Apple Logic Pro X Advanced Audio Production: Sampling with the EXS24
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
A sampler is an extremely versatile tool. Essentially, it allows you to map digital audio files, or samples, across pitch ranges for triggering via MIDI. It does this by dynamically changing the playback speed of the samples in real time to match the pitch specified by the MIDI note value.
Individual samples are referenced and mapped in a sampler instrument. In this lesson, you will explore the abilities of the EXS24 by creating unique sampler instruments using specific audio regions from the Tracks area.
Creating Sampler Instruments
Traditionally, new sampler instruments are produced by first creating a blank sampler instrument, and then adding and mapping individual samples one by one, building the instrument from the ground up. However, Logic can also use a single command to automatically create a new EXS24 track loaded with a new sampler instrument wrapped around a selected audio region in the Tracks area. With this feature, extending the creative possibilities of audio files is especially easy, placing triggering and processing capabilities right under your fingertips.
- Choose File > Open.
- Open Music > Advanced Logic X_Files > Lessons > 04_EXS24_Start.logicx.
- Use the Mute tool to unmute the Vox Note region on Track 1.
- Play the project, listening to the Vox Note audio region. You will use this recording of a singer holding a single pitch for your first sampler instrument.
- Stop playback.
- Go to the beginning of the project.
- In the Tracks area, select the Vox Note region, if necessary.
From the Track menu, choose Convert Regions to New Sampler Track.
In the Convert Regions to New Sampler Track dialog, you can set how the selected audio region will be initially mapped in the new sampler instrument. Samples are mapped in zones, which contain settings that control how the sample is played back, including key ranges.
Select Create Zones From Regions, if necessary.
A single zone will reference the Vox Note audio region (as outlined at the bottom of the dialog).
You can also set the pitch range of the created zone, as specified by the Trigger Note Range menus (low to high). Because only a single audio region was selected (you can also select multiple regions), it will utilize only the lowest trigger note to map the region.
From the first Trigger Note Range pop-up menu, choose C3 (60) to create a new zone at C3, right in the middle of the keyboard.
Click OK.
A new EXS24 track (named Vox Note) is created below the original track, along with a new MIDI region. This new region contains a held C3 note that triggers the newly mapped audio file for the same duration as the original audio region. Note that the original region is muted. The new MIDI region, in effect, replaces the original one in the arrangement.
Play the project while listening to the new Vox Note MIDI region played through the EXS24. The playback sounds identical to the original.
This new zone will be automatically velocity mapped so that the harder you strike the key, the louder the sample will play.
Press C3 on your MIDI keyboard at varying velocities and listen to the results.
The Vox Note audio file plays as long as you hold down the key, while changing volume (amplitude) depending on hard you hit the key.
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