Sampling Audio: Creative Techniques and Music Rights
An introduction to loops, slices, one-shots, original recordings and responsible sample reuse.
Choose a sample purpose
A one-shot is a short event such as a kick or stab. A loop repeats a phrase, while a slice selects a segment from a longer recording. Layering blends multiple samples, but may create phase or frequency conflicts.
Understand rights
Not all online samples are free to redistribute. Check whether a source is original, public domain, CC0, Creative Commons with attribution, or separately licensed. Terms may differ between public performance, editing and redistribution in sample packs.
Make it your own
In SoundCode Sample Machine, record or import material you own or are authorized to use. Split it into pads, shape envelopes and effects, and keep the original source for later edits. Save source provenance where available.