

Anything beyond four bars would rarely be acceptable for rhythmic loops.

On occasion, four-bar loops are acceptable, but only if warranted (e.g., a chordal progression that lasts four bars). Even if creating a deliberately lo-fi sound, the finished samples must be in these formats, so that end users have access to broadcast-standard loops.ģ. If in doubt, leave it out.Ģ. Loops and one-shots (e.g., percussion hits, synth stabs, FX sounds) are usually supplied in 44.1kHz 24-bit WAV or AIFF format. Selling a retooled James Brown breakbeat, for example, is legally dubious. Here are some fundamentals you will need to know:ġ. All sounds used in creation of loops and hits for sale should be 100% royalty-free. These guidelines remain fairly consistent between resellers. When a producer begins to make a sample pack, they will first be supplied with guidelines that specify exactly what the company expects to receive. Interested in joining the ranks of the sample-making glitterati? Read on to find out how.īefore you begin the process of sample-pack creation, it’s crucial to be familiar with production standards and conventions. Successful sample-pack production is a combination of effective workflow, process and curation, and while each sound designer has their own approach, there are some universally enduring conventions. Many have proven intriguing masterworks in their own right, their sonic DNA giving rise to entire genres. Spanning beats and basslines, to vocal hooks and weird modular bleeps, the most memorable sample collections are far more than simply a “musical skeleton” for building tracks upon. While the sample market has traditionally been driven by a select handful of sound design studios, newer platforms like afford increasing opportunity for highly talented producers, musicians, engineers, artists, sound designers, and labels to create inspiring sound inventory.

Why sell the cake when you can sell the cake mix too? Native Instruments provides the ultimate guide to putting together your own sounds and sample pack, ready for retail.

Deconstructing art and profiting from your efforts now go in hand.
