Using samples in your track (trim, stretch, tune, EQ)

Music Production Lesson: Working with Samples and Recording

Starting the Process

So the first note can be quite hard sometimes to really get that definition. As I zoom in, this slightly larger portion is going to be the first hit point, if you like, of the sample.

• Step 1: Move the sample in to catch the dead space before the larger section of audio.
  • This ensures the note is as close as possible to the beat when triggered.

Cleaning Up the Sound

Next, the sound is a little muddy due to unwanted low-frequency rumble from the field recording.

• Step 2: Turn on a filter.
  • I'll use a high pass filter to remove low frequencies, starting from around 200 Hz.
  • The rumble is now fading, allowing me to hear the instrument better.

Setting the Tempo

I will loop the sample, keeping in mind that the original tempo is at C3, which plays the sample back at its original pitch. However, I don't necessarily have to stick to that.

• Choosing the tempo:
  • Is the track going to be fast, slow, or fairly chilled?
  • A nice tempo to start experimenting with might be around 115 BPM.

Recording the Sample

With the sample in tune, it's time to use the piano track I set up, which is also in perfect tuning.

• Step 3: Arm the sample track.
  • The pitch sounds quite good, but if necessary, I can fine-tune it using the detune option.

Important Considerations:

• Check the sample's tuning: This is crucial! If the sample is out of tune when I add other elements, it will make the overall mix difficult.

Playing Along

Let's put on the metronome to find a good tempo.

• I'll play it in on the beat after 8 beeps from the metronome, recording for two bars.

Looping and Quantizing

After playing, I'll make sure to:

• Quickly trim the end of the sample.
• Quantize the track: Set this slightly higher than 1/16 to ensure it aligns perfectly with the first beat of the bar.

Listening for Loops

• Verify the loop with the metronome still on.
• Adjust the tempo slightly if necessary.

Finalizing the Audio

Now, let's create a piece of audio from the MIDI performance:

• Step 4: Right-click to freeze the track.
• Create a new audio track and copy over the sample.

Adjusting the Audio

Some bits may still be slightly out of place.

• Use Warp Markers to pull the audio into better alignment:
  • Utilize Complex Pro mode to avoid slurring and stuttering.

Moving to Percussion

Next, I want to work on the percussive track.

• Play the sound and determine if an octave up sounds more interesting.

Recording and Fine-Tuning Shakers

• I can play the shaker in, recording it to ensure it syncs well.
• Once recorded, I'll quantize it to lock it to the grid.

Final Touches

Let's finalize the shaker track.

• I will freeze the shaker track again and create an audio track to copy over the loop.
• Finally, delete the mixer track as the audio loops perfectly.

Now, with the music synced, I can start thinking about the next elements to incorporate into the mix!