Samplers
A sampler is an electronic musical instrument that is much like a synthesizer. It starts with recordings of music played on various instruments and plays each one back based on the configuration of the instrument. It can be modified in many different ways and can more than one note or sound at the same time. Usually a sampler is controlled from an attached keyboard or a MIDI controller.
The development of digital music samplers made the sampling process more practical. Although the first digital sampling synthesizer, the Computer Music Melodian was developed in 1976, the first sample capable of producing several notes and sounds was the Fairlight CMI, which appeared in 1979. The digital technology of today makes it possible to process digital samples into interesting sounds. For example, it is now possible to use Crossfade Looping and Time Stretching to make selections longer or shorter without affecting any of the other facets of the music.
In the modern digital workstation, one can now perform simple playbacks or do extensive audio editing. Sound effects can be added as well as recordings of the music being played by other instruments that were not present at the time of the original recording. So instead of having a full band or orchestra in the recording studio, it is possible to make additions at a later date.
Some of the digital music samplers commonly used include:
- Fairlight
- E-mu
- Roland
- Akai
Each of these brand names has several different versions that perform different tasks depending on your need. Many manufacturers all over the world produce these samplers and software.