Roland Pro Audio Samplers & Sequencers

Roland Samplers & Sequencers

Roland samplers are digital audio recorders that use a microphoneto record sounds and transform them into wave samples.  

A wave sample is allocated to a key on the keyboard, where the sound of the adjacent key is made by slowing down or speeding up the wave sample. 

A Roland sequencer is a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) recorder that is able to record, edit and play back events on the keyboard and program settings, but offers more options than a straightforward sampler.

Samplers usually include sequencers which allows for more editing functionality.

Types of samplers and sequencers 

The data types handled by sequencers define the model:

• MIDI sequencers – can be in software or hardware format
• Control Voltage or gate analog sequencers
• Automation for mixing and editing automation on digital audio workstations
• Audio data on audio sequencers including phrase samplers, digital audio workstations and loop-based music software

The supporting modes and construction of a sequencer has an impact on the product:

• Real-time sequencer – The music is recorded in real-time and is played back defining pitch, quantizations and tempo
• Analog sequencer – These sequencers play musicby a series of sliders that correspond to each note using analog electrics.  Notes can be altered at any time
• Step sequencer – This sequencer music notes are set at equal time intervals and are rounded into steps.  The length and timing of the steps is designated on drum and bass machines, and on home keyboards
• Software sequencer – It is incorporated in digital audio workstations and integrated music authoring sets.  A user controls functionality by graphical user interfaces or specialised input devices

Why use a sampler or a sequencer?

Samplers usually have more features than sample playback including modulation, FX on board and envelopes.  Users are able to control the sound of an instrument on one platform and they can share music libraries via a sampler.

Sequencers can record multiple music performances, such as different sounds, and can play them back simultaneously.  A musician can add instruments to their music using analog electrics.  Every track is a type of sound that imitates a musical sound, such as a drum or a piano.