A sampling machine, essentially a digital audio workstation (DAW) with sampling capabilities, captures and replays snippets of audio, called samples. These samples are then manipulated and used to create new sounds and music.
The Sampling Process: From Sound to Sample
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Sound Acquisition: The process begins by recording an audio source – a musical instrument, a voice, environmental sounds, etc. – using a microphone or other input device. This is digitized, converting the analog sound wave into a digital representation.
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Sample Editing & Processing: The recorded audio is then edited. This might involve trimming unwanted sections, adjusting volume, applying effects (like reverb or delay), or altering the pitch and tempo. This stage is crucial for shaping the final sound.
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Sample Allocation: The prepared sample is assigned to a specific note or a range of notes on a musical keyboard or other controller (like a pad controller). This means that when you press a key, the corresponding sample is triggered. The reference describes this: "Usually a sampler is controlled by an attached music keyboard or other external MIDI controller or source. Each note-message received by the sampler accesses a particular sample."
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Playback & Manipulation: When a key is pressed on the controller, the sampler plays back the assigned sample. This can be manipulated in real-time, changing parameters like volume, pitch, and effects to create dynamic and expressive sounds.
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Sample Libraries: Many samplers use pre-recorded sample libraries containing a wide array of sounds. These libraries expand the sonic capabilities of the sampler beyond the user's recordings.
Examples of Sampling Applications
- Creating unique synth sounds: By sampling a violin or a bell, a user can process and manipulate the sample to design a totally new synthesized sound with characteristics of the original instrument.
- Looping and sequencing: Short rhythmic samples can be looped to create repetitive musical patterns (loops). These loops are then sequenced together to create entire musical tracks.
- Sound design for film and games: Samplers are frequently used in audio production to design unique and expressive sound effects.
- Creating new instruments: A user can create entirely new virtual instruments by sampling and manipulating sounds.
The ability to assign multiple samples across a keyboard is key, as the reference notes: "Often multiple samples are arranged across the keyboard, each assigned to a note or group of notes." This allows for the creation of complex and layered soundscapes.
