It’s 2018, you can virtually turn any sound to what ever you want thanks to manipulation features found in any Digital Audio Workstations. You can drag and drop samples, arrange it, and have a full track. But keep in mind that it doesn't as simple as it sounds like. We'll take you through on a journey on how to properly utilize audio samples for Music production.
Know your sample
There are basically two types of samples; one shot and loop. They are different but you can turn a loop to a one shot, vice versa. Let's see the difference shall we?
One Shot
One shot samples are single audio samples that does not repeat that you can arrange yourself to create a groove. One shot samples most commonly came in form of drum kit. Take a look at this following picture:
Logic Pro X Arrangement View
As you can see, there are audio files color coded in blue. All blue cells above are one shot samples arranged together, per sound making a solid groove. Each tracks are named after the one shot samples it corresponds to.
Though most commonly came in form of drum kits, you will also encounter one shot melodic samples. The easiest way to utilize this kind of one shot sample is to take that one sample and put it to your software sampler, depending on the note that the sample carries, you can play melodic one shot samples with your MIDI keyboard or draw them on a piano roll. That is one intuitive way to play with unique sounds!
Loop
Loop samples will get you inspired. they are basically samples that have been arranged by producers for you to use. There is nothing wrong with drag and dropping loops, but you can always manipulate loops to make the sound truly you.
To do this, you can cut and rearrange the loop, or even layer one loop with another loop and your own melodies to make unique sequence never heard before.
Broaden Up Your Music References
Listening to other musician / producer's work is essential to get yourself inspired. Your audio samples is your tool to spice up your production, and people's music is your gold mine of inspiration. Challenge yourself to arrange the most simple to the most complex grooves your can imagine by listening to great tracks you found.
Now you know the basics of audio samples, so where can you get them? Don't worry, we've got you covered
The Internet
No need further explanation about this one. You can surf the web for sample packs. Primeloops, Rankin Audio, Unmute are among the best websites for your sample digging.
Other Musicians, Sound Designers and Producers
Get linked up with other musicians, sound designers and producers. Not only expanding your production knowledge, but sharing is caring. Sharing session between musicians is a delightful experience that you don't want to miss.
The Random Brothers and Slicecult recently threw a sampling fiesta at Queenshead Jakarta.
The Random Brothers provided amazing gears from boutique synthesizers and drum machines such as Roland Jupiter and Yamaha DX7, and Roland TR-09 Drum Maschine and of course, Random Brother's Eurorack modular synthesizers for you sample hunters to collect.
Don't miss out these opportunities. Watch out for music creation events near you because you'll be delighted!
Words by: Najmi Ismail