1010music blackbox 2 - Digital Audio Sample Recorder

The 1010music blackbox 2 is a battery-powered compact sampling workstation with a high-resolution 4" touchscreen, multichannel USB audio and MIDI over USB-C, advanced sequencing, deep sample streaming from microSD, live performance tools, and flexible stereo I/O designed for professional DAWless music production and performance.

Portable Sampling Workstation for DAWless Production

1010music designed blackbox 2 for producers, performers, and sound designers who need a professional standalone sampler in an ultra-compact format. Building on the workflow and portability of the original blackbox, blackbox 2 introduces a faster processing engine, expanded track architecture, dedicated performance views, advanced sequencing tools, and integrated battery power for truly mobile production.

The updated high-resolution 4" colour touchscreen delivers faster navigation, improved visual feedback, and a more intuitive workflow for recording, editing, sequencing, and live performance. Producers can work directly from the touchscreen to chop beats, edit loops, sequence patterns, trigger clips, or perform live without relying on a computer.

Expanded Track Architecture and Sampling Engine

blackbox 2 supports four flexible tracks that accommodate multiple instrument types including One-Shot, Loop, Slicer, Multisample, Shredder, and External Instruments. Each track can host up to four instruments simultaneously, creating layered sample performances and complex arrangements within a compact hardware environment.

The One-Shot and Loop instruments now support up to 16 samples per patch, allowing users to build larger drum kits, layered textures, and performance-ready sample banks. The Slicer engine provides detailed beat chopping and rhythmic rearrangement, while Multisample support enables expressive playback of sampled instruments such as pianos, synthesisers, and orchestral sounds.

Sample streaming directly from microSD allows blackbox 2 to handle long WAV files and detailed multisampled instruments without consuming internal memory resources. Users can work with large sample libraries, extended backing tracks, and lengthy ambient recordings while maintaining smooth playback performance.

Advanced Sequencing and Song Construction

blackbox 2 introduces expanded sequencing options designed for both studio production and live performance. Users can create patterns using step sequencing, piano roll editing, grid sequencing, or real-time recording workflows. Probability sequencing adds movement and variation to patterns, allowing producers to create evolving rhythmic structures and generative performances.

Dedicated Launch, Scene, Song, Mixing, and Effects screens streamline live performance and arrangement building. The Launch screen enables rapid triggering of clips and sequences, while Scene mode groups multiple loops and patterns for instant arrangement changes during performance. Song mode supports complete structured playback for full live sets or studio compositions.

Loop Groups provide synchronised playback of multiple loops with BPM sync, making blackbox 2 suitable for electronic performance, loop-based production, and hybrid DJ workflows.

Performance Tools and Real-Time Effects

Designed for live electronic performance, blackbox 2 includes DJ-style performance effects and XY control functionality for expressive manipulation during playback. Users can apply filter, echo, gater, flanger, bitcrusher, and repeater effects in real time to reshape loops, sequences, and full mixes during performance.

Internal resampling enables producers to layer effects, capture live manipulations, or create entirely new textures without external routing. Live looping functions support MIDI-triggered recording and playback, making blackbox 2 suitable for improvisation, vocal looping, and hybrid hardware setups.

The integrated modulation matrix, multiple filter models, envelopes, LFOs, and overdrive processing provide deep sound design capabilities beyond traditional sample playback. Each channel also benefits from a four-band EQ with cut, shelf, and parametric modes for detailed tonal shaping.

USB-C Connectivity and Flexible I/O

blackbox 2 introduces USB-C host and device connectivity with support for multichannel USB audio and MIDI integration. Users can stream three stereo audio channels directly to computers, tablets, or smartphones while simultaneously receiving stereo audio back into the device.

USB connectivity also enables direct MIDI communication with controllers, synthesisers, and DAWs, creating seamless integration within modern studio and live performance environments. File transfer support allows fast management of projects, patches, and sample libraries directly from the microSD card.

The hardware includes stereo audio input, three stereo outputs, dedicated stereo headphone output, TRS MIDI input and output, TRS clock connectivity, and analogue clock support with selectable PPQ settings for integration with modular and vintage hardware systems.

Battery-Powered Music Production Anywhere

An integrated three-hour rechargeable battery transforms blackbox 2 into a fully portable production system for mobile beatmaking, travel production, rehearsals, and live performance. Combined with its compact footprint and microSD-based storage, blackbox 2 delivers a professional standalone workflow without requiring mains power or a connected computer.

Why Choose 1010music blackbox 2

• Create complete tracks and live sets without relying on a laptop or DAW
• Produce, sample, sequence, and perform from a single ultra-portable workstation
• Build complex sample-based instruments using loops, slices, one-shots, and multisamples
• Perform live with dedicated launch controls, scenes, DJ effects, and real-time resampling
• Stream large sample libraries and long audio files directly from microSD storage
• Integrate seamlessly with synthesisers, MIDI controllers, modular systems, and computers
• Produce music anywhere with integrated rechargeable battery power
• Shape sounds deeply using filters, modulation, EQ, overdrive, and live effects processing

• High-resolution 4" colour touchscreen
• Battery-powered standalone sampling workstation
• Four flexible tracks with multiple instrument types
• Supports One-Shot, Loop, Slicer, Shredder, Multisample, and External Instruments
• Up to four instruments per track
• One-Shot and Loop instruments support 16 samples per patch
• Step sequencing, piano roll editing, and probability sequencing
• Launch, Scene, Song, Mixing, and Effects performance screens
• Real-time DJ effects with XY control
• Filter, echo, gater, flanger, bitcrusher, and repeater effects
• Live looping with MIDI-triggered recording and playback
• Internal resampling functionality
• Stream long WAV files from microSD
• Automated multisample instrument creation
• Multiple filters, envelopes, LFOs, overdrive, and modulation matrix
• Four-band EQ with cut, shelf, and parametric modes
• USB-C host and device ports
• Multichannel USB audio streaming
• USB MIDI support
• Stereo input and three stereo outputs
• Dedicated stereo headphone output
• TRS MIDI input and output
• TRS clock input and output
• Analogue clock support with multiple PPQ settings
• 24-bit ADC and DAC
• Recordings up to four hours in length
• Threshold-triggered recording
• BPM-synchronised loop capture
• Immediate playback after recording
• microSD storage support for projects and sample libraries

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.