Budget digital sampling at the flick of a switch or two

MIDI Sample Dump Standard

Chris Meyer reports on a new system that could revolutionise the way we treat sound samples - the MIDI Sample Dump Standard - and uncovers its usage in the Prophet 2000 sampler.

Sampler Updates

Leading the battle against planned obsolescence are the sampler manufacturers, whose machines receive updates almost monthly. We re-test three samplers to find out how they've changed.

With its ability to manipulate sounds and music, the digital sampler has probably caused more arguments than any other musical instrument to date. Peter Ridsdale takes an alternative view.

Everything you ever wanted to know about samplers... 48 models compared! Paul Gilby surveys the current sampler market, exposes the 'spec wars', dispels the 16-bit myth and explains in simple terms how sampling really works, before telling you what to look out for when buying secondhand.

Sampling

Sampling is the subject this time: we turn the technical phrases into real language.

sampling secrets

Samplers generate their own specialised jargon — so here's a quick guide to help guide you through some commonly used terms.

Sampling clichés and how to avoid them.

Resident 'DJ' Wilf Smarties gives a new batch of CDs a spin.