How to Generate AI Samples for Free
Can AI samples replace sample hunting? Here’s how to try it for yourself, for free.
Adrian Scott
Before you continue, check out Sampling Essentials for a complete guide to sampling. It shows you the fundamental skills you’ll need to flip any sample in less time.
Let’s continue…
In the movie I, Robot, Will Smith’s character says to the machine:
You are just a machine. An imitation of life. Can a robot write a symphony? Can a robot turn a canvas into a beautiful masterpiece?
– I, Robot
For now, the answer to these questions is a definite no…
But when it comes to generating sampling material, the robots might be on to something…
Can robots make samples?
Advances in AI have made it possible to generate up to 20 seconds of audio based on a text prompt.
All you have to do is describe the style you want, and the machine will generate a matching snippet of audio.
Until recently, this technology was limited to researchers and computer science nerds.
But now, creative types like you and I can install a simple app on our computer to generate AI samples for free.
How to generate AI samples
To get started, head over to Samplab and download their latest app called TextToSample.
TextToSample is a wrapper for Facebook’s MusicGen technology. It has two inputs: A text prompt box, and an upload section that will build from an existing piece of audio.
Here’s a preview:
(Before installing, be sure your computer is running at least Windows 10 or Mac OS 12.)
By now, I’m sure you’re dying to know…
Are the samples any good?
In my testing, the audio it generates sounds like it belongs in a stock music library.
And that’s because the AI model was trained on – you guessed it – stock music libraries…
Case in point:
But don’t let that discourage you from trying it yourself.
Using your imagination to generate samples – while impractical – is sure-as-hell fun. Try inputting random prompts and see what the machine comes up with. At the very least, you’ll get some ideas for what to hunt on your next crate digging session.
But I should warn you…
AI is no replacement for digging
Remember, the beauty of sampling is the rediscovery of music.
Sampling AI might be a new way to find interesting sounds… But it should never replace digging.
The moment you allow a machine to inspire you, you lose the essence of what it means to create.
It’s like Big Willy said in I, Robot:
AI is “an imitation of life.”
And if you limit your creative inspiration to an imitation, your art becomes an imitation of an imitation. And if that’s all it is, what makes it any better than the “art” the robots create?
With that said… Here’s what to do:
Dig for more samples so you never run out of inspiration.
Then, when the day comes that robots are able to make “Future type beats” better than Future-type-beat producers…
You’ll be one of the last humans alive with an advantage over the robots. Instead of Will Smith in I, Robot… you’ll be more like Will Smith in I Am Legend 😎
Avoid This Common Mistake…
The last thing to remember is this:
You can learn all the skills, tactics, and tools in the world…
But nothing will save your beats if you choose the wrong samples.
Too many producers struggle because their sample collection is limited. This causes them to force sounds and tactics that don’t work.
Check out Sample Quest for strategies you can use to uncover unique samples online.
These tactics are perfect for producers of all experience levels.
Don’t miss your chance to overcome this common mistake.