# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Designing Racks
- **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 01 Jul, 2026 at 04:00 pm
- **Event Description**: From Mbiras to birdsong: learn how to build your own expressive multisampled instruments in Ableton Live and discover new ways to create a truly unique sound.

Join us for the next Ableton User Group Johannesburg workshop, where we'll explore one of the most powerful creative tools inside Ableton Live: Sampler.

In this hands-on session, attendees will learn how to design and build their own original multisample Instrument Rack from the ground up. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops and download the included Ableton Live project, which contains a step-by-step lesson that guides you through creating a fully playable multisampled Mbira (Kalimba) instrument.

By the end of the workshop, you'll understand how to:

Record and organise samples for use in Ableton Sampler
Create expressive multisample instruments using note ranges and velocity layers
Trigger and perform your instruments via MIDI controllers or sequencing
Preserve the natural dynamics and character of acoustic instruments
Design entirely new and unique sounds through creative sample processing
Build reusable Instrument Racks for future music production projects

One of the most exciting aspects of multisampling is the ability to create instruments that are truly your own. Whether your goal is to faithfully recreate an acoustic instrument or transform it into something completely futuristic and other-worldly, the techniques covered in this workshop will open up new creative possibilities and expand your sonic palette.

The workshop will also explore the concept of ethical experimentation, using your own recordings, found sounds, and short instrumental samples as source material for original instrument design. This approach encourages producers to develop a unique sound while deepening their understanding of sampling and sound design.

Special Presentation: Santuri Safari

The session will be hosted by Ableton Certified Trainer Emile Hoogenhout (Behr), who will also showcase and discuss his acclaimed Santuri Safari instrument collection, which was featured on the Ableton website.

Santuri Safari was developed in collaboration with Santuri East Africa as part of an initiative to preserve and reimagine traditional East African instruments through music technology. During the project, Emile recorded and transformed a range of instruments into expressive Ableton Live Instrument Racks, creating a bridge between traditional musical heritage and contemporary electronic music production.

The collection includes sampled instruments such as:

Adungu – a nine-string arched harp from Uganda
Zeze – a traditional East African string instrument
Endere – a flute played by several East African cultures
Ohangla Drums – a rich percussion ensemble from Kenya

Emile will share insights into the recording process, multisampling techniques, and the creative decisions behind translating these instruments into expressive digital instruments while preserving their cultural identity and sonic character.

Additional Instrument Showcases

Throughout the workshop, Emile will also demonstrate a variety of custom sample-based instruments and Drum Racks he has created, including:

Chopped Jazz and Funk vinyl instruments inspired by classic MPC workflows
Drum Racks built entirely from an 8-bit Nintendo console
Percussion instruments created from recordings of his dog
Birdsong-based instruments and soundscapes
Other experimental and unconventional sample libraries

These examples will illustrate how multisampling can be applied far beyond traditional instruments and can become a powerful tool for developing a distinctive artistic voice.

Whether you're new to sampling or already creating your own sounds, this workshop will provide practical techniques, creative inspiration, and a deeper understanding of how to transform recordings into expressive musical instruments.

Bring your laptop, headphones, and curiosity. We look forward to creating instruments with you.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/johannesburg/designing-racks/200030262507445
- **Event Categories**: Workshops, Music, Art, Entertainment
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 15

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Johannesburg
- **state**: GT
- **country**: South Africa
- **location**: Goethe-Institut Johannesburg
- **lat**: -26.1543
- **long**: 28.03336
- **full address**: Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue - Parkwood,Johannesburg, South Africa

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Designing Racks
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events8/banners/603c2dab0eb833d1588334954c8f4bd526d59c5c490cba0be794bc9acfdcf216-rimg-w1200-h675-dce2c792-gmir?v=1782416491

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Designing Racks being held?
  - **A:** Designing Racks takes place on Wed, 01 Jul, 2026 at 04:00 pm to Wed, 01 Jul, 2026 at 04:00 pm at Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue - Parkwood,Johannesburg, South Africa.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Designing Racks?
  - **A:** Designing Racks is organized by Emile Behr.

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