Since we are reviving this thread, some handy tips (posting from lunchtime at work, so no pics):
When editing/processing 8-bit samples in the sample editor:
1) Convert the sample directly to 16-bit format via the instrument type window.
2) Switch to mix mode, if not already using it, so that you can replay the sample whilst it is 16-bits.
3) Remove any DC bias via the DC offset adjust tool and tell it to calculate the bias for you.
4) If the sample was originally a fairly low sample rate to start off with, use the octave down shift to change the sample rate. Each time you do this, you double the rate. If you want to preserve the aliased sound, do it without any smoothing enabled.
You now have a 16-bit representation of your original sample at a higher rate. Any effects processing you do on it, such as filtering, fading or brightening will be performed at much greater precision. Once you are done, save the 16-bit version off somewhere, in case you need it again.
5) Use the octave up shift to convert the sound back to the original rate (if you wish to do so, you might be happy at the rate it is).
6) Convert back to 8-bit (unless you want to keep it 16-bit and use mix mode).
In my experience this always produces significantly better results than editing sounds in 8-bit mode.
Synthsounds as samples:
The synthsound editor works in mix mode. So, you can create some very complex arrangement of synthsound layering over several channels to produce a fat, rich sound. You might choose to construct a block playing the same sound over a few octaves.
Now, switch to mix mode (if not already) and choose Disk 16-bit. You now have that sound as a 16-bit sample for using without the associated CPU load later.
Great tips Karlos!
Just thought I would quote them and give thanks to bump the tips back to the top of the thread and front page. This kind of stuff is very helpful to people like me that have little to no experience with editing samples, or original works.
