The instrument arrives as a direct successor to the 2019 original, retaining the core concept of a portable, touchscreen-equipped sampling workstation while introducing a reworked interface, an internal rechargeable battery, and expanded USB capabilities.
Evolution of the Portable Sampler Interface
This display serves as the primary interface for sequencing and sample editing. Sitting directly above the screen is a bank of four multi-use rotaries, while transport and navigation buttons sit below. 1010music states that the Blackbox 2 offers “more creative features for the studio and stage” alongside an “even more elegant workflow, great sound, industry standard IO and portable size.”
Pro Tip: Utilize the automatic multisampling function on the Blackbox 2 to easily turn external hardware gear into playable sampled instruments without manual mapping.
Workflow and Hardware Upgrades
As a four-track workstation, the Blackbox 2 can load up to four one-shot, loop, slicer, or multisample instruments. The device expands song-creation features significantly through new launch, scene, song, mixing, and effect screens designed for editing composition elements.
Connectivity is further expanded via USB-C host and device ports capable of transmitting multichannel USB audio and MIDI.
Sequencing and Effects Comparison
While the hardware receives notable upgrades, other workflow elements carry over from version one. The built-in sequencer retains step, grid, and piano-roll modes, supporting probability sequencing. Audio manipulation features DJ-style effects controlled via an XY pad covering filters, echoes, gating, flangers, bitcrushers, and repeaters.
Sample editing tools include multiple filters, envelopes, LFOs, distortion, and a flexible modulation matrix, alongside a four-band EQ featuring cut, shelf, and parametric modes for each band. Physical I/O consists of a stereo main audio input, three stereo outputs, and a dedicated headphone output.
Did You Know?
The Blackbox 2 features a microSD card slot that allows users to expand memory for projects and samples, enabling longer WAV files and detailed multisampled instruments to stream directly from the card.
Market Positioning and Competition
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the 1010music Blackbox 2 cost?
Does the Blackbox 2 require an external power supply?
No. Unlike the original 2019 model, the Blackbox 2 features a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to three hours of portable use.
How many tracks does the Blackbox 2 support?
The instrument is a four-track workstation capable of loading up to four one-shot, loop, slicer, or multisample instruments.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on the new features of the Blackbox 2? Drop a comment below and let us know how it compares to your current portable setup!