Section 7 — Sampling/Signal Source Concepts
ASR-10 Musician’s Manual
144
What is Sampling?
Getting Ready to Sample
Here are a few things you can do that will result in your getting better quality samples.
• Start with the cleanest possible signal — This may seem obvious, but a sample (or any
recording) can only be as good as the original signal, so you should pay attention to the signal
path. For example, if you are feeding the audio input of the ASR-10 from a mixer, using a
direct out from the individual channel is better than using an auxiliary send because there are
fewer preamps (and thus less noise) in the chain. If you do use an auxiliary or a main send,
make sure only the channel(s) you intend to sample are turned up in that send.
• Record the sound on tape and sample from the tape — This is not always possible, but it
tends to yield better results because now the sound is repeatable. This is important when
adjusting the input level — before sampling you can play the sound as many times as
necessary, watching the meter and adjusting the level of the signal into the ASR-10, until you
have just the right level — high enough to get the best possible dynamic range, yet low
enough to avoid clipping. The other good reason for sampling from tape also has to do with
repeatability. Suppose you are sampling a horn section live, directly into the ASR-10, and
suddenly they play that one excruciatingly perfect note that you’ve been waiting for all your
life. But after making the sample you discover that the input level was a little too high and the
sample is clipped. Or, you want to put a slightly different EQ on it, or maybe some reverb.
Unfortunately, you will never get them to play that note just the same way again, so the
moment is lost. If you had it on tape, you could simply make your adjustments and sample it
again.
Easy Sampling
Let’s try a simple one-shot sample. First we need a source. For example, a microphone — but
any source, such as a synthesizer, the output of a mixer, a guitar, etc. could be used. That sound
source should be connected to one of the Audio Input jacks of the ASR-10.
The rear panel Mic/Line switch is used to set the ASR-10’s Audio Input to accept either a line-
level signal (such as that from a mixer, guitar, or a synthesizer) when in the down position, or a
mic-level signal (from a microphone) when in the up position.
Adjust the ASR-10 sample rate by changing the current effect algorithm on the FX Select•FX
Bypass page (or select 23 VOICE 44K or 31 VOICE 30K to monitor the signal source dry). A
higher sample rate will yield a more accurate sample with better high frequency response, but
will use up memory more quickly. The ASR-10 can sample at either 30 kHz (actually 29,761.9
samples per second) or 44 kHz (44,100.0 samples per second).
To initiate sampling press the Sample•Source Select button to the right of the display. The
display shows:
REC SRC=INPUTDRY LEFT
Sample
1 - 8
Press:
The Display Shows:
Press:
Source Select
The RECORD SOURCE parameter has 2 fields. Field 1 determines which Audio Source will be
sampled. Field 2 determines whether the Audio Source will be sampled in stereo or mono.
