How Can I Begin Creating Music Using Samples?

by Anders Johanson July 30, 2018 6 min read

How Do I Start Making Music From Samples

Dive Into the Lucrative Realm of Sampling

Audio samples for music production are available in various formats. They can be one-shot hits that can be easily loaded into popular drum machines like Akai MPC or Roland SP404. On the other hand, there are also long and immersive soundscapes that can be manipulated and edited within digital audio workstation (DAW) software like Ableton Live or Pro Tools. With these diverse options, musicians can explore and experiment with different sounds to enhance their music production process. samplesMusic Samples: A Creative Journey Music samples serve as an incredible foundation for embarking on a musical voyage. For creators, it proves beneficial to perceive samples as the vibrant colors of an artist's palette. Just like paint, they possess the power to be blended, morphed, and ultimately transformed into fresh and extraordinary forms.

Start Your Collection

To begin building your sample library, consider exploring the offerings of reputable sample companies like Samplified, Loopmasters, or Samples From Mars. These companies offer a wide range of professionally-designed, royalty-free sounds that can enhance your collection. With prices starting at just a few dollars per pack, you can gradually expand your library with high-quality samples from trusted sources.

Music Sounds Collection

If you're starting with a blank canvas, drums can be a great point to begin. The internet offers a multitude of drum machine sample packs, giving you the opportunity to quickly amass a personal collection that encompasses the sounds of any beat machine ever created - should you desire it. You'll come across packs that offer unaltered and authentic samples, allowing you to treat them as if you had a genuine Linn LM1, Roland TR707, or any other obscure drum device in your studio setup. On the other hand, some packs include samples that have been processed using high-end audio equipment, saving you the effort of individually processing each drum sound. Samplified’s 808s Pack This serves as a prime illustration of the concept, showcasing pre-designed warped and distorted 808 kicks that are well-suited for your trap and low-frequency beats.


To expand your range of music equipment, consider incorporating traditional instruments such as keyboards, synthesizers, guitars, and bass sounds into your collection. However, don't hesitate to explore and experiment with unique and unconventional options as well. Samplified’s Benzie Box , filled with an abundance of extraordinary discovered tones, is the secret to maintaining creativity and distinctiveness in your productions.

First Step: Experimentation

The beauty of making music with samples lies in the process of experimentation. Throughout modern history, some of the most remarkable and groundbreaking music has emerged from this very act of exploring and embracing artistic freedom and unfiltered creativity. In the realm of music production, pioneers have always pushed the boundaries, just like King Tubby and Joe Meek Their experimental minds and unorthodox techniques led them to produce sounds and timbres that were once unimaginable. Phil Spector The existence of 's 'wall of sound' owes itself to countless hours of purposeful experimentation and playful exploration within the confines of the studio.  

Sound Experimentation
In the realm of contemporary music production, there are numerous avenues for experimentation. One avenue involves exploring technology. For instance, if you use hardware devices, you can route signals from one device to another or create intricate signal-processing chains. With hardware samplers, it's as simple as connecting your outputs to the inputs of an FX unit. Many modern samplers, like the Akai MPC range, include multiple assignable outputs, allowing you to route your sounds to various destinations. In the realm of software, the possibilities are virtually limitless. If you're willing to dedicate time to developing your own software tools, you can essentially produce any sound or effect that your imaginative mind conceives. When it comes to experimenting with samples, it's common practice to manipulate a sample to the point where it becomes unrecognizable in its original form. While this isn't always the primary objective of sample editing, it can greatly contribute to the creation of unique sounds that give your productions their distinctive character.

Common Sampler Features

track, for example — it is recommended to apply some basic adjustments to improve its overall sound quality. These adjustments typically include tuning, filtering, and adding effects such as reverb or delay. By starting with these standard tools and making simple modifications, you can quickly achieve a more polished and professional sounding result. a cappella For instance, these controls will enhance the vibrancy of your samples, breathing new life into them.

Ableton Sampler

Play Direction Choose the desired playback direction of your sample. The basic choices include forward and reverse, with forward being the default option (playhead moves from left to right). Certain samplers allow you to navigate through your sample in a random manner, adding a pleasant element of unpredictability to your beats.

Loop / Loop mode then continue in this pattern until you instruct it to stop. The ability to loop samples opens up endless creative possibilities in music production. Not only does it allow for the creation of unique and intricate rhythms, but it also allows for the exploration of different textures and soundscapes. With looping, you can create complex layers of sound that add depth and dimension to your tracks. Experimenting with different loop modes can produce a wide range of effects and moods, from hypnotic and repetitive to unpredictable and dynamic. So, embrace the power of looping and let your creativity soar! ad infinitum This feature adds an extra element of intrigue to textual samples, making it particularly beneficial for elongated, leisurely tonalities. Test out the various other modes available in your Sampler, in order to generate diversity within your musical compositions.

Pitch / Speed Modern software samplers feature individual controls for pitch and speed, allowing users to manipulate a sample's speed without affecting its pitch or adjust the pitch without altering the tempo. In contrast, older samplers such as the EMU SP12, Akai S2000, and MPC60 lacked this level of sophistication, resulting in pitch and speed being intertwined, much like a turntable with pitch control. The distinct sound of early sampled music can be attributed to these basic pitch and speed functionalities.

Pitch and Speed

Start / End / Loop points Commence / Terminate / Loop markers By leveraging these settings, you have the ability to determine the beginning and ending points of your audio sample, as well as the specific portion of the sample where the loop will be played. This functionality is designed for those who have knowledge in advanced sample editing, and with just a limited number of source sounds, you can achieve remarkably diverse outcomes.

Sample Loop Points

Sonic Variation

Sonic diversity plays a pivotal role in every aspect of your production. If all your samples originate from the same location, recorded in the same manner, and utilize the same instruments or sound sources, the final outcome will likely possess the same monotonous quality as the starting point. Incorporating a range of samples will captivate the listener and distinguish your tracks from others in the genre. Experiment by combining straightforward drum machine hits and instrument loops sourced from Samplified or Loopmasters with "found sounds" recorded using your smartphone microphone or audio recorder. Optimal choices for this endeavor include the Zoom H1 or Tascam DR-05. The ensuing variation will be exclusively yours and, thus, more memorable and fulfilling for your audience.

Frequency Layering

If you're combining numerous samples and instrument loops together, choose samples that function within distinct frequency ranges. Alternatively, employ EQ for maintaining sounds within a particular frequency range. Discover this comprehensive guide on the art of sound layering in the realm of music production. Explore the intricate techniques and strategies involved in creating multi-dimensional sonic landscapes. Delve into the impactful world of harmoniously combining various sounds to enhance your musical journey. Dive into this illuminating tutorial to uncover the secrets of sound layering in the realm of music production. Avoid a cluttered and chaotic sound by being mindful of the samples you select and mix together. For instance, if you combine a thick and powerful electric guitar loop with a soulful Rhodes piano pattern, their overlapping frequency ranges can become muddy and unclear. Instead, choose and blend your samples with care, ensuring they harmoniously coexist in the final mix without conflicting for sonic space.

Frequency Layering

File Management / Organization

Although it may not be the most glamorous aspect of music production, effective file management is crucial for streamlining your creative process. Imagine starting a track on one computer and wanting to finish it on another, or collaborating with another artist on a remix project. By organizing all your samples and keeping them in a designated section of your hard drive, you'll be able to easily find, copy, share, and back up your sounds. This becomes especially important if you tend to work on multiple projects over extended periods of time, as having a consistent file management workflow will enable you to locate your files and manage your data when transitioning between different computers and operating systems. It's truly disheartening to stumble upon an old creation only to discover that the files are no longer accessible or have been misplaced in a deleted folder.

ABC: Always Be Collecting

The collection of the most prolific sample-based music producers is consistently growing. These music producers who heavily rely on samples are continuously expanding their repertoire. DJ Shadow, for instance, boasts an impressive collection of more than 60,000 records, a passion he has nurtured since the tender age of 12. With an unwavering dedication, DJ Shadow has amassed his extensive vinyl library over the years, illustrating his love for music and commitment to his craft. Whether scouring the dollar bin at a nearby thrift store or staying updated on the latest releases from sample companies, sample enthusiasts are always on the hunt for new additions to their libraries. While dedicating your entire life to painstakingly sampling and organizing snippets from vinyl records is an extreme approach, it's still a valid one. Alternatively, consider allocating a modest budget to regularly purchase new sample packs online. Even if it's just $10 per month, you can gradually expand and enhance your collection over time.

sample packs! Get your hands on complimentary sample packs and enhance your music production skills with a Medasin tutorial. Unleash your creativity with these valuable resources and take your musical journey to new heights. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to fuel your inspiration and expand your sound library. Elevate your tracks with high-quality samples and follow along with Medasin's expert guidance. Start creating unique and captivating music today! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed malesuada augue a dapibus facilisis. Phasellus ac sapien justo. Morbi rhoncus purus id purus laoreet consectetur. Sed feugiat dapibus eleifend. Integer accumsan dui fermentum, dapibus elit a, laoreet sem. Click here to access our exclusive collection of three exceptional sample packs: XOXO, Trendsetter, and Nostalgia. More than 10,000 producers have already taken advantage of these packs. However, this doesn't mean that you can't add your own personal touch using the sounds included. Remember, they are completely free, so there's no harm in starting your creative journey now. Take the first step towards excellence by following the aforementioned link. Get inspired by the diverse sounds from our XOXO, Trendsetter, and Nostalgia sample packs, which have already gained popularity among more than 10,000 producers. Remember, these packs are completely free, so don't hesitate to start building your unique artistic vision.

To sum it up, samples serve as a potent instrument in virtually every music genre. This guide aims to provide you with valuable insights and useful advice to kickstart your journey in sampling or guide you towards fresh and inspiring paths. Enjoy the joy of collecting!

Anders Johanson
Anders Johanson



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