Samplr

Samplr is a paid iOS multitouch sampler for audio experimentation, music composition, and live performance. It provides eight play modes: Slicer, Looper, Granular, Tape, Scratch, Arpeggiator, Keyboard, and Loop Player. A gesture recorder captures gestures for compositions and gesture sequencing. The app records audio input and supports resampling. Six sample slots are available, with up to 16 voices per sample. Each sample can use Distortion, Filter, Amplitude Modulator, Feedback Delay, and Reverb. Samplr works as a standalone app and accepts WAV and AIFF files imported from iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or AudioShare. It connects with Ableton Link, MIDI keyboards and controllers, Inter-App Audio, and Audiobus input and output. The listed iPad plan costs $19.99, paid once. There is no free plan, and plugin support is standalone-only. Marcos Alonso is listed as developer.

Its iOS standalone format and $19.99 one-time listing fit users seeking a dedicated sampler rather than plugin support.

Samplr suits iOS users exploring sample-based composition, audio experimentation, or live performance. It is also suited to setups using MIDI, Ableton Link, Inter-App Audio, or Audiobus.

Samplr is a multitouch iOS sampler built for manipulating recorded sound through gestures, effects, and live resampling. It suits performers and composers who want an instrument-like sampler for experimentation rather than a broad desktop production platform. Its focused play modes and deep controller integration make it a compelling specialist tool, provided you can work within an iOS standalone app.

Overview

Samplr treats samples as material for performance instead of static playback. Eight modes—Slicer, Looper, Granular, Tape, Scratch, Arpeggiator, Keyboard, and Loop Player—cover rhythmic chopping, sustained textures, pitch-oriented playing, and looping workflows. That range gives one app several performance personalities, though users seeking a conventional multi-instrument sampler may find the design intentionally specialized.

A gesture recorder captures movements so you can build compositions and sequence gestures rather than relying only on manual playing. Audio input recording and resampling make it possible to fold incoming sound back into the performance, a strong fit for evolving live sets and sound-design sketches.

Key features

There are six sample slots, each supporting up to 16 voices. Sixteen-voice polyphony is enough for layered gestures and playable phrases, while the six-slot ceiling favors compact, curated setups over large libraries. Each sample has Distortion, Filter, Amplitude Modulator, Feedback Delay, and Reverb, providing a practical effects chain for reshaping material without leaving the instrument.

The granular engine is central to Samplr's experimental appeal: it can turn a recording into shifting textures rather than simply replaying it. WAV and AIFF support, with imports from iCloud Drive, Dropbox, and AudioShare, covers common sample workflows. Ableton Link, MIDI keyboards and controllers, Inter-App Audio, and Audiobus input and output connect it to synchronized performances and iOS audio rigs.

Pricing

Samplr costs $19.99, paid once under the single Samplr plan. The purchase is for the iPad app, listed at 51.9 MB, with no free plan or trial. That one-time price suits musicians who specifically want Samplr's gesture-driven sampler and granular workflow; it is harder to justify if you need desktop formats, plug-in hosting, or a no-cost way to evaluate the concept.

The app is standalone-only. There is no plugin support, so it functions as a self-contained instrument rather than a sampler you can load inside a desktop workstation. The trade-off is a clear, dedicated performance environment in exchange for less flexibility in mixed software setups.

Platforms

Samplr runs on iOS and is listed for iPad. Its standalone format and integrations target mobile performance systems, while the lack of desktop or plug-in support limits users who need cross-platform sessions or DAW-native instruments.

Who it's for

Choose Samplr for audio experimentation, gesture-based composition, and live performance, especially when multitouch control is part of the musical idea. It is also a sensible choice for iOS musicians who already use MIDI hardware, Ableton Link, Audiobus, or Inter-App Audio. Look elsewhere if your priority is a large sample library, desktop compatibility, or a conventional plug-in workflow.

Pros and cons

• Pros: eight distinct play modes support both rhythmic manipulation and melodic performance; gesture recording turns movements into repeatable compositions; recording and resampling encourage live sound transformation; granular processing and five per-sample effects offer substantial texture shaping; MIDI, Link, Audiobus, and Inter-App Audio fit connected iOS rigs.
• Cons: six sample slots constrain larger arrangements; standalone-only operation excludes plug-in use; iOS availability leaves desktop producers without a native version; the paid-only model offers no trial or free tier.

Alternatives

For a broader directory of sampler tools, see Sampler Software.

• Decent Sampler is the better pick for a free sample-library player on iOS, Linux, macOS, or Windows, with support for DecentSampler library formats.
• Sitala suits users wanting a freemium option across desktop platforms; its $20, paid once Sitala 2 license covers Windows and macOS personal computers.
• Quanta 2 is aimed at buyers who want a paid, cross-platform perpetual license with no subscription or DRM, at $99, paid once.
• sfizz is a free sampler available through API, desktop, and web platforms, with optional donations.
• Vaporizer 2 is free GPL-3.0 software offering standalone and plug-in formats on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
• LinuxSampler is a free GNU GPL sampler spanning API, self-hosted, and desktop deployments.
• Momentum provides a free app and plug-in for slicing, editing, and manipulating WAV and AIFF audio on macOS, Windows, and the web.
• Subsample is a free AGPLv3 project for users seeking an open-source alternative.

Verdict

Samplr is a strong choice for iPad performers and experimental composers who want tactile gesture control, granular manipulation, and live resampling in one focused instrument. Its $19.99, paid once price is reasonable for that specialized role, but desktop producers and anyone requiring plug-in support should choose a more portable sampler instead.