The 1010music Blackbox is a compact, touchscreen sampling studio that offers 16-note polyphony, stereo I/O, MIDI and clock connectivity, microSD support for up to 4GB samples, and 24-bit audio resolution in a 5.5" x 5" x 1.25" unit.

Compact Sampling Powerhouse

The Blackbox provides a complete sampling and sequencing workflow in a standalone unit that fits in the palm of your hand. Built with a rugged enclosure, it runs entirely on USB power, making it ideal for mobile setups. The device records hours of stereo audio and loops from synthesisers, drum machines and other hardware directly to a microSD card. It supports WAV files in 16, 24 or 32-bit resolution, with streaming capability for long samples up to 4GB.

Touchscreen Interface and Workflow

Its intuitive touchscreen interface enables direct control over sample editing, sequencing, looping, slicing and granular resampling. Users can record, edit and arrange audio without a computer. It supports per-note probability, off-grid editing, and tap tempo for live jamming. Granular mode lets users reshape WAV files into new textures, while the 4-band global EQ refines the final mix.

Connectivity and Synchronisation

Blackbox integrates easily into tabletop or live setups with USB MIDI, TRS MIDI In/Out, analogue clock I/O and TRS clock sync at various PPQ rates. It supports external MIDI control surfaces for modulation of pitch, level, ADR envelope, loop points, internal LFO, effects and more. MIDI output sequencing enables control of external gear from within compositions.

Sampling, Sequencing and Performance

Users can load 16 samples, 16 sequences and 16 song sections per preset. Samples can loop, trigger as one-shots or map across keys and velocity layers using the new multi-sample import function. Embedded loop points are recognised, and granular effects, delay, and reverb can process pads for deeper sonic design. Performers can mix down tracks and route them to three stereo outputs and headphones.

Firmware 3.1.2 Enhancements

The latest firmware introduces advanced multi-sampling with automatic root note and velocity mapping from filenames, embedded loop point recognition, improved dynamic performance via MIDI-triggered recording and playback, and enhanced routing for live sets. A quick transfer function allows users to pack samples and presets for use on other microSD cards or devices.

Included Accessories

Each Blackbox comes with a microSD card preloaded with firmware, 60 presets and 900 WAV files, a USB power cable, wall adapter with international plugs, two MIDI adapters (3.5mm TRS to 5-pin DIN, MIDI Class B), and a Quick Start guide for immediate setup.

Technical Specifications

Blackbox features 1 stereo input, 3 stereo outputs and a headphone output, all driven by a 24-bit ADC and DAC. It supports shared polyphony across pads with user-defined limits and accepts 1- and 2-channel WAVs at any sample rate (48kHz preferred). The compact dimensions and robust build make it ideal for live and mobile production environments.