Sampler trick: Steve Reich/William Basinski style phase shifting loops (Digitakt/Model Samples)

This video is Part 1 in a series about Generative Music.

If you like these types of tricks, check out my In-Complete Book of Electronic Music Ideas, Tips and Tricks (hint: it's in-complete because it's always being updated…):

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Check prices here (affiliate links help the channel):
► Digitakt on Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/eDJej
► Digitakt on Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/gb/elektron_di...
► Digitakt on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Vtsu6m

► Model:Samples on Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/9Nxn3
► Model:Samples on Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/gb/elektron_mo...
► Model:Samples on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2I5uPjs


► Komplete M32: from Amazon (https://amzn.to/2EsTagK) or direct from NI (http://bit.ly/Komplete-M32)
​► Arturia Mini V: https://amzn.to/2tQIIL0

Other videos in this series:
► Part 2: Generative ideas inspired by Brian Eno:    • How to make Brian Eno style Generative Mus...  
► Part 3: Generative MIDI effects chains inspired by Ólafur Arnalds:    • Generative MIDI Effects Chains, inspired b...  
► Part 4: Push a button? Get a melody and rhythm using "Analog RAM" (sample and hold modules and a sequential switch)

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This video explains a neat little sampler trick that lets you create music by ignoring a sampler’s sequencer.

In the early 60’s groundbreaking composer Steve Reich (https://www.stevereich.com/) pioneered the technique of using different length tape loops (and later musical patterns) in composition. The idea is that two short loops, either identical but one slightly shorter than the other, or completely different, drift in and out of phase to create textures, patterns and rhythms that weren’t there before. This tape loop technique is used by William Basisnki (   • William Basinski - Cascade (2015)   ) to create wonderful sonic soundscapes, and in the lovely “Walkman Symphony” by Amulets (   • AMBIENT WALKMAN SYMPHONY | LIVE IMPROVISED...  ). Also check out more multi-tape ambience from Hainbach:    • C45 #1 | Lo-Fi Ambient Mixtape  

In this video I replicate the experience digitally by using a little trick which ignores the sequencer on modern day samplers, in order to create similar multi-length loop textures and patterns.

It turns out some samplers (like Elektron Digitakt and Model:Samples shown in this video) will let sample-loops play continuously, regardless of whether the sequencer is active or not . As long as you DON’T use the built-in sequencer to retrigger the samples, and you create different length loops, the samples will loop in and out of phase with each other and recreate the phasing tape loop experience quite nicely. In these particular samplers, all the effects and LFOs are still fully functional despite the sequencer not running, so you can use them while your loops are running.

A huge thanks to Yehezkel Raz for turning me on to these composers and for playing the sample you hear in the Digitakt portion of this beautiful Danksi song:
   • Danski - Fall (live) דנסקי - סתיו @yehezke...  

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TIMELINE:

0:00 Intro
0:50 The first loop
1:25 Phased 2nd loop
2:10 Adding texture
2:30 Adding an LFO
3:50 More loops...
4:00 Playing with levels
4:45 Adding effects
5:25 Rhythmic phasing
7:35 More ideas

Want to email me personally?

► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com

NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.
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