In the world of Eurorack, the SoundForce Samples II USB Sample Player has carved a niche for itself as a versatile 5-channel module. This dynamism lies in its ability to stream audio directly from USB memory sticks. Through this system, innovatively using basic folder management, you can effortlessly load and swap samples. The result? A significant expansion of your creative repertoire.
Playing back wave files as long as an hour, the Samples II offers virtually infinite memory space to dive deep into your soundscapes. Its priority during development was a super low latency, making it the perfect companion for drum samples playback. This priority is reflected in their choice to have trigger inputs instead of CV inputs. The ultimate aim? To keep latency as low as could be. Achieving an impressive latency performance of just 0.15ms, the module is a powerhouse, thanks to an effective triple memory buffering technique that ensures instant access to initial transient audio data.
But the innovation doesn't stop there. The SoundForce Samples II allows users to change sample sets using basic folder/directory systems on the USB stick. With the help of a tactile switch, you can easily scroll through different sample sets loaded on the module. Feel like switching up the vibe mid-session? Sample II lets you hot-swap USB memory sticks on the fly, ready to play back samples within seconds.
Moving away from the strictly drum-focused original Samples family of modules, the SoundForce Samples II has opened new doors for playing back ambient sounds, field recordings, and loops. The way you change the playback modes is through a settings text file, which the module generates and saves straight to your USB memory stick.
To tackle the common issue of drum sounds hogging your mixer channels, Samples II features a MIX output. All unpatched outputs from channels 1 to 4, along with Channel 5, are summed and sent to the Output 5/MIX jack. The module even includes an attenuation/mixing system, which lets you set the levels among channels eliminating the need to return to your DAW to tweak levels and re-export.
While the module does not include CV inputs, it does offer possibilities for modulation of playback speed on two channels. By inputting an LFO into input 2, you can alter the playback speed of channel 1, and the same applies for channel 3 and input 4. The restraint here lies in the bandwidth of your USB stick, which determines how much you can speed up your playback.
The Samples II pushes the boundaries with its multi-sample modes. Giving you the ability to assign multiple files to a single channel, it changes your sound experience with each incoming trigger - sometimes in sequential alphabetical order, sometimes randomly. This unique feature is your key to creating glitchy beats, diverse HH patterns, or your very own sequenced wave file production.
No need to worry about file formats either. The SoundForce Samples II comes with an auto-converter that is ready to convert short wave files on the fly. While the DACs on the module run at 16bits/44.1kHz for the best audio quality, the auto-converter performs bit rate and sample rate conversion the first time a wave file is assigned to a channel. It even accepts stereo files, playing them back across two outputs, or just channeling the left side to a single output.
In conclusion, the SoundForce Samples II USB Sample Player is a game-changer for sound designers and music makers looking to maximize their Eurorack experience. With a technique that combines low latency, versatility in sample management, and innovative modulation features, the Samples II stands at the forefront of digital audio, breaking down boundaries and unlocking a world of creative possibilities.
Example Usage
The SoundForce Samples II is an incredibly versatile module for novice users looking to explore sampling and playback within their Eurorack system. To get started, you'll first need to load your USB memory stick with a selection of WAV files. Organizing your samples into clearly labeled folders will make navigating through your library much easier. Once you plug in the USB stick, the module will quickly recognize the samples and be ready to play them almost instantly—typically within a second of plugging in.
Begin with simple drum patterns by connecting the trigger outputs from your sequencer or drum machine to the five trigger inputs on the Samples II. As you press triggers, you'll hear the corresponding samples play back, providing a great opportunity to test the low latency performance of the module. The unit boasts an impressive latency of only 0.15ms, making it ideal for live drumming and creating dynamic beats.
To explore the flexibility of the module, try utilizing the multi-sample mode. Simply load several samples into the same channel and engage a trigger, and you’ll notice a new rhythm emerge as the module randomly picks different samples with each trigger. This feature allows for creating more intricate beat patterns and keeps your performance fresh and unpredictable.
You can also experiment with playback modulation. By applying an LFO to one of the channels, you can manipulate the playback speed, leading to unique sonic textures. For instance, when you feed a slow LFO into channel 2, you will inadvertently alter the tone of channel 1, creating a rich tapestry of sound that evolves over time.
Don’t forget the MIX output feature, which sums all unused channels into one output. This is particularly useful in a crowded mixer environment, where managing space and channels is crucial. With the ease of adjusting the channel levels using the on-board tactile switch, you can set up a balanced mix quickly, right from your Eurorack without the need to dive back into your DAW.
As you grow more comfortable with the Samples II, you'll appreciate the varied playback modes available for field recordings and ambient sounds. The module’s deep feature set allows for endless experimentation, giving your creativity the platform it deserves. Whether you are sculpting beats, building atmospheric layers, or crafting unique loops, the SoundForce Samples II lets you push the boundaries of what a Eurorack sampler can do, all while maintaining an intuitive workflow that is perfect for novices venturing into the world of electronic music.
To fully realize the creative potential of the SoundForce Samples II USB Sample Player, let's explore a practical example that highlights its features and functionality in a live performance setting. Imagine you’re in a live electronic music setup, ready to deliver a dynamic set filled with intricate rhythms and textures. You have loaded a USB stick with an extensive library of samples, including drum hits, field recordings, and ambient loops.
Begin by connecting the USB stick to the Samples II module and pressing the tactile switch to browse through your sample sets. With the USB stick hot-swappable, you can switch to a different set mid-performance without any interruption. As you load a folder containing punchy drum samples, the module quickly initializes the samples, taking around just one second to be ready for playback.
Now, use the five trigger inputs to launch samples with precision. You could set up an external trigger source, like a drum machine or a sequencer, to send triggers to the Samples II. Each input can activate different samples, offering you flexibility and spontaneity. You decide to assign kick, snare, hi-hat, percussion, and a vocal sample to channels 1 through 5. This allows for an engaging live mix where you can effortlessly bring in various elements to your performance.
To take full advantage of the module’s playback capabilities, you decide to explore its multi-sample modes. By assigning multiple samples to the kick channel, every trigger results in a random kick sound, providing an unpredictable and lively beat. This keeps your rhythm fresh and engaging as you jam out.
Utilizing the playback modulation feature, you route an LFO to input 2, modulating the playback speed of your ambient loop on channel 1. By adjusting the LFO's frequency, you create an evolving texture that shifts in real-time, adding a mesmerizing quality to the atmosphere of your performance. You can also take your audience by surprise by dropping in some field recordings, cleverly timed with your drum sequences, allowing a seamless blend of organic and electronic sounds.
To simplify your mixer setup, use the MIX output feature. By summing channels that aren’t patched directly, you can blend your samples without causing clutter on your mixer. With the intuitive set-and-forget mix levels it offers, you adjust the balance of your drum sounds discretely right from the module.
Finally, with the wave file auto-conversion feature, you can load any short samples without worries. As you experiment with spontaneous sound collection – capturing bits of the environment – you can easily convert these on the fly and include them in your live set.
This example illustrates how the SoundForce Samples II expands your sonic palette while maintaining superior performance in terms of latency and flexibility, making it an indispensable tool in your Eurorack rig. Whether crafting glitchy beats, weaving atmospheric soundscapes, or layering unexpected audio elements, this module provides the versatility to elevate your music to new creative heights.
Further Thoughts
SoundForce Samples II is a game-changer for any eurorack enthusiast looking to expand their sampling capabilities. With its ability to play up to five separate channels of wave audio files directly from a USB stick, this module not only provides vast storage capabilities but also streamlines your workflow, allowing you to switch between different sample sets quickly and efficiently.
When integrating Samples II into your setup, consider using it for percussion. The low latency of 0.15ms makes it perfect for triggering drum samples precisely. You can load your favorite drum kits onto the USB stick, organize them in folders, and effortlessly navigate through your entire collection with the tactile switch. Imagine having a fully stocked library of kicks, snares, and hats at your fingertips, ready to perform live without the need for a computer or audio interface.
But do not limit the Samples II to just drum sounds. The module's flexibility shines through in its playback modes, allowing you to experiment with field recordings or ambient textures. By enabling playback speed modulation for channels 1 and 2 through input jacks, you can warp your samples creatively using an LFO. This opens up new sonic possibilities: think of ethereal soundscapes that gradually morph in texture as your LFO modulates the playback speed.
One creative technique is to assign multiple files to a single channel using the multi-sample mode. By triggering a sequence, you could variate between different melodic or percussive hits with each strike, generating unpredictably rich and layered rhythms. This function elevates a simple beat into a dynamic composition, lending a touch of variability that can invigorate your live performance or studio endeavors.
Don’t forget the MIX output feature, which sums all unpatched outputs to output 5. This can save valuable mixer channels, allowing you to maintain a clutter-free setup while blending your samples seamlessly. Adjust the balance with the on-board tactile switch to find that sweet spot between channels, further simplifying your audio routing.
In conclusion, sound exploration with the SoundForce Samples II can lead to unexpected yet delightful results. It invites creativity through ease of use, innovative playback capabilities, and vast storage options. Whether you're layering intricate rhythms or developing immersive atmospheres, Samples II stands ready to help you unleash your creative potential in the eurorack ecosystem.