Whats the difference between a sampler and a synthesizer?
The line between the two technologies has become blurred in recent years. In a literal sense, a synthesizer is an instrument that generates all of its sonic raw material electronically, by means of a series of oscillators, amplifiers and filters, whereas the term sampler refers to a device that digitally records real sounds (e.g., piano, violin, bass guitar, snare drum) and plays them back at different pitches. However, many modern electronic keyboard instruments now use these digital recordings (or samples), rather than the cold, synthetic tones of an oscillator, as the source material from which lusher, more complex sounds are fashioned.
