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Sample Naming Convention

A practical naming system I use to keep large sample libraries searchable, readable, and consistent.

Overview

This naming system draws inspiration from UCS, combined with my earlier workflow ideas and design principles. It’s not meant to be a universal standard — just a practical structure I use to keep large sample libraries searchable, consistent, and readable.

You’re welcome to adapt it for your own needs.
If you have suggestions or ideas for improving it, feel free to reach out: https://spektralisk.com/contact/

Filename Format

ARTIST_PACK_CATEGORY[Loop][BPM][KEY][TS]_UniqueName.extension

Components

ARTIST
Short artist code.
Example: SPEK

PACK
Short code for the sample pack.
Example: PYR

CATEGORY (required)
Primary type of the sample, max 4 characters.
Available codes include:
DRUM, IMP, PULS, LOOP, BASS, SYN, SIG, ATMO, KEY, ORCH, RISE, FX

_Loop (optional)
Added immediately after CATEGORY for loopable material.

[BPM] (optional)
Only for looped material. Format: 120BPM

[KEY] (optional)
Musical key, e.g. G#, Fmin.

[TS] (optional)
Time signature when not in 4/4.
Format: TS6-8, TS3-4

UniqueName (required)
A descriptive human-readable name.
Example: Downward Helix

Examples

  1. Looped, non-4/4 example
    SPEK_PYR_DRUM_Loop_120BPM_G_TS6-8_Downward Helix.wav

  2. Standard 4/4 loop
    SPEK_PYR_BASS_Loop_120BPM_G_Heavy Groove.wav

  3. Atonal, non-loop one-shot
    SPEK_PYR_FX_Reverb Blast.wav

Guidelines

CATEGORY and UniqueName are always required.

Optional elements should only be included when relevant:

  • _Loop → only for loops
  • BPM → only for loop material
  • KEY → only for pitched/tonal sounds
  • TS → only for non-4/4 material

Formatting rules:

  • Use underscores to separate metadata blocks.
  • UniqueName may contain spaces.
  • Keep codes short and consistent.

Why This System Works

  • Fast filtering in DAWs, samplers, Finder
  • Predictable sorting
  • Machine-readable for future automation
  • Human-readable due to descriptive names
  • Clear, scalable, and consistent

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