LoFi Vibes: This Gear is the Perfect Match for Beatmakers!
Here, Everything Comes Together to Provide Inspiration for Your Next Purchase
4,7 / 5,0 | 
If you want to produce beats with lofi vibes and instrumental hip-hop, you won’t need much. In theory, all you need is a computer, an audio interface and a DAW. However, sometimes you might want that little something extra, like special-sounding gear, to give your creative flow a boost. The right hardware can be the key to reaching the next level. Here, we present three pieces of equipment that work well together – the perfect match!
Gear for LoFi Vibes – Our Perfect Match
Hardware for Producing Instrumental Hip-Hop and Beats with LoFi Vibes
Assuming you already have a computer, a DAW and an audio interface… With this equipment, you can produce music to conquer Spotify, TikTok and the charts – no question about it! However, sometimes you just feel like expanding your setup to find new inspiration and unlock new possibilities.
In today’s edition of our new series, ‘Perfect Match‘, we focus on three products that can help you produce beats with lofi vibes and instrumental hip-hop. We believe that all three products complement each other well and can recommend them without hesitation. At the same time, this gear is also symbolic of similar equipment that could be an interesting alternative.
In relation to today’s topic of beats with lofi vibes, we’re introducing the Roland SP-404MKII specifically as a portable sampler with its own unique charm. We’ll also explain why a turntable such as the Reloop SPIN would make a great addition to your setup. As an additional sound generator, we’ll be looking at the Behringer Poly D, which we think is definitely a perfect match.
Digging for New Loops, Sounds and Beats on Vinyl: The Reloop SPIN is the Perfect Companion
First, a disclaimer: sampling other artists’ music can be extremely problematic from a legal standpoint and could end up costing you a lot of money. If you want to release music that you have sampled, you should definitely look into sample clearance!
Maybe you just want to create a few beats for yourself and your friends, with or without lofi vibes, and not upload them to Spotify straight away. With a little post-processing, it’s certainly not that easy to identify a sample of a single note or drum sound (but it’s still “forbidden” in theory).
Many famous beats consist of samples, and you might want to experiment with this art form to see how creative you can be. Furthermore, even a pure sample of vinyl noise can add a nice lo-fi texture to your beat.
MP3s, YouTube, CDs and your own recordings can also be used as sources, of course, but with a turntable, you can discover the world of vinyl records and the thrill of hunting for treasures in record stores and flea markets.
You will need a turntable for this, and a portable device like the Reloop SPIN is a very interesting alternative to a conventional turntable. As we’ve already mentioned, the first reason is: The SPIN is portable and has a built-in speaker, as well as two headphone jacks. This means you can quickly listen to vinyl anywhere.
Sampling is convenient too, as the line output eliminates the need for a phono preamplifier or mixing console. The turntable is also ideal for scratching – with the built-in crossfader, you can really show off your skills! A scratch vinyl is included in the delivery package. Compared to many other turntables, the Reloop SPIN can play at 78 RPM as well as 33 1/3 and 45 RPM.
What’s more, the turntable is stylish, portable and easy to store. You can purchase the Reloop SPIN here at Thomann*.
Roland SP-404 MKII: Portable Sampler with Special LoFi Vibes
In the world of instrumental hip-hop and lofi beats, the SP series, originally launched by Boss, has an almost legendary reputation. This is thanks to its highly accessible approach to sampling and beat creation.
However, the internal effects of the SP samplers also play a significant part in this. SP effects such as the vinyl simulator and the compressor have created a distinctive “trademark sound” that is highly valued by many producers and increasingly imitated by other manufacturers. Some producers even use these devices solely for their effects – instant lofi vibes!
The Roland SP-404 MKII is the most advanced model in the series to date, offering beat producers everything they could possibly want. It comes with lots of new features and effects, and the latest update transforms the sampler into a DJ controller.
Another appealing feature is that the Roland SP-404 MKII can be powered by batteries. This makes it easy to create beats anywhere, whether that’s on the couch, in the park or on the beach. Even though increasingly portable samplers are becoming available, such as the Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II*, Sonicware LIVEN Lofi-12* and Roland AIRA Compact P-6*, the SP series remains one of the most popular for producing authentic beats with lofi vibes. The SP-404 MKII is available from Thomann*, while older models are only available second-hand.
Behringer Poly D: the Analog Synth for Basslines, Chords, and Sounds
Okay, so you’ve got a small turntable for searching for new sounds and samples, as well as for recording a few scratches. With the compact SP-404 MKII, you have a portable sampler for creating authentic-sounding beats with lofi vibes anywhere. What would be a good addition to this setup?
How about an analog synth? This would give you the opportunity to play fat basslines or create beautiful lead melodies – and of course MORE lofi vibes. A synthesizer is also great for sound effects. It’s really handy if you can play chords on it too.
Well, we would suggest the Behringer Poly D. Why? It basically has all the features mentioned above. It is a replica of the famous Minimoog synthesizer, but has enough individuality to set it apart. Its four analog oscillators allow you to create thick bass and lead sounds, as well as play chords. In combination with the noise generator and LFO, you can easily create effects or drum sounds.
Additional extras that enhance the synth include the built-in BBD stereo chorus, arpeggiator and 32-step sequencer. For an analog synth with these capabilities, the Behringer Poly D is also extremely affordable. The only alternative I can think of in this context is the KORG minilogue XD*. However, if you don’t require polyphony and are searching for a pure analog synthesizer in the style of the Minimoog, the Model D* is worth considering – it’s essentially an extremely affordable replica of the original Moog. You can purchase the Poly D from Thomann*.
Conclusion: Why This Trio is the Perfect Match!
Even if you can already produce hip-hop beats and instrumentals with nice lofi vibes using your computer, an audio interface and a DAW, the right hardware will breathe new life into your productions.
A portable turntable such as the Reloop SPIN is ideal for searching for vinyl at flea markets and for finding new samples and recording scratch sounds. The Roland SP-404 MKII is the latest model in the legendary SP series among beat producers. With its wide range of possibilities and impressive effects, the SP-404 MKII is the perfect mobile sampler for beatmakers. When used in combination with the Reloop SPIN, you can even sample sounds from records anywhere!
The Behringer Poly D complements this small setup, providing fat analogue sounds that cover basses, leads and sound effects with ease and are also great for subtle sound effects. Together, this equipment forms the perfect match.
More Information and Ideas
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