Software sampler

Fantasia, a user interface for LinuxSampler. LinuxSampler is a clone of GigaSampler by NemeSys, which was one of the first disk-streaming software-samplers on PC.

A software sampler is a piece of software which allows a computer to emulate the functionality of a sampler.

In the same way that a sampler has much in common with a synthesizer, software samplers are in many ways similar to software synthesizers and there is great deal of overlap between the two, but whereas a software synthesizer generates sounds algorithmically from mathematically-described tones or short-term waveforms (i.e., less than 100 ms in length), a software sampler always reproduces samples, often much longer than a second, as the first step of its algorithm.

History

In the 1990s and 2000s the increases in computer power and memory capacity have made it possible to develop software applications that provide the same capabilities as hardware-based units. These are typically produced as plug-in instruments—-for example, using the VST system. Some such samplers provide simple sample playback facilities, requiring the user to turn to other software for such tasks as sample editing, sample recording, and DSP effects, while others provide features beyond those offered by rack-mounted units.

Renoise, a graphical Tracker sequencer with integrated software sampler

Also the 1980s saw the invention of tracker sequencers on home computers.[1] The original trackers were able to perform 4-channel resampling in realtime using Amiga's Paula Chip. Since the early 1990s trackers performed multi-track resampling in realtime as pure software solution on PCs. This was possible with the usage of highly optimized assembly code, an early example is the InertiaPlayer released in 1993.[2] An example of a recent PC tracker with good sampler capabilities is Renoise.[1][3]

Software-based samplers

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Ziegs, Matthias (2005). "Resampling Qualität im Vergleich" (in German). MAZ-Soundtools. Retrieved 2011-02-05.
  2. ↑ Inertiaplayer 1.0b 100% Assembler [...] up to 32 channels [...] This player was released 24 Dec '93, while you where singing in church (iplay.doc)
  3. ↑ V., Simon (2001-05-08). "Sampler anti-aliasing and pitch-shifting comparison". www.simonv.com. Retrieved 2011-02-05.
  4. ↑ "Trigger samples from your QWERTY keyboard with SoundPlant 42". MusicRadar. 2014-11-10. Retrieved 2016-03-08.
  5. ↑ "How to play sounds using a computer keyboard". CNET. 2011-09-19. Retrieved 2016-03-08.
  6. ↑ "Download of the Month: Soundplant". Electronic Musician Magazine. 2003-04-01. Retrieved 2016-03-08.
  7. ↑ "Useful Utilities For The PC Musician". Sound On Sound Magazine. 2005-09-01. Retrieved 2016-03-08.
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