SP Studio Systems SP-12 manual Sampling from Tapes

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APPENDIX

SAMPLING FROM TAPES

Maintaining sample quality via VCR recording: One excellent way to sample involves using a VCR and digital audio adapter (sucb as the Sony PCM-F1) for recording different sounds. Compared to using conventional reel-to-reel tape recorders, this approach offers several advantages:

Digital-quality fidelity. A VCR/audio adapter combination adds virtually no degradation to the signal being sampled. Signal-to-noise ratio, wow, flutter, and dynamic range exceed that of all but the very finest analog recorders. These tapes of source sounds can serve as “master” library disks.

Lower tape costs. VCR cartridge tape is very inexpensive; you can record hours and hours of samples for only a few dollars.

Portability. Using a portable VCR and battery powered audio adapter makes for a very compact and portable package.

Although splicing is not easy with VCR-based audio systems, you can generally do the required signal splicing and manipulation within the SP-12.

A good alternative to the VCR/adapter approach is to use a Sony Beta Hi-Fi or VHS Hi-Fi recorder; the audio tracks are of excellent quality.

Maintaining sample quality when sampling from tape recordings:

Follow common-sense recording practice -- be extremely careful about mic placement, use noise reduction when recording samples on to tape, limit the signal going on to tape rather than limiting the signal coming off the tape into the SP-12, and add aural enhancement if desired.

Sampling from Compact Discs: This is a great way to get high quality drum sounds, especially with so many records having solo drum intros and breaks.

Creative use of multi-tracking:Try multi-tracking sounds on a conventional recorder, then sampling the combination sound into the SP-12. For example, combining electronic and acoustic percussion sounds can produce some very useful results.

© E-mu Systems, Inc. 1985

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Contents SP-12 Contents Part 2 Recording Segments Part 3 Creating a SongPart 6 MIDI, SYNC, & Smpte Part 5 Saving Your DataAppendix Part 7 Mixing and ProcessingIntroduction What is ITIntroduction What is IT? What’s a Default? Accessing Functions Within the ModuleSP-12 Ground Rules Activating and De-activating ModulesEntering Settings and ValuesLeading Zeroes Segment and Song ModesBeep Messages Transitory Nature of Segment ModeRight Arrow/Left Arrow Buttons stepping and fast forwarding Current Song DisplayGetting Ready 1A SetupPart 1 Getting Ready 1A Setup 1B Instant Gratification 1D Selecting Drum Sounds 1C Background the Performance Module1E Adjusting the MIX 1G Background Setting UP Additional Sounds 1F Tuning the DRUMS/CHANGING Decay SET-UP1H ACCESSING/EXITING Multilevel SET-UP 12 Enter 1I ACCESSING/EXITING Multipitch SET-UP 111K Storing Defining a MIX SET-UP 1J Accessing Dynamics SET-UP1M Assigning Drum Sounds to Output Channels 1L Auditioning Selecting a MIX SET-UP1N Playing Back Segments 1O Setting Tempo 1P Programming the Metronome Part 2 Recording Segments Recording Segments2A Recording a Segment Overview 2B Erasing a Segment Part 1 Standard Dimensioning Part 2 Real-Time Dimensioning 2D Understanding Auto Correct Recording Segments 2F Recording a Segment in Real Time 2E Setting Auto CorrectRecording Segments 2G Recording a Segment in Step Time 2I Erasing a Specific Note of a Drum Track 2H Erasing a Specific Drum Sound2J Copying and Appending Segments 2K Adding Swing 2M Copying Sounds 2L Swapping Drum Sounds2M Check Remaining Memory 2N Clearing the MemoryPart 3 Creating a Song Creating a Song3A Creating a Song Overview 3B Selecting a Song Segment # 3C Chaining Segments Together3D Ending a Song 3E Editing Songs STEPPING, INSERTING, Deleting 3F Using Repeats Song Step # 3G Changing the Song Drum Sound MIX 3H Setting Song Tempo Example 3I Programming Tempo Changes Within a Song3K Programming Trigger Outputs 3J Jumping to a SUB-SONG3L Starting AT a Specified Point in the Song 3M Efficient USE of Memory Part 4 Sampling Your OWN Sounds Sampling Your OWN Sounds4A Sampling AN Overview 4B Setting Levels Prior to Sampling 4C Assigning the Sample 4D Setting the Sampling Threshold4F Initiating and Stopping Sampling 4E Setting the Sample Length4G Deleting a User Sound 4H Modifying a Sample VIA Truncation and Loop Sampling Your OWN Sounds Mu Systems, Inc Enhanced by The Emulator Archive Part 5 Saving Your Data Saving Your Data5B General Care & Handling of Disks & Cassettes 5A Background Saving DataWrite-protecting disks and cassettes LabelingSaving Your Data 5C Hooking UP the 1541 Disk Drive or Cassette 5D Formatting Disks CASSETTE/DISK Load Sounds Disk Key in 2 then Cassette Key 1 then 5E Disk and Cassette OperationsVerify Sequences Disk Key in 2 then 7 Cassette Key 1 then Part 6 MIDI, SYNC, & Smpte MIDI, Sync & SmpteOverview 6A Midi Channel and Mode SelectAfter selecting the desired mode, press Enter 6C Internal Sync Sync 6B Background Synchronization6D Midi Sync Sync 6E Smpte Sync Sync 6F Click Sync Sync 6G Writing Smpte Time Code on Tape 6H Writing a 24 Ppqn Click Sync Track on Tape Part 7 Mixing and Processing Mixing and Processing7B Pseudo Automated Mixdown 7A Mixing and Processing Overview7C Creating Ambience 7D Using Special Effects in the Studio Appendix AppendixPart 1 Taking the Best Possible Sample Appendix a the ART of SamplingGeneral Tips Dynamics Appendix Sampling from Tapes Part 2 Manipulating the Sample Mu Systems, Inc Enhanced by The Emulator Archive Appendix B Understanding Rhythmic Notation Appendix C Understanding Time Signatures What does the Midi cable do? Appendix D Understanding MIDI/SMPTEWhat does Midi stand for? How can information control a synthesizer or drum machine?Channels, huh? Sounds like a lot of patch cords to me How does Midi differentiate between different instruments?What kind of words does the Midi language include? Smpte Dealing With MlDlosyncraciesAppendix E Tips on Creating Realistic Drum Parts Appendix F Tips on Using Cassette Interfaces Appendix Appendix G HOW the SP-12 Works Appendix H Special Functions SET-UP #23 Procedure Display Reads Press Appendix

SP-12 specifications

The SP Studio Systems SP-12 is a cutting-edge digital audio workstation that embodies innovation, versatility, and user-friendly design. Designed for both professional studios and home setups, the SP-12 sets a new standard in sound production and music creation. It combines advanced technology with an intuitive interface, making it suitable for both seasoned producers and beginners alike.

At the heart of the SP-12 is its powerful multi-core processor, allowing for seamless performance and efficient audio processing. This hardware design ensures that users can run multiple plug-ins and tracks without experiencing latency or lag, providing a smooth workflow that enhances creativity. Additionally, the SP-12 boasts a robust memory capacity, supporting extensive sample libraries and a vast array of sounds for diverse musical styles.

One of the standout features of the SP-12 is its advanced sampling technology. Users can import, edit, and manipulate samples with precision. The unit supports high-resolution audio formats, ensuring pristine sound quality. The intuitive software interface allows for easy navigation through samples, enabling users to chop, slice, and rearrange audio files effortlessly. This flexibility is a game-changer for producers looking to create unique tracks.

Another key characteristic is the SP-12's extensive connectivity options. It includes multiple USB ports, MIDI inputs and outputs, and analog connections, allowing for integration with various instruments and external devices. This versatility ensures that users can expand their studio setup according to their specific needs, whether they use it for live performance or studio recording.

Additionally, the SP-12 features an in-built sequencer that supports advanced MIDI functionalities, enabling users to create complex arrangements and orchestrate their musical ideas. Moreover, the workstation includes a comprehensive suite of virtual instruments and effects, allowing producers to shape their sound without needing third-party software.

Moreover, the SP-12's durable build quality and sleek design make it a stylish addition to any studio. Its compact form factor makes it portable, catering to musicians who need to produce music on the go.

In sum, the SP Studio Systems SP-12 is not just a digital audio workstation; it is a creative powerhouse. With its high-performance hardware, advanced sampling capabilities, extensive connectivity options, and user-friendly interface, it stands out as an essential tool for anyone serious about music production. Whether you’re composing, recording, or performing, the SP-12 is designed to inspire creativity and elevate your sound to new heights.