[mp3 .zip archive / 50MB]

--

Sampling by Des Cailloux et du Carbone

To make a remix, a sound piece containing samples, sound collage or whatever you want to call it, start by getting yourself a nice and cold beer from the fridge or other favorite drink you might have in mind and pick a song that you like or just one that you find that has interesting sounds, or one that you really really hate can do as well.

STEP 1: Depending on what format your source track is ( eg: vinyl, CD, MP3 or stereo cassette ) you must transfer it onto your computer in order to start editing it. This process may vary from one source format to another.

TIP: Feel free to be disruptive during the transfer process, some wonderful things might happen.

Use your imagination but avoid pulling the computer?s power cord during the process, trust me.

STEP 2: Choose audio editing programs to work on your sounds, preferably software that you?re already comfortable with if you want to save time, but you don?t have to; Who am I to tell you what to do.

You may use a wide array of editing functions depending on programs, such as cut, copy, paste, stretch, EQ, endless special effects and so on... Once you are happy with your sounds try to organize them into sequences and loops.

TIP: To make your work more personal you should incorporate your own sounds such as synths, musical instruments or recordings of random objects you have at home or wherever you are.

STEP 3: When you have your sound material ready and set up in a sequencing or loop playing program you can play and improvise with it. Multiple channel outputs from your computer and a DJ mixer are an fun and easy way to do it. Record the process by sending your signal back to the computer if possible.

TIP: Make sure you mute the output of the incoming sound or you?ll probably get some major feedback. Unless that is what you want of course.

Another way to do it is to use an external recording device. Thats your problem. Once your recording is done you can keep it that way, mix it with other recorded tracks or even resample it( my favorite ) and repeat steps 2 and 3 over and over until you are satisfied, tired or out of time, whichever comes first.

Happy sound recycling.