Export Formats¶
Sampling Assistant writes three sampler formats. You can produce any combination in a single
export; they share one copied Samples/ folder. For the step-by-step, see
Exporting Your Instrument.
At a glance¶
| Format | Output file | Sample paths | For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SFZ | .sfz |
Relative | sforzando, ARIA, and other SFZ players |
| Kontakt (KSP) | .ksp |
Absolute | Native Instruments Kontakt |
| Decent Sampler | .dspreset |
Relative | Decent Sampler |
Each output file is named after your instrument (for example MyInstrument.sfz). In the
Export Instrument dialog the formats appear as checkboxes:
| Checkbox | Output |
|---|---|
| SFZ Format (Kontakt, sforzando, ARIA) | .sfz |
| Kontakt Script (KSP) | .ksp |
| Decent Sampler (.dspreset) | .dspreset |
What each writer produces¶
SFZ — a text .sfz with a global block (ampeg_release=0.5, loop_mode=no_loop) and one
region per sample. Regions are grouped by round robin using seq_position / seq_length, and
each region sets sample, key, lovel, and hivel. Sample paths are relative.
Decent Sampler — an XML .dspreset with a <groups> container. Each round robin is a
<group seqMode="round_robin" …>, and each <sample> carries loNote, hiNote, rootNote,
loVel, and hiVel. Sample paths are relative.
Kontakt (KSP) — a .ksp script that builds one zone per sample (total zones = notes ×
velocities × round robins), setting key range, velocity range, and round-robin group per zone.
Sample paths are absolute.
Sample copying¶
On export, Sampling Assistant:
- Copies every sample into a
Samples/subfolder next to the instrument file(s), so the export is self-contained. - Bakes in your edits — each trim and reverse is applied to the copy; your original recordings are untouched.
- Checks disk space first — if there isn't room for the copies, it warns you before starting rather than failing partway.
Exported audio is written as 24-bit WAV.
Path behavior¶
The difference matters if you move the folder after exporting:
| Format | If you move the folder |
|---|---|
| SFZ | Fine — keep the .sfz and its Samples/ folder together and move them anywhere. |
| Decent Sampler | Fine — move the .dspreset and Samples/ folder together. |
| Kontakt (KSP) | Paths are absolute. Kontakt won't find the samples until you re-point them or re-export. |
Moving a Kontakt export
Because KSP uses absolute paths, decide where the instrument will live before you export, or be ready to re-export after moving it.
See also File & Session Formats for the exported folder layout and .wav
naming.