What’s the Best Sampler for Me? |
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Odds are, you’ve already seen your favourite DJ or artist perform using some kind of controller that didn’t have any jogwheels or faders. Fitted with a bank of velocity-sensitive pads, these bits of kit are called samplers, and in this Buyer’s Guide, we’re going to explain what samplers are and help you pick the one that best suits your needs. If your question isn’t included, don’t hesitate to contact us! 1. What’s a Sampler?Simply put, a sampler is a piece of hardware that enables users to play sounds (samples). While that sounds fairly straightforward, samplers have become complex machines designed to enhance DJ sets or even entire performances without the need for any other kind of playback equipment. Next to ‘fully-fledged’, all-round samplers, there are also samplers available that are only designed to play specific samples such as drum sounds or loops. » Samplers
2. How Do Samplers Work?Most samplers feature velocity or pressure-sensitive pads that can be loaded with samples. With a sampler, the goal is to digitally edit, mix and play these samples during a live performance. Before assigning different samples to different pads, you edit your samples using DAW software. Controlling a sampler is simple: press a pad and the sampler will play back the assigned sample. » Samplers
3. What Are Samples?Samples are recorded bits of digital audio. Ready-made samples of specific instruments (e.g. snare drums, hi-hats, synthesizers) can be bought, but working with samples you’ve recorded yourself is also a lot of fun. Samples can be completely custom, so if you want you could even record and use the beeping sounds of an Ikea cash register. So you can get started right away, most samplers come with a built-in sample library. » Samplers
4. What’s a Sequencer?When you’re shopping for a sampler, you’re likely to come across something called a sequencer. A sequencer is like a digital version of a music box, but here, you can programme the music box yourself. You could even see the sequencer as a kind of step tracker. Based on the beat, it ‘reads’ the steps and matching samples you’ve assigned, and plays sounds accordingly. Unlike music boxes however, sequencers continue to repeat the programmed sequence. See Question 5 for more information. Please note: Not every sampler features a built-in sequencer. See also question 5.
5. Can Samplers Loop Samples?They certainly can. In fact, that’s exactly how any sequencer built into a sampler works (see Question 4). Here, you set the number of steps you want the sequencer to carry out before it repeats the same sequence. By default, most sequencers can be set to 4, 8, 16, 32 or even 64 steps, but you could also change the number of steps to an irregular number like 6 or 24 for a cool off-beat effect. You then set the tempo, assign the right samples to the right steps, and voila, you’ve created a loop. » Samplers
6. What Can I Do With a Sampler?If you’ve read the other questions and answers, you now know how samplers work and what they’re capable of. What’s more important however is how you can put your sampler to use. For today’s DJs, samplers are an extension of their sets - a piece of gear that allows them to drop in samples or boost their tracks with sound effects. That said, full stand-alone use offers the ultimate sampler experience where you live-build tracks from the ground up. After all, there’s nothing better than starting with a single sample and ending up with a complex sequence of samples. » Samplers
7. What’s the Best Sampler for Me?To answer this question, you first need to figure out your budget and demands and ask yourself what you’ll be using the sampler for. Are you just looking for something to trigger and playback sounds, something that only plays specific sounds, or something more all-round? Do you need a sequencer or not? Do you want a compact unit or a large, fully-fledged sampler? Hopefully, your own answers to these questions plus the information included in this Buyer’s Guide are enough to help you make an informed decision! » Samplers
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