Add Samples

Each software instrument is composed of audio samples. You can import many common audio formats, including AIFF, WAVE, and MP3 and add them to your software instruments.

To add samples to an instrument, click Add Sample. This function imports the audio files of your choice, preparing them for use in software instruments. It also adds the files to the PolyPhontics GB Library. The PolyPhontics Library is a collection of the samples that you import. The files in it have been specially prepared for use in Software Instruments. You can reuse samples from the Library in other Software Instruments.

Import Samples

You can import samples directly into the Library. This function does not add the samples to the current document, although you can add them to a document later by dragging them from the Library to the Samples list in the Instrument Editor. To import, click the + icon at the top of the LIbrary drawer.

Edit Samples

You can edit any sample in the Instrument Editor by double-clicking it or by selecting it and clicking the Edit Sample button. When editing a sample, the PolyPhontics GB displays Sample Editor in the titlebar.


The Sample Editor gives you several controls for shaping your final sound. You can alter these settings and hear the results in realtime.

Feature NameFunction
Keyboard: ModeSelection Mode permits you to select a range on the graphical keyboard by clicking and dragging on the keyboard. Preview mode causes the keyboard to play the sample.
Keyboard: Low, Base, HighThese three sliders give you the chance to set where on the keyboard this particular sample will play. The base key indicates where the sample will play back at its original speed.
Output: Pan and ReverbPan adjusts the left and right volumes in a stereo field for the sample. The Reverb setting adds a built-in reverb sound to the sample. (You can also choose to add reverb later in GarageBand, if you prefer.)
Volume EnvelopeThe Volume Envelope dictates how a sample plays back with regards to volume. It lets you fade sounds in or out, make them play staccato or very quietly.
LoopThe Loop section of the Sample Editor gives you tools to make the sample loop repeatedly during playback. You can enable or disable the looping function as well as set the loop points here.

When you have finished editing a sample, return to the Instrument Editor by clicking OK. Click Default Values to reset the sample parameters to their default states.

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