What is Koala Sampler?#
Koala Sampler is a powerful yet incredibly intuitive pocket-sized sampler, sequencer, and mixer. It’s available for iOS and Android, as well as Mac.
The creators drew inspiration from classic hardware samplers like the Boss SP-303—a legendary piece of gear used by producers like J Dilla.
Koala Sampler lets you record sounds instantly via your phone’s built-in mic, load existing samples (even from video files!), chop them up, add effects, and build entire tracks from scratch.
Low Floor, High Ceiling#
We chose Koala Sampler for Music Dojo workshops because it perfectly embodies the “low floor, high ceiling” philosophy. You can start creating your first beat in just 5 minutes, yet the app is powerful enough to produce a complete, professional-sounding track.
As proof of what’s possible, check out Marek Mensa (marrson)—an Olympic breakdancer who created a full-length album of beats using only his phone and Koala Sampler while traveling the world.
How to Get the App#
The base version of the app costs 24.99 PLN.
There is also a Windows version, though the developer describes it as a “rough port,” so it doesn’t offer the same smooth experience as the mobile versions.
Expansion Packs (In-App Purchases) – What Can You Get?#
The base version of the app is completely sufficient for our workshops. However, you can purchase add-ons inside the app to expand its capabilities:
1. Samurai Edition (19.99 PLN)#
This expansion adds advanced editing and production tools.
- What’s inside? High-quality Timestretch (4 algorithms to change speed without affecting pitch), a Piano Roll editor, Auto-Chop (automatically slicing samples by beats or equal parts), a 3-band EQ, the “Quokka” built-in synth, and MIDI output support.
- Who is it for? For those looking for more advanced tools. It comes in handy if you need to chop long samples quickly, want to program melodies in a sequencer, or plan to control external MIDI gear.
2. The Mixer (24.99 PLN)#
This turns Koala into a miniature mixing studio.
- What’s inside? It adds 4 sub-groups (buses) and a Master channel. Each channel features 5 effect slots that you can chain together (e.g., compressor, reverb, distortion).
- Who is it for? Producers who want deep sound design and a professional-sounding mix.
3. Sample Packs (14.99 PLN each)#
If you’re looking for fresh sounds to get started, you can pick up these professionally crafted packs:
- Solar Studies Samplepack
- Cirrus Cuts Sample Pack
- Analog Astronaut Samplepack
- Soon Come Dub Sample Pack
About the Team and the Vision#
Koala is developed by “elf audio,” a company led by Marek Bereza. It has become a favorite in the beatmaking community, used by everyone from bedroom hobbyists to industry professionals.
The core philosophy behind Koala was to create an instrument with “no brake pedal.” The interface is designed to keep you in a creative “flow,” avoiding endless menus and micro-management. In Koala, you work fast—make a decision, bake in an effect, and keep moving.
