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How to create unique snare samples with Xpand!2

October 27, 20194 CommentsProduction, Sampling, Virtual Instruments

Have you ever been left underwhelmed with the selection of snare samples at your disposal?

Do you keep trawling through sample libraries to try and find the exact sample you’re thinking of in your head?

Well there are other ways to create the type of snare sound you’re looking for. In fact, you can design the sound yourself, with ease.

In today’s video, I’m going to show you how you can use Xpand!2 (or any instrument that triggers drum samples) to create an original, unique, multi-layered snare sample.

After watching this video you’ll know:

  • How to trigger snare samples in Xpand!2 or a similar instrument in your DAW
  • How to design your own snare sounds
  • The importance of layering in sound design
  • How to add effects to individual layers of a drum sound
  • And much more!


Check it out!

 

Now, I’d love to know…


How do you usually create your snare sounds? Did you use this technique? If so, share some samples!
 
Leave a comment below!

 
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Comments

  1. Doc says

    November 2, 2019 at 7:09 pm

    I got this except I can’t seem to put down midi tones without a keyboard controller…you are recording them directly onto a track without one…how do I set my pro tools up for that…thx for the info in this

    Reply
    • Stephen says

      November 2, 2019 at 7:58 pm

      Hey Doc – you definitely don’t need a keyboard controller in Pro Tools. If you open the MIDI Editor, you can draw in the notes with the pencil tool, like I did in the video. Once you’re happy with what’s on the Instrument Track, you can create an Audio Track and drag down the MIDI clip to commit to audio. That feature popped up in Pro Tools 12 (I believe) onwards. If you have an earlier version, it might not work for you. BUT you’ll still be able to draw in MIDI without a keyboard controller. Hope that helps!

      Reply
      • Doc says

        November 3, 2019 at 12:30 am

        Hi, in reference to the midi snare vid..I wasn’t clear about my problem…mechanically, it all works up until I’m suppose to hear sound..unless I turn on my controller, I don’t hear sound, nor can I use the pencil tool to add notes,,,I’m sure it’s an adjustment somewhere..if I put a diff synth in there, ana2 for instance, I can hear the sound i play on the keyboard attached to the plug; but still it won’t let me add notes while in the midi editor…

        Reply
        • Stephen says

          November 3, 2019 at 2:27 pm

          Without seeing the exact error, I can’t quite figure it out. It’s strange that you can’t add notes via the MIDI editor. Are you sure you have the pencil tool clicked on? If you’re able to record a short video of the error and send it to me, I’m sure I’d be able to help you figure it out.

          Reply

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