JORDAN
LANGLEY
This project explores the development of unique set of sample-based virtual insturments, based on field recordings taken of Limerick City.
The two virtual instruments created over the course of this project explore the process of creating a melodic and percussive instrument, both of which were tasked with sampling the subject of Limerick City.
In the creation of the percussive instrument, the first set of samples explored the process of tape looping and reversing. The second, explored the chopping and triggering of beats with of a hardware sampler, and the third and final set explored just some of the virtual tools and plugins available to practitioners of sampling today.
In creating the melodic instrument, the first set of samples demonstrated the manipulation of tape playback speed. The second set explored rudimentary looping and working within the confines of limited sample time, with the final set exploring multi-sampling and velocity sensitive playback.
Results
In the recording of each sample set, a great deal of experimentation led to a better understanding of live sound, and the implementation of different recording technologies and techniques helped build a basis of knowledge that is hard to obtain from watching videos or reading books.
The processing of each sample set promoted a greater level of appreciation for the techniques and practices performed on earlier recording mediums, and how these practices affected the final sound of the samples and the compositions in which they featured.
For my own productions, this knowledge will impact my future projects greatly with regard to my approach, choices in instrumentation, and the execution of a particular concept or theme.
With the abundance of sample libraries and virtual instruments available online today, there is a great sense of pride felt when creating something unique and adding to the histories of sampling.