yo, what is a sampler anyway?

okay here's a simple question: what is a sampler anyway? i mean i get the idea that it can sample sounds and then loop them back--but how do you use one as an instrument? i don't get it. confused, mp

...................... a sampler is a box that stores samples (loops, kicks, basses ect) and allows you to assign each sample to a specific midi channel so you can trigger the start of the sample via a midi sequencer (pro tools). It also allows you to create your own samples (background voices, loops, sound EFX ect). Check out the info on this sampler, it may help. B Carter Digidesign

Also you can record a sound (a sample) and play it back at any pitch. This means you could play any sample as a melodic instrument. JB.

matthewinphilly (wow, some alias) Absolutely ! Peter Gabriel did a track with dogs barking, the famous "orchestra hit" was big in the 80's, and I (miserable little devil) have used many of my daughter's toys to add a bit of spice to snare drums. Today the drummer in my band uses a sampler (trigged by an "octapad") to produce guitar sounds, loops and synth pads which are a big asset to our live gigs. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Where we had to struggle with loops in the 80's, DAW's make this a breeze today. My trusty AKAI S900 hasn't failed me to this day (although his younger brothers have now retired him), and I can't wait for it to become a "vintage" item. Have fun ! ------------------ Paul Curtiz / Scratch Studio