Sample-based beatmaking has been an established technique across almost all electronic music genres for many years. And while computers equipped with DAWs and a suite of plugins offer perhaps the most comprehensive creative approach here, a streamlined setup without software can be a better solution for more intuitive or idiosyncratic musicians. Directly interacting with physical hardware, the creative stimulation that can arise from working within limitations, and quite simply reducing the time spent staring at a screen – all potential benefits that result in fresh or at least alternative outcomes, certainly compared to the feature-heavy environment of software-based production. With all this in mind, the 1010music Bento is a great hands-on tool for the creative manipulation of samples, and its integrated battery allows it to be operated almost anywhere in complete freedom. DJs don't necessarily need to take it to the beach to make beats – any space can become a comfort zone for crafting grooves. So plug in some headphones, load up those samples, and let's go.
The 1010music Bento brings together and builds on the sampling features of the US manufacturer's Blackbox and Lemondrop devices, all packed into a fresh bit of hardware. Up to eight tracks can be loaded with multisamples, one-shots, loops (sliced or not), and even a granular engine for more experimental textures. Filters, insert effects, send effects, and master FX are all on the menu, allowing users to shape their sounds in exacting detail. Samples are stream directly from a microSD card, so storage is only limited by the card's capacity. The built-in step sequencer lets producers lay down patterns, while sub-sequences can be launched at will on every track: It's also possible to record live loops directly via the Bento's audio input. The controls are centred around a brightly coloured 7" touchscreen and the eight encoders, backed up by 16 step buttons plus menu and cursor keys. Since launch, 1010music has rolled out several firmware updates, adding new features and refining the system each time.
Despite its compact footprint, the 1010music Bento is in reality an all-in-one sampling studio capable of producing complex arrangements and indeed full tracks. Thanks to its extensive connectivity, it's also happy taking on a central role in any tabletop setup – whether that's in a DAW-free studio or for live performance sessions. The Bento's various sample playback modes give creative musicians pretty much free rein, making it difficult to pin the device down to any single genre. It’s equally at home in Hip-Hop, Trance, Electronica, Ambient, and any of the constantly evolving experimental styles and sub-genres. The firmware has been designed with future expansion in mind, meaning the Bento will only become even more versatile over time. 1010music provides updates and feature announcements via its dedicated user forum.
1010music was founded in Los Angeles in 2016 and focuses on digital solutions for musical applications. Prior to creating their own products, the developers at 1010music had all worked for renowned companies on large software projects such as Native Instrument's Traktor DJ. 1010Music's creative modules – designed for Eurorack modular systems such as samplers, loopers, sequencers, synthesizers and effects – combine digital technology with analogue control and are all operated via multifunctional touch displays.
Thanks to the flexible sample playback modes, the 1010music Bento can be used equally for beats, melodies, and more experimental audio design. Multisamples can be set up as fully playable, chromatic instruments; conversely, one single sample can be mapped across the device's full range, ideal for lo-fi styles. The Bento's One-Shot mode serves to neatly organise its library of drum kits, hits, and stabs. For instrumental phrases and rhythmic loops, the Loop and Slicing modes offer both straightforward playback or the option to chop things up and rearrange the ingredients creatively. All these modes can be mixed and matched freely across the eight tracks. Granular, on the other hand, is limited to one instance per project – but it does make really deep, transformative sample manipulation possible. The real Bento flavour comes from combining these modes in just the right way.