PREFACE This project started as a quest to find a book on sampling. When I couldn't find any comprehensive texts on the creation of sampled instruments, I began to formulate the outline for this book. One of the most exciting parts about this project has been developing a presentation that takes advantage of really great technology. Besides the text and illustrations included here, we've prepared a thorough web resource. It includes video tutorials, audio examples, and current product descriptions/comparisons. We debated about whether to use a CD-ROM, but in the end the website seemed like a better long-term offering. The goal of the website is to give you the most value possible. Instead of including media content that would be outdated in a matter of months, we are offering the content in a continuously updatable format. In the text you will find graphic indicators that point toward content on the