Sampling is everywhere. From hip-hop classics to pop hits, this music production technique has deeply changed how we compose and consume music. But what exactly lies behind this sometimes vague term for some? In this article, we explain everything: from the concept of sampling to the best samplers right now, including a focus on the probably most legendary sample.
What is a sample in music?
A sample (or sound snippet in French) is an audio excerpt taken from an existing recording to be reused in a new musical composition. This fragment can be a rhythm, a melody, a voice, or any other sound element.
Sampling is therefore the act of capturing, cutting, and integrating one or more of these excerpts into an original track. This practice became a real culture in music production, especially thanks to the rise of electronic music and hip-hop in the 1980s.
What are the different forms of sampling?
When you listen to a sampled track, it necessarily uses one of the following techniques:
1. Looping
This uses a repetitive loop, often rhythmic. It’s a technique often found in house or techno, where a loop can serve as the foundation for an entire track.
👉 Example: "Music Sounds Better with You" by Stardust is based on a loop from a Chaka Khan track.
2. Chopping
The sample is cut into several pieces (called "chops") which are then replayed in a different order or triggered live on a pad. This approach gives a very creative result, especially in boom bap and trap.
👉 Example: "Through the Wire" by Kanye West uses a rhythmically chopped Chaka Khan sample.
3. Resampling
You sample a track you produced yourself, for example a synth pad or a bass line, to rework, layer, or transform it. It’s an excellent way to innovate on your own.
👉 Example: Aphex Twin is known for resampling his own sound textures to create unique soundscapes.
4. Pitch shifting
Changing the pitch to create a new effect. This allows you to adjust the key of a sample to your track or create a unique atmosphere.
👉 Example: "Love Lockdown" by Kanye West uses pitch shifting on vocals to create a powerful emotional effect.
5. Time stretching:
Changing the duration without altering the pitch. Useful to fit a sample to a different tempo while keeping its harmonic signature.
👉 Example: The Chemical Brothers use this technique in "Star Guitar" to sync audio loops to a fixed tempo.
6. Layering
Stacking several samples to create a new sound texture. For example, combining three different snare drum samples to make a single punchy one.
👉 Example: In "Power" by Kanye West, the percussion comes from multiple layered sources to give a massive effect.
7. One-shot sampling
Using a short, unique sample triggered at a precise moment, often used for percussion, sound effects, or vocals.
👉 Example: "Hotline Bling" by Drake includes vocal and percussive one-shots to punctuate the production.
8. Live sampling
Recording a sound in real time during a performance to immediately integrate it into the composition. A practice increasingly popular in live electro or hip-hop sets.
👉 Example: Reggie Watts often uses live vocal sampling in his direct improvisations.
Good to know 🤓: Sampling is also a legal matter. You often need to obtain copyright permissions to use an excerpt. Some producers therefore prefer to create their own samples from virtual instruments or original recordings.
The sample that changed everything: Amen Break
You can’t talk about sampling without mentioning one of its most iconic fragments: the Amen Break.
Taken from the track "Amen, Brother" by the Winstons, this 6-second drum break recorded in 1969 simply became a pillar of electronic music, hip-hop, jungle, and drum and bass. Cut up, rearranged, pitched, glitched, filtered, timestretched, it has served as the base for thousands of tracks, from N.W.A to Aphex Twin, from The Prodigy to Slipknot.
Its syncopated structure, natural groove, and the "dirty" sound of the original recording — a kind of analog imperfection — give it an almost hypnotic character. You can loop it endlessly, slow it down, make it melodic, or totally deconstruct it. It’s a sonic chameleon, a pattern that transcends genres and eras.
The emergence of the British jungle scene in the early 90s owes a lot to this break: artists like Goldie, LTJ Bukem, or 4hero cut it to the millisecond to create insane, chopped rhythms. It also crossed the Atlantic to establish itself in drum and bass productions by Roni Size or Dillinja.
But beyond the technique, it’s the cultural reach of the Amen Break that fascinates. Without anyone planning it, a simple drum fill became a shared musical DNA across several generations. It’s present in film samples, ads, video games — a piece of musical history infiltrated everywhere.
This sample has been used so much that it became a symbol of shared culture. Its popularity also highlighted issues of artistic recognition, since the Winstons never received any royalties for its massive use. An injustice that sparked a support campaign in the 2000s, where thousands of fans donated to fix this historical oversight.
The best sampler models
Choosing a sampler is a bit like choosing a traditional instrument: it all depends on your style, workflow, and desires. Here’s our selection of essential sampler models.
The Novation Circuit Tracks is much more than a simple sampler: it’s a portable production station with two polyphonic synth tracks and four drum channels. With its extended memory of 196 seconds for samples, microSD port, and built-in effects (delay, reverb, sidechain, master compressor), it’s an ideal choice for mobile beatmakers.
Pro tips 🧠: Thanks to its rechargeable battery (4h autonomy), you can create your tracks anywhere, without relying on a power outlet. And with its full MIDI connections, it integrates easily into a more complex studio setup.
The Korg Electribe 2 impresses with its speed of execution. With its analog oscillators, MMT sound engine, and 499 user sample slots, it’s designed for electro artists and live performances.
-3 stereo effects in chain
-Ultra intuitive step sequencer
-Direct export to Ableton Live
Tip 💡: Thanks to the Motion Sequence function, your filter and effect settings are automatically recorded in your patterns. Enough to turn a simple sequence into a living performance!
The Maschine MK3 is a must-have for beatmakers. With its 16 ultra-responsive pads, high-resolution color screens, and integrated sampler, it offers an ultra-smooth workflow.
- Built-in 96kHz/24-bit audio interface
- 8 GB of sounds + Komplete Select included
- Pad, Step, Keyboard modes to vary approaches
Good to know 🤓: Maschine also includes professional effects, perfect compatibility with major DAWs (Ableton, FL Studio, Logic), and a large collection of virtual instruments via Komplete.
The MPC One G2 combines processing power and modern connectivity. Equipped with the MPC 3 OS system and an eight-core processor, it offers a smooth workflow, a touch interface, and 64 GB of internal storage, supported by 4 GB of RAM.
- 7" color touchscreen, Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
-16 RGB pads sensitive to velocity and pressure
- Ableton Live integration (Ableton Control mode)
Pro tips 🧠: Thanks to the USB-C port, sample directly from a smartphone, tablet, or computer without leaving your MPC.
The MPC Live III is a true standalone production hub with built-in speakers and mic, rechargeable battery, and up to 32 simultaneous plugin instances.
- 3 to 4 hours autonomy
- 16 MPCe pads with X/Y detection, velocity, and pressure
- 6 jack audio outputs + 4 CV/Gate
- 8 GB RAM + 128 GB internal storage
Tip 💡: The 16-step sequencer and Clip Matrix let you trigger loops and variations live, without ever leaving your MPC.
Conclusion
Sampling is much more than a stylistic effect: it’s a creative tool, a link between musical generations, and a lever to renew sounds. Whether you’re looking for a portable sampler like the Novation Circuit Tracks, an all-in-one system like the MPC Live III, or a powerful software solution like the Maschine MK3, you’ll definitely find what you need among the models presented!
Sources:
- “Amen Break – The most sampled loop in music history” – BBC Culture
- “The Amen Break and the Evolution of Sample-Based Music” – TED-Ed
