Summary

Samplab is a polyphonic AI audio editor that enables precise note-level editing inside polyphonic samples, along with audio-to-MIDI conversion, chord detection, stem separation, and integration as a VST3/AU plugin or standalone app for macOS and Windows.

Features

• Polyphonic note editing: move, split, retune individual notes within polyphonic audio with in-key audio rerendering.
• Audio-to-MIDI conversion: extract MIDI from samples to play through any synthesizer for re-voicing.
• Chord detection: automatic identification of chord progressions and key; allows retuning chords while maintaining musical context.
• Stem separation: isolates vocals, instruments, and drums within the plugin for layered editing.
• DAW integration: available as VST3 and AU plugins compatible with major DAWs (Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Cubase, Reaper, Pro Tools, etc.) and as a standalone desktop app.
• Cloud AI-based analysis: samples are uploaded for note detection, which requires an internet connection; editing after analysis can be offline.
• Free tier supports mono samples up to 10 seconds; Premium tier removes these limits and supports stereo editing.
• Additional Resynthesizer plugin (Complete plan) creates playable synth patches from samples but with mixed fidelity results.

Target Users

• Music producers and beatmakers who work with sample loops needing note-level corrections.
• Sound designers interested in re-voicing samples via MIDI routing.
• Composers and arrangers seeking fast audio-to-MIDI transcription for notation and arrangement.
• Music educators teaching harmony and arrangement using real audio examples and ear-training exercises.

Limitations and Considerations

• Analysis requires cloud connectivity, which may be a workflow or privacy concern for some users.
• Note detection accuracy is solid for typical sampled material but can struggle with very dense or heavily processed audio.
• Resynthesizer plugin offers creative sound design possibilities but does not guarantee faithful sample reconstruction.
• Vocal pitch fidelity is good but does not match industry-leading tools like Melodyne 5.

Comparison and Pricing

Samplab offers a free tier with note-level editing, distinguishing it from competitor Melodyne 5, which costs about $400. Premium plans start around $7.99/month for extended features. It competes mainly with Melodyne and Hit'n'Mix Infinity, with the trade-off of cloud-based processing versus local processing of rivals.