Elektron-Users

Can someone explain how samples are optmized for OT?

rozzpourpre wrote:
Can someone explain how samples are optmized for OT?

I can explain how DMDSB is now optimized for OT vs before.


1. DMDSB had been converted from the source 24-bit, 96kHz to
24-bit, 44.1kHz using premium, mastering grade SRC software.

Driven Machine Drums STRIKES BACK!!
was released when the Octatrack was first appearing in stores, V1 OS.
At that time, OT only supported 16-bit, 44.1kHz sampling and playback.
They have since added 24-bit support.

Not all sample rate conversion is equal. Far from it.
For instance, look at Ableton 7 vs. Izotope 64 bit SRC Steep No Alias.
http://src.infinitewave.ca/

2. DMDSB for OT now takes the Octratrack's internal gainstaging into consideration

DMDSB was intentionally created with ample headroom on each sample.
The reason being many programs or samplers do not account for headroom.
Also, new emulation plug-ins start to add harmonic distortion as the gain
increases, -12 to -18 on the digital meters is typically the same as -0dBU on
an analog VU meter, with harmonic distortion appearing as the gain increases.
Samples normalized to -0.1 are essentially slammed when fed into these
SW emulations.

HOWEVER, the Octatrack automatically adds headroom by default by having
smart intelligent gain-staging. The combination of OT compensating for
headroom and DMDSB compensating for headroom made DMDSB to quiet
on OT.

In short, DMDSB is louder and 24-bit, 44.1kHz for OT.


Hope this helps-

Nathaniel

Here's some more information about the philosophy behind some of
DMDSB's sound design techniques AND how you can use OT in combination.

> > > > Get more samples... (kind of)

I purposefully created each sample inside DMDSB with timed textural changes
based on psychoacoustic principles. In addition, each sample is intentionally
LONG + FAT. This allows you the opportunity to shape at minimum 5-10 variations
from each sample by utilizing the envelopes.

> > > > Using the OT's envelopes to emulate a compressor character

You can also use the HOLD stage within OT to emulate a compressed character
WITHOUT punching a hole in the audio/sample. Try setting the decay to taste
with a 50% or greater HOLD stage. Then increase and decrease the HOLD and
listen to the results.

Here's ONE SAMPLE from DMDSB with both the HOLD and DECAY being automated.
(no compression)

http://www.mediafire.com/?54pia2ls5sehvab

> > > > Get a more "organic or analog" feel

DMDSB sings with envelope automation (a breeze w/ OT's Parameter Locks + LFOs)
Try making subtle changes to both the HOLD and DECAY stages, either through
p-locks or sample+hold modulation.

Here's an example of the above. Also, listen to the KICK's increased HOLD stage
around 17 measures. That's not a compressor, it's the envelope.

http://www.mediafire.com/?d378fop1j3gxbrh


> > > >

Finally, DMDSB is created with instruments like the OT in mind. Live performance
tools with minimal outputs and little time to perfectly EQ each sound in a song,
ie, live/jam settings.

Each sample has been "focused" with mastering equalizers. Between this and
using the envelopes to shape the "compressor character" and contour, I feel it's
possible to achieve "studio-quality" results out of the OT with only a tiny bit
of buss-eq and buss-compression. I personally still like a little glue on either
the drum buss or master buss.

But, hopefully, 80-90% of the effort has been already done transparently, still
leaving a LOT of room for artistic choice on your part.


I'm a musician first, a sound designer second. I basically created the library
I needed.


THX for the read. (BTW, anyone can try these techniques with DMD-Free and
the DMDSB demo, both available in the first post)

what is OT chain everybody is talking about ?

sk1e wrote:
what is OT chain everybody is talking about ?

You can load the wav that has 64 different sounds in a chain recorded.
Open it in the OT editor, select create slice grid.
Then you have 64 triggerable sounds in one slot.
you can randomize the grid which is a lot of fun or you can put some triggers manually
on the stepsequencer. you can even fire them up with an LFO.
You can also play them in the chromatic mode.
lots of fun

Brilliant! Thanks for explaining.

sonyeon wrote:
Brilliant! Thanks for explaining.

http://www.elektron-users.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&func=view&Itemid=28&catid=9&id=214217#214217

a whole thread about it.

Here is another thread with premade chains to get you slicing and dicing:

http://www.elektron-users.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=28&func=view&id=198996&catid=9&limit=10&limitstart=0

Just a quick heads-ups, there are 97 copies remaining
until I pull Driven Machine Drums STRIKES BACK!! from
the site. It will no longer be available after that point.

Thanks!

Nathaniel

Picked up my copy the other day, great sounds!

My only complaint is that there are too many.

Trying to figure out what to just dump on the card and what to make sample chain of...