jhd1@pyuxv.uucp (25325-John Delia(2340)m000) (08/01/90)
I am in the market for a sampler to use primarily for sampling backing vocals. I have an 8-track setup with a PC-based sequencer, and I find I am always running out of tape tracks. The main reason is that I dedicate two tracks for stereo backing vocals (most of my songs seem to require this). This seems like a waste of tracks, so my idea is to record the backing vocals on the 8-track, and then instead of bouncing to 2-track and then flying them back onto the 8-track, I will sample them directly from the 8-track and trigger them via MIDI during mixdown, thus conserving tape tracks. With that in mind, I feel I need a sampler with the following capabilities: - must have good sound quality (e.g. 12-bit or higher). - must cost under $2000. - must be capable of storing and playing back one song's worth of backing vocals (i.e. at least 30 seconds of stereo samples) in real time. I have just rented a Yamaha TX16W sampler "with option to buy" to try this idea out. I chose this particular sampler for the following reasons: - it has 1.5M of memory, upgradable to 6M. Memory expansion boards (1.5M) are available (from Maartists) for about $225 each. The full upgrade should provide enough memory for 40+ seconds of stereo samples. - the TX16W is being discontinued and, hence, I can get one for under $1000. apparently, there is nothing else in this price range that even compares to it (i believe the EPS has only 1M and costs about $1500). - it has stereo sampling capability (7.9sec at 33K). I realize I could simulate this with with mono samples, but it would be more difficult (i.e. preserving the phase relationships, etc.) From what i've heard, the TX16W was originally priced at over $3000, but did not sell due to its perceived difficulty of use. However, having sampled with the Mirage, I figured it couldn't be any harder than that. I have only worked with the TX for about 10 hours or so but, for the application i described, it seems to be adequate. I was able to sample about 12 seconds worth of backing vocals (in 4 pieces), set up the voice/key assignments, and play them back in time via my sequencer (i.e. basically do what I want). The main problem I had was having to shuffle things around to avoid running out of memory. Still, I am reluctant to purchase the TX16W because everyone keeps telling me that the EPS or Roland (S300?) would be better choices. Can anyone shed more light on this? Thanks in advance. John D'Elia ~ ~