Sampling

[tiny_tove]

I am trying to become less technical idiot and would like to purchase myself a decent sampler.
Until now I have been working 70% with samples by simply recording different sources with digital recorder and manipulating them via software or effects, while I would like to work more seriously with them.

I would need to know where to start with hardware, good samplers that are reasonably portable (so no rack) and can be used live to edit both pre-recorded material and stuff recorded on site.

I have been offered at very cheap price a Korg microSampler, which I think I will buy as a toy, but I presume there is something better.

And of course I am not looking for something that requires studies in applied physics or an MIT degree.
Thanks for any suggestion.

[Human Larvae]

The standard is probably Boss SP-404, SP-606 something like that. I use the Sp404 for live. But it does have it's limitations, or I just haven't figured it out yet


btw. is there are significant difference in soundquality  between the sp-404 and the sp-404sx?

[Jaakko V.]

I don't think really powerful hardware samplers are being made any more. Not since 1999/2000 or something..? Gadgets like Roland SP404 are good for playing pre-edited loops etc. in live situation, but quite useless when it comes to editing sounds. I guess Korg Microsampler is quite nice for live stuff too. The latest rack samplers from the '90s are great for editing but I don't really see a difference between editing on sampler or editing on computer -- other than the more hands-on atmosphere, obviously.

[bitewerksMTB]

I've thought about a sampler with various banks, efx, etc. All I have is this little blue thing that samples up to 15 sec's. You can play it back at normal speed or half speed. Comes in handy sometimes. Something that stores samples would be useful in a live situation or for rec'ing b/c no one can tell much difference in junk metal loops from one release to the next.

[Human Larvae]

they are obviously much more handy than cd players for backing tracks in live situations and more flexible. You can make a track longer or shorter on the spot

[tiny_tove]

thanks for the infos.
I need it exactly for what human l. told.
I no longer play gigs due to some health problems, but as a caligula, I tend to record everything "live" in a reharsal room, and would like to limit computer usage only to long "narrative" samples and mixing.
working with a sampler would permit me to handle sounds "on-the-fly" while there.
I have purchased the microsampler, but please keep infos coming since I want to try different options.

[Ashley Choke]

Recently got a MPC2000, will be picking up a S900 to go with it next week. Obviously very different beasts. I don't plan on using any of them for PE but guess the S900 could function well with the low-bit rate and analog filter. The Boss/Roland I guess are optimal if you're looking for a simple PE loop machine. the oldest one, SP-202 is def more limited but has a stronger effects section and better looks :)

[pentd]

korg microsampler looks like a toy but is a total power station! also recommend that 404

one important missing feature in 202/404/etc family is ability to play "scaled" sounds, up and down the keyboard... here you can only do start/stop, but thats where the micro shines brighter...

[tiny_tove]

brilliant.
my parents told me the package has arrived, I will let you know the results :)

[Jaakko V.]

korg microsampler looks like a toy but is a total power station! also recommend that 404

one important missing feature in 202/404/etc family is ability to play "scaled" sounds, up and down the keyboard... here you can only do start/stop, but thats where the micro shines brighter...

Yeah they're good for some stuff, but in the world of samplers, I think not having the possibility to play samples slower/lower and faster/higher, is a HUGE thing not to have. Comparable to an analogue synth without a filter or drummer with just one drumstick. Of course one can always go Def Leppard but it gets a little complicated if you know what I mean. Really hard to understand why the feature isn't included.

[pentd]

but those 404 things are fast to use!! no setting up... power on + go!! if you store mono sounds you can have insane amounts of clips... +ok fx section for real time mangling... pretty much what a sampler should do.

now its only up to tiny to make an awesome junkstep album!! :D

[Jaakko V.]

but those 404 things are fast to use!! no setting up... power on + go!! if you store mono sounds you can have insane amounts of clips... +ok fx section for real time mangling... pretty much what a sampler should do.

now its only up to tiny to make an awesome junkstep album!! :D

Sure thing! Industrial version of: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twHhcB4D-po

[online prowler]

Yeah they're good for some stuff, but in the world of samplers, I think not having the possibility to play samples slower/lower and faster/higher, is a HUGE thing not to have. Comparable to an analogue synth without a filter or drummer with just one drumstick. Of course one can always go Def Leppard but it gets a little complicated if you know what I mean. Really hard to understand why the feature isn't included.

one can always go Def Leppard .. man, that crack me up! But seriously.. I am currently researching to invest in an sampler (new or second hand) with the possibility of
pitching samples as Salamanauhat mentioned. Anyone have suggestions?

When I have something more substantial after my research I'll post it here. Thanx for the thread. 

[Andrew McIntosh]

This attracted my attention. Any experience of it from anyone?

[STREETMEAT]

This attracted my attention. Any experience of it from anyone?

i use it. not this model rc-2 but its pretty much the same as this. very useful but sometimes can give off sounds that were not recorded( esp happens when i use contact mic. it will give out "sonic" sounds).