1010MUSIC BLACKBOX 2 | Ultraportable Sampling Studio & Groovebox

blackbox 2

Ultraportable Sampling Studio and Groovebox

blackbox 2 is an ultraportable sampler and groovebox built for serious DAWless music creation, live performance, and spontaneous beatmaking wherever inspiration strikes. Expanding on the legacy of the original blackbox with twice the processing power, this next-generation compact production workstation combines deep sampling, sequencing, performance tools, and sound design features in a backpack-friendly form factor with a vivid 4" high-resolution color touchscreen and an internal 3-hour battery.

Flexible Sampling and Sequencing Workflows

Designed to function as a complete DAWless production environment, blackbox 2 gives you extensive tools for recording, editing, sequencing, and arranging music without relying on a computer. Its four flexible tracks support multiple instrument types including Shredder, One-Shot, Loop, Slicer, Multisample, and External Instruments, allowing you to approach production from multiple creative angles. One-Shot and Loop instruments can each support up to 16 samples per patch, making it easy to build layered drum kits, evolving loops, and performance-ready sample banks. 

Capture loops with synchronized start and stop timing, define exact recording lengths for perfectly sized phrases, trigger automatic recording via audio threshold detection, or enable immediate playback for live looping applications. With support for recordings up to four hours in length and direct recording/playback of long WAV files from high-capacity microSD cards, blackbox 2 is equally capable of handling short rhythmic elements and extended backing tracks. Sequencing options are equally deep, with step sequencing, grid and piano roll editing, probability tools, real-time recording, and an onscreen keyboard for building patterns and melodic performances directly from the touchscreen.

Advanced Sound Design and Performance Effects

Far beyond a simple phrase sampler, blackbox 2 offers sophisticated sound design tools for crafting original instruments and reshaping source material. Automated multisampling streamlines the process of sampling favorite synthesizers and converting them into detailed playable instruments, while extensive synth-style architecture gives you creative control over timbre and movement. Shape sounds using multiple filters, envelopes, LFOs, overdrive, and a modulation matrix for deeper parameter interaction. 

Each track also includes a four-band EQ with cut, shelf, and parametric settings for precise tonal shaping. For live manipulation, blackbox 2 includes a suite of DJ-style effects with expressive XY control, including filter, echo, gater, flanger, bitcrusher, and repeater effects, for transitions, breakdowns, and real-time performance enhancement. Whether sculpting polished instruments or aggressively transforming loops, the system provides substantial sonic flexibility.

Portable Studio Connectivity and Integration

Despite its compact footprint, blackbox 2 offers robust connectivity for studio integration, mobile workflows, and hardware-centric performance setups. USB-C host and device ports support attachment of MIDI controllers while enabling multichannel audio and MIDI communication with computers, tablets, and phones. Send three stereo channels of audio to an external device while receiving one stereo channel back, making blackbox 2 a practical centerpiece for hybrid hardware/software production workflows. USB integration also allows direct file transfer to and from the installed microSD card for streamlined project management and sample loading. 

Flexible audio I/O includes one stereo input, three stereo outputs, and a dedicated stereo headphone output for monitoring and routing options suited to production and live performance. Extensive MIDI CC support enables deep integration with external controllers for hands-on manipulation, while the internal rechargeable battery provides up to three hours of operation for truly portable music creation wherever inspiration hits.

Specifications

• Sound Generation
  • Sample-Based
• Expression Controls
  • 4x Knob
• Transport Controls
  • Yes: Record, Stop, Play, Loop Record, Loop Playback
• AD/DA Conversion
  • 24-Bit
• Standalone Operation
  • Yes
• Display
  • 4" / 10.2 cm Color LCD
• Sampling Formats
  • WAV
• Maximum Sample Length
  • 4 Hours
• Built-In Effects
  • EQ: 4-Band
• Sequencer
  • Yes
• Number of Recorder Tracks 
  • 4x Sequencer
• Audio Recording Formats
  • WAV
• Media/Memory Card Slot
  • Single Slot: microSD (Unspecified Type)
• Audio I/O
  • 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Stereo Input
  • 3x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Stereo Line Output
  • 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Stereo Headphone Output
• MIDI I/O
  • 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Input (DIN 5-Pin Adapter Included)
  • 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Output (DIN 5-Pin Adapter Included)
• Sync I/O
  • 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Clock Input or Output
• USB I/O 
  • 1x USB-C (Audio, Bus Power)
  • 1x USB-C (MIDI)
• OS Compatibility
  • Windows / macOS
• Required Hardware
  • USB-C Port
• Internet Connection
  • Required for Software/Driver Download
• Power Requirements
  • Battery
• AC/DC Power Adapter
  • Included
• Battery Type
  • 1x Built-In Rechargeable
• Expected Battery Life
  • 3 Hours
• Color
  • Black
• Dimensions
  • 8.7 x 6.5 x 2.7" / 221 x 165.1 x 68.6 mm
• Weight
  • 1.2 lb / 0.5 kg

In The Box

• 1010music blackbox 2 Ultraportable Sampling Studio and Groovebox
• MicroSD Card with Patches and WAV Files
• USB-C Power Cord
• USB-C Power and Data Splitter
• Type-B TRS MIDI To MIDI 5-Pin DIN Adapter 
• Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty