You can either download samples that are heavily pre-processed, and “mix-ready”, or you can download samples that contain minimal or no processing. There are two paths you can take when browsing for samples. Many producers simply feel like they need to add processing for the sake of it. I often work on mixes for clients who have downloaded samples online and processed them to death. One of the most overlooked aspects of using samples is that many of them are already processed. While heavy-hitting sample library websites like have become the standard for samples used in both music and film, there are still many budding producers and post-production engineers that aren’t using these samples to their fullest potential. These tips are useful for one-shot samples, loops, sampling records and non-musical samples. Here we’ll provide some tips that will help you to process your samples more effectively. Through experimentation, you’ll be able to produce a high-quality mix using sample selection alone. The more time you’ve spent mixing music, the better you’ll be able to predict how different sounds will work together. Sample selection plays a huge role in the overall quality of your mix. However, if the sample you’re using hasn't been recorded well, your mixing abilities are put to the test. The good news is that if you manage to find high-quality samples, a lack of recording capability is compensated for. There are so many issues that can be addressed at a recording level, that require substantially more work to address at a mixing level.

One significant reason for this is that an entire level of the creation process is being spoon-fed to people the recording process. Not everyone has access to a recording studio or high-quality recording equipment, so the ability to access quality samples has resulted in the rise of many artists who were previously lacking the adequate resources required to express their artistic ideas.Īlthough music production has become exceptionally accessible, the quality of mixes being produced has taken somewhat of a blow. Sample packs have made music production available to the masses, and this has propelled the music industry into exponential growth over the past 8+ years.

Samples have become so ubiquitous in music production, it’s rare to be mixing a track without at least one sampled element, be it a one-shot, beat, loop or recorded ambience.

Mixing synth pads