Sampling softsynths

[CS_TBL]

Who's doing that, besides me?

Here're advantages:

- thick/unison FM8 sounds could take up to 40% CPU time here on my system, and then you've got 1 tone only, sample it, and it'll become one intrinsic voice again, cpu-wise
- otherwise densely layered sounds (multiple instruments, multiple notes) become one
- easier to make 'drumkits' or otherwise multiple instruments (with limited key range) per sampler track

Some disadvantages:

- You may loose some of the means to control your sound, for instance sound-wise changes and tiny timbre variations
- it's a h**l of a lot of work!

For me, if the sound isn't too radical in changing timbres and I see an opportunity to save CPU cycles, I usually sample FM8 sounds. Last night I made an analogue'esque FM8 horn using 20 intervals (each 3 semitones) and 16 velocity layers. Took hours, but in the end I gain a very playable instrument (of over 200MB on HD ).

[Alex Hamilton]

I find that it's not necessary really - I'm using Live 7 which has a really good (and I mean really good) Freeze function which cuts down CPU consumption dramatically; it's very handy for if I've sorted out the MIDI for one part and need to arrange further parts. You can also change any 'post-Freeze' functions - FX sends, fader levels, panning...Your second and third advantages are better reasons for sampling softsynths - creation of new timbres.

[CS_TBL]

Freezing would be less comfy for me, as I don't work per layer but per (finished-) measure. It'd mean I'd constantly have to freeze and unfreeze. But alas, for layer-workers there may be a point.

[Hugo76]

CS_TBL;
If you do this a lot, you may want to check out the Emu Emulator X sampler (v2 or 3).
It has a function that automatically samples synths for you; you set up note range, number of velocities etc, and just press execute. It can even set up smooth loops automatically for you!

[wiss]

I sample a lot of softsynths down into my EPS...sometimes it sounds better, sometimes it doesnt.

[toad]

the free / open source sampler Highlife is also good for sampling sofsynths:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/highlife/

[krushing]

the free / open source sampler Highlife is also good for sampling sofsynths:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/highlife/

Hmm, I haven't followed this thing for a while - but discoDSP has put a price tag on it yet again (though it's only 45 euros). I wonder what's the difference? There's some kind of a library included with the commercial version, maybe that's it.

As for the question at hand, no sampling for me. I tend to always build patches from scratch for each and any song, so having a library of sampled synths would be pretty pointless. I do use occasional one-shot synths for less-in-front-duties (like bass stabs), but that's about it.

[vanitypolice]

I used to work this way a lot too (and sometimes I still do) but recently I've been using Autosampler by Redmatica to sample my hardware and software synths automatically. Then I use their Keymap software to edit my sampler programs. Now this only samples in the EXS format (perfect for me b/c I use logic) but I know other samplers can load these patches as well (MachFive for instance). There may be some other more universal MIDI rippers out there but this is definitely the best. I use it constantly.

[meatballfulton]

Who's doing that, besides me?

I do it, but only so I can use the sounds in my hardware.

[garranimal]

Some disadvantages:

- You may loose some of the means to control your sound, for instance sound-wise changes and tiny timbre variations
- it's a h**l of a lot of work!

I'm using Emulator X2 and not only do you want to sample across the range, but multiple samples for different velocity zones will help add some nuance. However....

I have a memory-hog app TimewARP 2600 and I've thought about sampling, but rather I decided to record this instrument solo as a separate project and bring it into my song as an audio track. Its kind of a hassle but it steers around losing nuance, and tedious multi-sampling.