# Sonicware SmplTrek Buyer Guide Arrange a song around samples and recorded parts. 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. Site: Field Guides Category: Hardware Version: 2026-10-18.1 Published: 2026-10-18 Updated: 2026-10-18 Freshness: Source Checked; checked 2026-10-18; Recheck firmware, exact hardware revision and offers before buying.; Battery figures are manufacturer estimates with different conditions. Dated availability observations are not stock or delivery guarantees. Tags: music-hardware, buyer-guide, te-ep-samplers Canonical: https://fieldguides.co/g/sonicware-smpltrek Markdown: https://fieldguides.co/g/sonicware-smpltrek.md Versioned Markdown: https://fieldguides.co/g/sonicware-smpltrek/2026-10-18.1.md JSON: https://fieldguides.co/api/guides/sonicware-smpltrek ## Product Links Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Field Guides may earn from qualifying purchases. Links establish product identity, not current offers. - [Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)](https://teenage.engineering/store/ep-133) - Alternative; Manufacturer; Check merchant. 128MB current revision; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices; scene chaining and resampling. - [Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D98LZ6TL?tag=sourcebottle-20) - Alternative; Amazon; Check merchant. 128MB total, split into 96MB ROM and 32MB user samples; 6 stereo or 12 mono voices. - [Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXXQ88PV?tag=sourcebottle-20) - Alternative; Amazon; Check merchant. 128MB system memory; subtractive synth and grid-synced loops; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices. - [Roland SP–404MKII](https://www.roland.com/global/products/sp-404mk2/) - Alternative; Manufacturer; Check merchant. 16GB internal storage; 32 voices; 16 pads plus sub pad; real-time and TR-REC patterns. - [Sonicware SmplTrek](https://sonicware.jp/pages/smpltrek) - Primary; Manufacturer; Check merchant. Ten sequencer tracks plus three global audio tracks; SD card required for sampling. ## Key Stats - Architecture: Ten sequencer tracks plus three global audio tracks; SD card required for sampling. - Power: Six AA or included AC adapter; maker rates alkaline cells at approximately 4h. - Connections: Two physical input jacks: L line/guitar/dynamic mic and R line/dynamic mic; USB audio is 2-in/2-out. ## Quick Read - Buy for - 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. - Choose another route when - Skip it if you expect thirteen simultaneous recording inputs or the quickest pad-performance workflow; the track count describes internal arrangement capacity. ## Bottom Line **Arrange a song around samples and recorded parts.** 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. ## Mechanism **What you will work with.** - 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. ## Decision **Choose the workflow before the specification.** - 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. ## Edge Cases **Check the ownership constraints.** - Thirteen internal tracks do not mean thirteen recording inputs; song construction needs more setup than immediate sample triggering. ## Comparison ladder **Five ways to solve this buying decision.** 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. | Product | Buy for | Main tradeoff | | --- | --- | --- | | 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. | ## Evidence **Comparison facts and their sources.** Source IDs below resolve to the full source list. Fit and tradeoff judgments combine those sources; published specifications are not head-to-head tests. | Product | Dimension | Value | Sources | Evidence | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 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 | ## Review Signal **What independent evidence can tell you.** - 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. ## Offer Caveats **Match the exact unit before checkout.** 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. ## Claim Table | Where | Claim | Confidence | Source | Caveat | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Evidence | 128MB storage; 12 stereo/16 mono voices; OS 2.5 USB audio and auto-chop; four AAA or USB-C. | High | teenage.engineering (mh-ep133) | Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test. | | Evidence | Useful workflow distinctions, but old memory and firmware statements superseded by current official pages. | Low | reddit.com (mh-te-community) | Anecdotal and firmware-dependent; not a failure rate or controlled comparison. | | Evidence | 128MB total: 96MB ROM and 32MB user memory; six stereo/12 mono voices; OS1.5 USB audio; four AAA or USB-C. | High | teenage.engineering (mh-ep1320) | Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test. | | Evidence | Enjoyable themed sound library; restricted user memory and learning friction. | Medium | musicradar.com (mh-ep1320-review) | Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware. | | Evidence | 128MB system memory, subtractive synth, synced loops, 12 stereo/16 mono voices, OS2.5 USB audio; four AAA or USB-C. | High | teenage.engineering (mh-ep40) | Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test. | | Evidence | Performance-oriented reggae/dub effects and presets; reviewed bundle is a historical promotion, not current included mic proof. | Medium | musicradar.com (mh-ep40-review) | Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware. | | Evidence | 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. | High | static.roland.com (mh-sp404) | Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test. | | Evidence | Effects-focused performance and sample triggering; historical firmware. | Medium | soundonsound.com (mh-sp404-review) | Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware. | | Evidence | 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. | High | sonicware.co.jp (mh-smpl) | Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test. | | Evidence | Frames SmplTrek as a songwriting machine including audio/MIDI/loops, versus SP performance emphasis. | Medium | soundonsound.com (mh-smpl-review) | Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware. | | Evidence | Some owners find short-loop workflows less immediate on SmplTrek; subjective and firmware-dependent. | Low | reddit.com (mh-sampler-community) | Anecdotal and firmware-dependent; not a failure rate or controlled comparison. | | Evidence | Current EP–133 has 128MB only on paper-foam SKU TE032AS002; earlier hardware remains distinct. | High | teenage.engineering (mh-ep-family) | Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test. | | Evidence | 128MB total, split into 96MB ROM and 32MB user samples; 6 stereo or 12 mono voices. | High | teenage.engineering (mh-ep1320) | Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison. | | Evidence | 128MB system memory; subtractive synth and grid-synced loops; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices. | High | teenage.engineering (mh-ep40) | Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison. | | Evidence | 16GB internal storage; 32 voices; 16 pads plus sub pad; real-time and TR-REC patterns. | High | static.roland.com (mh-sp404) | Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison. | | Evidence | Ten sequencer tracks plus three global audio tracks; SD card required for sampling. | High | sonicware.co.jp (mh-smpl) | Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison. | | Evidence | Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here. | High | teenage.engineering (mh-ep133) | Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison. | | Evidence | Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here. | High | teenage.engineering (mh-ep1320) | Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison. | | Evidence | Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here. | High | teenage.engineering (mh-ep40) | Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison. | | Evidence | Six AA: approx. 2.5h alkaline or 3.5h NiMH under continuous use; USB-C or AC also supported. | High | static.roland.com (mh-sp404) | Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison. | | Evidence | Six AA or included AC adapter; maker rates alkaline cells at approximately 4h. | High | sonicware.co.jp (mh-smpl) | Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison. | | Evidence | Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 adds USB-audio recording/monitoring. | High | teenage.engineering (mh-ep133) | Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison. | | Evidence | Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS1.5 adds USB audio. | High | teenage.engineering (mh-ep1320) | Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison. | | Evidence | Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 USB-audio recording/monitoring. | High | teenage.engineering (mh-ep40) | Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison. | | Evidence | Two line-input jacks form a stereo pair; separate mic/guitar jack; USB audio/MIDI; SD import/export/backup. | High | static.roland.com (mh-sp404) | Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison. | | Evidence | Two physical input jacks: L line/guitar/dynamic mic and R line/dynamic mic; USB audio is 2-in/2-out. | High | sonicware.co.jp (mh-smpl) | Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison. | | Evidence | Title explicitly says 64 MB; rejected for the selected 128MB hardware. | High | amazon.com (mh-ep133-amazon-old) | Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test. | | Review Signal | 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. | Medium | soundonsound.com (mh-smpl-review) | Attributed finding; historical firmware and individual owner limitations are stated in the claim. | | Review Signal | 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. | Medium | reddit.com (mh-sampler-community) | Attributed finding; historical firmware and individual owner limitations are stated in the claim. | | Review Signal | 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. | Medium | www.amazona.de (mh-smpl-amazona) | Attributed finding; historical firmware and individual owner limitations are stated in the claim. | ## Sources - [EP family comparison](https://teenage.engineering/products/ep) - teenage.engineering; Official; accessed 2026-10-18 - [EP–1320 Medieval](https://teenage.engineering/store/ep-1320) - teenage.engineering; Official; accessed 2026-10-18 - [EP–1320 review](https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/samplers/teenage-engineering-ep-1320-medieval-review) - musicradar.com; Review; accessed 2026-10-18 - [EP–133 K.O. II current store](https://teenage.engineering/store/ep-133) - teenage.engineering; Official; accessed 2026-10-18 - [EP–133 K.O. II 64MB Amazon identity](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8BV1RTJ?tag=sourcebottle-20) - amazon.com; Merchant; accessed 2026-10-18 - [EP–40 Riddim](https://teenage.engineering/store/ep-40) - teenage.engineering; Official; accessed 2026-10-18 - [EP–40 and Ting review](https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/samplers/teenage-engineering-ep-40-riddim-and-ep-2350-ting-review) - musicradar.com; Review; accessed 2026-10-18 - [SP–404MKII / SmplTrek owner comparison](https://www.reddit.com/r/sonicware/comments/1armjof) - reddit.com; Community; accessed 2026-10-18 - [SmplTrek User Manual rev3](https://www.sonicware.co.jp/DL/SmplTrek/DOC/SmplTrek_manual_en_r3.pdf) - sonicware.co.jp; Official; accessed 2026-10-18 - [SmplTrek review](https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/sonicware-smpltrek) - soundonsound.com; Review; accessed 2026-10-18 - [SP–404MKII v5.50 specifications](https://static.roland.com/manuals/sp-404mk2_reference_v550/en-US/8010023578592395.html) - static.roland.com; Official; accessed 2026-10-18 - [SP–404MKII review](https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/roland-sp-404-mkii) - soundonsound.com; Review; accessed 2026-10-18 - [EP family owner discussion](https://www.reddit.com/r/teenageengineering/comments/1va4n3t/ep133_vs_ep1320_advice/) - reddit.com; Community; accessed 2026-10-18 - [SmplTrek product](https://sonicware.jp/pages/smpltrek) - sonicware.jp; Official; accessed 2026-10-18 - [SmplTrek hands-on test](https://www.amazona.de/test-sonicware-smpltrek-sampler-und-mini-groovebox/) - www.amazona.de; Review; accessed 2026-10-18 ## Agent Retrieval Notes - This Markdown is generated from the same structured guide package as the public HTML page. - MCP tools return Markdown text by default to avoid high-token JSON envelopes. - Agent site map: https://fieldguides.co/llms.txt