Sam Mims has been creating sounds for Ensoniq keyboards for over 20 years, and now he's written a book that he says will make any owner of an Ensoniq EPS, EPS-16 Plus, ASR-10, or ASR-88 a true master of their sampler. Mims is the owner of Syntaur Productions, and was a beta tester and factory sound programmer for many of Ensoniq's keyboards, as well as a professional touring keyboardist. His renowned expertise is coupled with a knack for explaining the technical side of things in a fun, understandable style. Here's what he has to say about the book...
The last of these keyboards rolled off the assembly line over a dozen years ago. "Isn't this like writing a book on how to get the most out of your Amiga computer? Or how to master your Beta video recorder?" asks Mims in the Introduction. "The difference is that Ensoniq samplers have stood the test of time. They are still being used by top producers to make hit records."
Sample Magic: Mastering the Ensoniq EPS/ASR Samplers gives readers the inside scoop, going beyond what is covered in the manuals. Mims gives up a multitude of sound design secrets, shows how to optimize the sampler for either live performance or studio tracking, and gets into the nitty-gritty of mastering a SCSI setup. The book is not a dry technical manual, it's a witty journey through practical applications, such as:

• How to use drum loops, and make them match your sequencer tempo exactly,
• How to sneak in an extra part when all sequencer tracks are used,
• How to create an Ensoniq-format CD-ROM,
• How to save a damaged floppy disk,
• Which SCSI drives work with which samplers,
• How to set up, navigate, and optimize a SCSI drive,
• How to program an arpeggiator in your sampler (and no, it's not using the sequencer!),
• How to free up polyphony,
• What those ERROR messages can tell you,
• How to troubleshoot problems with your sampler.

Syntaur Productions has been producing Ensoniq sounds for over two decades, and has supplied sonic ammunition to Outkast, Wu Tang Clan, Nelly, Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, Brandy, Elton John, Fishbone, and many others.
Pricing and Availability:
Sample Magic (153 pages, spiral bound soft cover) is available for $29.95 More information:

• syntaur.com
  
  
  

  < More From: SYNTAUR
  • Bass!! How Low Can You Go? 08-Dec-05
  • MPC Megadisk From Syntaur Packs A Punch 03-Dec-04
  
  Even more news...