What You'll Need
Before we dive in, make sure you have:
- A Fingersonic Keys device
- The Fingersonic app (available on iOS and Android)
- A phone or tablet with Bluetooth connectivity
The 7-Step Sampling Process
Step 1: Open the Fingersonic App
Launch the Fingersonic app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled and your Fingersonic Keys is powered on. Pair your device with the app — the LED indicator on Fingersonic Keys will turn solid blue once connected.
Step 2: Navigate to Sample DIY Mode
On the app's main screen, tap the Sample DIY button. This opens the custom sampling interface where you can record, manage, and upload your own sounds directly to Fingersonic Keys.
Step 3: Press Record
Tap the Record button to start capturing your sound. The app will begin listening through your device's microphone — give it a moment to detect input levels.
Step 4: Make Some Noise
Play your sound source. Whether it's a musical instrument, a vocal sample, a drum hit, or any audio you want to sample — Fingersonic Keys will capture it. Speak clearly, strum your guitar, tap a rhythm, or create whatever sound you want to play on your Keys. When you're done, tap Stop.
Step 5: Preview and Refine (Optional)
After recording, the app lets you preview your sample. If it sounds good, move on to the next step. If not, simply record again — no limits on takes.
Step 6: Switch to Sound Uploading Mode
Once you're happy with your recording, toggle the mode switch to Sound Uploading Mode. This prepares your sample for transfer to Fingersonic Keys' internal memory.
Step 7: Burn Sound Preset
Tap Burn Sound Preset to flash your custom sample directly into Fingersonic Keys. The progress indicator shows the transfer — it only takes a few seconds. When complete, your custom sound is ready to play on the Keys immediately.
Video Walkthrough
What Can You Sample?
The sampling capability opens up endless creative possibilities:
- Vocals & Vocal Chops — Record your voice and play it back as a melodic or rhythmic element on the Keys.
- Instrument Samples — Capture the unique sound of your guitar, piano, or any instrument for use on the go.
- Drum Hits & Percussion — Create custom one-shots for beat-making and live performance.
- Field Recordings — Turn everyday sounds into playable instruments — birdsong, traffic, water, anything.
- Sound Effects — Design unique textures and atmospheric layers for live sets or studio sessions.
Tips for Great Samples
- Keep it short — Samples of 1–3 seconds work best for finger-triggering on the Keys.
- Start and end cleanly — Avoid long fades or background noise at the edges of your recording.
- Match the key — If your sample has a defined pitch, it plays back most musical when the Keys' root note is set to match.
- Layer it — Burn multiple samples and switch between them during performance for dynamic, evolving sets.
Why This Matters
Most portable MIDI controllers come with fixed factory sounds. Fingersonic Keys breaks that constraint — with the sampling workflow, every musician can build a personal sound library that reflects their unique voice. It's not just a keyboard; it's an instrument that grows with you.
Need Help?
If you run into any issues during the sampling process, reach out to us at support@fingersonic.net or via WhatsApp at +86 18006780972. We're always happy to help you get the most out of your Fingersonic Keys.
What's Next?
Once you've mastered sampling, explore the Follow-Play mode in the Fingersonic app — it guides you through songs step-by-step using the Keys' LED indicators. Combine your custom sounds with the song library for a truly personal music experience.
Happy sampling, and welcome to the Fingersonic community! 🎹