Sampler

Build an entire track from the ground up by stacking and sticking together little self-recorded fragments of sound using one of the most flexible audio-tools in the universe: the sampler.

What is a Standalone Sampler?

A standalone sampler can be used to record samples and play them back. The word 'sample' is another term for a fragment of audio, and with a sampler, you can pretty much create your own library of these audio fragments, edit them, sequence them and play them back to produce custom loops or even complete tracks. For other rhythmic production tools, see our range of groove boxes and drum machines.

How Does Sampling Work?

Almost every sampler going will have a set of velocity sensitive pads. Assign your sample to a specific pad so that every time you hit it, the sample is triggered. A lot of samplers work with samples that you've edited in separate audio editing software, but with some samplers, you can edit your samples live. Drum samples are some of the most popular to work with, like a kick drum, snare and hi-hat so you can quickly build simple beats, but you can also play around with samples of other music or environmental sounds.

When Do You Use a Sampler?

Samplers are generally used to produce custom beats with the help of a pre-existing library of samples you can download or - even better - samples you've recorded yourself. This means musicians and producers are able to put together loops, beats and tracks made out of bits of existing tracks or collected sounds. DJs sometimes use samplers to loop a specific snippet of a track to extend it before adding stuff like effects and beats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Samplers

What does sampler mean?

Basically, a sample is a small audio fragment that's been recorded or cut out of a longer track or recording. Using a sampler, you can record these fragments, edit them down then play them back, and if the sampler has a sequencer built-in, you can even use it to build an entire sample-based beat or track.