A software sampler is a piece of software which allows a computer to emulate the functionality of a sampler.
In the same way that a sampler has much in common with a synthesizer, software samplers are in many ways similar to software synthesizers and there is great deal of overlap between the two, but whereas a software synthesizer generates sounds algorithmically from mathematically-described tones or short-term waveforms (i.e., less than 100 ms in length), a software sampler always reproduces samples, often much longer than a second, as the first step of its algorithm.
In the 1990s and 2000s the increases in computer power and memory capacity have made it possible to develop software applications that provide the same capabilities as hardware-based units. These are typically produced as plug-in instruments—-for example, using the VST system. Some such samplers provide simple sample playback facilities, requiring the user to turn to other software for such tasks as sample editing, sample recording, and DSP effects, while others provide features beyond those offered by rack-mounted units.
Also the 1980s saw the invention of tracker sequencers on home computers. The original trackers were able to perform 4-channel resampling in realtime using Amiga's Paula Chip. Since the early 1990s trackers performed multi-track resampling in realtime as pure software solution on PCs. This was possible with the usage of highly optimized assembly code, an early example is the InertiaPlayer released in 1993. An example of a recent PC tracker with good sampler capabilities is Renoise.
Ableton Sampler
DirectWave by Image-Line.
DropZone by Cakewalk
Emulator X by E-mu.
EVE 2, TDP and Knagalis
FL Studio, formerly FruityLoops, by Image-Line Software.
GarageBand by Apple Inc..
Garritan
HALion by Steinberg.
HighLife by discoDSP.
Independence by Yellow Tools.
Intakt by Native Instruments.
iRomplerMap, freeware.
Kontakt by Native Instruments.
Kompakt by Native Instruments, now discontinued.
KueIt Pro by Mixcity Inc., trigger audio by hitting keyboard keys on a computer or by using a MIDI device
LinuxSampler, an open source sampler for Linux, Windows and OS X.
MachFive by Mark of the Unicorn.
Miraton, freeware for Mac OS X.
Morgana, a software emulation of a classic 8-bit sampler created by 112dB.
MusicSampler, an open source software similar to Soundplant that lets you map music actions and transitions to computer keyboard keys.
Omnisphere by Spectrasonics, a sample-based software synthesizer.
Orion Studio built-in sampler by Synapse Audio Software
Phatmatik Pro
Petri-foo open source sampler, forked from Specimen.
Poise Percussion Sampler by One Small Clue.
qwertyGO Trigger sounds, samples and songs with your computer-keyboard or midi-device.
Renoise integral internal sampler
RMSampler by Realtime Music Solutions, integrated as part of the Sinfonia orchestral enhancement system.
Samplecell by Digidesign, a hybrid system that relied on a dedicated card (originally NuBus, then PCI), along with software.
Shortcircuit by Vember Audio
Soundplant – lets users trigger sound files of any length and type with computer keyboard keys
Specimen open source midi-controllable sampler for Linux.
TASCAM GigaStudio, originally NemeSys GigaSampler.
Trilian by Spectrasonics, a sample-based software bass synthesizer.
TX16Wx by CWITEC
UVI Workstation
VSampler by Speedsoft.
Wusik Station
Sampler as an integral part of every sample-based music tracker
