During this session we explored producer/rapper RZA’s production process and researched the type of sampling techniques he uses for some of his biggest tracks from Wu tang clan. Me and a classmate experimented with the AKAIS2000 sampler which was a popular machine used during RZA’s time of production famous for it’s 16-bit sampler, capable of mono or stereo sampling. This technical feature allowed for high quality sound reproduction, a key feature in the S2000’s popularity among many musicians and producers.
Me and classmate began by searching YouTube for a random sample that we liked the sound of in a playlist. When we had found the sample that we liked we linked our laptop through the S2000 and began to search for the section we wanted to extract.
After not too many attempts we found a perfect loop. The machine works by first connecting your sound source, like a microphone or instrument, to the sampler. Then you use the sampler’s interface to record the sound you want to sample. During the process you can also use the dials to rename the sample to your choice.
Once recorded, you can edit the sample, apply effects, and play it back using the sampler’s features.
When we was happy with our loop we exported it through a hard drive and dragged it into Ableton to begin using our sample. After chopping our loop in Ableton me and classmate layered some Boom Bap style drums provided to us by our tutor in the class folder.the final result was a unfinished boom bap beat, I was happy with the drum swing which aligned quite nicely with the chopped sample. This way of production offers a lot of versatility as it forces you to utilise textures from desired samples
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