Sampler Hardware for SFX

[2mojo2]

I would like to add a sampler to the high school theater system for playback of sound effects.
I see a range of the hardware available on the used market, and I am uncertain about what models I should consider.
I would appreciate some advice:
-on minimum specifications
-on models to avoid
-on models that you have found satisfactory.

[gpforet]

About 4 years ago I migrated from hardware sampling for sound effects to a software based solution and have never looked back.

Using a laptop, Sound Cue System software, and a M-Audio firewire 410, I can trigger effects with hot-keys, have the software direct the sound to 1 or more of the M-Audio's 8 outputs, and place sound anywhere in room. This includes hiding a speaker in a sofa next to a phone and having the phone ring sound placed appropriately in the set. For a recent production, I spent the time to record over two hours of night sounds in the woods as well as record other show specific sound effects such as cars approaching and leaving on a gravel road, doors opening and closing, etc. Then, using Sound Cue System, I was able to have the night sounds playing continously in the background as one track, while still manually triggering cars approaching, doors opening, etc.

I can't say enough about how this software has improved my ability to deliver effect sound design to a show.

[soundlight]

I'd second the computer playback option. My favorite combo is Qlab (only runs on mac) and an Echo Audiofire interface (pick the one with the number of outputs you need for your space, we have an Audiofire 12 in each venue here). SFX from Stage Research and Sound Cue System are both good options if you're looking for a PC based program. I should probably add that I'm normally a PC user - but the ease, power, and price of Qlab made me take that route. I still use a PC for everything else - but for show control, I use a mac. They have very powerful add-ons such as the pro audio, pro video, and pro midi that allow you to really take it to the next level, but only in the respects that you need to for your application.

[jonliles]

Originally Posted by gpforet

... to a phone and having the phone ring sound placed appropriately in the set. For a recent production, I spent the time to record over two hours of night sounds in the woods as well as record other show specific sound effects such as cars approaching and leaving on a gravel road, doors opening and closing, etc. Then, using Sound Cue System, I was able to have the night sounds playing continously in the background as one track, while still manually triggering cars approaching, doors opening, etc.

....

Dude-
What show was that?
Jon

[gpforet]

Originally Posted by jonliles

Dude-
What show was that?
Jon

The night sounds and car/gravel/doors was part of Holloween Dreams. The phone/speaker hidden in sofa was for a show in Duluth.

[2mojo2]

The kind of functionality you describe is very attractive, but I don't think it is my best choice for a high school environment.

As much as I trust my sound techs, I am not going to hand them a laptop of mine to be responsible for, neither do I really want to sign out one from the school.
H*ll, I can't even get school administration to produce a set of keys for the console desk and rack cabinet. I have zero security for the gear in the house.

I can buy a second hand Akai or Emu and mount it in the rack at Sound. The cost should be small enough that I don't have to battle for six months with Central Offices to get approval for the purchase.

[TheatreImage]

Originally Posted by 2mojo2

As much as I trust my sound techs, I am not going to hand them a laptop of mine to be responsible for, neither do I really want to sign out one from the school.

The software will run on a desktop PC... You could get a rackmount PC and rackmount interface to solve the responsibility problem. A software solution is the way to go. They are designed to perform the best in theatre situations

[jkowtko]

I too use SCS on a Windows PC, and have never looked back

However, if you must have a sampler box and don't want to use a PC program, I could recommend the boss SP-303 ... it's a pain in the neck to program the dinosaur flash cards they require, but it is relatively compact and has 8 big buttons that you can use to fire audio clips.

However if you're going to spend more than $50 on a used one and you can swing the desktop PC option, I would recommend that instead. Fyi, for the community theater I help out we have two desktop PCs (which I purchased used for under $200 each), cpus mounted away in a "rack" enclosure, with 15" monitor, keyboard and mouse on the table. Every show gets it's own "limited" Windows account that can't do much more than run the SCS program, Goldwave, and load/update files for playback. I've installed M-Audio Delta interfaces, the Delta 44 which can be found used for under $100.

-- john

[avkid]

360 Systems Instant Replay

I know several high level professionals who swear by it.

[soundlight]

Originally Posted by avkid

360 Systems Instant Replay

I know several high level professionals who swear by it.

It's also what many rap and hip-hop artists' DJs carry for their sound effects. Shotgun racking back, anyone?

I've also seen a few established touring groups that do corporate gigs whose sound guy carries a 360 systems with preshow messages, intro music, etc. on it. Rock solid units, great if you can afford one.