1010music blackbox 2: Compact Sampler Workstation Gets Major Upgrade

TL;DR: 1010music has unveiled the blackbox 2, a complete overhaul of its popular compact sampler workstation. It features a faster CPU, a high-resolution 4” color touchscreen, battery power, and a redesigned interface inspired by the Bento, all for $649 USD. Pre-orders are open now, with units shipping in July 2026.

• Twice the CPU power of the original, enabling new features like streaming samples from microSD and automated multisample instrument creation.
• New hardware design with a 4” color touchscreen, four parameter knobs above the display, and a button layout matching the Bento.
• Built-in battery provides 3 hours of portable operation, plus two USB-C ports for host and device duties.
• 16 tracks with independent sampler engines, including a new “Shredder” instrument that blends granular synthesis and slicing.
• Available for pre-order at $649 USD / 759€, shipping July 2026.

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What Is the blackbox 2?

The original blackbox, launched in 2019, carved out a loyal following among hardware samplers who wanted something smaller than an Octatrack but more hands-on than an iPad. Seven years is an eternity in the gear world, and 1010music has decided it’s time for a proper sequel. The blackbox 2 is not a refresh—it’s a ground-up rebuild. The chassis now shares design DNA with the Bento, that quirky little groovebox that made us all reconsider what a compact instrument could look like.

Under the hood, the CPU is twice as fast as before. That might not sound like much on paper, but in practice it means the blackbox 2 can stream samples directly from microSD cards without choking, handle more complex multisampled instruments, and run the new “Shredder” engine that combines granular synthesis with slicing. It’s the kind of speed boost that makes you wonder how we tolerated the old one for so long.

The Hardware Overhaul

The most immediate change is the screen: a 4-inch color touchscreen with resolution that actually looks like it belongs in 2026. Above the display sit four parameter knobs. I’ll be honest—I’m not a fan of knobs above the screen. Every time you reach to tweak something, your hand blocks the display. It’s a small ergonomic sin, but one that compounds during a live set. Below the screen, you get four arrow keys for navigation and a row of dedicated buttons for tracks, instruments, launch, sequencer, song, scene, mixer, recording, FX, stop, project, and play. It’s a lot of buttons, but the layout mirrors the Bento, which suggests 1010music has a consistent design philosophy across their line.

Power-wise, the blackbox 2 now runs on a built-in battery rated for three hours. That’s not groundbreaking—the OP-1 Field laughs at three hours—but it’s enough for a coffee shop session or a quick jam on the train. More importantly, there are two USB-C ports: one for host duties (connecting controllers) and one for device duties (multichannel audio and MIDI). Stereo audio input, three stereo outputs, and a headphone jack round out the connectivity. The microSD slot now has “no capacity limit,” which is a relief for anyone who’s ever had to trim samples to fit a 32GB card.

New Features and Engine Upgrades

The core remains 16 tracks, each with an independent sampler engine. You can load loops, one-shots, slicers, and now the Shredder—a new instrument type that fragments audio into “splintered motion” by combining granular synthesis with slicing. It sounds like the kind of thing you’d use to make a beat sound like it’s falling apart in a beautiful way. The automated multisample instrument creation is a standout: connect an external synth, hit a button, and the blackbox 2 will sample across the keyboard and build a playable instrument. Internal resampling is still there, which means you can layer effects or capture spontaneous ideas without external cables.

The effects section gets a boost with new DJ-style XY effects: filter, delay, EQ, gate, and repeater. These are mapped to touch control on the screen, which could be either intuitive or fiddly depending on your finger size. The step sequencer now includes grid and piano roll views with probability. That’s a feature that’s become almost mandatory in modern grooveboxes, and it’s good to see it here.

Market Context and Who It Is For

At $649 USD, the blackbox 2 sits in a crowded but specific niche. It’s cheaper than an Octatrack, more portable than a MPC One, and more focused than an iPad with apps. The competition includes the Kiviak WoFi LE (newly announced), the Polyend Tracker, and the ever-present SP-404 MKII. What sets the blackbox 2 apart is its modular approach to sampling: each track is a self-contained sampler, and the new Shredder engine adds a granular twist that few competitors offer at this price point.

This is a device for beatmakers who want to work away from the computer but still need deep sample manipulation. It’s also for live performers who want something that fits in a backpack and can run on battery. The USB host port means you can plug in a MIDI controller without a power adapter, which is a huge plus for mobile setups.

Early Thoughts and Cautions

I’m genuinely excited about the blackbox 2. The original was a solid tool that earned its reputation through steady firmware updates. But I have one concern: firmware stability. The Bento launched with bugs that turned early adopters into unpaid beta testers. The firmware is stable now, but I’ve heard whispers that it’s still not perfect. If 1010music wants to maintain goodwill, they need to ship the blackbox 2 with a firmware that’s ready for the stage, not the lab. Pre-orders are open now, and units ship in July 2026. That gives them a few months to polish the software.

If you’re an existing blackbox user, the upgrade path is clear: more power, better screen, battery, and the Shredder. If you’re new to hardware sampling, this is a strong entry point. Just maybe wait for the first round of user reviews before clicking “buy.”

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to find a power strip that isn’t already occupied by a coffee maker and three other synths. The struggle is real, and the battery in this thing might actually help.