TH-cam sampling = drinking at home Vinyl sampling = drinking at the bar chatting with old timers, hangin with friends, spending more money than you probably should but whatever you’re having a great time Both have their time and place but the latter will always be my preferred option! Awesome video✌️
For me the reason digital crate digging is still experiential is because today a lot of beat makers and producers aren’t looking for samples, a lot of my peers and people generally are just using loops or chops from someone else’s library. So searching through YT for the perfect joint to sample is fire cuz it’s still a level of I found this song I chose what I wanted to use or not use. And at the same token I was telling my mom the other day I’m bout to start going to record stores an actually crate digging or at the very least see something I like and find it online because I see the value in it
I appreciate this perspective. You're right...in a way, digging in the clouds is still experiential, because there's still the process of seeking and finding. However, that experience is slightly different when you're dealing with physical objects, rather than digital ones. Different variations of experiential. All in all...whatever works! Cheers~
this is something i've been torn about for a while. i would rather sample off a physical record than youtube, so i mostly try to. but youtube is so handy and quick, i've found awesome samples on youtube. there is nothing like going to a record shop and getting a stack of vinyl, coming back to the studio and chopping. nothing will ever beat that. another great talk, peace.
As someone who started sampling from youtube when i got my record player and started going out to get samples it was just a way better experience. The physical connection is part of it but also when youre on the internet its so easy to get caught up searching even after ive found something i could use. When i go to the store i cant hear any of the music until its too late to go back out and find more and i feel like that plays a huge roll in my approach to what im looking for or willing to experiment with.
Both and then some lol. Tapes, movies, tv, radio, cds, video games, sound files, records, the interwebs, dollar bin, yard sales…don’t care lol. Love your channel!!!!
Man listenning to you is just therapy. I've discovered you just yesterday and put your channel on repeat. Not discreditng your tallent or knowledge, but your personality is gem. Keep it up brother. All the love from Syria
Thanks for the listen! I'm glad you enjoy the videos and my perspective. Just keeping it real, and exploring the nuances of sound. Thanks for reaching out!
There's so much to be said for the mystical synchronicity aspect of finding samples that work together in a "destined to be" kinda way and when it's on vinyl it definitely adds some more sync weight to the whole alchemy of it.
100% agree. its alchemy. the way you piece the records together. the sound of each record, the condition of it, it's journey, all of that ends up in the music. much love.
I was pondering the same thing and came across this video. I think sampling from vinyl is really about the ritual. it's slow. it's thoughtful. It's intentional. It's like baking a cake from scratch vs from a box.
Love this. If you've only had cake from a box, you may think that's the only type of cake there is (even if it tastes great). I sample from vinyl for the ritual of it, and the music I make when I cook from vinyl inevitably comes out different, due to the pace and process. Not better or worse, just diff...
You’ve gotta be one of the best beat related channels out there. You’ve got an amazing setup, your camera and editing are very good, and the combination of that and commentary is the cherry on top. I was super surprised when I saw the sub count at 300
Appreciate the support! This is just an experiment to share some thoughts, pose some questions, and put some beats into the digital sphere. I just wanna see folks make good music and share some knowledge. Cheers,
I definitely agree that there’s a magic to both options. Vinyl gives us that authentic rich sound, it’s the way the original artists listened to their own favorite music back in the day and it’s the way they intended us to listen to theirs, but at the same time, the internet gives us access to so much more than a record shop would. And even online you can find songs, albums, playlists etc full of music from indie artists, foreign bands, etc that most people don’t know about so there’s still that magic of finding a gem and flipping it. To each their own but both approaches are great to use.
It’s a similar process when it comes to sound selection, these days I have every type of sound available to be right at my fingertips, and to be honest I often get lost in the over abundance of it all. It’s hard to choose which direction to go in when you can go in so many different directions whenever you want. Back in the day when I first started making beats, all I had was a Korg N364 and a Proteus 2000 sound module, I’m on the West Coast so we used more synths and keyboards and did less sampling. The way have less sounds available to you was beautiful in a way because you knew all of your sounds like the back of your hand, you weren’t lost at all, I knew exactly where all my favorite sounds were and when I would dream up a beat, I would hear which sounds I wanted to use in my head. I’m trying to get this effect these days by force myself to change sounds less, but I admit it’s easy to get lost in tinkering with sound design instead of committing to a specific sound and sticking with it until you pull out as much creativity from that sound as you can manage to get. It’s cliche but true that there is freedom in limitations.
Well put. For me, that's why I like equipment that has built in limitations. I started on an SP1200 in 2002, with about 12 seconds sample time. Graduated to an mpc 2000xl that had maybe 20 or 30 seconds of sample time. My philosophy has always been to make more with less, by focusing on arrangement and sonics. I'd often challenge myself to make a track out of 1 or 2 records, and nothing else. Limitations force us to get creative. Unfortunately, I no longer use a DAW for anything besides final capture because all of the possibilities freeze me and take me away from the pure joy of making music. For a few years, I got all the plug-ins in the world, and did tons of processing on every track, eventually over-mixing everything. As you said, freedom in limitations. Doing more with less. It's an ethos not everyone lives by, but it certainly works for me. And of course, I'm not right or wrong. Just true to my process. As you have to be true to yours. Thanks for the note.
Men... thank you for sharing this calm and peaceful side of music production, and your point is right, we all sample a vibes, a feeling, whatever the sound comes from, you feel it / you chop it... PEACE
It boils down to choices and workflow. Workflow is huge because it's determined by the instruments we use which give and structure the set of possibilities from which we make our choices. A potential problem with contemporary music is genericness of sound, which you allude to when you say, "how you treat it". What happens when you use someone else's samples of real instruments is that you are getting their choices they made when recording the instrument through whatever gear they had - not that this is bad in itself, as this is the nature of sampling. Also, having not used the actual instrument itself in real life you don't know it's nature, what it feels like to play it, nor how it sounds in real life, all of which affects the way you play it, so you know it only as a reference. A high-fidelity acoustic or electric instrument reproduces the movement of our bodies - which is an expression of our intent - as sound. In addition to this there is more idiosyncratic sound in an actual record than on TH-cam since it's physical properties will differ from another record, also the turntable it's played on, and the settings and gear used to record it will add to its particularity. The more choices a musician makes the more depth, unity, and authenticity the music will have. Having said this I don't have a problem with sampling off the internet, but I acknowledge that results will differ depending on the process used to produce them. Another thing I almost forgot to mention is imagination. The effect of an actual record with the album art will have a different effect on your imagination than just internet links, which you alluded to when you said, " I never felt a connection to a link". The process of choices and workflow arise from the imagination but also fuel it, what matters is that you believe the process you use is the most authoritative way to work and gives the best results.
Love everything about this. Especially your point about imagination. It's hard to quantify, but the source of your material has a tangible influence on the end result of your sound. It's not that one is better than other, but the experience matters. If I mic''d individual instruments through preamps to craft my sound, that would be different than sampling them from vinyl. Both offer a different set of challenges, and both are rewarding in their own way. I've taken sounds off youtube and then run them through effects that give them their own physical properties, arguably as nuanced as if taken from vinyl. More work, but same result. Everything's on the table. There are so many sonic possibilities...cheers,
I love sampling from vinyl and usually Spanish records but if I find something hot I don’t care the format I am going to grab it. Great channel I am new sub 👍🏽
I do what I’m feeling but I usually feel like going to the shop and digging. A lot of stuff isn’t online and vice versa you get the idea. Used to sample TH-cam exclusively until learned what to sample and what to look for
@@eddieleonard6925 Having things laid out in the open - like a bookshelf lets your eyes jump to something that you may not directly seek out as you say.
Feel like Im late to the discussion, but I sample from everything. When I was younger I was a purist but now I realize I want to practice my chops, which I have struggled with for like 2 decades. The new machines have made it incredibly easier to find my groove and strengthen my ears toward my sound. My younger self would say Im cheating but it has deepened my knowledge for the machines and brought me here where I want a MPC 3000. I am a big proponent for having a process and currently do several audio treatments before I even begin importing sounds into my mpc. I still dig for records but as you mentioned not much new under the sun, and I will add carrying records around is a chore. I think records are dope but I cant fetishize them. I think building your creativity, knowledge base and focus is most important and give you the power to flip anything. Thank you Eddie for creating this channel and keep doing you. Peace to the fam.
This is an ongoing discussion, that will continue to evolve as technology evolves. I appreciate your perspective, and see where you're coming from. I say whatever gets you better at your craft is the right answer. Lots of people who sample off youtube are looking for shortcuts, but, if you do several audio treatments, as you do, the process can be as intricate as crate digging itself. Who knows..in the distant future, there may an even easier way of making music (probably A-I generated), and we'll be talking about "old school" producers who sample off youtube and use machines that came out 2020. It's all relative. Thanks for the thoughts!
I think whatever you decision you make will be fine as long as your approach is sound. You can make great music on new mpcs and they work faster. the 2500/5000 are more classic, but have a few limitations. It's a win/win. Either way, you're gonna make great music. :)
I use both. Like you say, working on the digital realm allows you to treat a sample in so many ways that you make the sample from any source fit the music you’re trying to make.❤️🙏🏼 The only thing I don’t do is use sample libraries.
Well, for me, it is important and respectful to know where I got it from. Also, it’s what makes it special, it’s like you’ve just chopped this little gem right outta the stone yourself. And finally I find sample libraries overwhelming. 🙏🏼❤️
Bro, you have some of the best analog beat-making content ever. I've seen some people showboat there 3000 but the beats are just not there. yes, I'm an old cat but I have to sample records when I'm using my 3000 and then run it to tape on my Tascam 388. anyway, love loves the content.
Thank u. I truly appreciate that. Just trying to keep it true to the legends I was influenced by. I've always wanted a Tascam 388....i hope you're putting that thing to work!
@@eddieleonard6925 Yeah, I know what you mean. I’ve got a few Tascam 4 & 8 track cassette machines and love them too. Great hybrid setup you’ve got there man. 👍
I mostly grab my samples off youtube. It's super convenient and fast. But my wife and I both enjoy vinyl digging also. We are music heads for real so that's a date for us living in nyc. 💯🙌
That's dope! Diggin solo is fun, but sometimes its even better with a partner. Date night! Thanks for checking the vid. I grew up in long isle so I used to love diggin in the city.
I agree with all you said! I feel like I would have said the same thing. I sample mostly from vinyl only due to the enjoyment I receive from finding something say at an old antique shop. It’s important folks don’t get that mentality of finding rare records because no one else has. Not “all” records are online. For example you will find amazing records that only exist in ONE geographical location. Basically the discovery is what provides the joy of making music.
Well put. I totally agree. And that joy of discovery is difficult to put into words...it has to be experienced to understand. Appreciate the perspective...and true-- there are still unearthed gems out there.
I think both are great. I buy random records and CDs from garage sales just to maybe get a few good samples out of them. The fun is not knowing what's on them and sorting through, listening to each one for that certain sound or loop. Online sampling can be easier, but that forces me to look harder and dive deeper for unusual and different styles of music. So even youtube sampling becomes a fun search for unique sounds or loops.
I agree with your point. There's elements of each process that present different challenges you have to navigate. I also like buying random CDs, especially if they're free or like $1 each. Might find gems..
I came to this video and really appreciate your take on it... I was planning on getting either a Tascam DR-40x or a Zoom H4n pro recorder for recording samples from places and things... but the H4n Pro has a 3.5 input jack... which seems important if I am going from RCA to 3.5mm male and want to keep the stereo signal from vinyl recordings. But now I am looking at the whole theory of mono vs stereo sampling... I think I prefer the DR-40x, but it only takes 1/4 adapter jacks in mono... so I can still record a record... but it will unfortunately turn anything I do mono... There are plenty of mono records out there too... but its definitely confusing to consider when thinking of hardware and how each has its benefits and drawbacks... Wish the tascam had a damn 3.5 stereo input!
Dude I’m right there with you, cool to find your channel. I’ve been making ambient based synth music for the past 10 years but my buddy recently rekindled my old love for hip hop, now I’m really into crafting beats. The digitak is amazing for this since it interfaces with my computer so easily (transferring sample). May digitak, Casio vz10m and emu e6400 ultra are my 3 favorite tools. tape is a great idea to treat those lifeless TH-cam samples! I’ve mostly been having fun sourcing vhs tapes from a local record store and cds I have laying around. I like what you said about that connection you get with vinyl or just offline source material in general. I feel the exact same way! Looking forward to watching more of your content Man, peace!
ambient based synth music? that sounds dope. I'd love to hear it. also, i love sampling from VHS...so much color, so many samples you wouldn't find otherwise, especially when paired with devices like you've got. great formula for making new sounds & textures.
I tend to sample off TH-cam and Tracklib, because I don't own a turntable. Once I acquire one, I plan to go digging in some record stores as the process fascinates me.
I stayed with OG press approach to watermark as well protect the quality control. I’m not against digital media % it’s all about what you’re doing. I hold the original copy as ethical.
I totally agree. There's no wrong answer to this, but we should do what feels right and leads to the best outcome. Personally, i prefer the experience of sampling physical media.
I sample mostly off TH-cam and Instagram. I agree with everything you've said. I don't thing crate digging is dead. There's just so many other different mediums to to sample from these days. I recently bought sound packs of original drum machines (Lynn Drum, MPC60, MPC2000, ect.) so I could still get that grit.
Totally agree. And I have to keep reminding myself that crate digging is not dead...it's actually taking on new forms. We're living in a renaissance of access, and hopefully music as a whole will elevate as a result of this.
Great question. I'm all about using youtube and adding warmth or whatever else myself. Often I sample from youtube into my Gemini DS-824 12bit sampler and then sample into my MPC Live from there.
We're on the same page. I prefer vinyl, but I've figured out ways of warming up samples off youtube by using old samplers. Never tried that Gemini, but sounds like it's working for you. Cheers,
This is a great video bro, and I'm glad the algorithm brought your channel my way because your topics are dope. I'm an Oldhead, and I tried to stick to original vinyl path, but your point about Madlib is so right, because the "rare" records some producers talk about, is a search away on TH-cam, and we can add fx to give it the sound we want. Great conversation fam, and I agree!🙏🏾✊🏾💚
Thanks for the perspective. It's hard for us oldheads to adjust, but it's necessary sometimes. Those who have experienced the best of both worlds are the ones advancing in the end. TH-cam and accessibility on the web have definitely opened up new doors & perspectives. in the '90s...it was literally impossible to get certain records. Not today..
Yo, this is my favorite theoretical in the series so far. All I can add at the moment is that, as a DJ, it is still apparent that some records Have not made it to TH-cam yet. I can confirm that in the genre of hip hop. So if that is true, it must be true for other genres. Thus still leaving some gems on vinyl to be discovered. -Reason
Great point. I forget sometimes that some gems are truly off the grid...and that the entire point of digging for records is finding something that's yet to be unearthed. Thanks for the reminder.
@@eddieleonard6925 Right! But it's understandable. So much has changed since we started creating. It's easy to think the old ways can't be effective anymore.
This is super cool. You’re ending point was exactly what I was thinking of being the best approach. I don’t know anything about sampling but want to get into it. I’d love to get into vinyl. It cost money, and so do all those tape machines, that I don’t have currently due to purchasing other gear. I think I’ll start sampling from TH-cam, but hopefully one day I can acquire and learn the gear to sample from vinyl. Wanna learn to scratch too! Woo! That looks fun!
Glad you enjoyed. Scratching is a separate, beautiful artform that you'll love. And TH-cam is a great way to start sampling...but I highly recommend going out and searching antique stores, thrift stores or record shops for old vinyl...it's all about the experience. Cheers,
I am doing well with the Koala sampler on the Ipad. I need to finish the tracks and upload for others to check out. Just learning mixing at the moment.
i struggle with this too. I just do not have the same sorta fun digital digging as i do when i bring a record home from the store but i did recently find a old tape recorder im going to try in conjunction with the mpc and 404
Lots of good points, thanks for the tips and general discussion on the topic ✍🏿 I agree that there’s a different feeling that comes from the process of digging (and using the older gear).
True, kind of like the way Pandora Radio was working when they first started, right? This takes the place of a record store employee who knows your taste & buying history...
@@eddieleonard6925 exactly and now you don’t have to copy what’s popular you can take the idea and duplicate it many different ways with similar records
Sampling from Vinyl definitely has more weight and sounds better. Sampling from TH-cam is great but I most usually that when I can’t find the sample on vinyl. When I do sample from TH-cam I resample it to 16,12 or 8 bit in my MPC4000 to dirty it up and I’ll just sample vinyl crackle from a record to add to the overall sample 🙏🏾 Dope video mane💯💯💯
Vinyl is the way for me. There’s definitely a connection. I own a MPC 1000 and a MPC live. And I’m always on the 1000. There’s something unexplainable about it that the live doesn’t have
I dig thru the net and in record stores, on the net I'm listing every records that I want physically. I use to sample from youtube but honestly as you said I don't feel any connections to it. There's something special to diggin', touching records etc. I work with the 2000 XL which has a pretty slow workflow and once again as you said, with records you're building patience and deeper researches on the sounds you want to work with. I am a lot more focused when I'm listening to records instead of computer files. However, if you're sampling from TH-cam or anything and can make dope ass track, I mean let's just vibe all along, no matter what's the proccess behind it.
Well said. I like the approach of testing out a record on youtube, then buying the physical copy. Some prefer the slow approach, some want to bang out beats quickly, which I totally get. It's all a matter of preference. What you said about connection to your material is key. Also, my first ever mpc was the 2000xl...A lot of fond memories working with that workhorse. Peace!
To me even slight differences matter. Vinyl vs mp3, hardware vs software. Even if you can get them to sound close it’s never exactly the same. I sample off TH-cam a lot but I’m trying to less and less because directly off vinyl usually sounds better, in some cases a little in some alot. I’ve noticed sometimes TH-cam will have remastered versions of old tracks (where the mix is different) and when you compare to the same song on vinyl something will be off like the drums will sound a lot weaker for example. At the end of the day will the average listener even care or notice, probably not. You just have to ask yourself if the slight improvement in sound quality is worth the extra work and money (im referring to hardware vs software as well) this is something I’ve been asking myself for years
That's the question. And there's no wrong answer. I've been sampling off TH-cam a lot lately as well, but I honestly don't enjoy it nearly as much as finding records, bringing them home and the experience of sampling through my turntable and receiver. It's the experience AND the sound quality. But on the other hand, it's fun to take something from TH-cam and manipulate it into something that works in a track. It opens up so many creative opportunities. The answer is different for each of us. As long as your having fun and staying true to your creative principles.
there was a rare jazz record that I searched for for YEARS and i eventually gave up when a japanese company released it on CD. This was way before youtube blew up like it is now.
really like your point of chopping samples slowly and making beats like a sort of meditation :-) i think there come different vibes, feelings and inspirations while making beats with more analog equipment and the results sound differently, although you can immitate propably every outboardgear or sampler with a software nowadays. i started making beats 2 years ago on a mpc studio, that goes with the mpc software and i only sampled from youtube. but most of the hip hop i like to listen to is made on old gear and samples from vinyl. so i got myself a mpc 2000xl lately and now slowly starting a journey of discovering vinyls in old stores and trying to make beats out of them... but i would never sell my mpc studio, because i still like to make "quick beats" with samples from youtube and more endless possibilities than on the xl ;-)
I appreciate the perspective. Sounds like you've got best of both worlds. I'm curious whether the music you make on the Studio has a different feel than the 2000xl? Do you prefer the results of one over the other? Or, do both do the job??
i'd say when i make a beat on the xl it's more about finding the "right" sample, while on the studio its more about manipulating the sample to sound how i'd like it to sound...my beats on the xl have less tracks and sounds and are more simplistic...i love making music in both worlds ;-) but if i have to choose, i'd go with the xl, even though i'm not that much into the workflow as i am with the studio right now...
I think it's better to dig for crates even though I haven't done it yet but because a lot of samples are not on TH-cam and people use a lot of the same samples and loops
True. Finding your own samples is important if you're trying to be original in how you compose and sculpt sound. But if you're using samples everyone else has used, it's all about how you flip it!
I sampled off TH-cam before, but I would rather dig. I like to get my hands dirty, and have a connection to the records I sampled. Nothing wrong with sampling off the tube tho
When I have the time, I do the exact same thing. I truly believe the process of finding a record, and the connection you have to it has an intangible effect on the music you end up making with it. Cheers!
I use happen to go online and hear the sample and i caught my attention, so I recorded it, spend some time with the sample and add beats into it and see where it goes from there.
Depends on the sound card you have. Depends on the TH-cam video. Is is ripped in high quality? Sometimes you can find vinyl TH-cam videos ripped in high quality
Like you I'm older so the process of making music is what mattered most in my earlier production days. Being able to find samples and sounds that were unique to whatever it was you wanted to accomplish took time indeed and was often an enjoyable process might I add, but to your point in the video, nowadays it doesn't matter as much especially for newer/younger producers who want to make music fast and with all the AI technology to make music at our fingertips. It has ALWAYS been about how you create the music and arrange the song with whatever you use. Good topic for sure bro
i may be much younger than you and be extremely familiar with this whole digital thing, i have barely ever sampled from anything else but a vinyl record on my hardware sampler. it just feels different, feels cooler, feels real
I'm learning to respect that the experience of making is different for each of us, and plays a big part in what we end up creating. There's no wrong way to do it, and they don't have to be mutually exclusive. Sometimes speed is what people need, sometimes it's a tactile, more nostalgic experience. Whatever works..
Hey Hermano, Great channel. Love the aesthetic, authenticity and the nod to traditional process. For me this video encompasses the shift in overall sub culture. Instant gratification and the trend of quantity over quality. A large focus on speed and efficiency over process has left, what I feel, sample culture lacking in depth. I dont care how fast a beat/track is made or what process is used, at the end of the day Fire is Fire when it comes to a hot beat. (And opinions are subjective) However when time is taken, the hidden gem is found, the chopping session takes hours, the mix is manual etc etc the bond is different. I feel for the up and coming generation that would find the process frustrating instead of meditative. PS: Great set-up! What is that analog mixer BTW? looks the goods. Think Fast, Live Slow.
I'm really glad this resonates. More and more, I feel as though I'm in the minority with my approach, but I get satisfaction out of the craftsmanship of beatmaking as meditation, so numbers don't matter. Sounds like you truly appreciate and honor the process. Kudos! I'm sure it comes through in your music making (or listening) practice.. Thanks for the note! Peace! PS..the mixer is an Allen and Heath Quasi mixer, from the 70s. I did a video on how i use it a few months back.
I’ll sample from records, tapes, and digital sources. I’m mostly looking for spoken word stuff when I’m digging around, not beats or instruments. If there’s an interesting fx loop or something in the sources I find I’ll grab it.
What I find interesting is how, like in the example where you mention bouncing digital to tape, there appears to be a fixation with "getting that Tape sound with every sample"- which is fine- but what about bit crushing that sample? throwing some plate reverb on that sample? some chorus? some distortion? all of the above, and then more?! or a combination of these to invent a new technique that becomes the next popular trend for [GENRE X] ? :) New subscriber. Great content bro!
Yoo...you bring up a great point. The default is always to "run it through tape," but you're absolutely right...the tape sound may get old, (in some ways, it already is) and we'll be looking for something new. I'm going to have to try some of those treatments for a sample, and elevating and diversifying the way we manipulate sounds to create new sounds and combinations of them we've never heard before. Thanks for the inspo
@@eddieleonard6925 I LOVE the vinyl sound, too. A person could take a digital sample and run it through any variety of Tape Saturation VST's to "reclaim" that sound, if one wishes to do so. In hip-hop, it's been so very well done, and for so long, that we consider this the Trademark Hip-Hop Sound. But how much auto-tune, for example, has to be used before we start saying "no more"? And then The Next Sound is born... (e.g.- Kanye transcending the trademark 2000's sound with his own stylings) I want to believe some 16 year old kid in his mother's basement is going to be the one to do it next :)
vinyl where poss for me, as i like getting lost in the moment, reading the sleeves, dropping the needle, speeding up slowing down the pitch to mix or get close to project tempo, digging the crates , etc . but as most others ive got loads of samples loops etc so can use them also .
Also yes I do sample from you tube, now that my set has changed from a larger home studio to now just doing light work from my desktop, still have a few outboard gear for vocals, but other than that it's mainly digital.💯💯💯💯💯
I gotta say that I do both vinyl and YT sampling and of course the best way to go is always vinyl. But if there is a certain sample that I KNOW I will not find at any record shop anytime soon…I’m going to resort to the YT. BUT more importantly than that: any sample I decide to take, I give the proper respect of listening to the ENTIRE track front and back just to give the whole song the opportunity to had been listen to before you scratch anything from it. And also listening to the entire album that the sample belongs to. Etiquette of sample grabbing 101 right there
Glad you said this. Important not to disrespect the artform. It shouldn't be stealing, but respectfully and artfully repurposing select sounds to compose with. Whether YT or the vinyl, the craft is the same. Peace.
I just got a 404 MKII and one of my favorite things to do is plug it to my phone and click around TH-cam searching for interesting sounds. Made a pretty cool beat from a video with sounds from a nuclear reactor, and a video with two African gentlemen playing guitar and singing in their house. Couldn't have gotten that from records! Still absolutely adore vinyl though.
Hows the 404 mkii? They seem really dope. I agree with your approach -- use digital sampling for the things it excels at, and maybe stick to vinyl for what vinyls good at. Cheers.
@@eddieleonard6925 I think it's damn awesome. Never used a 404 before, but have gone through some machines; ASR-10, MPC 2000 / 1000 / One, Digitakt. I've used Studio One, FL, Reason, Ableton, Renoise, Cubase, and so on and so on. The 404 really hit me though. It's fun, fast, weird, sounds great, forces me to think differently. Sold my MPC One last year because it did too much, so figured I'd rather use Ableton (which has been my home base for many years).
my favorite part of making beats is digging in the crates it’s so fun i could go to a record store and dig for hours. i love it but I do sample off youtube sometimes not as fun as diggin but sometimes necessary.
My main issue with sampling off of TH-cam is when stretching. When I really slow things down the sound gets really distorted. I haven't had that issue with My records.
My only concern with online sampling is sound quality. I like to sample from CD into full quality WAV files, but after I process the sample it's not too noticeable between an mp3 or converted youtube wav. I prefer physical sampling, but I'll use a digital copy if it's all I can get. It's funny because vinyl wasn't even the ideal place to sample from because of crackle and distortion, but it was the only place to get exclusives. But now people have learned to like that sound of vinyl.
I have a lot of samples on my computer. Drum files. I bought the new sp1200. The only drum machine I think I need to sample the real thing is the 808. I wish I could rent one
I definitely prefer sampling vinyl. And I don’t really go looking for samples online, BUT I listen to a lot of music and often I come across samples online, and I’ll just go ahead and flip it. Usually it’s from Apple Music, not TH-cam tho.
So my prospective maybe skewed due to not really working with vinyl extensively, but I think vinyl is the better format. I've kinda started my beat making journey purely e-digging because that's all I had available to me at that time. And while I love being able to sample anything world due to the internet and it's accessibility to different genres and regions. That warmth and richer sound you get from off a vinyl beats out sound you get from mp3 and wavs.
Well put. There's nothing like the sound of vinyl. With mp3s and wavs, you have to do more work to recreate that texture. But in the end, use what you have access to!
Sometimes sitting at the desk can be a negative experience. It’s the same old desk, nobody to run into, no favorite coffee shop across the street, no amazing weather (or terrible weather) to alter your mood. Going into a record store is never negative. It’s the beginning of an adventure. Anything can happen.
so true. i guess you can have an experience online, discover a new site or channel? but it's not the same as physically getting out, searching, interacting...
I’ve done a lot of both. Obviously working on TH-cam is much faster. I can dig from literally anywhere cause I got my phone on me and I can sample it straight to my MPC. That’s The Shit. I can explore crazy holes of music but you still gotta find the needles in the hay. Ripping from vinyl is typically way cleaner to rip in the sense of I don’t have to do cosmetic surgery and run it through anything else. It’s set. That being said the manual manipulation. Tweaking the RPM, reversing, or even scratching and warping shit. It’s a much more involving and rewarding process. I feel like the music is talking to me and I’m talking back rather than just flipping through video after video. I have to actually grab each vinyl and pull it out the sleeve and see who made it.
I couldn't agree more. It's about the linear notes, the inside sleeve, the photos, the write-ups, learning the musicians who played on each record...and of course, the physical experience of holding a record. That being said...it's so convenient to sample from your phone or the internet...and nobody will know the difference if you're nice with your craft.
I heard a random stat a few years back that said only a small percentage of the records in the world have been sampled. There are still untouched warehouses upon warehouses and personal collections around the world waiting for us all. Seems like it’s all been digitized, but the hunt is still on.
Wow! I think about this a lot and wonder if there's still gems that aren't on peoples radar. Digging has become so popular, that there's already specialists traveling through every country in the world, compiling forgotten greats (labels like Soundway records, for example). I used to think I had a pretty solid collection, and then I started interning at WaxPoetics magazine and met guys like Amir, Adrian Younge, and Quantic who had records I'd never heard of, and who spent lots of time and money traveling specifically to dig for untouched gems. I find that the real gems are in finding old 1/4" reel to reels from sessions, or even mixtapes of unreleased music people made on cassette. Tons of that stuff is definitely not on spotify or youtube. What if someone found a Ramones demo tape at a garage sale? Or a Tribe Called Quest demo with an early version of Bonita Applebum? I imagine that 20 years from now, even mix CDs from the early 2000s that people made from downloaded napster files may become gems that people want to sample and restore. But only time will tell. As you said, the hunt is still on! :)
@@eddieleonard6925 yes man. tapes, reels, etc of demos would be insane to find. i was trying to remember this video that mentioned the stat. i recall it showing a dude in brazil standing on top of a pile of records like 100 feel long and 20 feet high in this insane steel bin. and then there are all the stories of our fave producers storage units that have 20, 30, 40 thousand records in them from the times when they were touring and doing show. they def have not listened to them all. i actually work for an airline and now that the world is returning to somewhat normal i plan to take trips just to dig.
100% Vinyl for me! The experience of shopping for records, bringing it home, placing a needle on the records with all the nuisances associated, etc! No way in the world I would ever sample from a digital source to make Traditional Sample-Based Hip-Hop.
I hear that. You said the key word -- experience. It's something you do...it's experiential. People who have never created in that way may have a hard time understanding the allure of all those nuisances.
@@eddieleonard6925 No doubt! Not to sound elitist or anything. It's just like you alluded to in the video. When you go through the traditional process your approach and connection to the beat is more organic. And in my opinion clearly reflects in the end result. ✊🏾
@@chadoworld You do sound elitist, because you ARE elitist. Though that's not to say your intent is inherently malicious, but your viewpoint is INDEED elitist. That's why you had to say "not to sound elitist". You said that there's no way in the world you would sample anything from a digital source, yet everything you sample ends up digital in the end anyway. What if you ran across something on youtube that caught your ear to sample, and you couldn't find it anywhere else? You gonna just abandon it because it's from a digital source? If so, then you'd be a damned fool. What's the real difference between sampling a song from either vinyl or a FLAC file? I've done both, and there is no real difference in the end result as the process is ultimately the same, save for pulling out a vinyl, putting it on the turntable, and putting the needle on the record. Nothing wrong with you only sampling from vinyl if that's your vibe, but the particular reasoning you gave as to why you wouldn't sample from any other source is ultimately flawed and nonsensical. Your elitist view of it downplays another person's way of doing things differently. That's what this video was ultimately addressing.
@@shinbakihanma2749 I was very clear as to why I would never sample from a digital sound source. Not sure if you're trolling or not BUT my work speaks for itself. It sounds EXACTLY the way it does because I sample strictly from Vinyl! All A/D, D/A conversions are not equal! I would love to hear your music so you can show me how it all sounds the same!
i do both. There are still things you cant find on youtube. At the same time youtube makes things so convenient. sometimes i will be listening watching anime or something and then ill hear something i wanna flip. I love doing both
I hear that. It's undeniable how fast sampling from YT is versus vinyl or other mediums. But sometimes the slowness can be a benefit. Interesting either way
I use tracklibs because I can afford it. Of course, I would prefer to still use vinyls, but their value has risen so much, at least in Finland, that I could afford to buy maybe one record a month. For the same money, I get an almost unlimited library of music to sample, and they handle the licensing side for me if needed. So, as an unemployed amateur producer, it is more economical to sample online. However, I think the most important thing is not to use ready-made loops.
Oh, and you are straight on point when you speak speed of sampling. :) I use Akai MPC 500, so when i make beats i need to have enought time. I have to sample by ear's, no properly indicator what im doing in mpc. 🤣
Totally agree about not using ready made loops. And sorry to hear about that vinyl situation. In many cities, there's used vinyl everywhere, although it's honestly getting more expensive every year.
@@eddieleonard6925 Price of used vinyl has also really risen. I've kind of already learned to like Tracklibs, anyway, I've assembled my equipment in such a way that it fits in one shoulder bag, so cloud services serve this purpose well. As soon as I actually have room for a studio, I'll get a player and vinyl again.
@@eddieleonard6925 The price of used vinyl has also really risen. I've kind of already learned to like Tracklibs, anyway, I've assembled my equipment in such a way that it fits in one shoulder bag, so cloud services serve this purpose well. As soon as I actually have room for a studio, I'll get a player and vinyl again.
I miss the charm of digging for a rare break or rare song or even just a strange record in the dollar bin that you took a chance on and it turned out to be dope. now everything is at your fingertips to sample instantaneously.
TH-cam sampling = drinking at home
Vinyl sampling = drinking at the bar chatting with old timers, hangin with friends, spending more money than you probably should but whatever you’re having a great time
Both have their time and place but the latter will always be my preferred option! Awesome video✌️
Well put. It's all about the experience. Some folks like drinking at home by themselves, I guess.
What a beautiful analogy man......god, I'm using that!
Madlin got it from youtube 🤣🤣 stop yapping
For me the reason digital crate digging is still experiential is because today a lot of beat makers and producers aren’t looking for samples, a lot of my peers and people generally are just using loops or chops from someone else’s library. So searching through YT for the perfect joint to sample is fire cuz it’s still a level of I found this song I chose what I wanted to use or not use. And at the same token I was telling my mom the other day I’m bout to start going to record stores an actually crate digging or at the very least see something I like and find it online because I see the value in it
I appreciate this perspective. You're right...in a way, digging in the clouds is still experiential, because there's still the process of seeking and finding. However, that experience is slightly different when you're dealing with physical objects, rather than digital ones. Different variations of experiential. All in all...whatever works! Cheers~
this is something i've been torn about for a while. i would rather sample off a physical record than youtube, so i mostly try to. but youtube is so handy and quick, i've found awesome samples on youtube. there is nothing like going to a record shop and getting a stack of vinyl, coming back to the studio and chopping. nothing will ever beat that.
another great talk, peace.
I always feel guilty sampling off youtube...but it works. I agree with you though, I prefer the vinyl experience. Cheers,
“Just because you have access to everything doesn’t mean you’ll make good music.” Truest thing in music right now.
Appreciate that. It's something I have to keep reminding myself...
As someone who started sampling from youtube when i got my record player and started going out to get samples it was just a way better experience. The physical connection is part of it but also when youre on the internet its so easy to get caught up searching even after ive found something i could use. When i go to the store i cant hear any of the music until its too late to go back out and find more and i feel like that plays a huge roll in my approach to what im looking for or willing to experiment with.
totally agree. the internet is too limitless. very few of us can use it without getting carried away. glad you found a process that works for you
Both and then some lol. Tapes, movies, tv, radio, cds, video games, sound files, records, the interwebs, dollar bin, yard sales…don’t care lol. Love your channel!!!!
I respect this approach. Why limit yourself?
Man listenning to you is just therapy. I've discovered you just yesterday and put your channel on repeat.
Not discreditng your tallent or knowledge, but your personality is gem. Keep it up brother. All the love from Syria
Thanks for the listen! I'm glad you enjoy the videos and my perspective. Just keeping it real, and exploring the nuances of sound. Thanks for reaching out!
There's so much to be said for the mystical synchronicity aspect of finding samples that work together in a "destined to be" kinda way and when it's on vinyl it definitely adds some more sync weight to the whole alchemy of it.
100% agree. its alchemy. the way you piece the records together. the sound of each record, the condition of it, it's journey, all of that ends up in the music. much love.
I was pondering the same thing and came across this video. I think sampling from vinyl is really about the ritual. it's slow. it's thoughtful. It's intentional. It's like baking a cake from scratch vs from a box.
Love this. If you've only had cake from a box, you may think that's the only type of cake there is (even if it tastes great). I sample from vinyl for the ritual of it, and the music I make when I cook from vinyl inevitably comes out different, due to the pace and process. Not better or worse, just diff...
You’ve gotta be one of the best beat related channels out there. You’ve got an amazing setup, your camera and editing are very good, and the combination of that and commentary is the cherry on top. I was super surprised when I saw the sub count at 300
Appreciate the support! This is just an experiment to share some thoughts, pose some questions, and put some beats into the digital sphere. I just wanna see folks make good music and share some knowledge. Cheers,
I definitely agree that there’s a magic to both options. Vinyl gives us that authentic rich sound, it’s the way the original artists listened to their own favorite music back in the day and it’s the way they intended us to listen to theirs, but at the same time, the internet gives us access to so much more than a record shop would. And even online you can find songs, albums, playlists etc full of music from indie artists, foreign bands, etc that most people don’t know about so there’s still that magic of finding a gem and flipping it. To each their own but both approaches are great to use.
Well said. There's value in both approaches. And appreciating what each offers gives you the best of both worlds.
It’s a similar process when it comes to sound selection, these days I have every type of sound available to be right at my fingertips, and to be honest I often get lost in the over abundance of it all. It’s hard to choose which direction to go in when you can go in so many different directions whenever you want. Back in the day when I first started making beats, all I had was a Korg N364 and a Proteus 2000 sound module, I’m on the West Coast so we used more synths and keyboards and did less sampling. The way have less sounds available to you was beautiful in a way because you knew all of your sounds like the back of your hand, you weren’t lost at all, I knew exactly where all my favorite sounds were and when I would dream up a beat, I would hear which sounds I wanted to use in my head. I’m trying to get this effect these days by force myself to change sounds less, but I admit it’s easy to get lost in tinkering with sound design instead of committing to a specific sound and sticking with it until you pull out as much creativity from that sound as you can manage to get. It’s cliche but true that there is freedom in limitations.
Well put. For me, that's why I like equipment that has built in limitations. I started on an SP1200 in 2002, with about 12 seconds sample time. Graduated to an mpc 2000xl that had maybe 20 or 30 seconds of sample time. My philosophy has always been to make more with less, by focusing on arrangement and sonics. I'd often challenge myself to make a track out of 1 or 2 records, and nothing else. Limitations force us to get creative.
Unfortunately, I no longer use a DAW for anything besides final capture because all of the possibilities freeze me and take me away from the pure joy of making music. For a few years, I got all the plug-ins in the world, and did tons of processing on every track, eventually over-mixing everything. As you said, freedom in limitations. Doing more with less. It's an ethos not everyone lives by, but it certainly works for me. And of course, I'm not right or wrong. Just true to my process. As you have to be true to yours. Thanks for the note.
Both! But certainly enjoy the vinyl more
Same here, brother!
Men... thank you for sharing this calm and peaceful side of music production, and your point is right, we all sample a vibes, a feeling, whatever the sound comes from, you feel it / you chop it... PEACE
I couldn't agree more. Thanks for stopping by and glad this resonated with you. Peace.
That is creative…recording to tape then sampling from it…basically recording digital to analog…genius ✅
It's fun to explore this stuff, just to see what different processes do, whether upgrading or degrading your sound. Thanks for checking the video.
lol. it's true, people have been doing this for years. Boards of Canada, Portishead, etc.
It boils down to choices and workflow. Workflow is huge because it's determined by the instruments we use which give and structure the set of possibilities from which we make our choices. A potential problem with contemporary music is genericness of sound, which you allude to when you say, "how you treat it". What happens when you use someone else's samples of real instruments is that you are getting their choices they made when recording the instrument through whatever gear they had - not that this is bad in itself, as this is the nature of sampling. Also, having not used the actual instrument itself in real life you don't know it's nature, what it feels like to play it, nor how it sounds in real life, all of which affects the way you play it, so you know it only as a reference. A high-fidelity acoustic or electric instrument reproduces the movement of our bodies - which is an expression of our intent - as sound.
In addition to this there is more idiosyncratic sound in an actual record than on TH-cam since it's physical properties will differ from another record, also the turntable it's played on, and the settings and gear used to record it will add to its particularity. The more choices a musician makes the more depth, unity, and authenticity the music will have. Having said this I don't have a problem with sampling off the internet, but I acknowledge that results will differ depending on the process used to produce them.
Another thing I almost forgot to mention is imagination. The effect of an actual record with the album art will have a different effect on your imagination than just internet links, which you alluded to when you said, " I never felt a connection to a link". The process of choices and workflow arise from the imagination but also fuel it, what matters is that you believe the process you use is the most authoritative way to work and gives the best results.
Love everything about this. Especially your point about imagination. It's hard to quantify, but the source of your material has a tangible influence on the end result of your sound. It's not that one is better than other, but the experience matters. If I mic''d individual instruments through preamps to craft my sound, that would be different than sampling them from vinyl. Both offer a different set of challenges, and both are rewarding in their own way. I've taken sounds off youtube and then run them through effects that give them their own physical properties, arguably as nuanced as if taken from vinyl. More work, but same result. Everything's on the table. There are so many sonic possibilities...cheers,
What you said about the rolls of film. You’ve earned a subscriber I love you
Glad that point resonates. They're very similar concepts.
I love sampling from vinyl and usually Spanish records but if I find something hot I don’t care the format I am going to grab it. Great channel I am new sub 👍🏽
I hear you. Sample anything and everything...as long as it sounds good and your process is tight.
I do what I’m feeling but I usually feel like going to the shop and digging. A lot of stuff isn’t online and vice versa you get the idea. Used to sample TH-cam exclusively until learned what to sample and what to look for
The book analogy is a great one.
Thanks for the feedback. It's difficult to articulate how the experience is different. You have to experience it to fully understand.
@@eddieleonard6925 Having things laid out in the open - like a bookshelf lets your eyes jump to something that you may not directly seek out as you say.
Yes! The Tascam 424 is a really good tape recorder and mixer. I don’t sample a lot, but now I’ll from tape. Luv you channel!
True. I love the samples off tape. A great way to add texture. Thanks for the support.
Feel like Im late to the discussion, but I sample from everything. When I was younger I was a purist but now I realize I want to practice my chops, which I have struggled with for like 2 decades. The new machines have made it incredibly easier to find my groove and strengthen my ears toward my sound. My younger self would say Im cheating but it has deepened my knowledge for the machines and brought me here where I want a MPC 3000. I am a big proponent for having a process and currently do several audio treatments before I even begin importing sounds into my mpc. I still dig for records but as you mentioned not much new under the sun, and I will add carrying records around is a chore. I think records are dope but I cant fetishize them. I think building your creativity, knowledge base and focus is most important and give you the power to flip anything. Thank you Eddie for creating this channel and keep doing you. Peace to the fam.
This is an ongoing discussion, that will continue to evolve as technology evolves. I appreciate your perspective, and see where you're coming from. I say whatever gets you better at your craft is the right answer. Lots of people who sample off youtube are looking for shortcuts, but, if you do several audio treatments, as you do, the process can be as intricate as crate digging itself. Who knows..in the distant future, there may an even easier way of making music (probably A-I generated), and we'll be talking about "old school" producers who sample off youtube and use machines that came out 2020. It's all relative. Thanks for the thoughts!
What you said in the outro is so relatable ! That's why I'm still hesitating buying one of the new MPCs vs a 2500 or 5000. Great video !
I think whatever you decision you make will be fine as long as your approach is sound. You can make great music on new mpcs and they work faster. the 2500/5000 are more classic, but have a few limitations. It's a win/win. Either way, you're gonna make great music. :)
I use both. Like you say, working on the digital realm allows you to treat a sample in so many ways that you make the sample from any source fit the music you’re trying to make.❤️🙏🏼 The only thing I don’t do is use sample libraries.
I don't use sample libraries either. I have my reasons. But curious why you stay away from them?
Well, for me, it is important and respectful to know where I got it from. Also, it’s what makes it special, it’s like you’ve just chopped this little gem right outta the stone yourself. And finally I find sample libraries overwhelming. 🙏🏼❤️
Peace. Both of them.
Thanks for listening. I scrapped them both, but still a fun exercise.
Bro, you have some of the best analog beat-making content ever. I've seen some people showboat there 3000 but the beats are just not there. yes, I'm an old cat but I have to sample records when I'm using my 3000 and then run it to tape on my Tascam 388. anyway, love loves the content.
Thank u. I truly appreciate that. Just trying to keep it true to the legends I was influenced by. I've always wanted a Tascam 388....i hope you're putting that thing to work!
Cool to see you’re using a cassette 4 track in your process!
i L O V E my tascam!!! It adds something special that no other equipment can duplicate.
@@eddieleonard6925 Yeah, I know what you mean. I’ve got a few Tascam 4 & 8 track cassette machines and love them too. Great hybrid setup you’ve got there man. 👍
Great Video,Crazy setup...
I mostly grab my samples off youtube. It's super convenient and fast. But my wife and I both enjoy vinyl digging also. We are music heads for real so that's a date for us living in nyc. 💯🙌
That's dope! Diggin solo is fun, but sometimes its even better with a partner. Date night! Thanks for checking the vid. I grew up in long isle so I used to love diggin in the city.
I agree with all you said! I feel like I would have said the same thing. I sample mostly from vinyl only due to the enjoyment I receive from finding something say at an old antique shop. It’s important folks don’t get that mentality of finding rare records because no one else has. Not “all” records are online. For example you will find amazing records that only exist in ONE geographical location. Basically the discovery is what provides the joy of making music.
Well put. I totally agree. And that joy of discovery is difficult to put into words...it has to be experienced to understand. Appreciate the perspective...and true-- there are still unearthed gems out there.
I think both are great. I buy random records and CDs from garage sales just to maybe get a few good samples out of them. The fun is not knowing what's on them and sorting through, listening to each one for that certain sound or loop. Online sampling can be easier, but that forces me to look harder and dive deeper for unusual and different styles of music. So even youtube sampling becomes a fun search for unique sounds or loops.
I agree with your point. There's elements of each process that present different challenges you have to navigate. I also like buying random CDs, especially if they're free or like $1 each. Might find gems..
bro u speaking is hours and hours of great intro's for beats. you are an inspiration and im thankful that you share this knxwledge ❤🩹
that means a lot. thanks for checking this out and i'm glad this gave you same ideas or inspiration. hopefully i can make more soon.
I came to this video and really appreciate your take on it... I was planning on getting either a Tascam DR-40x or a Zoom H4n pro recorder for recording samples from places and things... but the H4n Pro has a 3.5 input jack... which seems important if I am going from RCA to 3.5mm male and want to keep the stereo signal from vinyl recordings. But now I am looking at the whole theory of mono vs stereo sampling... I think I prefer the DR-40x, but it only takes 1/4 adapter jacks in mono... so I can still record a record... but it will unfortunately turn anything I do mono... There are plenty of mono records out there too... but its definitely confusing to consider when thinking of hardware and how each has its benefits and drawbacks... Wish the tascam had a damn 3.5 stereo input!
You could go either way. Honestly, I only sample in mono. It works for me!
Dude I’m right there with you, cool to find your channel. I’ve been making ambient based synth music for the past 10 years but my buddy recently rekindled my old love for hip hop, now I’m really into crafting beats. The digitak is amazing for this since it interfaces with my computer so easily (transferring sample). May digitak, Casio vz10m and emu e6400 ultra are my 3 favorite tools. tape is a great idea to treat those lifeless TH-cam samples! I’ve mostly been having fun sourcing vhs tapes from a local record store and cds I have laying around. I like what you said about that connection you get with vinyl or just offline source material in general. I feel the exact same way! Looking forward to watching more of your content Man, peace!
ambient based synth music? that sounds dope. I'd love to hear it. also, i love sampling from VHS...so much color, so many samples you wouldn't find otherwise, especially when paired with devices like you've got. great formula for making new sounds & textures.
Like the vibes and content over here. Keep pushing!
Appreciate that! Thanks for the note.
I tend to sample off TH-cam and Tracklib, because I don't own a turntable. Once I acquire one, I plan to go digging in some record stores as the process fascinates me.
Bro...I highly recommend saving up for a turntable one day. It's a fun experience, but until then...nothing wrong with using what you got.
I stayed with OG press approach to watermark as well protect the quality control. I’m not against digital media % it’s all about what you’re doing. I hold the original copy as ethical.
I totally agree. There's no wrong answer to this, but we should do what feels right and leads to the best outcome. Personally, i prefer the experience of sampling physical media.
New favorite channel. Thank you Eddie.
I sample mostly off TH-cam and Instagram. I agree with everything you've said. I don't thing crate digging is dead. There's just so many other different mediums to to sample from these days. I recently bought sound packs of original drum machines (Lynn Drum, MPC60, MPC2000, ect.) so I could still get that grit.
Totally agree. And I have to keep reminding myself that crate digging is not dead...it's actually taking on new forms. We're living in a renaissance of access, and hopefully music as a whole will elevate as a result of this.
Great question. I'm all about using youtube and adding warmth or whatever else myself. Often I sample from youtube into my Gemini DS-824 12bit sampler and then sample into my MPC Live from there.
We're on the same page. I prefer vinyl, but I've figured out ways of warming up samples off youtube by using old samplers. Never tried that Gemini, but sounds like it's working for you. Cheers,
love this channel - please keep the content coming!
Truly appreciate that! Life is busy, but I'll try and keep this going...
This is a great video bro, and I'm glad the algorithm brought your channel my way because your topics are dope. I'm an Oldhead, and I tried to stick to original vinyl path, but your point about Madlib is so right, because the "rare" records some producers talk about, is a search away on TH-cam, and we can add fx to give it the sound we want. Great conversation fam, and I agree!🙏🏾✊🏾💚
Thanks for the perspective. It's hard for us oldheads to adjust, but it's necessary sometimes. Those who have experienced the best of both worlds are the ones advancing in the end. TH-cam and accessibility on the web have definitely opened up new doors & perspectives. in the '90s...it was literally impossible to get certain records. Not today..
Yo, this is my favorite theoretical in the series so far. All I can add at the moment is that, as a DJ, it is still apparent that some records Have not made it to TH-cam yet. I can confirm that in the genre of hip hop. So if that is true, it must be true for other genres. Thus still leaving some gems on vinyl to be discovered.
-Reason
Great point. I forget sometimes that some gems are truly off the grid...and that the entire point of digging for records is finding something that's yet to be unearthed. Thanks for the reminder.
@@eddieleonard6925 Right! But it's understandable. So much has changed since we started creating. It's easy to think the old ways can't be effective anymore.
Good reflexion ! your video is really interresting.
Glad this gave you some things to think about.
This is super cool. You’re ending point was exactly what I was thinking of being the best approach. I don’t know anything about sampling but want to get into it. I’d love to get into vinyl. It cost money, and so do all those tape machines, that I don’t have currently due to purchasing other gear. I think I’ll start sampling from TH-cam, but hopefully one day I can acquire and learn the gear to sample from vinyl. Wanna learn to scratch too! Woo! That looks fun!
Glad you enjoyed. Scratching is a separate, beautiful artform that you'll love. And TH-cam is a great way to start sampling...but I highly recommend going out and searching antique stores, thrift stores or record shops for old vinyl...it's all about the experience. Cheers,
@@eddieleonard6925 when I do it I’ll try and find an inexpensive route if possible to learn. Gotta do some equipment research. Thanks for the vid!
awesome video!!!!!!!! Wherever you can find the sample. some people dont have a record player
I couldn't agree more. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter, as long as you make some heat.
@@eddieleonard6925 exactly
Just found you and I mos def will dig through your vids You are very knowledgeable.. Hat off 2ya..
Thanks for stopping by. You got nice chops. Keep on..
Word is bond jovi !!! Keep it up
I am doing well with the Koala sampler on the Ipad. I need to finish the tracks and upload for others to check out. Just learning mixing at the moment.
i struggle with this too. I just do not have the same sorta fun digital digging as i do when i bring a record home from the store but i did recently find a old tape recorder im going to try in conjunction with the mpc and 404
Nothing beats the vinyl experience. But that tape recorder might be a nice workaround.
Lots of good points, thanks for the tips and general discussion on the topic ✍🏿 I agree that there’s a different feeling that comes from the process of digging (and using the older gear).
Thanks for checking out my rant...so many different approaches...in the end...whatever works for you.
@@eddieleonard6925 yes sir, that’s a fact!
TH-cam also has another advantage of finding similar records to popular records. It just comes up in other related videos.
True, kind of like the way Pandora Radio was working when they first started, right? This takes the place of a record store employee who knows your taste & buying history...
@@eddieleonard6925 exactly and now you don’t have to copy what’s popular you can take the idea and duplicate it many different ways with similar records
Sampling from Vinyl definitely has more weight and sounds better. Sampling from TH-cam is great but I most usually that when I can’t find the sample on vinyl. When I do sample from TH-cam I resample it to 16,12 or 8 bit in my MPC4000 to dirty it up and I’ll just sample vinyl crackle from a record to add to the overall sample 🙏🏾 Dope video mane💯💯💯
I've always wanted to try a 4000. Great idea to resample at a lower bit rate to add texture.
Nice set up man.
Dunno how I have't found your channel before! Top guy! Deffo true you can never chop a beat the same time twice haha
I don't know why I thought I could chop the same identical beat twice...haha. Lesson learned.
Vinyl is the way for me. There’s definitely a connection. I own a MPC 1000 and a MPC live. And I’m always on the 1000. There’s something unexplainable about it that the live doesn’t have
Oh wow...I've used the 1000, but I've never used the Live. Is the difference in sound? Or overall experience?
I dig thru the net and in record stores, on the net I'm listing every records that I want physically.
I use to sample from youtube but honestly as you said I don't feel any connections to it.
There's something special to diggin', touching records etc.
I work with the 2000 XL which has a pretty slow workflow and once again as you said, with records you're building patience and deeper researches on the sounds you want to work with.
I am a lot more focused when I'm listening to records instead of computer files.
However, if you're sampling from TH-cam or anything and can make dope ass track, I mean let's just vibe all along, no matter what's the proccess behind it.
Well said. I like the approach of testing out a record on youtube, then buying the physical copy. Some prefer the slow approach, some want to bang out beats quickly, which I totally get. It's all a matter of preference. What you said about connection to your material is key. Also, my first ever mpc was the 2000xl...A lot of fond memories working with that workhorse. Peace!
I just ran across your channel. I really like what you are doing with the content. Keep it up.
Late to this message, but I appreciate that! Time is limited, but I'm gonna try to keep going! Peace!
Subbed. I sample using cds and TH-cam and both are connected thru an Onyx preamp.
How's that Onyx sound???
To me even slight differences matter. Vinyl vs mp3, hardware vs software. Even if you can get them to sound close it’s never exactly the same. I sample off TH-cam a lot but I’m trying to less and less because directly off vinyl usually sounds better, in some cases a little in some alot. I’ve noticed sometimes TH-cam will have remastered versions of old tracks (where the mix is different) and when you compare to the same song on vinyl something will be off like the drums will sound a lot weaker for example. At the end of the day will the average listener even care or notice, probably not. You just have to ask yourself if the slight improvement in sound quality is worth the extra work and money (im referring to hardware vs software as well) this is something I’ve been asking myself for years
That's the question. And there's no wrong answer. I've been sampling off TH-cam a lot lately as well, but I honestly don't enjoy it nearly as much as finding records, bringing them home and the experience of sampling through my turntable and receiver. It's the experience AND the sound quality.
But on the other hand, it's fun to take something from TH-cam and manipulate it into something that works in a track. It opens up so many creative opportunities. The answer is different for each of us. As long as your having fun and staying true to your creative principles.
there was a rare jazz record that I searched for for YEARS and i eventually gave up when a japanese company released it on CD. This was way before youtube blew up like it is now.
what record? i wanna find it :)
I sometimes sample keyboard demos off TH-cam. It’s especially dope for lofi.
I love sampling random keys of youtube...and then processing them to taste. Cheers,
really like your point of chopping samples slowly and making beats like a sort of meditation :-)
i think there come different vibes, feelings and inspirations while making beats with more analog equipment and the results sound differently, although you can immitate propably every outboardgear or sampler with a software nowadays.
i started making beats 2 years ago on a mpc studio, that goes with the mpc software and i only sampled from youtube.
but most of the hip hop i like to listen to is made on old gear and samples from vinyl.
so i got myself a mpc 2000xl lately and now slowly starting a journey of discovering vinyls in old stores and trying to make beats out of them...
but i would never sell my mpc studio, because i still like to make "quick beats" with samples from youtube and more endless possibilities than on the xl ;-)
I appreciate the perspective. Sounds like you've got best of both worlds. I'm curious whether the music you make on the Studio has a different feel than the 2000xl? Do you prefer the results of one over the other? Or, do both do the job??
i'd say when i make a beat on the xl it's more about finding the "right" sample, while on the studio its more about manipulating the sample to sound how i'd like it to sound...my beats on the xl have less tracks and sounds and are more simplistic...i love making music in both worlds ;-) but if i have to choose, i'd go with the xl, even though i'm not that much into the workflow as i am with the studio right now...
I think it's better to dig for crates even though I haven't done it yet but because a lot of samples are not on TH-cam and people use a lot of the same samples and loops
True. Finding your own samples is important if you're trying to be original in how you compose and sculpt sound. But if you're using samples everyone else has used, it's all about how you flip it!
Hey Eddie. Just found your channel (thx algorithm!). Great vid. I love your lab!
Making beats is meditative for me too. Good shit bringing that up!
Me too. Sampling, chopping and beatmaking is meditation. I try to practice daily.
I sampled off TH-cam before, but I would rather dig. I like to get my hands dirty, and have a connection to the records I sampled. Nothing wrong with sampling off the tube tho
When I have the time, I do the exact same thing. I truly believe the process of finding a record, and the connection you have to it has an intangible effect on the music you end up making with it. Cheers!
I use happen to go online and hear the sample and i caught my attention, so I recorded it, spend some time with the sample and add beats into it and see where it goes from there.
that's a solid approach. use the tools you have to get the sound you need.
@@eddieleonard6925 for sure and see what else it needs to get that full Dolby stereo sound. ya know! Lol
Depends on the sound card you have. Depends on the TH-cam video. Is is ripped in high quality? Sometimes you can find vinyl TH-cam videos ripped in high quality
Absolutely. The quality of your source is another overlooked factor that makes a BIG difference.
Like you I'm older so the process of making music is what mattered most in my earlier production days. Being able to find samples and sounds that were unique to whatever it was you wanted to accomplish took time indeed and was often an enjoyable process might I add, but to your point in the video, nowadays it doesn't matter as much especially for newer/younger producers who want to make music fast and with all the AI technology to make music at our fingertips. It has ALWAYS been about how you create the music and arrange the song with whatever you use.
Good topic for sure bro
I agree 100%. To each is own. I find myself doing both, depending on how much time I have and my intentions for the music.
i may be much younger than you and be extremely familiar with this whole digital thing, i have barely ever sampled from anything else but a vinyl record on my hardware sampler. it just feels different, feels cooler, feels real
I'm learning to respect that the experience of making is different for each of us, and plays a big part in what we end up creating. There's no wrong way to do it, and they don't have to be mutually exclusive. Sometimes speed is what people need, sometimes it's a tactile, more nostalgic experience. Whatever works..
Hey Hermano, Great channel. Love the aesthetic, authenticity and the nod to traditional process. For me this video encompasses the shift in overall sub culture. Instant gratification and the trend of quantity over quality. A large focus on speed and efficiency over process has left, what I feel, sample culture lacking in depth. I dont care how fast a beat/track is made or what process is used, at the end of the day Fire is Fire when it comes to a hot beat. (And opinions are subjective) However when time is taken, the hidden gem is found, the chopping session takes hours, the mix is manual etc etc the bond is different. I feel for the up and coming generation that would find the process frustrating instead of meditative. PS: Great set-up! What is that analog mixer BTW? looks the goods. Think Fast, Live Slow.
I'm really glad this resonates. More and more, I feel as though I'm in the minority with my approach, but I get satisfaction out of the craftsmanship of beatmaking as meditation, so numbers don't matter. Sounds like you truly appreciate and honor the process. Kudos! I'm sure it comes through in your music making (or listening) practice.. Thanks for the note! Peace!
PS..the mixer is an Allen and Heath Quasi mixer, from the 70s. I did a video on how i use it a few months back.
I envy that level of focus. I think that's my approach once I choose the final direction...but when jamming, I'm all over the place. :)
I’ll sample from records, tapes, and digital sources. I’m mostly looking for spoken word stuff when I’m digging around, not beats or instruments. If there’s an interesting fx loop or something in the sources I find I’ll grab it.
I like the variety and the focus. It's good to know what you're looking for from each medium. Probably yields some interesting results. Cheers,
Well done my brother.
Thank u. Appreciate you tuning in.
Great video. I like doing both depending of the moment. IMO more than the sound, it’s the worklow that has an impcact. Peace
Thanks for the perspective. Big picture, I agree with you that workflow is king.
What I find interesting is how, like in the example where you mention bouncing digital to tape, there appears to be a fixation with "getting that Tape sound with every sample"- which is fine- but what about bit crushing that sample? throwing some plate reverb on that sample? some chorus? some distortion? all of the above, and then more?! or a combination of these to invent a new technique that becomes the next popular trend for [GENRE X] ? :)
New subscriber. Great content bro!
Yoo...you bring up a great point. The default is always to "run it through tape," but you're absolutely right...the tape sound may get old, (in some ways, it already is) and we'll be looking for something new. I'm going to have to try some of those treatments for a sample, and elevating and diversifying the way we manipulate sounds to create new sounds and combinations of them we've never heard before. Thanks for the inspo
@@eddieleonard6925 I LOVE the vinyl sound, too. A person could take a digital sample and run it through any variety of Tape Saturation VST's to "reclaim" that sound, if one wishes to do so. In hip-hop, it's been so very well done, and for so long, that we consider this the Trademark Hip-Hop Sound. But how much auto-tune, for example, has to be used before we start saying "no more"? And then The Next Sound is born... (e.g.- Kanye transcending the trademark 2000's sound with his own stylings) I want to believe some 16 year old kid in his mother's basement is going to be the one to do it next :)
vinyl where poss for me, as i like getting lost in the moment, reading the sleeves, dropping the needle, speeding up slowing down the pitch to mix or get close to project tempo, digging the crates , etc . but as most others ive got loads of samples loops etc so can use them also .
u got best of both worlds. nothing beats that tangible experience though.
Also yes I do sample from you tube, now that my set has changed from a larger home studio to now just doing light work from my desktop, still have a few outboard gear for vocals, but other than that it's mainly digital.💯💯💯💯💯
I gotta say that I do both vinyl and YT sampling and of course the best way to go is always vinyl. But if there is a certain sample that I KNOW I will not find at any record shop anytime soon…I’m going to resort to the YT. BUT more importantly than that: any sample I decide to take, I give the proper respect of listening to the ENTIRE track front and back just to give the whole song the opportunity to had been listen to before you scratch anything from it. And also listening to the entire album that the sample belongs to. Etiquette of sample grabbing 101 right there
Glad you said this. Important not to disrespect the artform. It shouldn't be stealing, but respectfully and artfully repurposing select sounds to compose with. Whether YT or the vinyl, the craft is the same. Peace.
I just got a 404 MKII and one of my favorite things to do is plug it to my phone and click around TH-cam searching for interesting sounds. Made a pretty cool beat from a video with sounds from a nuclear reactor, and a video with two African gentlemen playing guitar and singing in their house. Couldn't have gotten that from records! Still absolutely adore vinyl though.
Hows the 404 mkii? They seem really dope. I agree with your approach -- use digital sampling for the things it excels at, and maybe stick to vinyl for what vinyls good at. Cheers.
@@eddieleonard6925 I think it's damn awesome. Never used a 404 before, but have gone through some machines; ASR-10, MPC 2000 / 1000 / One, Digitakt. I've used Studio One, FL, Reason, Ableton, Renoise, Cubase, and so on and so on. The 404 really hit me though. It's fun, fast, weird, sounds great, forces me to think differently. Sold my MPC One last year because it did too much, so figured I'd rather use Ableton (which has been my home base for many years).
my favorite part of making beats is digging in the crates it’s so fun i could go to a record store and dig for hours. i love it but I do sample off youtube sometimes not as fun as diggin but sometimes necessary.
It's surprising to me that some people have never experienced the joy of actually digging in physical crates. It's my favorite part, too.
@@eddieleonard6925 word
if they only knew lol
Had to flex the tape thing haha felt that
Subtle flex. haha.
My main issue with sampling off of TH-cam is when stretching. When I really slow things down the sound gets really distorted. I haven't had that issue with My records.
I've had the same exact issue. That's one of the biggest limitations
My only concern with online sampling is sound quality. I like to sample from CD into full quality WAV files, but after I process the sample it's not too noticeable between an mp3 or converted youtube wav. I prefer physical sampling, but I'll use a digital copy if it's all I can get. It's funny because vinyl wasn't even the ideal place to sample from because of crackle and distortion, but it was the only place to get exclusives. But now people have learned to like that sound of vinyl.
the crackle and distortion is real, but if you have a record in good condition and a nice pre-amp/receiver, the sound is definitely superior. cheers,
Love your videos, man.
Thanks for tuning in. I truly appreciate it.
I have a lot of samples on my computer. Drum files. I bought the new sp1200. The only drum machine I think I need to sample the real thing is the 808. I wish I could rent one
Might sample your voice, very relaxing tone you have. That's a nice mixer.
All good. Sample away! :)
I definitely prefer sampling vinyl. And I don’t really go looking for samples online, BUT I listen to a lot of music and often I come across samples online, and I’ll just go ahead and flip it. Usually it’s from Apple Music, not TH-cam tho.
TH-cam seems like the quality would vary widely. A lot of low quality ish on there.
@@blackrenaissanz Very true. Lots of crappy quality, but I'm amazed at how many curated channels feature records that I've always dreamed of flipping.
So my prospective maybe skewed due to not really working with vinyl extensively, but I think vinyl is the better format. I've kinda started my beat making journey purely e-digging because that's all I had available to me at that time. And while I love being able to sample anything world due to the internet and it's accessibility to different genres and regions. That warmth and richer sound you get from off a vinyl beats out sound you get from mp3 and wavs.
Well put. There's nothing like the sound of vinyl. With mp3s and wavs, you have to do more work to recreate that texture. But in the end, use what you have access to!
I’m on the fence about getting a reel to reel! Bro a sample source is a source! If it’s dope it’s dope!
Facts. You don't need a Reel to Reel, but they're fun to experiment with.
@@eddieleonard6925 Aiit
Sometimes sitting at the desk can be a negative experience. It’s the same old desk, nobody to run into, no favorite coffee shop across the street, no amazing weather (or terrible weather) to alter your mood. Going into a record store is never negative. It’s the beginning of an adventure. Anything can happen.
so true. i guess you can have an experience online, discover a new site or channel? but it's not the same as physically getting out, searching, interacting...
🏆 well said.
I’ve done a lot of both. Obviously working on TH-cam is much faster. I can dig from literally anywhere cause I got my phone on me and I can sample it straight to my MPC. That’s The Shit. I can explore crazy holes of music but you still gotta find the needles in the hay. Ripping from vinyl is typically way cleaner to rip in the sense of I don’t have to do cosmetic surgery and run it through anything else. It’s set. That being said the manual manipulation. Tweaking the RPM, reversing, or even scratching and warping shit. It’s a much more involving and rewarding process. I feel like the music is talking to me and I’m talking back rather than just flipping through video after video. I have to actually grab each vinyl and pull it out the sleeve and see who made it.
I couldn't agree more. It's about the linear notes, the inside sleeve, the photos, the write-ups, learning the musicians who played on each record...and of course, the physical experience of holding a record. That being said...it's so convenient to sample from your phone or the internet...and nobody will know the difference if you're nice with your craft.
Clouds. I came up in dusty record shops and I miss some parts of that process but there is so much in the clouds. TH-cam all day
I feel u. But I can't stop chopping up vinyl...it's so fun.
I heard a random stat a few years back that said only a small percentage of the records in the world have been sampled. There are still untouched warehouses upon warehouses and personal collections around the world waiting for us all. Seems like it’s all been digitized, but the hunt is still on.
Wow! I think about this a lot and wonder if there's still gems that aren't on peoples radar. Digging has become so popular, that there's already specialists traveling through every country in the world, compiling forgotten greats (labels like Soundway records, for example). I used to think I had a pretty solid collection, and then I started interning at WaxPoetics magazine and met guys like Amir, Adrian Younge, and Quantic who had records I'd never heard of, and who spent lots of time and money traveling specifically to dig for untouched gems. I find that the real gems are in finding old 1/4" reel to reels from sessions, or even mixtapes of unreleased music people made on cassette. Tons of that stuff is definitely not on spotify or youtube. What if someone found a Ramones demo tape at a garage sale? Or a Tribe Called Quest demo with an early version of Bonita Applebum? I imagine that 20 years from now, even mix CDs from the early 2000s that people made from downloaded napster files may become gems that people want to sample and restore. But only time will tell. As you said, the hunt is still on! :)
@@eddieleonard6925 yes man. tapes, reels, etc of demos would be insane to find. i was trying to remember this video that mentioned the stat. i recall it showing a dude in brazil standing on top of a pile of records like 100 feel long and 20 feet high in this insane steel bin.
and then there are all the stories of our fave producers storage units that have 20, 30, 40 thousand records in them from the times when they were touring and doing show. they def have not listened to them all. i actually work for an airline and now that the world is returning to somewhat normal i plan to take trips just to dig.
@@tohuxtable save me some of them goodies you find! get doubles haha!
@@eddieleonard6925 ha!
100% Vinyl for me! The experience of shopping for records, bringing it home, placing a needle on the records with all the nuisances associated, etc! No way in the world I would ever sample from a digital source to make Traditional Sample-Based Hip-Hop.
I hear that. You said the key word -- experience. It's something you do...it's experiential. People who have never created in that way may have a hard time understanding the allure of all those nuisances.
@@eddieleonard6925 No doubt! Not to sound elitist or anything. It's just like you alluded to in the video. When you go through the traditional process your approach and connection to the beat is more organic. And in my opinion clearly reflects in the end result. ✊🏾
Yup. Its like digging for buried treasure
@@chadoworld You do sound elitist, because you ARE elitist. Though that's not to say your intent is inherently malicious, but your viewpoint is INDEED elitist. That's why you had to say "not to sound elitist". You said that there's no way in the world you would sample anything from a digital source, yet everything you sample ends up digital in the end anyway. What if you ran across something on youtube that caught your ear to sample, and you couldn't find it anywhere else? You gonna just abandon it because it's from a digital source? If so, then you'd be a damned fool. What's the real difference between sampling a song from either vinyl or a FLAC file? I've done both, and there is no real difference in the end result as the process is ultimately the same, save for pulling out a vinyl, putting it on the turntable, and putting the needle on the record. Nothing wrong with you only sampling from vinyl if that's your vibe, but the particular reasoning you gave as to why you wouldn't sample from any other source is ultimately flawed and nonsensical. Your elitist view of it downplays another person's way of doing things differently. That's what this video was ultimately addressing.
@@shinbakihanma2749 I was very clear as to why I would never sample from a digital sound source. Not sure if you're trolling or not BUT my work speaks for itself. It sounds EXACTLY the way it does because I sample strictly from Vinyl! All A/D, D/A conversions are not equal! I would love to hear your music so you can show me how it all sounds the same!
i do both. There are still things you cant find on youtube. At the same time youtube makes things so convenient. sometimes i will be listening watching anime or something and then ill hear something i wanna flip. I love doing both
I hear that. It's undeniable how fast sampling from YT is versus vinyl or other mediums. But sometimes the slowness can be a benefit. Interesting either way
I use tracklibs because I can afford it. Of course, I would prefer to still use vinyls, but their value has risen so much, at least in Finland, that I could afford to buy maybe one record a month. For the same money, I get an almost unlimited library of music to sample, and they handle the licensing side for me if needed. So, as an unemployed amateur producer, it is more economical to sample online. However, I think the most important thing is not to use ready-made loops.
Oh, and you are straight on point when you speak speed of sampling. :) I use Akai MPC 500, so when i make beats i need to have enought time. I have to sample by ear's, no properly indicator what im doing in mpc. 🤣
I used to have that little mpc 500. i really loved that thing. still do.
Totally agree about not using ready made loops. And sorry to hear about that vinyl situation. In many cities, there's used vinyl everywhere, although it's honestly getting more expensive every year.
@@eddieleonard6925 Price of used vinyl has also really risen. I've kind of already learned to like Tracklibs, anyway, I've assembled my equipment in such a way that it fits in one shoulder bag, so cloud services serve this purpose well. As soon as I actually have room for a studio, I'll get a player and vinyl again.
@@eddieleonard6925 The price of used vinyl has also really risen. I've kind of already learned to like Tracklibs, anyway, I've assembled my equipment in such a way that it fits in one shoulder bag, so cloud services serve this purpose well. As soon as I actually have room for a studio, I'll get a player and vinyl again.
I still love to shop for vinyl but that’s just me. I’m sure I’ll get into tracklib and all that. Just not there yet on the journey .
There's something about the ritual of going to a store, searching, finding..going home, reading linear notes, and chopping away. I totally hear you.
I miss the charm of digging for a rare break or rare song or even just a strange record in the dollar bin that you took a chance on and it turned out to be dope. now everything is at your fingertips to sample instantaneously.
100% agree. Hard to replicate that experience.
Really insightful stuff! What kind of tape recorder were u using in this vid?
thanks! that's a tascam 424 portastudio.