Dave Smith Instruments Sequential PROPHET X, User Manual, Page: 118 / 172

106 Using Sampled Instruments Dave Smith Instruments
Changing Sample Start and End Points and Adding a Loop
Another way to change the sound of a sample is to change its start and
end points.
To change a sample’s start or end point:
1. Recall the Basic Program and turn Oscillator 1 level down to 0.
2. In the Sample Playback section, use the
type
knob to select
ethnic
.
3. Use the
instrument
knob to select
mandolin heavenly
.
4. Play some notes and listen to the sample. It has a very strong attack.
5. Next, press the
instr
1 button to show the sampled instrument param-
eters in the main display.
6. Press Soft Button 4 (
inst
1
edit
). The sample editing window appears.
7. Turn Soft Knob 1 clockwise to adjust the
sample start
as you repeat-
edly strike a note on the keyboard.
Notice how the sound changes as sample playback begins farther away
from its original start point. The beginning of a sound is often the most
recognizable part of its character — particularly on acoustic instruments.
Changing the start point of a sample can dramatically change its sound.
Adding a Loop
To manipulate the sample even more, add a loop:
To enable a loop in the sample:
1. Set the
sample start
to 479.
2. Use Soft Knob 4 to set the
sample end
to 525.
3. Press the
loop
button.
4. Play a chord. The mandolin sample now sounds like a wobbly electric
organ.
The “wobble” is caused by the loop repeating itself. Because begin-
ning and end points of the loop contain different harmonics and volume
levels, there’s a noticeable bump in the transition between the two. You
can smooth this transition by adjusting the loop crossfade rate. For more
details, see “Creating Longer Loops” on page 104.