Free Beat vs. KOII: Sample Chopping in the Rave Bunker

Free Beat finally takes the KOII’s sample chopping feature for a spin, and it’s not just a quick menu dive. After a stack of previous KOII videos, this is the first time the infamous shift-and-sample combo gets some love. The video opens with a nod to Sunwoo’s tutorial, but don’t expect a dry step-by-step—this is about real-world use, not manual recitation.

There are two main chopping methods on offer. The first is an auto-chop mode, where the KOII tries to detect transients and split your sample accordingly. The second is a more hands-on, live approach: you trigger slices by holding pads as the sample plays. Both methods get a fair shake, and Free Beat’s approach is refreshingly practical—no theory, just immediate results.

What stands out is how the KOII groups chopped samples, making it easy to assign, mute, and layer sounds. Free Beat points out that you can pitch slices, switch to keys mode, and even mash up samples from different tempos for unexpected grooves. The workflow encourages experimentation, and the grouping system is clever—especially for those who like to keep their chaos organised.

There’s a sense that the KOII’s sampling engine is built for quick ideas and happy accidents. Free Beat doesn’t get bogged down in menu-diving; instead, the video shows how easy it is to get from raw sample to playable kit. The device’s intuitive controls and group management are a real asset for anyone who wants to get hands-on without a PhD in menu navigation.

Of course, it’s not all rave and roses. Free Beat calls out the laggy, touchy nature of adjusting chop points, especially when you want precision. The KOII’s lack of a full 16-pad grid and the slightly awkward chop placement can make detailed editing a bit of a toaster-fight. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re a perfectionist, expect some frustration. Still, the honesty is refreshing—no sugar-coating here, just the real workflow warts and all.