Software sampler


A software sampler is a piece of software which allows a computer to emulate the functionality of a sampler.
In the same way that a sampler has much in common with a synthesizer, software samplers are in many ways similar to software synthesizers and there is great deal of overlap between the two, but whereas a software synthesizer generates sounds algorithmically from mathematically-described tones or short-term waveforms, a software sampler always reproduces samples, often much longer than a second, as the first step of its algorithm.

History

In the 1990s and 2000s the increases in computer power and memory capacity have made it possible to develop software applications that provide the same capabilities as hardware-based units. These are typically produced as plug-in instruments—-for example, using the VST system. Some such samplers provide simple sample playback facilities, requiring the user to turn to other software for such tasks as sample editing, sample recording, and DSP effects, while others provide features beyond those offered by rack-mounted units.
, a graphical Tracker sequencer with integrated software sampler
Also the 1980s saw the invention of tracker sequencers on home computers. The original trackers were able to perform 4-channel resampling in realtime using Amiga's Paula Chip. Since the early 1990s trackers performed multi-track resampling in realtime as pure software solution on PCs. This was possible with the usage of highly optimized assembly code, an early example is the InertiaPlayer released in 1993. An example of a recent PC tracker with good sampler capabilities is Renoise''.

Software-based samplers

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