The steps below provide a basic set of instructions for sampling a sound with the S-50. Information on how to loop a sample, and other sample editing processes can be found in the S-50 Owner's Manual beginning on page 50.

1. Connect the output of your sound source to the Input Jack on the back of the S-50.
2. Set the GAIN knob on the back of the S-50 to MIC or LINE (depending on the source signal).
3. Press REC MODE followed by -PAGE (if necessary) to access the Record SEL page.
4. Use the ALPHA DIAL to select an empty Tone location.
5. Press +PAGE to display the SET page.
6. Use the CURSOR buttons and ALPHA DIAL to select a Wave Bank (A or B), sampling Frequency (15kz or 30kz), and the length of Time (0.4 - 3.6) for the sample to be recorded. Your choices should be based on the length of the sound to be sampled, the quality of sound required, and the amount of sampling time available (indicated at the bottom of the display).
7. Play the sound source while watching the level meter in the display. Adjust the REC LEVEL SLIDER on the left side of the keyboard as high as possible without causing the display to indicate "OVER."
8. Use the ALPHA DIAL to move the Threshold marker in the display just above the level of any noise or ambiance that may be present in the input signal.
9. Press SHIFT to open the Command window. Wait for the display to indicate "READY" and press ENTER to start recording. The display should now indicate "WAITING TRIG."
10. Play or start the sound to be sampled. The display will indicate "START" when the input level exceeds the threshold level. The S-50 will record the input signal from that moment for the length of time you specified and "Working" will be displayed.
11. When the S-50 is finished sampling, play middle "C" on the keyboard to hear your sample.