auto sampling of VST instruments

[Jbravo]

Hi folks

I know there are a few tools out there for automatic sampling of VST instruments and possibly outputting SFZ files. Can someone remind me what they are?

thanks!

[V0RT3X]

http://www.samplerobot.com/

Disclaimer: I have no personally used this, but it looks like it does most of what you asked for.

[DarkStar]

DiscoDSP's Bliss: http://www.discodsp.com/bliss/

Extreme Sample Converter: http://www.extranslator.com/

[lionelokfp]

AUTO-ADMIN: Non-MP3, WAV, OGG, SoundCloud, YouTube, Vimeo, Twitter and Facebook links in this post have been protected automatically. Once the member reaches 5 posts the links will function as normal.

I've just found this one very cheap ~$19 USD for Mac and Windows here: http://www.xtractpler.com (http://www.xtractpler.com)

[GRUMP]

MPC Software has an Onboard Autosampler. Works fine, but I prefer File Export in Cubase + Slicing & Mapping in Halion because its faster.

[Forgotten]

What do you mean by "auto sampling"? Are you including routing the output of a plugin back to an audio track in a DAW?

[elxsound]

What do you mean by "auto sampling"? Are you including routing the output of a plugin back to an audio track in a DAW?

You can set them up to record input of each key pressed and velocity and have it automatically map out, then export into different formats. They vary in complexity, but are a huge time-saving function when building sample libraries, especially sound designed ones with applied effects per sample (which is why some still miss Redmatica before Apple bought it up).

[JeffLearman]

Why would you want to sample a VSTi?

I'm a big fan of sampling & autosampling (I'm even thinking of starting my own open source project to easily create a multi-layer sample set from your digital piano, so you can use it in your DAW without always having the instrument attached.) But I can't quite figure out why anyone would want to sample a VSTi.

[himalaya]

But I can't quite figure out why anyone would want to sample a VSTi.

There are many examples why people would want to do that.
In a pro environment, a touring artist could have their VSTs sampled for use in a live setting. A sampler uses less CPU than some modern VSTs, so it's a safer method to re-play certain sounds live. This is done all over with artists that tour.

Then, you may want to capture more than just a 'single' sound from the VSTi. You may want to sample a sound that has several layers (maybe based on several soft synths) all mixed with external effect plugins. Maybe you are building a new sample library of exotic multi-layered textures.

Or maybe you are simply sampling an FM synth with your own FM sounds that you want to make available via a sampler - so that you reach a wider audience who may not have the original FM synth. As an example....etc.

If not thinking strictly of VST instruments, many people capture their old hardware synths. This is easy if the synth has MIDI since the whole process can be automated. I've sampled many hardware synths, and should one of my older analog synths develop a fault, I have my favourite patches available in samples that I've made.

[himalaya]

I always come into such threads and bemoan the fact that the best tool for auto-sampling and creating finished sampled instruments there has ever been, has been killed off by Apple: Redmatica KeyMapPro and Autosampler. There is nothing like these tools. Nothing comes close to the depth and sheer genius of these apps. (We should all petition Apple to bring them back).

Parts of Autosampler are now included in Logic's EXS24 sampler, so if you are on Mac, and use Logic, this would be the best option. But this wouldn't give you SFZ files. For this you'd also need Chicken System Translator to convert the 'exs' format to 'SFZ'

[Echoes in the Attic]

Newsonicarts Freestyle can autosample a VST which will automatically create the audio files and load into Nuance. From there you can export SFZ. You can use the audio files without Nuance, but need to own Nuanze to export the SFZ.

[JeffLearman]

But I can't quite figure out why anyone would want to sample a VSTi.

There are many examples why people would want to do that.

Thanks!

If not thinking strictly of VST instruments, many people capture their old hardware synths. This is easy if the synth has MIDI since the whole process can be automated. I've sampled many hardware synths, and should one of my older analog synths develop a fault, I have my favourite patches available in samples that I've made.

Right, as I said, I'm thinking of making a free piano sampler myself. I couldn't find a good free one. I have code that automates a lot of the job, all but recording the samples, which is tedious even with MIDI instruments.

[himalaya]

It's also worthwhile to remember that the actual auto-sampling process is just the beginning. It's what can be done, or what will have to be done afterwards that is sometimes more important. For example, the way looping is performed. The UX and the actual options. Does the app only offer a simple linear x-fade? If so, then this is not enough for many, many sounds, and so creating successful loop points will be a nightmare. This is one area where the no-longer available Redmatica apps rule supreme. Thanks Apple....

[Vee Ess Tee]

There is also Direct Wave by Image Line which can sample VST instruments but i don't think it can output to sfz though.

[deastman]

Redmatica was the undisputed king of autosampling, but SampleRobot is a close second. I picked up a copy during their year-end sale and I’ve had fun playing around with it. Mainly what I’ve been doing is autosampling patches on analog hardware monosynths so they can be played polyphonic in the DAW. Sometimes I’ll layer several monosynths together, plus hardware effects, and that becomes the source for a new pad or keys sample set.

As for why someone would sample a VSTi, a lot of touring musicians don’t want to rely on a computer while they’re on stage. Sampling their VSTi patches allows them to load those same sounds into a sampler workstation keyboard for more reliable playback.