Sample Slots
The Sample Slots tabs (Flex and Static) allow you to browse and manage the 256 samples assigned to your project. This is a powerful view for finding specific sounds and understanding how your project's memory is organized.
Static vs. Flex Slots
The Octatrack manages memory in two distinct ways:
- Static Slots (128): Samples are streamed directly from the CF card. Use these for long recordings, backing tracks, or large sample libraries.
- Flex Slots (128): Samples are loaded into the Octatrack's RAM. Use these for real-time manipulation, slicing, and intensive sound design.
Exploring the Table
Every row in the table represents a slot (S1–S128 or F1–F128). The table provides several pieces of information:
| Column | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Slot | The slot number (prefixed with S or F). |
| Name | The filename of the sample. Empty slots are clearly labeled. |
| Path | The full directory path within your AUDIO/ folder. |
| Gain | The gain setting for that sample slot. |
| Loop | Shows whether the sample is set to loop (Off, Normal). |
| Timestretch | Shows the timestretch mode (Off, Normal, Beat). |
| BPM | The detected or set BPM for the sample. |
Managing Your Slots
Filtering and Sorting
The table includes a powerful toolbar to help you find what you need:
- Search: Type a name to filter the list instantly.
- Hide Empty: Toggle the switch to focus only on slots that have a sample assigned.
- Sort: Click on any column header to sort the slots by name, path, or gain.
Column Preferences
You can customize which columns are visible. Right-click any column header to toggle visibility. These preferences are remembered across sessions.
Using Slot Data in Tools
The data from your sample slots can be used in several cross-project operations.
- Copy Sample Slots: Use the Tools Overview to copy your slot assignments (and even the audio files themselves) from one project to another.
- Move to Pool: If you are working on a project that has samples scattered in its project folder, the Move to Pool tool can gather them all into your Set's
AUDIO/folder automatically.
Technical Details
BPM Calculation
The Octatrack stores BPM information in a specific format. Octatrack Manager decodes this automatically and displays it as a standard BPM value.
Sample Paths
The app handles both relative and absolute paths within your Set. If a sample is missing from your AUDIO/ folder, the name will appear, but you may see a warning indicator.