Sunwarper’s Woovebox Pro Test: Pocket Sampler or Groovebox Rave Weapon?

The Woovebox Pro doesn’t mess around when it comes to features. You get customisable sample rates and bit depths, so you can dial in everything from PO-33-style grit to 404-level clarity. Chopping samples is quick, with options for auto-slice or manual slicing, and the built-in synths mean you’re not stuck with just what you’ve sampled. FX sends on every track? Yes, please. It’s a portable playground for anyone who likes their beats a bit rough around the edges.

Now, before you start packing your bags for a Woovebox honeymoon, let’s talk workflow. Sunwarper points out that moving samples from the sampler into tracks isn’t exactly plug-and-play. You can’t just sequence straight from the sampler – you’ve got to copy and paste your kits into tracks, and if you’re used to a more direct approach, this can feel like trying to DJ with oven mitts. The default step length can trip you up, too, making samples cut off unless you tweak the sequencer settings.

But there’s hope: once you get your head around the quirks (and maybe have a chat with the developer, as Sunwarper did), you can work around these bumps. Adjusting step lengths and decay settings gets your samples behaving, and the sequencer offers enough flexibility for both live performance and traditional pattern-based building. It’s not flawless, but it’s got potential – especially if you like a bit of chaos in your creative process.

What makes the Woovebox Pro stand out is its commitment to that lo-fi, crunchy character we all love from the PO-33, but with a serious upgrade in creative options. You’re not just stuck with drums and one-shots – there are synths, chord tracks, FX, and enough sequencing power to build full tracks on the fly. Sunwarper shows how you can transpose samples, set keys and scales, and layer up bass, leads, and more, all within the box.

It’s a proper evolution for portable sampling. The device keeps the spirit of the old-school pocket samplers alive, but lets you push further, whether you’re jamming in the park or trying to finish a track before the kids wake up. Sure, it’s a bit more complicated, but that’s the price you pay for more firepower in your pocket.