Incorporating sampled sounds into your music

「Sampled sounds」are included when you purchase a DAW.
A variety of sounds can be found like drum loops and percussion, and even a variety of pitched instruments.

Using these「sampled sounds」as is, generally –

• sounds the same as others (generic)
• won’t fit rhythmically in the feel of a song

This is a problem that many face.

We will take a look at how I utilize「sampled sounds」.

1. 「Layering with your original drum patterns」

Please give it a listen from the file below.

「Sequenced drums」「Synths」「Bass」are included.

How it sounds with「sampled sounds」added.

The feel has become much groovier and pops more.

By layering onto your existing rhythm,
you can create an original sound.

※If the low frequencies are clashing too much on the kick, apply a low cut EQ to the「sampled sound」.

Sound design

2. 「Percussion relies on sampled audio」

When sequencing percussive sounds like shakers,
editing「nuance and dynamics」requires alot of time and effort.

Even after doing so, the result may end up less than satisfactory,
so I use「samples」for shaker type sounds.

Lets add shakers and congas to the sound from earlier!

It has become very groovy.

3. 「Using fills」

「Don’t I have to use fills that use my current drum sounds?」
This may be a question you have, but this is not the case.
You have complete freedom. Lets try it out to prove this point.

We added a fill between the 2nd and 3rd bar.

Even with the original sounds as is, there isn’t any awkwardness.

I often use this technique in my own music, using fills with very different sounds from the original drums.

Another great technique is adding effects to the fill material.

This is the original fill

After adding effects

• Added overdrive to give it character and presence
• Added strong compression and evened out the dynamics
• Added delay to fit it to the song
• Cut low end with EQ, and boosted highs, to distinguish it from other rhythms in the mix

In general, if it sounds good, it is good.

Sound design

4. 「Editing waveforms」

The edits aren’t difficult to make.
Simply use specific parts of a loop, or rearrange their order to your liking.

This is the original sound

This is the edited version used to fit the song

Enjoy editing, and think about it like drawing or putting together a puzzle.

This concludes our look into using samples in music.

We hope you found newfound ways to look into using samples.
The possibilities are limitless,
so enjoy your sample using process!