What is a multisample? (and why one sample isn't enough)
A multisample is an instrument built from many recorded samples — typically one sample every few keys across the keyboard — instead of a single sample stretched across the whole range. Stretching one sample sounds unnatural because pitch-shifting it too far also speeds up or slows down its character (the 'chipmunk' effect). A multisample avoids that by using a nearby real recording for each part of the keyboard. A full multisample maps each sample to a key range, sets a root pitch, and loops sustained notes so they can be held. Xampler builds multisamples from your WAVs automatically and exports them to SFZ, SF2 or Korg KMP.
- 1Several samples, each recorded at a different pitch across the range.
- 2A key map: which sample covers which range of keys.
- 3A root key per sample: the note it was recorded at.
- 4Loops on sustained notes so they can be held indefinitely.
01What exactly is a multisample?
What exactly is a multisample?
It's an instrument made of multiple samples spread across the keyboard — each sample covers a small range of keys near the note it was recorded at. Play a key and the sampler picks the closest recorded sample and pitch-shifts it slightly. That keeps the sound natural across the whole range, which a single stretched sample can't do.
02Why can't I just use one sample for the whole keyboard?
Why can't I just use one sample for the whole keyboard?
Because pitch-shifting one sample far from its original note distorts it — shift it up an octave and it sounds thin and sped-up; down an octave and it sounds slow and dull. The timbre changes with the pitch. Multisampling fixes this by giving each region of the keyboard its own nearby recording, so the shift is small and the character stays right.
03How many samples make a multisample — every key, or fewer?
How many samples make a multisample — every key, or fewer?
Fewer is normal. Every third or fourth note is a common compromise — enough that the pitch-shift between samples is small and unnoticeable, without recording all 88 keys. Simple or static sounds need fewer; expressive ones need more. The sampler fills the gaps by shifting the nearest sample.
04What's a root key or root note in a multisample?
What's a root key or root note in a multisample?
The root key is the note a sample was actually recorded at — its true pitch. The sampler uses it as the reference: play the root key and the sample plays back unshifted; play a nearby key and it shifts relative to the root. Getting the root right is essential or everything sounds out of tune. Xampler detects the root from the audio automatically.
05Is a SoundFont (SF2) a multisample?
Is a SoundFont (SF2) a multisample?
Yes — SF2, SFZ and Korg KMP are all containers for a multisample. They each store the samples, the key map, the root pitches and the loops; they just package that information differently. So 'a multisample' is the concept, and SFZ/SF2/KMP are formats it can be saved in. Xampler builds the multisample and exports it to any of them.
06What's the difference between a multisample and a sample pack?
What's the difference between a multisample and a sample pack?
A sample pack is just a collection of audio files. A multisample is those files organized into a playable instrument — mapped to keys, tuned, looped. You can turn a sample pack of separate notes into a multisample by adding that structure. Xampler does exactly that: it takes your sample files and builds the mapped, looped instrument.
07Do drums use multisamples too?
Do drums use multisamples too?
Yes, in a sense — a drum kit maps one sample per key (a kick on one key, a snare on the next), which is the same idea as a multisample, just one-shot sounds instead of pitched-and-looped ones. Xampler's drum mode slices a loop into hits and maps them across the keys, then exports the same SFZ/SF2/KMP formats.