This video demonstrates using Propellerhead’s ReCycle software to create your own REX loops.

via muzicali:

Check this out – this video demonstrates how you can extract one instrument from a mix, using Photosounder.

Photosounder is an image-sound editing program that it opens images and sounds indiscriminately, treats and processes them as images, and synthesizes them as sounds.

Sounds, once turned into images, can be modified to achieve effects and results that couldn’t be obtained in any other way, while images of all sorts reveal the infinite kinds of otherworldly sounds they contain.

via Photosounder:

Using the new “road roller” (smart erase) tool combined with the harmonics modifier and the magnet modifier, I was able to isolate the 24 second long synth line at the end of Ohio Player’s Funky Worm in about one minute. Back in March 2009 I tried the same thing in Photoshop and it took me about ten hours!

The result isn’t completely clean but what is shown here is the bulk of the work, for a better result only a bit more cleaning would be necessary. All the work done in this video is shown in real time, only the synthesis parts were shortened.

Failed Muso has an interesting story about how sounds get sampled and shared, starting with a famous Korg M1 patch:

Remember that classic piano sound from 90’s house records? The ubiquitous Korg M1 Piano patch was the 90’s equivalent of the DX7’s EP patch or the Fairlight’s Orch5 stab.

A long time ago, a cohort on the KvR forum, a guy from Norwich by the name of Kriminal, sampled his M1 keyboard and made the piano patch available as a soundfont, I believe.

Being an avid Akai user, I asked him if I could convert to the Akai S5/6000 and Z Series formats, to which he agreed.

He goes on to explain how the samples ended up in EXS24 format, via Nick at SonicState.

Who knows where else the samples have landed…….

Download links at the Failed Muso site.

Image:The_WB

Native Instruments has released an excellent free video tutorial series (above) on Maschine, their hardware/software music production workstation.

The Maschine tutorials cover:

• An overview
• Live recording
• Step recroding
• FX and automation
• Sampling with Maschine
• Beat slicing
• Scenes & performing
• Exporting audio from maschine
• Software sequencer integration
• Using Maschine as a MIDI controller
• Controlling Traktor Pro with Maschine
• Controlling Ableton Live with Maschine

Kontakt 4: This set of Native Instruments videos take a look at Kontakt 4, including:

• an overview of what’s new in Native Instruments Kontakt 4;
• the new Authentic Expression Technology of Kontakt; and
• how to find the sound you are looking for in the Kontakt 4 browser.

This is a video demo of the Simmons Digital ClapTrap, a digital sample playback percussion instrument.

via zibbybone:

Quick run though of a rare percussion synthezier.

Tim Exile of Warp Records explains his Reaktor 5 based live performance setup.

The hardware array controls various custom-made processors in Reaktor.

More info at TheNowWave.

In this video Tim Exile performs YouTube Killed The Now Wave Star using Native Instruments‘ Reaktor 5.

The camera work for this video is fantastic, giving you a high resolution look over Exile’s shoulder as he performs the piece.

via NativeInstruments

Korg has released official specs for the new Korg microSampler sampling keyboard.

The microSampler offers multi-mode sampling, resampling, Pattern Sequencing and effects in a microsized keyboard.

The Korg microSampler offers sixteen-voice polyphony, reverse playback, editing operations such as Normalize and Truncate, and a Time Stretch feature that lets you change the tempo without affecting the pitch. Selectable sample rates of 48 kHz, 24 kHz, 12 kHz, and down to 6 kHz let you sample at rates beyond CD clarity or add in that Lo-Fi vintage vibe.

Each bank contains 36 samples (a maximum of approximately 160 seconds of recording time for monaural samples at a 48 kHz sampling rate) and sixteen patterns of sequence data; the microSAMPLER lets you store eight such banks in internal memory.

The Keyboard mode takes a single sample and assigns it chromatically across the keys for instant playability. With its recessed controls, bright LEDs and informative display, the microSAMPLER is designed to be fun to use and easy to operate.

The microSAMPLER Compact Sampling Keyboard will be available November 1, 2009, with a U.S. MSRP of $750.00.

Details below.

Keyboard:

37 Natural-Touch mini-keys, velocity sensing

Sampling Specs:

• Sampling Rates: 48 kHz, 24 kHz, 12 kHz, 6 kHz
• Bank Structure: 36 Samples per Bank (160 Seconds max.)
• Available Banks: 9 Total (8 User +1 ROM)

Polyphony:

16 voices

Sampling Modes:

One-Shot; Gate; Loop; Key Gate; Auto-Next
Resample in any mode

Keyboard Modes:

Sampling Mode: 36 Sample Playback Keys + 1 Audio Input
Keyboard Mode: Single sample assigned chromatically across the keyboard

Effects:

Structure: 1 Master FX
Effect Types: 21 (Compressor, Filter, 4-Band EQ, Distortion, Reverb, Delay, L/C/R Delay, Auto-Panning
Delay, Modulation Delay, Tape Echo, Chorus, Flanger, Vibrato, Phaser, Tremolo, Ring Modulation, Grain
Shifter, Pitch Shifter, Talking Modulator, Looper)

Pattern Sequencer:

Patterns: 16 Patterns per bank; x 8 Banks
Note Count: 64,000 notes total; 16,000 per bank
Resolution: 480 ppq (parts per quarter note)

Audio Connections:

Input: ¼” Jack (rear); XLR Balanced (top); with Mic/Line switch; Level knob
Outputs: L/Mono, R; ¼” unbalanced
Phones: ¼” Stereo Jack

Other Connections:

MIDI: In, Out
USB: Type B

Display:

Custom LCD; 37 LEDs above keys

Power Supply:

9 VDC (AC Adapter); 6 AAA Alkaline batteries – approx. 4 hours (sold separately)

Dimensions:

W x D x H: 20.31″ x 9.37″ x 2.56″
Weight: 4.19 lbs

microSAMPLER Editor Librarian Software:

Operating Requirements:
PC: Microsoft Windows XP (SP3 or later); Windows Vista (SP1 or later); USB port
MAC: OSX Version 10.4 or later; USB port

Swiss Army Sampling

Too many instruments simply offer sampling as an added feature. The microSAMPLER is all about sampling, in every creative form. Five distinct sampling methods allow you to work the way you want, to get the results you need. The microSAMPLER offers traditional One-Shot and Loop sampling, plus a number of creative sampling modes – Loop, Key Gate and Auto-Next. When it comes to sampling, the microSAMPLER has it all.

* Loop sampling for recording grooves and phrases, drum loops, etc.

* One-Shot sampling for grabbing and triggering single events such as drums, etc.

* Gate sampling for playing a sound musically across the keyboard

* Auto-Next sampling for capturing phrases as multiple samples. For grabbing a groove as separate samples on individual keys, choose the AUTO NEXT mode and use Tap Tempo to match the BPM of the source material. The microSAMPLER will automatically divide the sample equally across multiple keys. Each key can be set to capture anything from a 64th note to a full two measures. This method lets you automatically perform the same type of sampling as KEY GATE.

* Key Gate sampling is best for grabbing multiple samples from the same source. With Key Gate, you can take multiple samples from the same source or phrase and assign them to different keys as you play them! The individual keys assign the sample and enable recording all at the same time. This intuitive method of sampling, editing, and mapping in a single step is fun, interactive and fast.

In addition, there’s a resampling function that lets you play existing layered samples processed by an effect and played by the pattern sequencer – and capture it all as a new sample. You can even sample while playing, allowing the sampling process itself to become part of your expressive performance.

Sample anytime, anywhere – or anything!

The microSAMPLER can run on batteries, so you can perform on the go – or capture samples anywhere. Both line input and mic input are provided to allow a broad range of input sources including electronic musical instruments, CD, and voice. A gooseneck microphone is included so you can capture sounds with ease. The convenient caddies (located beside the mic jack) provide a cradle for your portable MP3/audio player when using it as a sample source. Truly, the world is yours to sample anytime and anyplace.

Pattern Possibilities

The pattern sequencer uses an overdub operating style that lets you continually layer your performances. You can switch between patterns during playback for seamless performances. Up to sixteen patterns (16,000 notes per pattern, or a maximum 64,000 notes) can be stored in each bank.

The KAOSS Effect(s)

Developed for Korg’s KAOSS PAD series, the effect engine serves up a great selection of effects – so important when editing samples. The twenty-one effects include not only traditional delay and chorus, but also ring modulator and grain shifter, and even a Looper that’s derived from the Loop Recording feature of the KAOSSILATOR Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer. The effects can be applied to any sound while resampling, allowing the effects to be used over and over again for more sonic expression.

Made to be Played

The microSAMPLER features our new Natural Touch micro keyboard, offering greatly enhanced playability and expressive power. By adjusting the proportion of the black keys and white keys, we’ve made chords easier to finger, and the touch has been improved so that rapid phrases can be played more easily – and with less fatigue. The box-shaped keys project a sense of quality, and also allow smoother glides and smears. The controllers you need for an exciting performance are laid out on the panel for intuitive operation. The status of the samples assigned to each key (and the item being edited) is indicated by the lit state of the LEDs running along the top of the keyboard, ensuring excellent visibility even on stage.

USB-eautiful

By using the free editor/librarian software for the microSAMPLER, you can manage a gigantic sample library that’s all your own. You can back up sample and pattern sequence data to your computer via USB, or load samples and patterns back in just as easily. . Importing and exporting of WAV/AIFF data on your computer is also supported. The possibilities are endless…

Sunday Synth Jam: A nice experimental ambient synth jam from Sarah Nicolls & Tim Exile.

via timexile:

This was filmed in a rehearsal at the Bluecoat in Liverpool in April.

Sarah is playing her crazy modified piano (complete with robotics). I’m live sampling, processing etc… it’s all improvised as usual. It’s a great accompaniment to a sunny morning in Berlin I tell thee…

Filmed by Sam Meech, edited by Neringa Plange.

Star6 (App Store link) is a sound remix instrument that lets you chop up beats with a flick of the wrist, pitch any sample up and down like a Theremin and more.

Description:

Use the iPhone’s accelerometer to control Star6’s granular synthesis engine to change the Pitch, Speed, Gate, Sample Order, Sample Size and Randomness of the samples. Record it with the press of a button and download recordings to your computer.

Star6 is a collaboration between musician Jason Forrest and Agile Partners, makers of GuitarToolkit.

Compatible with iPhone & iPod Touch OS 3.0.

If you’ve used Star6, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Here’s another teaser from the Beat Kangz, looking at beatmaking on the Beat Thang Virtual, a software version of their to-be-released music production workstation.

Features:

• One octave pad layout with 8 banks so you can bang out beats or play the keys.
• 16 tracks so you can create patterns that can be performed and remixed on the fly.
• 16 layers of velocity sensitivity for emotive performance.
• High Quality Sampler & waveform editing. Sample your own sounds using your computer’s built in mic or line input.
• Edit sample start and end times. Process samples using features like normalize, reverse and resample.
• Easy to use Realtime Sequencer. Create patterns in real time using quantize, swing, individual bar lengths, tap tempo then string them together in SONG mode.
• Mixer with built in FX Change track, pad and pan levels.
• Add 24bit reverb, delay, flange, phaser, pitch shift, old record and many more.
• Add BANG with onboard mastering.
• Export your songs as .wav files or save them to your Beat Kangz Playa Thang equipped iPhone or iPod Touch.

via BeatKangz:

This Beat Was made using 100% Beat Thang Virtual Sounds, Kits and Instruments…. No sample CD’s or loops…. This was made in 30 mins 100% inside Virtual and Exported as a stereo wav file….. Wait till you hear it in High Rez……For all those who think this is just another piece of Software you better think again……. Beat Thang Virtual is deadly and ready to make hits……..It’s loaded with ton of beats in all styles…. Not just preset beats… Platinum Traxx! We didnt hold back!

Directed, shot and edited by Ross Harris.

Featuring Maya Harris as the balloonatic.

Sound designer and composer Diego Stocco created this beautiful showcase of his work, Music From A Tree.

Stocco explains his technique:

In the garden of my house there’s a tree with lots of randomly grown twigs. It looks odd and nice at the same time. One day I asked myself if I could create a piece of music with it.

To tune the tree I picked a fundamental note and tuned the twigs by trimming them with a pencil sharpener. I used two Røde NT6 and a NTG-2 as microphones, combined with a customized stethoscope.

I recorded the tracks live on a Pro Tools LE system. I didn’t use any synthesizer or sampler to create or modify the sounds. All the sounds come from playing the tree, by bowing the twigs, shaking the leaves, playing rhythms on the cortex and so on.

To tune the tree I picked a fundamental note and tuned the twigs by trimming them with a pencil sharpener. I used two Røde NT6 and a NTG-2 as microphones, combined with a customized stethoscope.

More information and photos at Stocco’s Behance page.

Amazing work. Leave a comment with your thoughts!

Ive been throwing this idea around for a few days, I really like the idea of social colaberations so i decided i would like to start one with circuit benders.

The idea is im going to pick a toy and do something to it, and make 1-5 loops out of it using the mod made then i will then pick someone off the list and send it to them and they will do the same thing, so on and so on

Then after we have been through everyone on the list the unit will come back to me and im going to make a big loop pack using everyones loops made durning the process and some other ones ill make running the unit through different things. The loop pack will then be posted for download.

The reason the unit is coming back to me is so i can make a lot of one shots and just dig for sounds that were left out during the colab so that we can get every little sound out of it for the sample pack.

After the loops are up i would like everyone who had the unit to make a track for a compilation.

Sounds like it could be an interesting project. Contact Green via his site, if you are interested in participating.

Check out Green’s YouTube channel, too, for examples of his creative circuit bending and audio hacking.

This is a fun demo of iDrum Beatboxing Edition (App Store link), a $4.99 sampling drum machine.

If you’ve used iDrum Beatboxing Edition, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Description:

Beatboxing Edition includes a huge selection of drum, percussion and effects samples made only with the human voice. Start with a selection of amazing kits and patters, then customize them to make them your own.

Want to add your own sounds to a beat? Use the iPhones built-in mic to record your own voice, then mix them into the rhythm!

Includes hundreds of beatboxing and vocal percussion samples, and 20 pre-made kits. Record your voice and other sounds and make them part of your beat! Add awesome effects like Robot, Reverse, Cave, Metallic and Clones to your voice and any sound you create

via izotopeinc

Click To Enlarge

Ethan Hein put together this Michael Jackson sample map, which shows how Jackson’s songs have been sampled and reused by other artists.

This official Ableton video looks at making sounds in Ableton Live with Sampler.

Sampler is a sampling instrument, that brings multisample playback and import, as well as sound design capabilities, to Ableton Live.

via AbletonInc

This set of videos offers a guide to getting started with Native Instruments Maschine.

Topics include the step sequencer, using the library, live recording, sampling, slicing samples and more.

Here’s a little Sunday Synth Jam featuring some Native Instruments Reaktor and Maschine remix action.

via timexile:

A live mashup of this amazing 16bit tune using a patch I made in Reaktor using the Maschine controller from NI. FX on the pads and twisters, bar progress on the top 8 buttons, track section on the 8 buttons to the left of the pads.