Sonic Mechanics Samples – Interview

An interview with Sonic Mechanics Samples.

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We are proud to introduce another label today – Sonic Mechanics.

Sonic Mechanics pushes the boundaries of sound design to produce quality samples, loops and patches for a variety of music genres and applications. Their engineers and producers balance professional experience and high quality production to give you the most exclusive sounds at your finger tips.

We caught up with them for a quick chat about the label and here is what they had to say.

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Q1. Give us a little background on your label and how it started

ANS: Sonic Mechanics is a team of producers working from a base in London, UK. The original founders met whilst studying music technology at university. They all share an enthusiasm for the underground music scene in London and originally created sound effects and loops for their own productions. The Sonic Mechanics label was launched in order to share these creations with the public. The team has grown to include eclectic sound designers and producers throughout England and Europe and they are committed to creating cutting edge loops and effects suitable for emerging and established producers.
Q2. Do you focus on a specific style and what do feel differentiates you from other sample labels.

ANS: Sonic Mechanics’ roots are within the underground music scene in London. The founders were heavily influenced by the bass heavy genres native to the capital, for instance: Drum and Bass, Garage and Dubstep. Sonic Mechanics create loops which bear the hallmarks of these existing genres, but they take it further and offer producers heavy hitting, authentic sounds. Sonic Mechanics offer loops capable of infusing tracks with a bass heavy aggression, a harder edge, a darker, grittier, genuinely underground sound.

 Q3. Some people feel that sample packs are “cheating”. What are your thoughts on this as a sample label.

ANS: From personal experience, the Sonic Mechanics team knows that established producers rely heavily on loops and single hits from sample packs to create their productions. Using samples effectively is a creative activity. It is fundamental to a variety of genres and forms the basis for all dance music.

 Q4. What type of producers do you see using your samples?

ANS: Our packs are suitable for the full range of music producers, from the up and coming beginner to the seasoned professional. They are specifically designed so that users can use entire loops, or single sounds within their composition. All Sonic Mechanics’ packs contain elements to suit every level of experience and ability.

 Q5. What Digital Audio Workstation/s do you work in with your own productions ?

ANS: At Sonic Mechanics we are audio enthusiasts and most of the team use different software. We think it comes down to personal taste and experience, after all it is the way you use the software not the software you use! Some favourites are, Presonus, Studio One, Logic and Reaper.

 Q6. What equipment do you use to create your samples? Are they done in house or do you work with producers from all over?

ANS: Generally samples are created by several different producers in different locations and compiled at the Sonic Mechanics headquarters. As well as software, the studio contains a wealth of instruments and percussion. There are also synths ranging from circuit bent toys to classic synths. Recording organic materials and percussion is undertaken on a very regular basis. This material is then processed, edited and combined with synthesized sources to create the basis for the loops and samples.

 Q7. How do you think modern software compares to original Hardware?

ANS: Original hardware synths have a sonic quality and charm often lacking in software comparisons. Having said this, in many cases, the recall, duplication, portability and overall flexibility of software synths is a huge advantage. Within the last ten years there has been an enormous growth in features and usability of virtual instruments. We think that over the next few years the software advances will be so great that hardware will find it hard to keep up.

 Q8. What formats are your packs available in or will be available in?

ANS: At the present time we offer high quality samples in Wav format, Native Instruments Massive patches and Kontakt patches. We are looking to expand this to include Apple Loops and Rex2 Loops in the near future.

 Q9. What quality checks do you undergo before you know a sample pack is ready for release on your label?

ANS: Many different DAW’s are used at different stages of the audio’s construction. Each sample passes through quality control on several systems and monitors before it is ready for commercial release to ensure a high quality product.

Q10. What type of packs do you have in the pipeline?

ANS: At Sonic Mechanics we are constantly monitoring the emerging trends and genres in the music scene. We are currently working with charting producers on products in several genres including Future garage, Post Dubstep and Grime. Watch out for the new releases!

Visit Sonic Mechanics on Loopmasters

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Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Reason, Cubase & ProTools tools  –  royalty free loops, samples and sounds from Loopmasters – the sample boutique.