OneTaskBy Tim King · Updated
Sample Chopper
Slice a Drum Loop or Breakbeat at Each Transient, Download Numbered Samples
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How the Audio Sample Chopper works
This sample chopper cuts a drum loop, breakbeat, vocal phrase or any recording into separate samples, ready to load onto pads in a sampler or beat maker. Slice at every detected hit, or into an equal number of pieces, and download all the slices as numbered files in one zip.
How the sample chopper finds hits
In transient mode the audio is measured in 10 ms frames and the tool looks for sudden jumps in level compared with the surrounding second. Each jump marks the start of a new slice. Raise the sensitivity to catch quieter ghost notes, lower it to cut only on the strongest hits, and set a shortest slice so flams and rolls are not split into fragments.
Equal slices for loops
Equal slices suits loops that are already trimmed to a whole number of bars. Sixteen slices of a one-bar loop gives one sample per sixteenth note, the classic way to rearrange a break.
Clean edges on every sample
Each slice gets a 5 ms fade in and out so it starts and stops without a click when triggered from a pad. Slices keep the original channels and sample rate, and the export format follows the format picker.
FAQ
What sampler can I load the slices into?
Any sampler or drum rack that takes audio files, including the MPC, Koala, FL Studio, Ableton Live and Logic. The files are numbered in order, so dragging them in as a group maps them to pads in sequence.
Why are some hits missing?
Soft notes under loud ones may not stand out enough. Raise the sensitivity or shorten the minimum slice length. If a loop has lots of reverb tail between hits, transient detection is harder; try equal slices.
How is this different from the audio splitter?
The audio splitter cuts long recordings into equal parts or fixed lengths, such as hour-long chunks. The sample chopper cuts at musical hits and adds short fades, which is what you want for drums.
See also: all Audio tools, Images, Video & Screen, PDF, SVG, Simulations & Screensavers, Generative Art, Chart Makers, 3D Model Viewers, Drawing Pads, Mockups & 3D Making, Diagram Makers, 3D Science, Tracker Music.
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