Kick-Snare-Kick-Snare-Kick-Snare-Kick-Snare … that is probably what most people think when I tell them I listen to trance and techno. This is unfortunate because since I am a percussionist who writes my own trance, house, urban, techno, jungle and a variety of other styles, I know there is a lot more depth then Kick-Snare-Kick-Snare.
ProSamples (PS) offers a total of 50 volumes of samples. They offer a robust selection of sample styles including Vol 30 World Instruments and Vol 13 Dance Drums. PS Vol 38: Trance from Trance Construction Kits is the kit I have been using for about the past three weeks with my studio software (F)ruity (L)oops Studio Producer Edition 4.1.0.
The PS38 sample formats include AUDIO, ACID, AIFF, AKAI, EXS24, HALion and WAV. I have used only the WAV samples thus far. The samples in PS38 are split into two main directories: Construction Kits and Multisamples. I tend to avoid construction kits (pre-built patterns) whenever possible because I like to create my music from single note samples (multisamples). The construction kits in PS38 however, are well written and sound great.
The Multisamples directory is broke down into four types of sounds: Bass, Leads, Pads and Strings. The ten bass samples are exactly what they are supposed to be … simple and ‘boomy.’ Each bass sample has an excellent timbre. Next, we have the leads which are a VERY important part of anything techno and/or trance. The leads in PS38 do not provide enough function or diversity. There are 54 leads and still, I have had to wave-edit almost every lead I use. The 30 pads are functional and melodic although, I personally do not use a lot of pads in my music. Last and definitely least are the 12 string samples. Thus far these samples have been USELESS in everything I have done. They sound more orchestral then trance and that makes them difficult to integrate into my music. The string samples sound superb … they just don’t have the correct timbre for trance.
PS38 is a good BASIC sample CD. The samples are high quality but, unfortunately, lack vision or uniqueness. Despited their limited function however, they provide a good foundation for a lot of techno and trance riffs. I will try other PS volumes in the future … hopefully the other volumes have greater utility.