The concept of "sample" is faced by so many. And it’s not necessary if they’re computer users or musicians. But, since it will be about computer technologies used in music programs, let's try to consider what a sample is from this point of view. However, looking a little ahead, it is worth saying that almost everyone has a common understanding of this term. Unless, many never thought about its application in relation to musical creativity.
Sample: general concept
So what is a sample? To get a general idea of this term, you just need to translate the corresponding English word. Sample means 'sample', 'example', 'sample', 'template', etc. The meaning of the main word may vary depending on the area of use. Since we are talking specifically about music, we dwell exclusively on this aspect.
What are samples in music?
In musical terms, a sample is usually called a sample or an example of the sound of some instrument or sound effect recorded in a specific format (audio, MIDI, SoundFont, etc.). Many programs and virtual instruments based on the use of such sound samples (sample-based) allow you to compose entire instrument parts from ready-made samples, creating separate audio tracks and integral compositions. For a clearer understanding of what a sample is, you can use the virtual Kontakt sampler.
Files of instruments and effects of the "native" NKI, NKC and NKX formats are loaded into it. But it’s just they are built from peculiar pieces (samples) of the WAV format. They are something like containers with packaged content.
What are samples and loops: the main differences
All samples can be conditionally divided into two main types: single (one-shot) and multisamples (multi-samples). The first type can usually be clearly demonstrated by the example of a drum kit.
One hit on the snare drum, cymbal, bass barrel can be called a single sample. If for one track it is possible to load an entire installation, single samples of which are distributed on the virtual keyboard, as is done, for example, in drum samples, then this is already a multisample. The created part, or some specific piece, often called a pattern, is considered to be a loop (a repeating loop) or a sequence.
In general, speaking of what a sample is, the boundary between loops (repeating sequences) and single samples can be drawn very arbitrarily. For example, a single sound file can contain both a single beat and several beats combined into a short part or sounding simultaneously. The second type can equally be attributed to both a single sample and a loop. In general, loops - the definition is somewhat incorrect. Yes, and it used to be applied mainly to drum parts, and only to repeating ones. In fact, it is correct to call them sequences, since this term is accepted in musical circles.
Practical use of samples
In practical terms, everything is very simple. For a better understanding of the issue, an example is the musical studio sequencer FL Studio (formerly Fruity Loops), which was originally focused on creating exclusively drum loops (loops) based on single samples, and eventually turned into a full-fledged virtual studio.
If you look at the new project created by default, then single samples in the sequencer are set for each track, and the part (pattern) created on the basis of their combination (alternating in sound) is a loop. And from patterns, like from bricks, in the playlist you can dial the full composition. But this is only the simplest example, since the possibilities for using both single sounds and entire sound sequences are much wider.