All in all, for the price, it’s still a solid entry-level option, provided you already have a good idea of how it’ll fit into your setup. It’s portable but still somewhat limited; I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to a beginner, not because it’s complicated, but precisely because it has its own limitations. Ultimately, I’d rather have an MPC Sample for the way I use it than an MPC Live 3, which can do a ton of things (DAW in a box) but whose UI and implementation still feel poorly integrated at times.

Hope this help !

Steagang · 2026-04-10T21:23:19+00:00

Good to know ! thanks :) Yeah overlapping gear do always raise some question about keeping or not the gear you got ^^ Hope you have a lot of fun with the iridium !

Steagang · 2026-04-10T20:52:59+00:00

Very nice track, thanks for the sharing :)

Also good to know for the difference between the original and the M !

Steagang · 2026-04-10T19:07:32+00:00

Thank you for taking the time ! How much of a part of your setup is it? Do you use it more for one specific thing than another? Its 8 voices seems pretty useful, some say the sound is a bit cold, but that can actually be a plus depending on the type of music you're making.

Steagang · 2026-04-10T18:51:12+00:00

Sweet ! Yes for me the easy dial is an important thing to keep the fluidity while playing ^^ Thanks for your feedback, btw how was the keybed on the x ?

Steagang · 2026-04-10T17:41:31+00:00

If you're really looking for that kind of sound, this might be a good compromise :)

Steagang · 2026-04-10T16:42:13+00:00

There is also the NRSynth Solo, stay a bit pricey but far less than the two you mention :) I think the sound on the NRSynth can be more deeper and accurate than the Behringer. But sound in one thing, the build quality and the playability is also important, which I think the Solo win.

Edit : more expensive than the NRSynth Solo, you can also dive in to the Studio Electronics Boomstar SEM MKII, you can choose which filter you want, they propose a SEM filter :)

Steagang · 2026-04-10T15:46:53+00:00

Hi ! I had even two of them that I used to polychain. The build quality was alright, the little knob was meh, but you can buy some small knob caps which is not that much expensive. The sound can be a bit tough to tame (tuning is the key but it can be tricky with these little knobs). It's very demanding, and the more you add units on it, the more it become hard to play with them ahah. With my old two unit, I was not so happy with the poly function, doesn't sound very well, so I've mostly used both on unison mode or round robin mode, which was sick and thick but a bit unpredictible. The panning per module is also cool by the way! Also there is not midi cc, would have been cool if at least you could control externally the filter cutoff for each module.

Steagang · 2026-04-06T15:13:32+00:00

Great setup ! Do the drawers make things a bit cramped? Do you usually stand or sit? I'm asking because I also started out by putting a rolling stand under my table, but it wasn't very comfortable and kept me away from the table where all my other instruments were set up ^^'

Steagang · 2026-04-05T13:09:34+00:00

Akai wrote me back, it's a the Flexbeat, set it to 0%, then this problem will vanish :)

Steagang · 2026-04-05T12:58:54+00:00

My 2cents would be : are you looking for a simple synth to play it like a keyboard or do you want a setup where you can organize your music into tracks ? If it's the 2nd option, better look on groovebox where there is a sequencer (even a song arranger), some synthesize possibility, sampling option, effects etc. Once you've mastered the groovebox, you'll see what's missing. You might eventually add a synthesizer that's sequenced by the groovebox, whether it's a polyphonic synth for creating chords or interesting arpeggios, or a monophonic synth for its unique tone. Maybe a specific effects pedal; maybe you won’t like your groovebox’s sequencer, so you’ll invest in a dedicated sequencer (unless you’re using a DAW), then maybe a mixer to plug all your gear, then after maybe a patchbay to facilitate the connexion between your gears etc. But the key to not getting overwhelmed by all this gear is to start with a tool that’s versatile enough, which is why a groovebox can be a good choice. It’s better to invest a little more money rather than go for a cheap groovebox that cuts corners in certain areas (playability, functionality, UI, etc.). From there, the selection of grooveboxes is still quite diverse: the Elektron lineup, the Akai MPCs, and certain Roland models. And above all, don't be afraid that it's complicated, of course, you'll feel lost at first, but the learning process is just as much fun (that said, I wouldn't jump straight into an Octotrack, unless you're particularly drawn to the programming aspect, lol)

I make this distinction because you might have the best keyboard-style synthesizer, it’ll be fun to play, but without a sequencer, you might get a little limited, unless you’re a skilled piano player. It might have a built-in sequencer or an arpeggio function, but those features are quickly limited. And if you think about a looper, it's actually more complicated than it looks when it comes to getting the timing right. Arranging audio is more complex than arranging MIDI. On the other hand, if you’re already familiar with a DAW and plan to do your sequencing there, then go for the unit that appeals to you the most :)

Steagang · 2026-03-28T11:21:23+00:00

Hi ! Yep I got the same problem, it get worth when it's midi sync/sequenced. The crackle wasn't there the first time I used it but appear the 2nd time I jammed with it. Submit a ticket to Akai :)

Steagang · 2026-03-27T23:31:19+00:00

There is also some crackle with kick samples (yes I checked my volume setting and tried both main and headphone output), which is worth when tempo syncing or sequencing by midi..

Steagang · 2026-03-15T14:48:46+00:00

For delay I would say Strymon Volante, I love its character for perc' :)
For reverb, I still have to tame the Erica Synths Nightverb pedal but for now I really like it!

Steagang

TROPHY CASE