Vinyl sampling has been a staple in music production for decades, from the days of tape loops to the era of digital samplers and beyond.
Despite the rise of digital music, vinyl still holds a special place in the hearts of crate diggers and music producers alike. Whether you’re looking for exclusive vinyl releases or undiscovered gems waiting to be catalogued, sampling with a turntable can unlock a world of creative possibilities.
In this article, we’ll explore some tips and techniques for sampling with a turntable, from identifying isolated instruments to using hardware effects and filters.
So grab your favorite vinyl record and let’s get started!
How To Sample With A Turntable
When it comes to sampling with a turntable, there are a few key techniques that can help you get the most out of your vinyl records.
First, it’s important to identify sections of the record where one instrument is isolated. These sections are often located at the beginning or end of a track, but don’t be afraid to explore the entire record to find hidden gems. On older records, the B-side can often feature darker and more twisted tracks.
To quickly search through a record, move the needle around and listen for about 5 to 10 seconds between each movement. You can also use your hand to spin the record backwards and forwards, looking for something that catches your ear. Recording record movement can also be a cool effect – use the pitch fader to slow down or speed up samples before recording them.
Another technique is to turn off the power on the turntable and continue recording as the record slowly slows down until it’s not moving anymore. This creates a cool pitch dive slow down effect that can add some unique flavor to your samples.
Before recording, make sure to use the EQ and filter on your DJ mixer to get the samples sounding awesome. You can even run the turntable through some hardware effects like delay, reverb, and filters – all before recording.
Once you’ve found a sample you like, consider chopping or slicing it into small sections that you can rearrange as if they were chords or drum hits unto themselves. This technique is most common for producers who use audio samplers such as the MPC, Maschine, the SP1200 and SP-303/404. By recording snippets of audio onto the pads of a sampler you can essentially play your samples like a drum kit.
One of the most important things to remember when sampling with a turntable is to have fun and experiment. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and push the boundaries of what’s possible with vinyl sampling. With some practice and creativity, you can create unique and original music that stands out from the crowd.
Understanding The Basics Of Sampling With A Turntable
Sampling with a turntable is a popular technique used by many producers in the hip-hop genre. To get started with sampling, you need to have a good turntable that can handle vinyl records from different eras. A DJ turntable like the Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP is a great option as it offers flexibility with its pitch control levels and playback speeds.
To begin the process of sampling, you need to have a digital capture of the section of the LP that you want to use. This involves connecting your turntable to your computer or sampler using an interface. If your turntable doesn’t have a phono preamp built-in, you’ll need an interface that does. Once you have your digital capture, you can start to get creative with your sample.
The general approach to sampling involves taking a portion of sound from your audio track and processing it through your sampler or Digital Audio Workstation. You can then chop it up, loop it, pitch it, and arrange it in a new way to create a brand new sound for your song. Assign slices of your sounds to different MIDI notes to play out on your MIDI controller or keyboard.
When searching for samples on a vinyl record, it’s important to identify sections where one instrument is isolated. These sections can be found at the beginning or end of a track, but don’t be afraid to explore the entire record to find hidden gems. You can also use techniques like moving the needle around and listening for 5-10 seconds between each movement or spinning the record backwards and forwards.
Before recording, use the EQ and filter on your DJ mixer to get the samples sounding awesome. You can even run the turntable through some hardware effects like delay, reverb, and filters – all before recording. Once you’ve found a sample you like, consider chopping or slicing it into small sections that you can rearrange as if they were chords or drum hits unto themselves.
Identifying Isolated Instruments And Sounds On Vinyl Records
When sampling with a turntable, the first step is to identify sections of the record where one instrument or sound is isolated. These sections can be found at the beginning or end of a track, but it’s important to explore the entire record to find hidden gems. On older records, the B-side can often feature darker and more twisted tracks.
To quickly search through a record, move the needle around and listen for about 5 to 10 seconds between each movement. Use your hand to spin the record backwards and forwards, looking for something that catches your ear. When you find a section with an isolated instrument or sound, mark it with a sticker or make a mental note of where it is on the record.
Another technique is to use the pitch fader to slow down or speed up samples before recording them. This can help you isolate specific sounds or instruments within a track. You can also turn off the power on the turntable and continue recording as the record slowly slows down until it’s not moving anymore. This creates a cool pitch dive slow down effect that can add some unique flavor to your samples.
Before recording, make sure to use the EQ and filter on your DJ mixer to get the samples sounding awesome. You can even run the turntable through some hardware effects like delay, reverb, and filters – all before recording. This can help you shape the sound of your sample before you even start chopping or slicing it.
Once you’ve found a sample with an isolated instrument or sound that you like, consider chopping or slicing it into small sections that you can rearrange as if they were chords or drum hits unto themselves. This technique is most common for producers who use audio samplers such as the MPC, Maschine, SP1200 and SP-303/404. By recording snippets of audio onto the pads of a sampler you can essentially play your samples like a drum kit.
Choosing The Right Equipment For Sampling With A Turntable
When it comes to choosing the right equipment for sampling with a turntable, there are a few key factors to consider. The first step is to select a turntable that is suitable for sampling. Belt-driven turntables are a popular choice for beginners due to their affordability and classic look, but they may not be the best option for DJ equipment as they can slip during performances. Direct drive turntables, on the other hand, have a stronger motor and are more suitable for DJing.
Once you have your turntable, you will also need an audio interface and a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software. A good audio interface will allow you to boost your turntable signal to a usable level, while a DAW will enable you to capture and edit your samples. Popular audio interfaces include the Presonus Audiobox and Focusrite Scarlett, while Reaper is a popular free DAW software.
In addition to your turntable and software, you may also want to consider investing in some hardware effects such as delay, reverb, or filters. These can add unique flavor and texture to your samples before they are recorded.
It’s important to note that when purchasing equipment, it’s always best to do your research and read reviews from other DJs and producers. This will help you make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.
Using Hardware Effects And Filters To Enhance Your Samples
In addition to using EQ and filters on your DJ mixer, you can also run your turntable through hardware effects to enhance your samples even further. Delay, reverb, and filters are just a few examples of the types of effects you can use.
By adding delay to a sample, you can create a sense of space and depth. This effect can be particularly useful for samples that have a lot of movement or texture. Reverb, on the other hand, can create a sense of ambiance and atmosphere. This effect is great for samples that need to sound more spacious or ethereal.
Filters are another powerful tool for enhancing your samples. By using a low-pass filter, you can remove higher frequencies from your sample, creating a more mellow and subdued sound. On the other hand, a high-pass filter can remove lower frequencies from your sample, creating a brighter and more focused sound.
When using hardware effects, it’s important to experiment with different settings and combinations to find the right sound for your sample. You can also try automating the effects over time to create dynamic and evolving sounds.
Remember, the key to successful sampling with a turntable is to have fun and experiment. With some creativity and a willingness to try new things, you can create unique and original music that stands out from the crowd.
Tips For Improving Your Sampling Techniques With A Turntable
If you want to improve your vinyl sampling techniques, there are a few tips that can help you get better results. First, make sure to invest in a high-quality turntable with a heavy platter to ensure stable rotating speeds. This will help prevent any skips or jumps in your recordings.
If your turntable doesn’t have a phono preamp built-in, you’ll need an audio interface that does. An interface connects turntable audio with your computer, allowing you to record and manipulate your samples digitally.
When searching for samples, don’t be afraid to explore the entire record and try new techniques like recording record movement or using hardware effects. Remember to use the EQ and filter on your DJ mixer to get the samples sounding awesome before they even hit the computer.
Finally, consider chopping or slicing your samples into smaller sections that you can rearrange and manipulate as if they were individual drum hits or chords. This can add a unique flavor to your music and help you stand out from other producers.
Legal Considerations For Sampling With Vinyl Records
When sampling with vinyl records, it is important to consider the legal implications of using someone else’s work. Just because a sample is taken from a vinyl record does not mean it is automatically cleared for use. In fact, the legal process for clearing samples from vinyl records can be even more complicated than clearing samples from digital sources.
One of the first things to consider is the copyright status of the original recording. If the recording is still under copyright, you will need to obtain permission from the copyright owner before using any samples. This can involve contacting the record label, publisher, or artist directly and negotiating a licensing agreement.
In addition to obtaining permission, you may also need to pay a fee for using the sample. This fee can vary depending on the length of the sample, how it is used in your composition, and the popularity of the original recording.
It is also important to consider whether your use of the sample falls under fair use or transformative use. Fair use allows for limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. Transformative use involves using the sample in a way that creates something new and original, rather than simply copying it.
Ultimately, it is up to you to ensure that your use of any samples from vinyl records is legal and ethical. Taking the time to understand the legal considerations involved can help you avoid potential legal issues and ensure that you are creating music that respects the rights of other artists and copyright holders.
