Sample Library Company

Music production software like digital audio workstations (DAW) has become industry standard, and the demand for high quality sound samples to use with those softwares is being answered by sample library developers. Many people have heard simple MIDI synthesizer versions of instruments on keyboards or entry level DAWs, but sample library companies provide much higher quality digital versions of instruments by recording professional musicians playing their instruments. They then take these recordings of professional musicians playing a wide range of notes with different articulations and dynamics and digitize them so that they can be used as sound samples and digital instruments in music software.

Professional creators and composers will purchase collections of these instrument samples and digital instruments in order to more accurately present their work through digital means. For larger music producers, this means they can present temp scores and composition submissions for major projects that sound close to the actual end product they are promising and smaller producers who may not have the budget for a professional recording session with live players can still make convincing soundtracks from their computer.

This career requires extensive experience in music softwares like DAWs, hands-on experience recording a variety of instruments, and a finely trained ear. Training in composition or general music industry practices also provide insight into what types of sounds and tools today’s music creators need. Degrees in music production or recording in addition to internships at recording studios or music software companies are common routes towards pursuing this career.