Drum Sampler can be used for so much more than just drum samples. If you’ve only been using it for drums, you’ve been missing out. Truly. Although it is designed for one-shot samples, it can be used with all kinds of audio files to quickly and creatively design impressive sounds. The FX section is what makes Drum Sampler such an intriguing choice for sound design.
Punch, 8-Bit, Sub Osc and Noise are best suited to drum samples, but the other five effects can produce incredible results with all kinds of samples. In the following video, we will take a detailed look at Stretch, Loop, Pitch Env and FM, as well as Ring Mod, on a variety of sounds — both one-shots and loops — to see what they can offer in terms of sound design.
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Each effect is quite simple, offering only two parameters. Yet, the result can be quite different and impressive.
Stretch
Stretch uses granular synthesis to stretch samples without altering their pitch. Factor adjusts the amount of time stretching in multiples of the original playback speed. Grain specifies the grain size used in milliseconds.
Stretch is great for creating glitchy sounds and interesting textures, and it works well with pretty much any sound. It’s also great for spicing up vocal samples.
Loop
Loop repeats part of the sample. Loop Offset sets the start point of the loop relative to the start of the sample. Loop Length determines the duration of the loop in milliseconds.
It’s fantastic for creating stutter effects, including backwards effects, transitions and textures.
Pitch Env
Pitch Env (short for pitch envelope) uses an envelope to modulate the pitch of the sample over time. Amount sets the amount of pitch modulation. Positive values create a higher pitch, negative values a lower pitch. Decay determines how long it takes for the pitch to return to the base value, set by Drum Sampler’s global pitch controls.
It can be used to create tape stop and start effects, as well as sound effects.
FM
FM uses a sine wave to modulate the pitch of the sample. Amount sets the intensity of the frequency modulation, and Freq sets the frequency used for this modulation in Hz or kHz.
It is great for creating sound effects from loops or longer samples. In the lower octaves, it can create a tape stop effect, or enhance bass sounds.
Ring Mod
Ring modulation is applied to the sample. Amount sets the amount of modulation to be applied. Freq sets the frequency used to modulate the sample’s amplitude. Low settings generate a tremolo effect, whilst high values result in typical ring modulation artifacts.
It’s great for achieving quick tremolo or ring modulation effects without the need for additional audio effects. While ring modulation is possible with Shifter, it is only included in Standard or higher, so Drum Sampler with Ring Mod is a way to achieve it without having Shifter.
Which is your favourite effect in Drum Sampler? Have you used Drum Sampler with sounds other than drums? If so, which samples do you enjoy using it with the most? I’d love to hear about your use of it.
