Vocal sampling brings a distinctive human touch to modern music production. By creatively manipulating vocal snippets, producers can craft rhythmic, melodic, or atmospheric elements that add depth and emotion to their tracks. This guide walks you through essential techniques and tools for vocal sampling, helping you unlock expressive soundscapes and unique textures.
1. The Basics of Vocal Sampling
Vocal sampling took off in the 1980s with pioneers like Grandmaster Flash, who repurposed vocal snippets from vinyl to create fresh musical ideas. Over the decades, vocal sampling has evolved, and today it’s a staple across genres, from hip-hop to electronic, pop, and R&B. Modern producers have a wealth of sources—vinyl, cassettes, digital audio, or royalty-free libraries—to find vocal snippets that can bring a human touch to their productions.
Tip: Whether using vocal samples from classic records or online acapellas, sampling lets you breathe new life into vocals by creatively reimagining them.
2. Techniques for Manipulating Vocal Samples
Once you have a vocal sample, there are many ways to transform it to suit your track. Here are some core techniques for creating expressive vocal sounds.
a. Chopping and Rearranging
Chopping and slicing vocal samples into smaller segments and rearranging them allows you to craft entirely new rhythmic or melodic structures.
Slice and Restructure:
- Break the sample into parts and rearrange them to create unique patterns or rhythms.
Example: Kanye West’s “Gold Digger” chops Ray Charles’ vocals to create an infectious rhythm that drives the beat.
b. Pitch-Shifting and Time-Stretching
Pitch-shifting changes a sample’s pitch without affecting its length, while time-stretching adjusts the tempo without changing pitch. These techniques are great for creating unique vocal effects.
Modify Pitch and Tempo:
- Shift the pitch up or down to match your track’s key or create new textures by stretching the sample.
Example: Daft Punk’s “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” uses pitch-shifting to integrate vocals with the track’s rhythm and melody.
c. Effects Processing
Applying effects like reverb, delay, and distortion can give a vocal sample a new character and transform it into a unique textural element.
Apply Effects:
- Experiment with reverb, delay, or modulation to change the vocal’s tone and space.
Example: Burial’s “Archangel” uses reverb and delay to create a haunting, atmospheric vocal sound.
d. Layering
Stacking multiple vocal samples or layering vocals with other instruments can create a rich, full sound that adds depth to your track.
Stack Vocals for Depth:
- Layer different vocal samples or mix them with instruments for a lush, immersive sound.
Example: Flume’s “Never Be Like You” layers vocals to create an emotionally resonant, chorus-like texture.
3. Creative Uses of Vocal Samples in Beats
Here’s how you can incorporate vocal samples creatively to enhance your music production.
a. Vocal Loops
Looping a vocal phrase can create a hypnotic, memorable hook that draws listeners in.
Use Repeating Phrases:
- Find a catchy vocal phrase and loop it throughout the track to create a strong hook.
Example: Rihanna’s “Work” features a looped vocal phrase that forms the song’s iconic core.
b. Rhythmic Vocal Chops
Chopping vocals and arranging them rhythmically can add percussive energy and complement the beat.
Use Vocal Chops as Percussion:
- Chop the vocal sample and use it as a rhythmic, percussive layer.
Example: The Chainsmokers’ “#Selfie” uses rhythmic vocal chops for an energetic, percussive effect.
c. Atmospheric Vocal Pads
Transform a vocal sample into an ambient pad by applying reverb, delay, or removing the attack. This technique fills out the track with a soft, atmospheric layer.
Create a Dreamy Atmosphere:
- Use heavy reverb or delay to turn a vocal sample into a gentle pad that adds depth.
Example: Moby’s “Porcelain” features vocal pads that provide a dreamy backdrop.
d. Melodic Vocal Leads
With pitch-shifting and sequencing, vocal samples can be repurposed as melodic leads that drive the track.
Use Vocals as Melodies:
- Adjust the pitch to create melodic phrases from vocal samples.
Example: Skrillex’s “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” uses pitch-shifted vocals as a memorable lead melody in the drop.
e. Textural Vocal Effects
By heavily processing vocal samples, you can create abstract textures that add complexity and uniqueness to your track.
Transform Vocals into Textures:
- Apply effects to make vocal samples unrecognizable, turning them into textural elements.
Example: Aphex Twin’s “Windowlicker” features processed vocal textures that add a surreal, otherworldly quality.
4. Legal and Ethical Considerations in Vocal Sampling
Sampling can involve copyright issues, especially when using recognizable vocal snippets from copyrighted tracks. Using royalty-free sample packs or clearing sample rights with original creators is essential for avoiding legal complications.
Use Cleared Samples:
- Rely on royalty-free samples or obtain proper licensing if sampling copyrighted vocals.
5. Tools for Vocal Sampling
There are numerous software tools that make vocal sampling accessible, with features for slicing, pitch-shifting, and real-time manipulation.
- Ableton Live’s Simpler and Sampler: Powerful for slicing and pitch-shifting vocals.
- FL Studio’s Edison: Features time-stretching, looping, and spectral analysis.
- Logic Pro X’s Quick Sampler: User-friendly sample manipulation.
- Serato Sample and Output’s Arcade: Offer real-time pitch-shifting and sequencing for creative sample use.
6. Using MIDI Controllers for Vocal Sampling
MIDI controllers offer hands-on control for playing vocal samples, making it easier to incorporate vocal chops and pitch-shifted melodies in real-time.
- Pad Controllers (e.g., Akai’s MPC, Native Instruments’ Maschine): Great for triggering and manipulating vocal chops.
- Keyboard Controllers: Use pitch-shifted samples to play melodies, as in Madeon’s “Pop Culture” mashup.
7. Advanced Vocal Processing Techniques
For more advanced control over vocal samples, consider these powerful techniques to add new textures and effects.
a. Granular Synthesis
Granular synthesis breaks down samples into tiny grains, which can be rearranged for unique textures and effects.
Example: Radiohead’s “Everything in Its Right Place” uses granular synthesis for an ethereal vocal sound.
b. Formant Shifting
This changes the vocal timbre without altering pitch, adding depth or lightness to the vocal tone.
Example: Bon Iver’s “715 - CR∑∑KS” uses formant shifting for a distinct vocal character.
c. Vocal Resynthesis
Tools like iZotope’s VocalSynth allow for resynthesizing vocals, turning them into synth-like sounds for creative manipulation.
Example: Resynthesize vocals to create robotic or choral effects, expanding possibilities for vocal sound design.
8. Mixing Techniques for a Cohesive Vocal Sample Sound
For vocal samples to sit well in the mix, consider using EQ matching, sidechain compression, and reverb or delay.
- EQ Matching: Adjust frequencies to match the vocal sample with other elements.
- Sidechain Compression: Duck the vocal sample under other elements, like the kick, for rhythmic interaction.
- Reverb and Delay: Add depth and atmosphere, helping samples blend naturally.
Example: Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” uses sidechain compression to blend vocal samples seamlessly with the beat.
Conclusion
Vocal sampling is a versatile tool in modern music production, from rhythmic chops to advanced techniques like granular synthesis. By mastering vocal sampling techniques and using the right tools, you can add emotion, depth, and personality to your tracks. Experimentation and creativity are key, so let your imagination guide you as you explore the expressive potential of vocal samples. Happy beat-making!