4pockets SampleScape is a new, unique, creative multi-sampler plugin for iOS and macOS designed to create evolving soundscapes.
Samples offer a wide range of possibilities. Take a sampler, and you can quickly transform random samples into a playable instrument, or even complete sound collages.
But it doesn’t always have to be price hardware samplers to do this. 4pockets has released SampleScape, an exciting sequencable multi-sampler for under 20€ that turns your iOS and macOS into a soundscape generator.
4pockets SampleScape
SampleScape is a new creative, sequenceable multi-sampler app and AUv3 plugin. Purchasing the 4pockets SampleScape includes both the iOS and macOS versions.
The app features an impressive sampler engine with up to 12 sample/instrument slots, each capable of loading up to 24 individual samples. So, you can playback up to 288 samples simultaneously.
4pockets ships a sample containing 114 ready-made instruments for exploring the engine. If you want more sounds, no problem. SampleScape lets you easily import individual samples or entire sample folders into the app.
Even more flexible is the built-in auto-sampler, which lets you record samples from other instruments. Plus, it supports SF2 soundfont files. Therefore, you have limitless flexibility in your sound sources.
Neat, you can use the internal local storage of your iOS/macOS device or use an external device to maintain your sound content remotely. Once imported, the fun can begin. SampleScape offers all the classic features you’d expect from a sampler.
Samples can be mapped to different regions to build multi-sample instruments. There is a built-in auto-tune function to place your samples on the correct root notes, as well as an automatic loop point finder.
Sound Design
The app isn’t just a simple multi-sampler for playing back many samples. It’s also a creative sound manipulator. This is evident in the feature set.
4pockets also implemented many synthesis features into the SampleScape app/plugin. It offers a multimode VCF with a colorful bouquet of types to choose from: Ladder, SEM, formant, and MS-20 (Korg). Each filter is morphable (LP/BP/HP) and has 12 or 24 slopes.
On the modulation side, it has two ADSR envelopes (amp/filter) and two fluid LFOs, which you can use to modulate panning, vibrato, tremolo, and the filter.
Further, you can refine your sounds with a built-in multi-FX processor: reverb, delay, chorus, Haas, 8-band EQ, Leslie simulator, and phaser. It also has MPE support, so you can play the sounds with your favorite MPE controllers.
A highlight of SampleScape is its unique sample-step sequencer. It lets you create a sequence of steps, where each step is either an individual sample or a collection of tuned samples, aka an instrument.
The adaptability per step goes deep here. You can define how each step is played back. This can be in a traditional sampler way or with granular synthesis. On top of that, you can set transition and fade times, transpose, adjust pitch, and more per step. And all of this is synceable to your host DAW.
SampleScape also has the ability to map any incoming CC controllers to a large number of internal knobs, sliders, switches, etc. for fantastic automation possibilities.
And for quick inspiration, it also has built-in intelligent randomization features to auto-generate sequences.
First Impression
I haven’t had a chance to take a closer look at SampleScape and play around with it yet. But on the feature sheet, it looks like a very impressive multi-sampler app for iOS/macOS.
The ability to define which samples are played and how they are played, even with granular control, per step, sounds powerful. I’m a big fan of 4Pockets (WaveCloud, RingsFX, and StringLab are all big favorites), and I’m sure I’ll check out this app too.
4pockets SampleScape is available now for $14,99/17,99€ on the Apple App Store. It runs as a standalone app and AUv3 plugin on iOS (iPhones/iPads) and macOS (native Apple Silicon).
More information here: 4pockets (App Store)
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