Sample Like Kanye using Ableton Live (Video Tutorial)

Kanye West needs no introduction. He 's definitely someone you want to emulate when it comes to hip hop music production. In this guide, inspired by our Sample Focus YouTube video, we’ll break down a beginner-friendly way to create a Kanye West-style sampled beat using Ableton Live.

Step 1: Digging for Samples

Sampling starts with finding the right source material. Kanye is known for digging deep into obscure genres, especially soul, funk, and gospel.

• Start with inspiration: Look for songs that spark creativity. You can use SampleFocus.com for royalty-free sounds.
• Example: The featured sample in the video comes from T-Fire's "Say a Prayer", a 1979 Nigerian track discovered randomly on YouTube.

Step 2: Loading the Sample in Ableton

Once you’ve found your sample:

1. Import the track: Drag the audio file into Ableton’s Simpler plugin.
2. Choose Slice Mode: Set Simpler to “Slice Mode.” This cuts the sample into smaller pieces (slices) based on transients (peaks in volume). Adjust sensitivity to control the number of slices.

Tip: Lower sensitivity creates larger slices, while higher sensitivity creates more granular cuts.

Step 3: Manipulating the Sample

Kanye's hallmark sound often involves pitch-shifted, chopped vocals or melodies.

• Transpose the Sample: Adjust the pitch using Simpler’s transpose settings. For this track, the pitch was raised by three semitones for a bright, chipmunk-like quality.
• Playback Speed: Experiment with the tempo to match the feel of your beat. For this project, the final tempo settled at 180 BPM.

Step 4: Adding Effects

1. Layer Dirty and Clean Chains:
   • Use an Audio Effect Rack to create parallel chains.
   • On one chain, apply effects like Erosion and Redux for gritty textures.
   • Keep the second chain clean for balance.
2. EQ and Delay: Add a low-pass EQ and slight delay for atmospheric depth.
3. Vinyl Vibe: Use tools like Ableton’s Vinyl Distortion or a third-party plugin to emulate a vintage, wobbling sound.

Step 5: Crafting the Drum Pattern

Drums play a critical role in any hip-hop track:

• Kick and Snare: Lay down a basic pattern, ensuring a punchy kick and snare combination.
• Hi-hats: Add rhythm with varied hi-hat velocities for a human feel.
• Layered Snares: Use multiple snare samples, each processed differently (e.g., stereo delay) for a fuller sound.

Step 6: Adding the Bass

Using a simple bass preset like Airfair Bass in Ableton:

• Match the bassline to the root notes of your chopped sample.
• Use low-pass filtering to keep the bass tight and not overpowering.

Step 7: Arrangement and Muting

1. Create Sections: Record your loops into Arrangement View, crafting intro, verse, and chorus sections.
2. Mute Automation: Add mute automations to allow moments of silence, perfect for highlighting rap punchlines or transitions.

Step 8: Polish and Finalize

1. Add a Mastering Chain with EQ, compression, and a limiter to glue the track together.
2. Listen back to ensure the sample sits well in the mix.

Don’t forget to visit SampleFocus.com for high-quality drum and instrument samples. You can download three free samples weekly or upload your own sounds to earn more credits.

Final Words

Producing a Kanye-inspired sampled beat is all about creativity and experimentation. Start with a great sample, add your unique touch, and refine it until it resonates with your own style. The best part? It doesn't matter if you’re using Ableton or any another DAW you can still use this tips.