Introduction
Tired of lugging a laptop for sampling and sequencing? The 1010music Bento is here—a flagship portable sampling production lab that combines the power of DAW-style features with hands-on performance in a compact format. It delivers 24-bit audio, extensive I/O, and live-friendly controls—all battery-powered—ideal for creatives on the go.
Real-World Impressions
“It’s compact, looks great and intuitive, and is high fidelity for a standalone.” – Gearspace forum user
“The hardware is VERY well done… screen is big, weight is just right—not cheap or flimsy.” – Reddit user
“The M21 is the perfect balance between price and performance.” – YouTube comment
“I sold my MPC Live II and kept the Bento. Workflow is just faster.” – Head-Fi forum user
Key Features & Benefits
7″ Color Touchscreen + Physical Controls
- Specs: 7″ multi-touch screen, 16 velocity/pressure-sensitive pads, 8 endless encoders
- Benefit: Enables fast, intuitive workflow—tap, tweak, and perform without diving into menus.
Eight Flexible Tracks
- Specs: Tracks support sample banks, multisampled instruments, one-shots, loops, granular, slicers, or external MIDI
- Benefit: Perfect for building full compositions or live performances—no laptop needed.
Pro I/O & Connectivity
- Specs: 3 stereo inputs, 3 stereo outputs, headphone out, USB-C host/device, dual TRS MIDI I/O
- Benefit: Seamlessly integrate external gear—synths, modular, instruments.
Onboard 24-bit Sampling & Resampling
- Specs: Internal 24-bit ADC/DAC, sample from microSD or external input, resample internally
- Benefit: Record and layer textures, loops, or instrument sounds anywhere, anytime.
Granular, Slicer, and FX Engines
- Specs: Granular engine (Lemondrop-based), slicer, powerful FX: delay, reverb, chorus, overdrive, etc.
- Benefit: Sound design and remix capabilities rival desktop setups.
Internal Battery (≈3 Hours)
- Specs: Rechargeable for ≈3 hours on battery power
- Benefit: Work or perform without outlet restrictions—on stage or couch.
Watch It in Action
Check out this first-look video featuring Bento’s workflow, connectivity, pads, and touchscreen in real-time:
How It Compares
| Feature | 1010music Bento | 1010 Blackbox | Akai MPC X* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracks | 8 (flexible modes) | 4 + limited FX | 16 sample tracks |
| Touchscreen | 7″ color multi-touch | 3.5″ non-touch | 10.1″ touch, heavy |
| Pads / Encoders | 16 pads + 8 encoders | 8 pads + 4 knobs | 17 pads, 16 knobs |
| I/O | Extensive | Moderate | Very high |
| Battery | ~3 h portable use | No battery | No battery |
| Price (€) | ~€1,049 | ~€469 | €1,799+ |
*Bento delivers laptop-level flexibility with the mobility of the Blackbox—at less than half the cost of a full MPC setup.
What’s in the Box?
- 1010music Bento
- MicroSD card (160+ patches, 200+ WAVs)
- USB-C power/data cable & splitter
- MIDI TRS-to-5-pin DIN adapter
- Quick Start Guide & documentation
Ideal For
- Live performers who need sample-based groove rigs anywhere
- Producers building quick ideas without booting a DAW
- Sound designers creating granular textures on the go
- Mobile studio users wanting laptop-like power in one box
FAQ
Is it truly standalone?
Yes—sample, sequence, modulate, and perform entirely on-device.
Can it sample external instruments?
Absolutely—24-bit WAV recording with internal chopping and FX.
How long does the battery last?
Approx. 3 hours, longer when powered via USB-C.
Does it support external MIDI and USB devices?
Yes—USB host, dual MIDI, and device modes included.
Is granular synthesis included?
Yes—a powerful Lemondrop-derived engine plus slicer mode.
Where to Buy
The 1010music Bento is available now at Soundium. Enjoy:
- Free pickup shipping on orders over €149
- Free courier shipping on orders over €299
- Secure checkout and interest-free payments
Order the 1010music Bento from Soundium
Final Thoughts
The Bento is a rare fusion of portability, depth, and power. With eight versatile tracks, robust I/O, granular engines, and onboard sampling, it's a standalone powerhouse that fits in your backpack. Perfect for mobile producers who want serious tools—no laptop required.
Still Unsure?
Need advice on setup compatibility? Reach out to our team—we’ll help you find the right fit.
