The first samplers were hardware. The most well known were created by E-MU Systems of Scottsdale, California and Akai. The E4 XT Ultra pictured below is an example of a hardware sampler.

When purchased “fully loaded” the E4 came with an internal drive, and memory could be expanded to 128MB (compared to 32GB or better in a dedicated computer system today). Sound programming took place using a proprietary E-MU operating system (EOS) and software. The E4 also came with various reverb effects and a basic sequencer. The E4 had 8 audio outs on the back and one pair of MIDI connectors. Fully loaded, the E4 could be valued at $4200US. As a comparison, today’s professional PCs with 8GB RAM and with two hard drives and a DVD/RW cost just approximately $2995US with sampler programs having a typical “street” price of $399US.

Unlike synthesizers, the original hardware samplers came with no sounds. This requiring the user to purchase libraries in the format of that sampler.

Today, dedicated software samplers like Native Instruments’ Kontakt 3, come with a full range of sounds giving the user a serious music production package.

These sounds are but a starting point since there are many dedicated libraries created specifically for Kontakt.

The Rise of Sample Players
Because of the complexity involved with samplers, the next step for widespread consumer acceptance was the licensing of the sampler technology to create a sample player. The sample player works like a synthesizer in that it comes with a lot of sounds with basic user programming for editing (also called tweaking). Below is a sample player called Symphonia from Project SAM.

Other sample players are the Vienna Instruments player from the Vienna Symphonic Library, PLAY from EastWest, and ARIA from Garritan.

When music is recorded in tempo or “live” it’s called real time recording.

If a hardware MIDI controller isn’t available, a sequencing program enables the user to literally key punch (data entry) music information into the program. This is called step-time.

Sequencers also give tools to edit and correct performances.

Sequencers are also found in MIDI keyboards and some are still available as separate hardware units.

Modern software sequencers do more than record data. These programs are now complete music production suites which include:

• a sequencer with editing features
• a music notation program
• an audio engine for digital recording
• an internal “virtual” mixing board
• a complete audio effects rack containing reverb, EQ, compressors, chorus, delays, limiters, expanders, flangers, phasers, guitar and bass amp modeling, vocal editing software (de-essers and pitch correction), gain, and more
• fully programmable virtual synthesizers (software versions of hardware MIDI keyboards)
• virtual samplers
• virtual drum machines
• loop patterns

Pricing of these programs ranges from free (GarageBand which is included in every new Mac), to $495US and up.

The main sequencing programs include Cubase (Mac and PC), Digital Performer (Mac only), Logic (Mac only), and Sonar (PC only).

Those wanting sequencing programs with better developed notation capabilities usually consider Cubase or Logic. Those for whom notation is not important often consider Digital Performer or Sonar.

Because modern software sequencing programs are complete music production suites, the learning curve is longer because not only must sequencing be learned, but also MIDI editing, and audio recording. While similar in approach, both are separate disciplines.