Sampling is a powerful tool that can turn everyday sounds into interesting, dynamic loops. Many music producers don't venture into advanced sampling techniques simply due to an assumption that it is very hard.
But here we'll try to explain sampling in an easy step by step manner so you can benefit from the vast possibilities which arise when you understand sampling.
Here are some effective techniques for making the most out of ordinary sounds:
1. Chop and Rearrange Field Recordings
Field recordings—captured sounds from the environment—can add texture and a sense of place to your music.
- Step 1: Start by recording or finding field recordings of sounds like street noise, bird calls, water, or machine sounds. These are great for adding an organic element to your track.
- Step 2: Chop the recording into smaller sections, focusing on sounds or rhythms that stand out. Look for anything with an interesting texture or pulse.
- Step 3: Rearrange these chopped sections to create rhythmic patterns or unique melodic sequences. Try combining various chops to invent something fresh.
- Tip: Layer the chopped sounds with traditional instruments, like piano or strings, to create a hybrid texture that feels both organic and musical.
2. Apply Time-Stretching for New Rhythms
Time-stretching can transform a sample’s rhythm and texture, letting you explore new tempos and movements.
- Step 1: Take a basic sample and time-stretch it to extend or compress the audio. Stretching adds texture, while compressing speeds it up for faster rhythms.
- Step 2: Use a time-stretching algorithm that preserves pitch or, alternatively, allows pitch shifts. This can add a unique character and variation to the sound.
- Step 3: Use the time-stretched sample as a background texture or even the primary rhythmic element in your track, depending on how prominent you want it to be.
- Tip: Experiment with granular time-stretching for intricate, glitchy textures that sound futuristic and complex.
3. Pitch Shift for Harmonic Exploration
Pitch-shifting lets you explore new harmonics and create richer, layered sounds.
- Step 1: Shift the sample’s pitch up or down, even by an octave or more. This can drastically change its harmonic content and bring new character to the sound.
- Step 2: Layer the pitch-shifted version with the original sample. This technique creates a fuller, more complex sound that can be particularly effective in melodic parts.
- Step 3: Apply reverb or delay to blend the pitched and original samples smoothly, creating a more cohesive sound.
- Tip: Experiment with extreme pitch-shifting. Shifting by more than an octave can result in experimental textures that sound otherworldly and add a unique edge to your production.
4. Use Granular Synthesis for Sound Design
Granular synthesis breaks a sample into tiny segments, or “grains,” which allows you to create entirely new textures and soundscapes.
- Step 1: Load a sample into a granular synthesis plugin like Ableton’s Granulator or Logic’s Alchemy.
- Step 2: Adjust the grain size, position, and density to reshape the sample. Smaller grains create smooth pads, while larger grains produce rhythmic elements.
- Step 3: Use the granularized sample as a pad, soundscape, or rhythmic element in your track. Granular synthesis is great for creating evolving ambient textures or atmospheric layers.
- Tip: Automate the grain position over time to add movement. This can make the sound continuously evolve, keeping it interesting and dynamic.
5. Reverse Samples for Swells and Transitions
Reversing samples can create a sense of anticipation and is ideal for swells and transitions.
- Step 1: Reverse the sample and use it as a transition element between sections of your track. Reversed sounds naturally build tension, which makes them perfect for transitioning.
- Step 2: Add reverb or delay to the reversed sample to create a smoother swell effect. This makes the sound flow into the next section with more grace.
- Step 3: Layer the reversed sample with other reversed sounds for additional depth and texture. This can result in a rich, layered effect that draws attention to your transition.
- Tip: Reversed samples work well in intros or breakdowns, where they can create tension and anticipation before the beat drops back in.
Using these sampling techniques, you can transform ordinary sounds into standout elements in your mix. Experimenting with chopping, time-stretching, pitch-shifting, and reversing can turn any sample into a unique, memorable feature in your track.
You’ve got this.
Cheers and have a great day!