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r/edmproduction•
Backr

File naming convention for sample pack?

So what's the 'correct' way to name files in a sample pack? Is it better to use underscores instead of spaces? What about case sensitivity? I've seen all kinds of naming conventions in commercial sample packs so I guess it doesn't matter that much with modern OSes, but I'd rather get it right from the start.

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Kick_Basic_01
KICK_BASIC_01

Kick Basic 01
KICK BASIC 01

What do you prefer? Do you also like having some kind of identifying name at the beginning of each file, like "KSHMR_Clap_Classic_05" for example?

Posted Jun 13, 2019, 2:49 PM UTC · edited

113
nathanlesliedonnelly•

Nobody cares. I've downloaded some terribly organized commercial packs. I'd say go with spaces. Underscores are usually just because the file has been uploaded to the internet and the URL path became part of the name.

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BackrOP•

I guess. The latest KSHMR pack has underscores instead of spaces though FWIW.

I've just read something about how spaces in filenames can cause problems in certain applications, but I might be wrong on that. And it probably doesn't matter for the regular user any way.

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nathanlesliedonnelly•

That’s the case when you’re building websites, or writing programs and referencing to files. All of my Native Instruments, Vengeance, etc. packs (and the packs I’ve built myself) use spaces. The only exceptions I’ve seen are files downloaded from Splice and Converse.

Truly though, no one cares as long as it’s easy to tell what’s what. I personally prefer spaces.

3
BackrOP•

Yeah cool, that's good to know. Appreciate the input.

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kirby_kolle•

I know this might seem a little unnecessary. But, for someone like me who likes to keep things organised, I’d say use underscores and at the very least include some basic info about the sample.

For example:

Let’s say it's a R3hab pack. R3hab - Future Bass Vol. 1

Drum One Shots

  • RFB_Kick_1 or RFB_Kick_1_F# (if you know the key)
  • Putting the pack name first (RFB) lets you know what pack it's from. This also prevents your DAW from confusing other samples when loading projects. Granted, I use Ableton, so maybe some other DAW’s can differentiate. But, if I have two or more files with the same name, in different sample pack folders but in the same main folder, they would still load from the same path and thus could cause you a headache and waste some time.
  • Second, the type of sample (obviously).
  • Third, the key if you know what it is. But, this isn’t crucial. I’d say it’s most helpful with kick drums, being that they share a relationship with the key of your bass line.
  • I do the same for all drums, including snares, claps, percs etc...

Drum Loops and/or Instrument Loops

  • RFB_Top_Loop_1_Gm_122_bpm or RFB_Synth_Arp_1_C_119_bpm
  • Again, the pack name helps organised things and makes searching on your HDD very simple.
  • Second, the type of sample.
  • Third, the key if you know what it is.
  • Forth, the bpm. This is very helpful when working with loops, or time-stretching/warping samples.

Summary

  • Pack Name, Sample Type, Key, and BPM.
  • And of course a number or letter for filing purposes.

That’s the most basic info that I feel helps a lot. There is nothing that aggravates me more than opening a sample pack only to find that it’s an abysmal mess. Especially, if it’s a pack that costs even a marginal amount of money. A little bit of professionalism goes a long way in my book.

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BackrOP•

Dude, this was just the type of answer I was looking for! Good stuff!

I stuck with names that look pretty much identical to yours. I'm still debating whether to use spaces or underscores but if KSHMR goes with the latter I might as well do it too lol.

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kirby_kolle•

At the end of the day, it probably doesn't make much of a difference. But, I personally prefer underscores.

I look at it as organizing data on my HDD. They allow me to file things in an orderly manner. Also, things feel consistent from pack to pack.

It's nice on Ableton too, because I can effortlessly search for whatever sample I need (i.e. kick, snare, drone etc...) and the DAW will neatly list all corresponding samples.

It never hurts to be organized.

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EddyHameeddyha.me/sp•

Great post!!!

Searching drives with samples labelled in this way will save you a hella lotta time down the line.

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kirby_kolle•

Yea, down the road it really makes a difference. Over time, samples can begin to pile up. So, the sooner you start organizing the less of a headache you will have later on.

One helpful thing I do is to go through a sample pack when I first get it, listening to each sample on it's own. If there is anything super out of my element, or a sound I know I would never use, I delete it. There's no sense having a pack of fifteen claps, when you really only like/use three or four of them. This speeds up my production process a ton. And I know each sample in my library of folders fits my style and sound. I will admit though, it's super annoying to do this. But, its either take the time now or deal with the bloat of unnecessary files later.

I forgot to mention, I also backup all my sample packs. So, if for whatever reason you feel you want those deleted files back, they are sitting on your external drive, safe and sound.

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EddyHameeddyha.me/sp•

Agree totally. I should do this too. That's one advantage of something like Splice - auditioning samples then only downloading what you actually want.

Same parallel can be drawn with DJing really - those DJs that always claimed to have 100,000 tracks on their disk; to me that's just an admission that they clearly haven't curated their music, either ripped off multiple libraries or have 99,800 tracks they've never played.

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fernGuillotine•

As long as you're consistent with whatever convention you go with, it shouldn't matter.

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BackrOP•

Yeah, good point.

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EddyHameeddyha.me/sp•

Underscores should prevent any weird mis-sorting occuring.

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