Processing Sample Files

Use third-party software to process sample files before creating the Sound Bridge project.

Before you begin

  • Audition the built-in samples, Programs, and Mixes in the QSR, making notes about the built-in samples you will use.
  • Obtain or create custom sample files you want to use.
  • Choose the third-party software tools that you will use to process sample files.
  • Have a good understanding of the operation of your DAW software, plug-ins, or mastering tools.

About this task

This topic presents an example procedure for processing sample files for the QSR Drum Synthesizer. A comprehensive discussion of sample file creation and processing is beyond the scope of this Manual.

Important: To obtain the best results and achieve the sounds you want, use high quality sample files and properly prepare them before use. Otherwise, the results will be disappointing.

After identifying sample files that meet your needs, place the files in folders for easy retrieval. I recommend using a folder structure that separates kick samples, snare samples, tom samples, cymbal samples, and percussion samples.

This topic describes the use of Wavelab Elements, a powerful mastering software application, to perform the following tasks on a kick drum sample:

  • resampling to change the sampling rate and/or bit depth,
  • applying EQ and limiting,
  • trimming the samples, and
  • mixing a stereo sample to mono.

Procedure

  1. Open the original, unprocessed sample file in your software application.
    The image below shows the "21HDSSLKICK" sample waveform in Wavelab.
    Kick sample waveform in Wavelab Elements
    Notice that this is a stereo kick sample. Mono files are directly compatible with the QSR and do not require splitting of the sample into Left and Right channel files prior to use. We will pre-process the sample to mix the stereo channels to a single mono channel.
  2. Check the audio file properties to verify compatibility with the QSR. Refer to the Sample File Formats topic for compatibility information.
    The audio file properties for this sample are shown below. The 44.1kHz sample rate and 24 bit depth are compatible with the QSR. For a kick sample, you may want to convert to a 16 bit format to save storage space.
    Kick sample audio properties in Wavelab Elements.
  3. Normalize the stereo sample file. This raises the peak levels to a predetermined value (typically, -0.2 dB).
  4. Configure plug-ins, if available, to apply equalization (EQ), compression, or limiting, if required. Audition the sample file before and after application of processing.
  5. Trim the file to remove dead space at the beginning and end of the file.
    Tip: To avoid pops and clicks, be sure that the sample file begins and ends at a zero-crossing. Refer to your software manual for information related to forcing edits at zero-crossings.
  6. Set rendering parameters.
    The Wavelab Elements rendering parameters are shown in the image below. I have configured the software to render a mono file with 16-bit resolution.
    Rendering parameters for mono kick sample in Wavelab Elements
  7. Click OK to save the rendering settings, then render the file. Use an appropriate file name to indicate this is a processed sample (e.g., 21HDSSLKICKmono.wav).
    The resulting waveform for the mono kick sample is shown below.
    Mono kick sample waveform in Wavelab Elements.
  8. Compare the waveform of the mono file to that of the original, stereo sample.
    Tip: If the processed waveform shows clipping or other undesirable artifacts, repeat the process with different settings for your plug-ins or renderer. You may need to normalize the waveform again to maintain consistent levels between processed samples.