{
  "guide": {
    "slug": "sonicware-smpltrek",
    "archetype": "buyer",
    "title": "Sonicware SmplTrek Buyer Guide",
    "subtitle": "Arrange a song around samples and recorded parts.",
    "summary": "SmplTrek combines ten sequencer tracks with three global audio tracks, making it a songwriting option rather than simply a pad sampler. Those thirteen internal tracks share two physical input jacks and 2-in/2-out USB audio.",
    "category": {
      "slug": "hardware",
      "name": "Hardware",
      "description": "Product factsheets for computers, devices, peripherals, and buying decisions."
    },
    "tags": [
      "music-hardware",
      "buyer-guide",
      "te-ep-samplers"
    ],
    "version": "2026-10-18.1",
    "publishedAt": "2026-10-18",
    "updatedAt": "2026-10-18",
    "freshness": {
      "status": "Source checked",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-18",
      "horizon": "Recheck firmware, exact hardware revision and offers before buying.",
      "note": "Battery figures are manufacturer estimates with different conditions. Dated availability observations are not stock or delivery guarantees."
    },
    "heroLabel": "Music hardware",
    "vaultPath": "Research/Technology/Hardware/Sonicware SmplTrek Buyer Guide.md",
    "r2JsonKey": "guides/sonicware-smpltrek/2026-10-18.1.json",
    "thesisCards": [
      {
        "title": "Buy for",
        "body": "Choose it when assembling audio, loops and MIDI into songs is more valuable than instantly triggering a short loop. Budget for the required SD card."
      },
      {
        "title": "Choose another route when",
        "body": "Skip it if you expect thirteen simultaneous recording inputs or the quickest pad-performance workflow; the track count describes internal arrangement capacity."
      }
    ],
    "stats": [
      {
        "label": "Architecture",
        "value": "Ten sequencer tracks plus three global audio tracks; SD card required for sampling."
      },
      {
        "label": "Power",
        "value": "Six AA or included AC adapter; maker rates alkaline cells at approximately 4h."
      },
      {
        "label": "Connections",
        "value": "Two physical input jacks: L line/guitar/dynamic mic and R line/dynamic mic; USB audio is 2-in/2-out."
      }
    ],
    "sections": [
      {
        "id": "bottom-line",
        "eyebrow": "Bottom Line",
        "title": "Arrange a song around samples and recorded parts.",
        "body": "SmplTrek combines ten sequencer tracks with three global audio tracks, making it a songwriting option rather than simply a pad sampler. Those thirteen internal tracks share two physical input jacks and 2-in/2-out USB audio."
      },
      {
        "id": "mechanism",
        "eyebrow": "Mechanism",
        "title": "What you will work with.",
        "bullets": [
          "Ten sequencer tracks plus three global audio tracks; SD card required for sampling.",
          "Two physical input jacks: L line/guitar/dynamic mic and R line/dynamic mic; USB audio is 2-in/2-out.",
          "Six AA or included AC adapter; maker rates alkaline cells at approximately 4h."
        ]
      },
      {
        "id": "decision",
        "eyebrow": "Decision",
        "title": "Choose the workflow before the specification.",
        "bullets": [
          "Choose it when assembling audio, loops and MIDI into songs is more valuable than instantly triggering a short loop. Budget for the required SD card.",
          "Skip it if you expect thirteen simultaneous recording inputs or the quickest pad-performance workflow; the track count describes internal arrangement capacity."
        ]
      },
      {
        "id": "edge-cases",
        "eyebrow": "Edge Cases",
        "title": "Check the ownership constraints.",
        "bullets": [
          "Thirteen internal tracks do not mean thirteen recording inputs; song construction needs more setup than immediate sample triggering."
        ]
      },
      {
        "id": "current-comparison",
        "eyebrow": "Comparison ladder",
        "title": "Five ways to solve this buying decision.",
        "body": "Editorial buying jobs, not sales rank or a universal quality ranking. Battery estimates use unlike manufacturer conditions. Historical reviews are labelled and do not establish current firmware or stock.",
        "table": {
          "columns": [
            "Product",
            "Buy for",
            "Main tradeoff"
          ],
          "rows": [
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
              "Choose a general-purpose sample palette and fader-based performance without a genre-specific library.",
              "Older 64MB hardware is still listed by Amazon; firmware does not turn that unit into the 128MB revision."
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
              "Choose the medieval instrument library when that built-in palette is the reason to buy.",
              "Only 32MB is user sample space; total memory is not freely replaceable sample capacity."
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
              "Choose synced loops, dub effects and an onboard bass/lead synth for reggae-oriented performance.",
              "The themed library is a workflow choice; a historical free Ting microphone offer is not an included-accessory guarantee."
            ],
            [
              "Roland SP–404MKII",
              "Choose sample chopping, resampling and performance effects with substantially more internal storage.",
              "SD is transfer/backup storage, not extra internal sample RAM; battery results depend on cells and use."
            ],
            [
              "Sonicware SmplTrek",
              "Choose sample-based songwriting and audio clips rather than primarily finger-drummed effects performance.",
              "Thirteen internal tracks do not mean thirteen recording inputs; song construction needs more setup than immediate sample triggering."
            ]
          ]
        }
      },
      {
        "id": "comparison-evidence",
        "eyebrow": "Evidence",
        "title": "Comparison facts and their sources.",
        "body": "Source IDs below resolve to the full source list. Fit and tradeoff judgments combine those sources; published specifications are not head-to-head tests.",
        "table": {
          "columns": [
            "Product",
            "Dimension",
            "Value",
            "Sources",
            "Evidence"
          ],
          "rows": [
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
              "Choose it for",
              "Choose a general-purpose sample palette and fader-based performance without a genre-specific library.",
              "mh-ep133; mh-te-community",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
              "Choose it for",
              "Choose the medieval instrument library when that built-in palette is the reason to buy.",
              "mh-ep1320; mh-ep1320-review",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
              "Choose it for",
              "Choose synced loops, dub effects and an onboard bass/lead synth for reggae-oriented performance.",
              "mh-ep40; mh-ep40-review",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Roland SP–404MKII",
              "Choose it for",
              "Choose sample chopping, resampling and performance effects with substantially more internal storage.",
              "mh-sp404; mh-sp404-review",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Sonicware SmplTrek",
              "Choose it for",
              "Choose sample-based songwriting and audio clips rather than primarily finger-drummed effects performance.",
              "mh-smpl; mh-smpl-review; mh-sampler-community",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
              "Workflow and architecture",
              "128MB current revision; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices; scene chaining and resampling.",
              "mh-ep133; mh-ep-family",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
              "Workflow and architecture",
              "128MB total, split into 96MB ROM and 32MB user samples; 6 stereo or 12 mono voices.",
              "mh-ep1320",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
              "Workflow and architecture",
              "128MB system memory; subtractive synth and grid-synced loops; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices.",
              "mh-ep40",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Roland SP–404MKII",
              "Workflow and architecture",
              "16GB internal storage; 32 voices; 16 pads plus sub pad; real-time and TR-REC patterns.",
              "mh-sp404",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Sonicware SmplTrek",
              "Workflow and architecture",
              "Ten sequencer tracks plus three global audio tracks; SD card required for sampling.",
              "mh-smpl",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
              "Power and battery conditions",
              "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
              "mh-ep133",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
              "Power and battery conditions",
              "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
              "mh-ep1320",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
              "Power and battery conditions",
              "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
              "mh-ep40",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Roland SP–404MKII",
              "Power and battery conditions",
              "Six AA: approx. 2.5h alkaline or 3.5h NiMH under continuous use; USB-C or AC also supported.",
              "mh-sp404",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Sonicware SmplTrek",
              "Power and battery conditions",
              "Six AA or included AC adapter; maker rates alkaline cells at approximately 4h.",
              "mh-smpl",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
              "Connections and storage",
              "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 adds USB-audio recording/monitoring.",
              "mh-ep133",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
              "Connections and storage",
              "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS1.5 adds USB audio.",
              "mh-ep1320",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
              "Connections and storage",
              "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 USB-audio recording/monitoring.",
              "mh-ep40",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Roland SP–404MKII",
              "Connections and storage",
              "Two line-input jacks form a stereo pair; separate mic/guitar jack; USB audio/MIDI; SD import/export/backup.",
              "mh-sp404",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Sonicware SmplTrek",
              "Connections and storage",
              "Two physical input jacks: L line/guitar/dynamic mic and R line/dynamic mic; USB audio is 2-in/2-out.",
              "mh-smpl",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
              "Main tradeoff",
              "Older 64MB hardware is still listed by Amazon; firmware does not turn that unit into the 128MB revision.",
              "mh-ep133; mh-te-community; mh-ep133-amazon-old",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
              "Main tradeoff",
              "Only 32MB is user sample space; total memory is not freely replaceable sample capacity.",
              "mh-ep1320; mh-ep1320-review",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
              "Main tradeoff",
              "The themed library is a workflow choice; a historical free Ting microphone offer is not an included-accessory guarantee.",
              "mh-ep40; mh-ep40-review",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Roland SP–404MKII",
              "Main tradeoff",
              "SD is transfer/backup storage, not extra internal sample RAM; battery results depend on cells and use.",
              "mh-sp404; mh-sp404-review",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Sonicware SmplTrek",
              "Main tradeoff",
              "Thirteen internal tracks do not mean thirteen recording inputs; song construction needs more setup than immediate sample triggering.",
              "mh-smpl; mh-smpl-review; mh-sampler-community",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ]
          ]
        }
      },
      {
        "id": "review-signal",
        "eyebrow": "Review Signal",
        "title": "What independent evidence can tell you.",
        "bullets": [
          "Sound On Sound describes SmplTrek as a portable songwriting and recording tool that combines clips, live recording and sequencing, but finds its interface takes patience. Its review unit used firmware 1.4.99.",
          "Owners comparing SmplTrek with SP–404MKII report that short-loop work can feel less immediate on SmplTrek. This is subjective, firmware-dependent feedback rather than a measured speed comparison.",
          "AMAZONA’s February 2023 test finds automatic slicing effective but describes editing a loop in the sample pool and reloading it into a scene as cumbersome. Those observations concern early firmware, not a verified limitation of the current release."
        ]
      },
      {
        "id": "offer-caveats",
        "eyebrow": "Offer Caveats",
        "title": "Match the exact unit before checkout.",
        "body": "Exact-model Amazon identities are retained where verified. Other options link to the manufacturer or named retailer because a reliable exact Amazon product page was not established. Firmware, warranty, condition, seller and current supply still require checking."
      }
    ],
    "sources": [
      {
        "id": "mh-ep-family",
        "title": "EP family comparison",
        "publisher": "teenage.engineering",
        "url": "https://teenage.engineering/products/ep",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "official",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-ep1320",
        "title": "EP–1320 Medieval",
        "publisher": "teenage.engineering",
        "url": "https://teenage.engineering/store/ep-1320",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "official",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-ep1320-review",
        "title": "EP–1320 review",
        "publisher": "musicradar.com",
        "url": "https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/samplers/teenage-engineering-ep-1320-medieval-review",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "review",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-ep133",
        "title": "EP–133 K.O. II current store",
        "publisher": "teenage.engineering",
        "url": "https://teenage.engineering/store/ep-133",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "official",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-ep133-amazon-old",
        "title": "EP–133 K.O. II 64MB Amazon identity",
        "publisher": "amazon.com",
        "url": "https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8BV1RTJ?tag=sourcebottle-20",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "merchant",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-ep40",
        "title": "EP–40 Riddim",
        "publisher": "teenage.engineering",
        "url": "https://teenage.engineering/store/ep-40",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "official",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-ep40-review",
        "title": "EP–40 and Ting review",
        "publisher": "musicradar.com",
        "url": "https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/samplers/teenage-engineering-ep-40-riddim-and-ep-2350-ting-review",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "review",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-sampler-community",
        "title": "SP–404MKII / SmplTrek owner comparison",
        "publisher": "reddit.com",
        "url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/sonicware/comments/1armjof",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "community",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-smpl",
        "title": "SmplTrek User Manual rev3",
        "publisher": "sonicware.co.jp",
        "url": "https://www.sonicware.co.jp/DL/SmplTrek/DOC/SmplTrek_manual_en_r3.pdf",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "official",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-smpl-review",
        "title": "SmplTrek review",
        "publisher": "soundonsound.com",
        "url": "https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/sonicware-smpltrek",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "review",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-sp404",
        "title": "SP–404MKII v5.50 specifications",
        "publisher": "static.roland.com",
        "url": "https://static.roland.com/manuals/sp-404mk2_reference_v550/en-US/8010023578592395.html",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "official",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-sp404-review",
        "title": "SP–404MKII review",
        "publisher": "soundonsound.com",
        "url": "https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/roland-sp-404-mkii",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "review",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-te-community",
        "title": "EP family owner discussion",
        "publisher": "reddit.com",
        "url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/teenageengineering/comments/1va4n3t/ep133_vs_ep1320_advice/",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "community",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-smpl-product",
        "title": "SmplTrek product",
        "publisher": "sonicware.jp",
        "url": "https://sonicware.jp/pages/smpltrek",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "official",
        "role": "background"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-smpl-amazona",
        "title": "SmplTrek hands-on test",
        "publisher": "www.amazona.de",
        "url": "https://www.amazona.de/test-sonicware-smpltrek-sampler-und-mini-groovebox/",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "review",
        "role": "claim-support"
      }
    ],
    "claims": [
      {
        "id": "mh-support-ep133",
        "claim": "128MB storage; 12 stereo/16 mono voices; OS 2.5 USB audio and auto-chop; four AAA or USB-C.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep133",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-te-community",
        "claim": "Useful workflow distinctions, but old memory and firmware statements superseded by current official pages.",
        "sourceId": "mh-te-community",
        "evidenceType": "community",
        "confidence": "low",
        "caveat": "Anecdotal and firmware-dependent; not a failure rate or controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-ep1320",
        "claim": "128MB total: 96MB ROM and 32MB user memory; six stereo/12 mono voices; OS1.5 USB audio; four AAA or USB-C.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep1320",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-ep1320-review",
        "claim": "Enjoyable themed sound library; restricted user memory and learning friction.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep1320-review",
        "evidenceType": "review",
        "confidence": "medium",
        "caveat": "Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-ep40",
        "claim": "128MB system memory, subtractive synth, synced loops, 12 stereo/16 mono voices, OS2.5 USB audio; four AAA or USB-C.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep40",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-ep40-review",
        "claim": "Performance-oriented reggae/dub effects and presets; reviewed bundle is a historical promotion, not current included mic proof.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep40-review",
        "evidenceType": "review",
        "confidence": "medium",
        "caveat": "Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-sp404",
        "claim": "16GB internal storage; SD backup/import/export; stereo line pair plus mic/guitar input; USB audio/MIDI. Six AA cells: approximately 2.5h alkaline or 3.5h NiMH, conditional on battery and use.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sp404",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-sp404-review",
        "claim": "Effects-focused performance and sample triggering; historical firmware.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sp404-review",
        "evidenceType": "review",
        "confidence": "medium",
        "caveat": "Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-smpl",
        "claim": "Manual confirms ten sequencer plus three global tracks, two physical inputs, 2-in/2-out USB audio, six AA or included AC adapter, approximately four hours alkaline; SD required.",
        "sourceId": "mh-smpl",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-smpl-review",
        "claim": "Frames SmplTrek as a songwriting machine including audio/MIDI/loops, versus SP performance emphasis.",
        "sourceId": "mh-smpl-review",
        "evidenceType": "review",
        "confidence": "medium",
        "caveat": "Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-sampler-community",
        "claim": "Some owners find short-loop workflows less immediate on SmplTrek; subjective and firmware-dependent.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sampler-community",
        "evidenceType": "community",
        "confidence": "low",
        "caveat": "Anecdotal and firmware-dependent; not a failure rate or controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-ep-family",
        "claim": "Current EP–133 has 128MB only on paper-foam SKU TE032AS002; earlier hardware remains distinct.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep-family",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-mechanism-teenage-engineering-ep-1320",
        "claim": "128MB total, split into 96MB ROM and 32MB user samples; 6 stereo or 12 mono voices.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep1320",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-1320 / mechanism",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-mechanism-teenage-engineering-ep-40",
        "claim": "128MB system memory; subtractive synth and grid-synced loops; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep40",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-40 / mechanism",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-mechanism-roland-sp-404mkii",
        "claim": "16GB internal storage; 32 voices; 16 pads plus sub pad; real-time and TR-REC patterns.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sp404",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: roland-sp-404mkii / mechanism",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-mechanism-sonicware-smpltrek",
        "claim": "Ten sequencer tracks plus three global audio tracks; SD card required for sampling.",
        "sourceId": "mh-smpl",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: sonicware-smpltrek / mechanism",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-power-teenage-engineering-ep-133",
        "claim": "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep133",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-133 / power",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-power-teenage-engineering-ep-1320",
        "claim": "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep1320",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-1320 / power",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-power-teenage-engineering-ep-40",
        "claim": "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep40",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-40 / power",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-power-roland-sp-404mkii",
        "claim": "Six AA: approx. 2.5h alkaline or 3.5h NiMH under continuous use; USB-C or AC also supported.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sp404",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: roland-sp-404mkii / power",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-power-sonicware-smpltrek",
        "claim": "Six AA or included AC adapter; maker rates alkaline cells at approximately 4h.",
        "sourceId": "mh-smpl",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: sonicware-smpltrek / power",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-io-teenage-engineering-ep-133",
        "claim": "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 adds USB-audio recording/monitoring.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep133",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-133 / io",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-io-teenage-engineering-ep-1320",
        "claim": "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS1.5 adds USB audio.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep1320",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-1320 / io",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-io-teenage-engineering-ep-40",
        "claim": "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 USB-audio recording/monitoring.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep40",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-40 / io",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-io-roland-sp-404mkii",
        "claim": "Two line-input jacks form a stereo pair; separate mic/guitar jack; USB audio/MIDI; SD import/export/backup.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sp404",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: roland-sp-404mkii / io",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-io-sonicware-smpltrek",
        "claim": "Two physical input jacks: L line/guitar/dynamic mic and R line/dynamic mic; USB audio is 2-in/2-out.",
        "sourceId": "mh-smpl",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: sonicware-smpltrek / io",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-ep133-amazon-old",
        "claim": "Title explicitly says 64 MB; rejected for the selected 128MB hardware.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep133-amazon-old",
        "evidenceType": "merchant",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-repair-review-1",
        "claim": "Sound On Sound describes SmplTrek as a portable songwriting and recording tool that combines clips, live recording and sequencing, but finds its interface takes patience. Its review unit used firmware 1.4.99.",
        "sourceId": "mh-smpl-review",
        "evidenceType": "review",
        "confidence": "medium",
        "caveat": "Attributed finding; historical firmware and individual owner limitations are stated in the claim.",
        "guideLocation": "Review signal",
        "sectionId": "review-signal"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-repair-review-2",
        "claim": "Owners comparing SmplTrek with SP–404MKII report that short-loop work can feel less immediate on SmplTrek. This is subjective, firmware-dependent feedback rather than a measured speed comparison.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sampler-community",
        "evidenceType": "review",
        "confidence": "medium",
        "caveat": "Attributed finding; historical firmware and individual owner limitations are stated in the claim.",
        "guideLocation": "Review signal",
        "sectionId": "review-signal"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-repair-review-3",
        "claim": "AMAZONA’s February 2023 test finds automatic slicing effective but describes editing a loop in the sample pool and reloading it into a scene as cumbersome. Those observations concern early firmware, not a verified limitation of the current release.",
        "sourceId": "mh-smpl-amazona",
        "evidenceType": "review",
        "confidence": "medium",
        "caveat": "Attributed finding; historical firmware and individual owner limitations are stated in the claim.",
        "guideLocation": "Review signal",
        "sectionId": "review-signal"
      }
    ],
    "relatedGuides": [
      {
        "slug": "teenage-engineering-ep-133",
        "role": "alternative",
        "rank": 1,
        "reason": "Choose a general-purpose sample palette and fader-based performance without a genre-specific library."
      },
      {
        "slug": "teenage-engineering-ep-1320",
        "role": "alternative",
        "rank": 2,
        "reason": "Choose the medieval instrument library when that built-in palette is the reason to buy."
      },
      {
        "slug": "teenage-engineering-ep-40",
        "role": "alternative",
        "rank": 3,
        "reason": "Choose synced loops, dub effects and an onboard bass/lead synth for reggae-oriented performance."
      },
      {
        "slug": "roland-sp-404mkii",
        "role": "alternative",
        "rank": 4,
        "reason": "Choose sample chopping, resampling and performance effects with substantially more internal storage."
      }
    ],
    "comparison": {
      "title": "Portable sample-based grooveboxes",
      "intro": "Five choices for different workflows. Power figures are manufacturer claims under different conditions, not a common endurance test.",
      "alternatives": [
        "teenage-engineering-ep-133",
        "teenage-engineering-ep-1320",
        "teenage-engineering-ep-40",
        "roland-sp-404mkii"
      ],
      "includeCurrent": true,
      "dimensions": [
        {
          "id": "job",
          "label": "Choose it for",
          "values": {
            "teenage-engineering-ep-133": "Choose a general-purpose sample palette and fader-based performance without a genre-specific library.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-1320": "Choose the medieval instrument library when that built-in palette is the reason to buy.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-40": "Choose synced loops, dub effects and an onboard bass/lead synth for reggae-oriented performance.",
            "roland-sp-404mkii": "Choose sample chopping, resampling and performance effects with substantially more internal storage.",
            "sonicware-smpltrek": "Choose sample-based songwriting and audio clips rather than primarily finger-drummed effects performance."
          }
        },
        {
          "id": "mechanism",
          "label": "Workflow and architecture",
          "values": {
            "teenage-engineering-ep-133": "128MB current revision; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices; scene chaining and resampling.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-1320": "128MB total, split into 96MB ROM and 32MB user samples; 6 stereo or 12 mono voices.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-40": "128MB system memory; subtractive synth and grid-synced loops; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices.",
            "roland-sp-404mkii": "16GB internal storage; 32 voices; 16 pads plus sub pad; real-time and TR-REC patterns.",
            "sonicware-smpltrek": "Ten sequencer tracks plus three global audio tracks; SD card required for sampling."
          }
        },
        {
          "id": "power",
          "label": "Power and battery conditions",
          "values": {
            "teenage-engineering-ep-133": "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-1320": "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-40": "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
            "roland-sp-404mkii": "Six AA: approx. 2.5h alkaline or 3.5h NiMH under continuous use; USB-C or AC also supported.",
            "sonicware-smpltrek": "Six AA or included AC adapter; maker rates alkaline cells at approximately 4h."
          }
        },
        {
          "id": "io",
          "label": "Connections and storage",
          "values": {
            "teenage-engineering-ep-133": "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 adds USB-audio recording/monitoring.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-1320": "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS1.5 adds USB audio.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-40": "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 USB-audio recording/monitoring.",
            "roland-sp-404mkii": "Two line-input jacks form a stereo pair; separate mic/guitar jack; USB audio/MIDI; SD import/export/backup.",
            "sonicware-smpltrek": "Two physical input jacks: L line/guitar/dynamic mic and R line/dynamic mic; USB audio is 2-in/2-out."
          }
        },
        {
          "id": "constraint",
          "label": "Main tradeoff",
          "values": {
            "teenage-engineering-ep-133": "Older 64MB hardware is still listed by Amazon; firmware does not turn that unit into the 128MB revision.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-1320": "Only 32MB is user sample space; total memory is not freely replaceable sample capacity.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-40": "The themed library is a workflow choice; a historical free Ting microphone offer is not an included-accessory guarantee.",
            "roland-sp-404mkii": "SD is transfer/backup storage, not extra internal sample RAM; battery results depend on cells and use.",
            "sonicware-smpltrek": "Thirteen internal tracks do not mean thirteen recording inputs; song construction needs more setup than immediate sample triggering."
          }
        }
      ]
    },
    "commerce": {
      "disclosure": "As an Amazon Associate, Field Guides may earn from qualifying purchases. Links establish product identity, not current offers.",
      "primaryLinkId": "mh-sonicware-smpltrek",
      "priceApi": {
        "provider": "merchant-observed",
        "status": "not_configured",
        "note": "Prices and stock must be confirmed with the merchant."
      },
      "links": [
        {
          "id": "mh-teenage-engineering-ep-133",
          "merchant": "Manufacturer",
          "title": "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
          "label": "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
          "description": "Choose a general-purpose sample palette and fader-based performance without a genre-specific library.",
          "url": "https://teenage.engineering/store/ep-133",
          "relationship": "direct",
          "role": "alternative",
          "factCard": {
            "summary": "128MB current revision; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices; scene chaining and resampling.",
            "details": [
              "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 adds USB-audio recording/monitoring."
            ],
            "caveat": "Older 64MB hardware is still listed by Amazon; firmware does not turn that unit into the 128MB revision. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation."
          }
        },
        {
          "id": "mh-teenage-engineering-ep-1320",
          "merchant": "Amazon",
          "title": "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
          "label": "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
          "description": "Choose the medieval instrument library when that built-in palette is the reason to buy.",
          "url": "https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D98LZ6TL?tag=sourcebottle-20",
          "relationship": "affiliate",
          "role": "alternative",
          "factCard": {
            "summary": "128MB total, split into 96MB ROM and 32MB user samples; 6 stereo or 12 mono voices.",
            "details": [
              "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS1.5 adds USB audio."
            ],
            "caveat": "Only 32MB is user sample space; total memory is not freely replaceable sample capacity. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation."
          },
          "asin": "B0D98LZ6TL"
        },
        {
          "id": "mh-teenage-engineering-ep-40",
          "merchant": "Amazon",
          "title": "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
          "label": "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
          "description": "Choose synced loops, dub effects and an onboard bass/lead synth for reggae-oriented performance.",
          "url": "https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXXQ88PV?tag=sourcebottle-20",
          "relationship": "affiliate",
          "role": "alternative",
          "factCard": {
            "summary": "128MB system memory; subtractive synth and grid-synced loops; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices.",
            "details": [
              "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 USB-audio recording/monitoring."
            ],
            "caveat": "The themed library is a workflow choice; a historical free Ting microphone offer is not an included-accessory guarantee. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation."
          },
          "asin": "B0FXXQ88PV"
        },
        {
          "id": "mh-roland-sp-404mkii",
          "merchant": "Manufacturer",
          "title": "Roland SP–404MKII",
          "label": "Roland SP–404MKII",
          "description": "Choose sample chopping, resampling and performance effects with substantially more internal storage.",
          "url": "https://www.roland.com/global/products/sp-404mk2/",
          "relationship": "direct",
          "role": "alternative",
          "factCard": {
            "summary": "16GB internal storage; 32 voices; 16 pads plus sub pad; real-time and TR-REC patterns.",
            "details": [
              "Two line-input jacks form a stereo pair; separate mic/guitar jack; USB audio/MIDI; SD import/export/backup."
            ],
            "caveat": "SD is transfer/backup storage, not extra internal sample RAM; battery results depend on cells and use. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation."
          }
        },
        {
          "id": "mh-sonicware-smpltrek",
          "merchant": "Manufacturer",
          "title": "Sonicware SmplTrek",
          "label": "Sonicware SmplTrek",
          "description": "Choose sample-based songwriting and audio clips rather than primarily finger-drummed effects performance.",
          "url": "https://sonicware.jp/pages/smpltrek",
          "relationship": "direct",
          "role": "primary",
          "factCard": {
            "summary": "Ten sequencer tracks plus three global audio tracks; SD card required for sampling.",
            "details": [
              "Two physical input jacks: L line/guitar/dynamic mic and R line/dynamic mic; USB audio is 2-in/2-out."
            ],
            "caveat": "Thirteen internal tracks do not mean thirteen recording inputs; song construction needs more setup than immediate sample triggering. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation."
          }
        }
      ]
    }
  },
  "publicUrl": "https://fieldguides.co/g/sonicware-smpltrek"
}