Flipping a sample into a unique beat doesn’t need to be difficult, master the art with these simple steps to chopping your own samples into your tracks.

Sample chopping is a fundamental technique in music production, allowing you to create rhythmic elements and drum patterns. FL Studio offers a powerful set of tools to make this process efficient and creative.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to chop samples effectively using FL Studio’s features.

Understanding Sample Chopping

Sample chopping involves cutting a larger audio file into smaller segments or “slices”. These slices can the be rearranged, edited, and used to create new beats, melodies, and textures. The goal is to extract the most valuable parts of the sample and repurpose them in your music.

There are a plethora of sites available for sample acquisition online. Get your hands on a huge range of samples from vocals to drum beats across loads of genres at RouteNote Create. All samples you download there are royalty-free and available to use in your music.

How to get royalty-free music samples with RouteNote Create

A Step-by-Step Guide To Sample Chopping in FL Studio

First up, you’ll need to pick a tool. In our guide below, we’ll be using the Sampler but you can experiment with FL Studio’s in-built tools for different effects and work flows to find the one that suits you and the output you want from your chopping.

Essential FL Studio Tools:

  • Sampler: This is the primary tool for loading and manipulating samples.
  • Edison: A powerful audio editor that allows you to fine-tune your samples.
  • Piano Roll: The sequencer where you’ll arrange your chopped samples into patterns.
  • Slice to MIDI: This feature automatically converts chopped samples into MIDI notes, making it easier to sequence and edit them.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Load the Sample: Drag and drop your desired sample into the Sampler channel.
  2. Set the Slice Marker: Use the Slice Marker tool to mark the beginning and end points of the section you want to chop.
  3. Slice the Sample: Right-click on the Slice Marker and select “Slice to MIDI.” This will create a new MIDI note for each sliced segment.
  4. Edit the Slices: In the Piano Roll, adjust the pitch, velocity, and timing of each slice to create your desired rhythmic pattern.
  5. Fine-Tune with Edison: If you need to make more precise edits, open the sliced segment in Edison and use its tools to adjust volume, pitch, and more.
  6. Experiment and Create: Play around with different slicing techniques, combinations, and effects to create unique and creative sounds.

Tips for Effective Sample Chopping

  • Listen carefully: Pay attention to the rhythmic and melodic elements within the sample that you want to extract.
  • Use automation: Automate parameters like pitch, volume, and panning to create dynamic and interesting patterns.
  • Experiment with effects: Add effects like distortion, reverb, or delay to enhance the sound of your chopped samples.
  • Practice and have fun: The more you practice, the better you’ll become at sample chopping. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with the process.

How To Release Your Final Piece

Once you’ve chopped your sample into a track and brought it all together into a complete song, it’s time to release it to the world. Letting listeners around the globe listen to your song is easy and you can make money from every play.

You can use RouteNote to upload unlimited songs and albums to all of the top music services, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and so many more. Unlock the power of free distribution and get your music heard around the world to kickstart your music career.

Sign up for free at www.routenote.com today.