What does a sampler do EXACTLY? (also Reason and other software)

[PulpBoy]

I know this is a dumb question, but what exactly can a sampler do? Here's my specific questions: Will a sampler (whether external or a software sampler) sample a musical instrument, like a piano key, and then be able to change the note based on that one sample? Or would I also need a synthesizer? Can a sampler isolate a certain sound from a song, like say, just the music and exclude the vocals, or can it remove a certain drum sound so I can save it in my sound library?

Also, on a related topic, even though I've posted this question in a different thread, does anyone know anthing about Reason by Propellerhead? I know this is a synth/drum machine/sampler all in one. Will Reason sample instruments and allow me to change the note so that I can use a sampled sound use it as a regular patch?

I'm really looking for a good software package that will allow me to compose hip-hop music to put vocals to. Anyone have any suggestions? I would like something that already has a nice library of instruments and drums. Anyone ever work with the Roland MC-303 Groovebox? I want software that will act like that but with more sounds!

Thanks!

 

[robert jaybird]

WOW!. this thread should go in the newbies hall of fame(j/k)

All this stuff floating around can be confusing, what to get and whatnot. All digital recording is sampling, but with a multi track(digital) your not playing it like a keyboard(I just wrote this paragraph to further confuse you so forget you read it).

Most synths play back samples. A sampler can be used like a synth if you load syth sounds into it. But, with a sampler your not as limited about the availability of sounds. And, with a sampler you can take any old sounds and sample them then mess them up and play it on a keyboard. You cannot however remove an individual sound from a recording, you cant for instance take out the vocals of a song. Often to musicians synths are rewarding because while they only playback samples they have a better feel and are more convenient since you dont have to load samples.
so,
-most synths play back samples. Some newer synth instead of playing back samples use dsp processing to create a physical model of analog synth sounds
- Samplers are as good as the sound you put in them. You could do anything from play mary had a little lamb with samples of yourself farting to play samples of orchestra's and vintage synths on the keyboard.

AS FOR REASON?
reason is great. It will allow you to play a sampled sound, sure. And it will help your music come alive as well. But reason is $350. Im going to lay out a few pieces of software that will give you more for less. When starting out you should really spend your bucks on a nice soundcard, good moniters, a microphone, and a good keyboard.

So I reccomend-
Orion- This software does the same stuff that reason does except that its only $49 or $79 depending on wich version you get. Get this instead of reason unless your loaded with cash.
www.sonic-syndicate.com
N-tracks- this is a multi track audio software that uses vst and direct x plugs. Its cheap and good, this is not a limited deal like cubasis or pro tools free; its full featured.
www.fasoft.com
fruity loops- this thing is all the rage. Its part virtal synth groovebox part loop arranger-get it. www.fruityloops.com

So there you less than $200 of software that will give you a WHOLE lot more than just $350 reason would.

Then you need a keyboard. An alesis qs6.1 or roland xp 30 is the way to go. For a "groove box" check out the korg electribes. For a real sampler check out the emu esi 2000, or just use an sb live value(dont use it for the actual soundcard though use it to get at the soundfonts).

Research everything before you buy-
listen to synth samples here:
www.vintagesynth.com
read reviews here:
www.harmony-central.com
www.sonicstate.com

here there are links to many sites that give away free samples:
www.intermusic.com
And use a search engine:
www.google.com

 

[regebro]

Quick sampling answers

General question: Depends on the sampler.
Specific questions: Yes. No. No.