Record Pools for Samplers and Loopers

Build a Sample Library with the Latest Tunes

Chop, loop and mangle your samples with the RC-505 and SP-404SX

If you depend on samples for live performance and remixing, you would probably agree that searching for music is time consuming. In addition to the search itself, you then have to take into consideration the sound quality and the portion of the song that you wish to sample. Do you only need the a cappella without the beat? Perhaps it’s the other way around, and you need the beat without the singing. Or, maybe your set calls for a loop from the original composition. Whatever the scenario, you should consider using a digital record pool to build your sample library.

Webinar: Creating Beats & Loops for Live Performance. 2013/7/9 at 3:00pm PST

What is a Record Pool?

“A music pool or DJ pool is a regionalized and centralized method of music distribution that allows DJs to receive promotional music to play in nightclubs. The music industry sends its newest releases to the pool of DJs; in exchange, the pool provides feedback on each release as well as exposure in their clubs.” – Wikipedia.org

As described above, record pools are reserved for those who play music to a wide audience. As long as you meet their membership requirements, you have access to high quality digital MP3s of the latest music.

A record pool to samplers and loopers is what Axial is to Roland synthesizers. Where as Axial provides a sound library (patches) for synths, a record pool provides a sound library for samplers and loopers in the form of full songs, instrumentals and a cappellas.

Don’t Settle for Less…

ZipDJ Record Pool

There are many record pools out there. Some cater more to specific genres than others. ZipDJ, however, has an extensive catalog of underground and mainstream music. It has a huge selection of house, trance, drum & bass, dubstep, breaks and other EDM sub-genres alongside top-40 music. They even have a section for Latin music, which is non-existing or very limited in some record pools. Country, rock and alternative also have a presence here. In other words, selection is not an issue. There are more than 1,000 record labels from around the globe that submit music to this record pool.

With such an expansive library one would assume that finding music would be less time consuming, but it isn’t. This actually presents the problem of too much selection. ZipDJ has solved this issue by creating an easy-to-use website with lots of sorting and searching options. You can search by genre, artist, release, mix, music charts and even DJ playlists, giving users 24-7 access to the latest music trends.

Samples in Use…

With the SP-404SX and SP-555, you can import audio files from your computer and assign them to the pads. In addition to the endless supply of loops you can pack into these samplers, you can also create your own tracks in real time with the pattern sequencer. Add to that an a capella of your choosing, and you have the potential for endless remixing possibilities. Create a trap remix from a rock tune or a house remix from a hip-hop song. Check out this video by wantmohr of Aretha Franklin and Jay-Z remixed on the SP-404SX. Perhaps the easiest way to understand what we’re trying to describe is to watch the following video of Mike Acosta on the SP-555 sampler. In this video, Mike creates a mashup composition using a cappellas, instrumentals, movie samples and loops.

Michael is a DJ and producer who has played all across the U.S. and overseas. His production and remix credits include artists such as Coldplay, Rihanna, Black Eyed Peas, Ke$ha, Enrique Iglesias, Cobra Starship, Calvin Harris and Ne-Yo to name a few. His eclectic mixes are also available to download for free on SoundCloud.

Are you a member of a record pool that we should know about? Drop us a comment with a link to your pool of choice.

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