Sample Management

I'm trying to get my workflow together. Basically, I have an MPC3000 with a CF reader. I want to process my samples on the computer, and then put them on the card to put on the MP. My samples are mostly one hits.

So im wondering, whats a good piece of to do the following:

1) Catalog, categorize and tag all my samples

2) sample editing

3) Process samples through effects

Im on a Mac running OSX. Right now, I'm thinking either Battery 4, or Audio Finder. I already have RS-16X for converting to SND.

Audio Finder seems pretty great. Lots of features and good organization features (tagging, categories, etc). You can also use VST plugins and AU plugins right in the program, but as far as I can tell, only one at a time.

The new Battery 4 also has a good tagging system. And its effects layout is more intuitive. However, you're tied to using Battery's own effects. Also, Battery is a bit of a pain as far as getting your newly edited sound out of the program. You have to bounce it in place, and then export the Patch and the samples. (even though I wouldn't really need the patch).

Anyone have experience with either or both? Or any other suggestions?

dtirer wrote:I'm trying to get my workflow together. Basically, I have an MPC3000 with a CF reader. I want to process my samples on the computer, and then put them on the card to put on the MP. My samples are mostly one hits.

So im wondering, whats a good piece of to do the following:

1) Catalog, categorize and tag all my samples

2) sample editing

3) Process samples through effects

Im on a Mac running OSX. Right now, I'm thinking either Battery 4, or Audio Finder. I already have RS-16X for converting to SND.

Audio Finder seems pretty great. Lots of features and good organization features (tagging, categories, etc). You can also use VST plugins and AU plugins right in the program, but as far as I can tell, only one at a time.

The new Battery 4 also has a good tagging system. And its effects layout is more intuitive. However, you're tied to using Battery's own effects. Also, Battery is a bit of a pain as far as getting your newly edited sound out of the program. You have to bounce it in place, and then export the Patch and the samples. (even though I wouldn't really need the patch).

Anyone have experience with either or both? Or any other suggestions?

Although the best system for managing your samples (I am assuming you basically are referring to keeping things organized in a neat manner) will be the one YOU create, due to you knowing what your work habits are. I will give a few suggestions and tips in hope they aid in your quest.

1) Catalog, Categorize and Tag all my samples
What I normally do is label and place them in their respective folders as soon as I sample it. I know it can get tedious but I have learned that if I don't do it right then and there, I'll get back-swamped with loads of files to rename and move.

2) Sample Editing & 3) Process samples through effects
Depends on what program(s) you are well versed in, or you feel provides the best means of producing the sound you are looking for.

What I will do is sample something, rename it, save it and then I'll do all the "preview" work within whatever DAW it is I am using, but when I am ready to finally track everything out and EQ each sound separately, I'll normally remove any effects, or modules I used in the DAW in order to gain better control over the sounds.
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This by no means is meant to be delivered as a be-all-end-all, this is just my points of view on the questions asked. again, I feel the best method would be one you create yourself as it will be tailored specifically to YOUR style of production.

Thanks for the reply.
Definitely tagging and organizing are a big things. New Battery 4 has a good tagging system, and so does Audio Finder.

But once I've found the sounds I want to use, I want to process them some to get an idea of how they'll sound in the end. Some of it I might bounce that way, some of it just have on a reference.

But the tricky part is finding the fastest way to get my new manipulated samples exported with (or without) effects, to drop them on my CF card, and into my MPC.

Battery isn't really setup to do that....Pro tools would sort of be a pain to bounce each region with effects. So thats where im a little stuck

Audio finder+SND conversion with RS-16x sounds like your best bet as you described your wants and workflows, and you seem to be leaning more towards that. I agree the NI tagging is great, but like you said functionally Battery 4 is not quite what you want as far as quick processing/bouncing.

If Audio finder is only going to let you process with one VST/AU at a time with no chaining that is a bummer. As you pointed it it would be optimum to have a one stop place to do all this, and the SND conversions are pretty quick when you're forced to add a second app there.

If you're OK with using Audio Finder to go in use the tags to find what you want and then maybe make a quick folder of copies to work with (and just to keep it cleaner), maybe a copy of Ableton Lite that is often bundles in MIDI controller packages. Even if it has a VST/AU limit it's isn't just one I'm sure, and the limited track counts aren't going to be a concern there. On top of that you've got a great time stretch algorithm at your fingertips.

It would still be regions/lop bracket+exports like PT but personally I think Live might be a little quicker interface wise. I would give you a Live Lite serial but I've run out with the 4 or so I had collected over the years in pack ins.