Sample File Planning

For best results, carefully select and prepare the sample files you will use with your QSR Drum Synthesizer.

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.
  • Determine your sample preparation strategy. Make sure the strategy is compatible with your skills and available software tools. Make a plan that includes the number and types of samples you will use, how the samples will be used in Programs, and what sample-processing tools will be used.
  • Have a good understanding of the operation of your Digital Audio Workstation, plug-ins, or mastering tools.

About this task

I discuss below the general approach for preparing sample files for the QSR Drum Synthesizer. While a complete discussion of sample file creation and processing details is beyond the scope of this Manual, an example procedure for processing a sample in Wavelab Elements is presented in the Processing Sample Files topic.

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. Do not underestimate the time required for finding, auditioning, selecting, and processing sample files.

There are many sources of sample files on the Web, but the quality of free samples varies considerably. You will find sources that advertise dozens of drum samples, but only a few may be usable. You want to find samples that sound good to you, which means spending a lot of time auditioning sample files and making notes about the candidates you identify. Many samples simply don't sound natural or may not be the sound you are looking for.

Tip: You can find free samples but as the saying goes, "You (often) get what you pay for." Nonetheless, I recommend evaluating as many free sample sources as you can. I have found several, must-have samples on free sites.
You can also purchase high-quality Wave files that are ready for use, or you can create your own samples, if you have access to a microphone, recording interface, and a computer. You will need to process your samples to optimize them for use with the QSR. Use a Wave file editor, mastering software, or Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software for
  • normalizing levels,
  • resampling to change the sampling rate and/or bit depth,
  • converting between file formats,
  • applying effects,
  • trimming the samples, or
  • using other mastering techniques.

The high-level procedure for preparing sample files consists of the following steps:

Procedure

  1. Create a list of the built-in samples you will use.
  2. List the sample types that must be located to complement the built-in samples you can use.
  3. Locate sources of sample files in compatible sample file formats.
    Tip: Refer to the Sample File Formats topic for compatibility information.
  4. Process sample files using your DAW or mastering software.
    Tip: Refer to the Processing Sample Files topic for an example procedure for processing sample files.
  5. Plan your Flash Card project layout, considering available storage space, file sizes, and sample file organization.
    Tip: You will use Sound Bridge software to create the Project for programming the Flash Card. You can use Sound Bridge to export an Excel spreadsheet that allows you to track the sample files you used along with relevant parameters (e.g., file size, relationship to other files, etc.).