Disting EX and NT multisamples in SampleStack: how to build one

Q: Which Disting modules can play multisamples from SampleStack?

The Expert Sleepers Disting EX and the Disting NT. Both are Eurorack modules that load sampled instruments from a microSD card, and SampleStack can build the card layout each one expects. The export is the way to take an instrument you built on the computer and play it from a modular rack with CV and gates.

Q: How do the Disting EX and NT organize samples?

They organize things differently. The Disting EX maps samples using a playlist.txt file that assigns root notes and velocity ranges, while the Disting NT reads from a /samples/ folder with its own poly-multisample algorithm. SampleStack writes the correct structure for whichever module you're targeting.

Q: Why doesn't the amp envelope export to the Disting?

The Disting provides its own envelopes on the module, so the export doesn't carry an ADSR from the app. You shape the envelope on the hardware instead. This is normal for a hardware target, where the module's own controls take over once the samples are loaded.

Q: Can I play a Disting multisample with CV and gates?

Yes, that's the point of exporting to hardware. Once the instrument is on the card and loaded, you play it from the rack: pitch from a sequencer or keyboard via CV, notes triggered by gates, alongside the rest of your modules.

Q: What kind of samples work best?

As with any multisample instrument, pitched material with a clear fundamental maps best, and more sample points across the range sound more natural. Since the module handles envelopes and tuning, focus on clean, well-recorded source samples across the pitch range you need.

SampleStack can turn a folder of samples into a playable instrument and export it to hardware: the Expert Sleepers Disting EX and Disting NT. These Eurorack modules load sampled instruments from a microSD card, so this is the way to take an instrument you built on the computer and play it from your rack.

This guide covers what the Disting export gives you, how to build one in SampleStack, and what the modules handle themselves. A plain-language FAQ follows at the end.

Your instrument, on a module

Every other format SampleStack exports targets software: a plugin, a DAW, a free player. The Disting export is the one that goes to hardware. Instead of a file you load on a computer, you get a microSD card layout that a Disting EX or NT reads directly, so your sampled instrument plays from the rack with CV and gates like any other module.

Because it runs on embedded hardware rather than a desktop CPU, the Disting is more constrained than the software formats. It handles fewer things from the export and takes over more of the sound itself, which is exactly what you’d expect from a module: once the samples are loaded, the Disting’s own controls shape the rest.

The EX and the NT organize things differently

SampleStack writes the correct layout for whichever module you target:

Disting EX maps samples with a playlist.txt file that assigns root notes and velocity ranges.
Disting NT reads from a /samples/ folder using its own poly-multisample algorithm.

You pick the target and SampleStack builds the matching structure on the card, so you don’t have to assemble the playlist or folder layout by hand.

How to create a Disting multisample in SampleStack

The multisample workflow is the same up to the export step. Multisample support shipped in SampleStack 1.2, so it’s in the current release.

Create a new instrument in the sidebar and drop in your samples, usually pitched one-shots with a clear fundamental.
Let SampleStack map them. It detects each sample’s pitch and assigns a zone across the keyboard. More samples across the range means a more even instrument.
Stack velocity layers for notes recorded at multiple strengths.
Tune the zones and confirm root notes.
Preview over MIDI, the computer keyboard, or the mouse to check the mapping. (The module will handle the envelope once it’s loaded, so previewing here is about the zones and tuning.)
Export to the Disting EX or NT. SampleStack writes the module’s card layout, the playlist.txt for the EX or the /samples/ folder for the NT, with your zones, velocities, and root notes.
Copy to the microSD card and load it on the module.

From there you play it from the rack.

What the Disting export preserves

SampleStack’s built-in export matrix shows what each format keeps. The Disting is a hardware target, so it carries the mapping and leaves the rest to the module:

Key zones, velocity layers, and root notes carry over.
Stereo samples are supported.
Fine tuning is auto-mapped by the module rather than written into the export.
The amp envelope, envelope curve shapes, loop points, and output gain are handled by the module itself, so they aren’t part of the export. You shape those on the hardware.

This is the expected shape for a hardware export: SampleStack gets the right samples mapped to the right notes and velocities onto the card, and the Disting takes over from there.

Helpful tips

Pick the right target. The EX and NT use different layouts, so export for the specific module you’ll load it on.
Focus on clean source samples. Since the module handles envelopes and tuning, the quality of the export comes down to well-recorded, clearly-pitched samples across the range you need.
Sample enough of the range. More points across the keyboard means less stretching per zone and a more natural instrument, which matters as much on hardware as in software.
Shape the sound on the module. Envelopes, level, and other shaping happen on the Disting after loading, so plan to dial those in on the hardware.

FAQ

Which Disting modules can play multisamples from SampleStack? The Disting EX and the Disting NT. Both load sampled instruments from a microSD card, and SampleStack builds the card layout each one expects.

How do the Disting EX and NT organize samples? The EX maps samples with a playlist.txt that assigns root notes and velocity ranges; the NT reads a /samples/ folder with its own poly-multisample algorithm. SampleStack writes the right structure for either.

What carries over to the Disting? Key zones, velocity layers, and root notes carry over, and stereo is supported. Fine tuning is auto-mapped by the module, and envelopes, curves, loops, and gain are handled on the hardware rather than exported.

Why doesn’t the amp envelope export to the Disting? The module provides its own envelopes, so you shape the envelope on the hardware. That’s normal for a hardware target.

Can I play a Disting multisample with CV and gates? Yes. Once it’s on the card and loaded, you play it from the rack: pitch via CV, notes via gates, alongside your other modules.

What kind of samples work best? Pitched material with a clear fundamental, with more sample points across the range for a natural sound. Since the module handles envelopes and tuning, focus on clean source samples.