making looping samples work with dp / rapture

can someone provide or point me to where information exists on how to do this?

The sfz format: The Basics

is there a simple (free? low-cost?) editor that i can use just to plug in a couple of 'flags' if that's all they need?

Notepad in WinXP. Any .wav file that's under 3000 individual samples in length with be treated as an oscillator (looping waveform). Anything over that with play through once as a sample. If you want to force the longer sample to loop, you can create a simple .sfz file like this:

sample=name of target sample.wav
oscillator=on

Save it with an .sfz file extension (manually) in Notepad, and place it next to where your targeted sample file is. Then load the .sfz file (in place of the sample) in the Load Multisamples slot on the synth. There are several other options and routes to take, but this is a basic and safe one. Note that forcing some samples as oscillators might produce unexpected results in an audible sense. You might try truncating extra-long .wavs to under 3000 samples in an audio editor like Sound Forge, Audition, or even Audacity, and they'll become oscillators automatically (without resorting to an .sfz file).

If you are trying to import longer samples (not wavetables) you could set the loop-points from within an audioeditor.
I'm using SoundForge (not the cheapest one), but most audio edtors should have something like this:

Menu -> Special -> Edit Sample -> Sustaining -> Infinite Loop

edit the loop points, save the wave and then create a .sfz file with this information:

 <region>
   sample=your_sample.wav
   loop_mode=loop_continous
 

You can also set the loopmode/points from within a .sfz file like this (if you know the loop points in the sample):

 <region>
   sample=your_sample.wav
   loop_mode=loop_continous
   loop_start=xxx       // loopstart in samples (not in time)
   loop_end=xxx         // loopend in samples (not in time)
 

These examples will map the same sample across the whole keyboard though. If you are using more then one sample, you should create a <region> for each sample and use the

 lokey=
 hikey=
 pitch_keycenter=
 

within that region. Check out the sfz format on rgc:audio homepage as b rock mentioned above.

If you view the wave file in a audio editor you can display your files as samples not time. This is a important tool to have makeing sample sets. In soundforge it a snap to change to/from time/samples

This might seems hard at first but you ace this and much is opened for your sound sculpting.

Tom is right as always. Math can get you there but remember, A good audio editor has tools for your sampling work that are way more indispencible. And if you intend to further you reach into this area you will need the tools. It can really take both Rapture and Dpro into a personal space where not only the great content included comes into play but your imagination. Rene and Cake have made this possible with a lot of thought. And believe me when I say it works very well. It's is there waiting for you whenever your ready.

Hi. I am interested in understanding the sample aspect of rapture. Am I correct in assuming that the sample has to be,for lack of a better way of saying it. A very short file so it can be then seen and used as an oscillator in rapture? I am using a mac so I still don't know what notepad is. I downloaded a free "notepad" item from the finale site. It seems to be just a music notation tool that then plays back what you sribed into the staf.I am also trying to find a soundfont item for mac that will allow me to create the sfz file type.I use AU so VST won't work.I am totally lost here so I am very much grateful for anyones help and advice. JON

And you can set the loop point directly from notepad within the sfz file itself. It's looping in the blind but I've done that. Why? I have soundforge and loop ok using that but I just wanted to see what SFZ would do in the blind. Not bad.