Review: Samplebase Satellite Pro
May 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Jason Blum
LOW-PRICE, CONTENT-ON-DEMAND INSTRUMENT OCCUPIES ITS OWN ORBIT IN THE SAMPLER SPACE
CPU CRUNCH
While switching multis in a large construction kit — if those multis contained WAV loops that needed time-stretch/pitch-correction analysis — Satellite would pause for five or six seconds to perform a one-time analysis algorithm on the multi before pulling up the new bank. Similarly, with the load times mentioned earlier, I'd like to see Satellite offer some sort of reassuring message or progress bar indicating what is happening.
Satellite also seems to use an unusually large amount of processor power. A single instance of Satellite playing back a single note from Patchen's Vintage Analog Leads SoundBlock consumed anywhere from 14 to 20 percent of my 2.8 GHz dual-core processor PC, and stacking additional notes bumped that up an extra one or two percent each. That behavior was relatively consistent across SoundBlocks, and as a result, complex arrangements with multiple instances of Satellite can chew through CPU power rapidly.
NUTS 'N' BOLTS
Satellite is structured much like any other sampler, offering multis that can contain as many as 16 separate patches, each of which is controlled individually using Satellite's large mixer panel. All 16 channels have a volume fader and two effects sends, and can be routed to individual sound outputs or effects buses, offering the potential for additional processing through the host sequencer.
Each patch within a multi goes through a standard battery of subtractive synthesis tools — pitch, filter and amplitude sections all feature five-stage envelopes, velocity sensitivity and individual LFOs for hands-off modulation. I was glad to see that each section featured an LFO, but I would prefer seeing a bit more modular approach, where more than one LFO could be assigned to a single destination. Still, each LFO does provide tempo sync and five different waveforms, so while advanced sound design is probably outside Satellite's scope, it certainly covers basic modulation well.
Satellite's well-appointed filter section boasts 10 different filter types including highpass, lowpass, bandpass and band-reject filters in 12- and 24-pole flavors. The filters do sound decent, if a bit brittle at high resonance, but I did notice one big problem: Turning the cutoff knob during playback causes a stepping sound as the filter moves from zero to 100. It was particularly evident during fast filter sweeps on a sustained lead sound with high resonance, where movement throughout the knob's range produced a rough, edgy stepped effect rather than a smooth, constant sweep. Such behavior can be expected when working with MIDI control messages, but I was expecting Satellite to have better internal resolution. Hower, Samplebase assured Remix that it is aware of the problem and is working to fix it hopefully with the next software update. (It is also working on RTAS support for that update.)
Effects in Satellite are standard issue. Eighteen separate processors are provided, and they cover all the bases from delay and reverb to compression and chorus. I didn't really reach for Satellite's onboard effects to sweeten up the sound, but Samplebase's sound designers put them to good use in every SoundBlock. The ability to route each patch in a multi to two inserts and two effects sends also bumps Satellite up on the flexibility scale, and further routing to separate soundcard outputs opens up the possibility for external processing.
FLOATING IN SPACE
Satellite is a great tool for budget sampling, and the Pro version contains enough power to keep somebody looking for a simple and straightforward sampler satisfied for quite some time. All of the SoundBlocks sound great, more are added on a regular basis and they're reasonably priced. While Satellite Pro isn't as modular or as flexible as more advanced (and expensive) samplers, on a price-to-performance scale it's a good buy.
Satellite Pro really wasn't intended to compete against those big boys. It's a way for Samplebase to deliver delicious morsels of audio goodness to your doorstep without the hassle of importing sample CDs or setting up patches. In today's data-clogged world of sample libraries spanning multiple DVDs and dozens of gigabytes, there's something refreshing about swinging by Samplebase.com and picking up a couple of inexpensive but inspiring SoundBlocks. It's simple, straightforward and keeps the focus where it needs to be — on making music.
SAMPLEBASE SATELLITE PRO > $149 (OR FREE FOR SATELLITE)
Pros: Great price. Outstanding selection of sounds. Convenient Internet delivery for new sound banks. Good synthesis and effects tools. Fully automatable with assignable knobs.
Cons: No option for direct-from-disk streaming. Slow load times. Low knob resolution.
Contact: www.samplebase.com
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Mac: G4, G5 or Intel/800 MHz; 1 GB RAM; OS X; VST or Audio Units host for plug-in use
PC: 1 GHz; 1 GB RAM; Windows 98/ME/2000/XP; ASIO-ready soundcard; VST host for plug-in use
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