Quick Sampler Classic mode in MainStage

Use Quick Sampler Classic mode to play and loop full or partial samples. The audio file is mapped to keys above and below the defined root key. Keys below this will play the sample at a lower pitch and slower speed. Keys above this will play the sample at a higher pitch and faster speed.

Figure. Quick Sampler Classic mode waveform display, showing start and end markers, loop start and end markers and a loop region, a crossfade marker, and related Classic mode parameters.

Quick Sampler Classic mode parameters

Start and end markers: Drag the blue start and end markers to set the sample start and end points. Playback occurs between these markers. Hold Option, then drag either the start or end marker to move the entire audio section between these markers.
Tip: You can click on any marker handle to permanently display parameter values below the waveform display. Click the “X” icon at the left of the parameter display bar to revert to the default behavior and parameter view.
Loop start and end markers: Drag the yellow loop start and end markers to set loop boundaries. Playback begins from the start marker position and cycles between the loop start and end markers while you hold a key. Drag the yellow shaded area between the loop start and end markers to move the entire loop. Alternatively, hold Option, then drag either the loop start or end marker to move the entire loop.
Fade in and fade out markers: Drag the gray fade in or fade out marker to adjust the length of the fade at the beginning and end of the audio file segment between the start and end markers. Hold Option, then drag either fade marker to move both fade markers.
Crossfade marker: Drag the gray crossfade marker to adjust the length of the crossfade at the beginning and end of loop boundaries. Crossfading helps to smooth out audible glitches at the point where the loop cycles across the loop end and start points.
Root Key pop-up menu: Choose a keyboard note value that is used to play the sample at the original pitch. Keys below this will play the sample at a lower pitch and slower speed. Keys above this will play the sample at a higher pitch and faster speed.
Tune field: Drag vertically or double-click and type to set a tuning value for the assigned root key in Cents (1/100 of a semitone).
Playback button: Enable forward or reversed playback from the start marker position, inclusive of loop playback.
Loop mode pop-up menu: Choose a loop playback mode.
- No Loop: Turn off looped playback. This hides loop markers and crossfades from the waveform display.
- Forward: Playback cycles from the loop start point to the loop end point while you hold a key.
- Reverse: Playback cycles from the loop end point to the loop start point while you hold a key.
- Alternate: Playback continuously cycles from the loop start point to the loop end point, then switches from the loop end point to the loop start point, while you hold a key.
- Play to End on Release: When you release a key, the loop plays to the loop end marker position, and playback smoothly continues to the sample end marker position—provided that the amp release time is long enough for the audio portion after the loop to be audible. This feature is useful for allowing the natural decay of a sampled acoustic instrument to be heard during the envelope release phase, for example.
Flex On/Off button: Turn Flex mode on or off. If Flex mode is turned on, an audio sample is played at its original speed for all note pitches. See Use Flex in Quick Sampler.
Follow Tempo button: When Flex mode is active, turn on to follow the project tempo.
Tip: The Derive Tempo from Loop Length command in the Action pop-up menu calculates a tempo for the audio file based on the Loop Length. If using the Follow Tempo button does not yield the desired results, you can choose this option to calculate a revised tempo at which the loop is aligned to the beat.
(Flex) Speed pop-up menu: When Flex mode is active, choose a playback speed division or multiplication value.
Tip: Flex Speed is also available as a modulation target.

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MainStage User Guide: PDF

MainStage Instruments: PDF

MainStage Effects: PDF

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