Sample Alchemy in Logic Pro for iPad

Sample Alchemy is designed to allow you to quickly resynthesize a single sample and transform it into a unique playable instrument. It provides a variety of synthesis techniques, such as granular, additive, and spectral synthesis, which can be combined to create a wide range of sounds, including unique sound beds, pads, effects, and rhythms.

You can control up to four independent sound generation sources using handles. Labeled A, B, C, and D, the handles control separate layers and can be placed at precise points on a waveform.

The five flexible play modes offer different ways to play back a sample and interact with it, from Classic mode, which lets you play the sample from start to finish, to Loop mode, where you place the handles on the waveform to create up to two snippets of looped audio. In addition, Scrub mode lets you move the handles across the waveform to trigger it as if scrubbing through tape, and Bow mode replicates the bow action used to play stringed instruments. Finally, Arp (arpeggiator) mode can generate repeating patterns of notes that cycle through different sections of the sample, creating intricate sequences based on MIDI notes.

Sample Alchemy is a sample-based instrument, so you can quickly begin creating sounds by loading samples and loops directly from the Browser, Files app, or regions in the Tracks area. Sample Alchemy works best with monophonic instruments, vocals, or found sounds. When you record your instruments or vocal samples directly in Logic Pro for iPad, you can conveniently drag audio regions straight into an instance of Sample Alchemy.

You can use Sample Alchemy in a number of ways in your projects, such as building unique playable instruments or recording automation of the handles to add unique sound effects and synth elements. Here are a few examples of the types of sounds that you can create with Sample Alchemy:

Rich and complex synth pads
Evocative keys
Rhythmic and evolving arpeggiator patterns
Unique and playable effects
Dynamic and evolving soundscapes
Big fat basses
Vocal-like formants

Additionally, with a library of predesigned sounds and a wide variety of sound-manipulation tools such as filters, synthesis effects, and modulators, Sample Alchemy allows you to create sounds tailored to your needs.

If you’re new to samplers, synthesizers, and the concepts behind modulation generators, such as LFOs and envelopes, filters, and other components, see Intro to synthesizers.

To add Sample Alchemy to your project, you can replace the instrument on a software instrument track in the Plug-ins area or on a software instrument channel strip in the Mixer. In the Instrument menu, choose Sampler > Sample Alchemy. You can also change the default plug-in for software instrument tracks in the New Tracks dialog.

Replace an instrument plug-in with Sample Alchemy

If an instrument plug-in is already loaded, you can replace it with Sample Alchemy by doing the following:

In the Plug-ins area in Logic Pro, touch and hold the instrument plug-in name, then tap Replace.
Choose Sampler > Sample Alchemy from the menu.

Add the Sample Alchemy plug-in

If you have removed the default plug-in or changed the default plug-in configuration for software instrument tracks, you can add Sample Alchemy in the Plug-ins area in Logic Pro, by doing the following:

In the Plug-ins area in Logic Pro, tap the Add Instrument button .

The Sample Alchemy plug-in is added to the signal chain.

User Guide conventions

Logic Pro for iPad plug-ins have two primary views:

Tile view, which shows a few key parameters in the Plug-ins area
Details view, where you can access all plug-in parameters

Throughout the guide, parameters available in Tile view are indicated by .

Download this guide: PDF

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Logic Pro User Guide for iPad

Sample Alchemy in Logic Pro for iPad

Replace an instrument plug-in with Sample Alchemy

Add the Sample Alchemy plug-in

User Guide conventions