Every Technique of Sampling Music You NEED to Know (A Complete Guide)

Summary

This video explores the art of sampling, from beginner to pro levels, offering valuable techniques for finding and manipulating samples. It covers key concepts like understanding genres, dynamics, and the importance of variety in samples. The video also dives into practical methods for chopping, pitching, and pairing samples, as well as advanced techniques like side chaining, using effects, and converting samples to MIDI. The focus is on creative ways to transform sounds, including using AI tools and sound design methods, to make samples uniquely your own and enhance production workflows.

Takeaways

• 😀 Knowledge of genres, decades, and instruments like the yangqin vs western zither can help you find the right samples more quickly.
• 🎧 Bad samples often have issues like over-compression, noise, or being too busy, which make them harder to work with.
• 🎶 A good sample should have dynamic range and variety, making it easier to chop and manipulate in production.
• 🛠 Familiarity with your tools and workflow (e.g., drum racks, samplers, hardware) is crucial for achieving the best results.
• 🎚 Pitch and tempo adjustments are fundamental when manipulating samples; they affect the sample’s tonal qualities and overall vibe.
• 🔄 Sampling isn't just about finding a good loop—it's about chopping and reworking parts to create new, unique rhythms and grooves.
• 💡 Using effects like reverb, delay, or chorus can dramatically change the sound and perspective of a sample.
• 🎛 Slicing a sample to MIDI allows for easy manipulation of rhythms, timing, and pitch, opening up new creative possibilities.
• 🎚 Sidechaining or ducking samples helps create space in your mix and gives your tracks a more dynamic, punchy feel.
• 🔊 Advanced techniques like granular synthesis, spectral resonators, and vocoders can add intricate, futuristic textures to your samples.
• 🎶 Converting audio to MIDI and quantizing it allows for more flexibility in reshaping a sample, even turning it into a completely new musical idea.

Q & A

What makes a good sample when digging for music?

A good sample has a variety of dynamics and stands out with unique elements. Knowledge of genres, decades, and instruments helps you find what you need quicker, especially when knowing differences like between a Yangqin and a Western zither.

What is the importance of knowing the decade of a sample?

Understanding the decade when a particular style or sound was popular (e.g., drum and bass in the 90s) speeds up the process of finding relevant samples. Different eras have different vibes and production techniques.

What makes a bad sample and why should it be avoided?

Bad samples are usually overly compressed, noisy, or busy. Such samples make it harder to find usable chops, as they lack dynamics or are cluttered with too many elements like instruments or vocals without breaks.

How can you identify a sample that is too busy?

A busy sample is one that has too many overlapping instruments or vocals, making it difficult to isolate usable parts. These samples are not ideal when you're just starting out and looking for simplicity in your production.

What tools can be used for sampling and what are their differences?

You can use tools like drum wrecks, samplers, and hardware samplers, each offering different results. It’s crucial to find a workflow that works best with each type of sample, whether you’re chopping on a grid or using a physical sampler.

How do you select the right loop size in a sample?

Choosing the right loop size (like 2 or 4 bars) can make a big difference. A one-bar loop might be more effective for certain styles, while a longer loop might result in a messier, less focused sound.

What’s the effect of pitching and tempo adjustments on a sample?

Pitching a sample down adds more bass and can result in a muddier sound, while pitching it up makes it brighter and sharper. Adjusting the tempo also changes the feel of the sample, affecting its overall vibe.

What role does pairing a sample with drums play in shaping its vibe?

Pairing a sample with drums helps set the tone and vibe of the track. The interaction between the rhythm of the drums and the sample can either complement or clash, so testing different combinations is key.

How does side chaining impact the overall groove of a track?

Side chaining, or ducking, creates a bouncy effect by making space in the mix for other instruments, typically the kick and bass. This technique exaggerates the groove and ensures key elements stand out in the mix.

What are advanced techniques for manipulating samples?

Advanced techniques include using a vocoder to enhance drum peaks, applying spectral resonators for harmonic redistribution, or employing granular synthesis for unique rhythmic effects. These methods allow for creative manipulation and transformation of the original sample.