How to fix samples not playing in Logic Pro browser

Quick Guide

1. Download Switch Audio File Converter (make sure to get the version from the Mac App Store because there's no conversion limit)
2. Drag and drop the 32 bit drum kit folder you want to convert into Switch Audio File Converter
3. Select all the imported files by pressing ⌘ + A
4. Click “Encoder Options” and set “Channels” to “Match Source” and “Sample Size” to “24 bits Integer”
5. Set your desired destination folder with the “Browse” button
6. Check the box “Copy source folder structure”
7. Click “Convert”
8. You will be asked what folder you want to mirror your export from. Click “Browse” and select your original folder that you’re converting. This will ensure that all of your sounds are organized in their originally intended folders.
9. Click “OK” and you’re done. Your files will now playback within the Logic Pro sample browser!

Why won't Logic Pro play samples in the browser?

The browser in Logic Pro only plays audio files that are 24 bit .wav format. Other DAWs like FL Studio have the capability to playback audio files that are 32 bit, if you've ever downloaded drum kits that were exported in FL Studio, chances are they're 32 bit format.

The good news? Logic will automatically convert these files to 24 bit for you when you drag them into the arrange window, and make a duplicate of them in the exact folder.

But that means clicking and dragging every single audio file from your drum kits into the arrange window, only to have 2 duplicates (1 x 24 bit, 1 x 32 bit) in the folder, meaning that when you scroll through them, you're going to need to press the down or up arrow twice in order to get to the next sample.

Not ideal.

Here's the better news.

I'm going to show you how to mass-batch convert your 32 bit samples into 24 bit so you can use the Logic Pro browser as it was intended, and it's only going to take about 5 minutes of your time.

Create a folder for your new 24 bit samples

Create a new folder to export the converted files to, I made one on my desktop so it's easy to access and named it "24 bit Kits".

Download ‘Switch Sound File Converter’

Download the free app, Switch Sound File Converter from the Mac App Store. Make sure to download the version from the Mac App Store because there's no conversion limit, the one from the website has a 50 file conversion limit.

How to use Switch Sound File Converter

Import the files you want to convert

Drag and drop your parent 32 bit samples folder that holds your 32 bit samples into Switch Audio File Converter. You can also use the "Add Folder" option in the top left corner and use the browser to find your folder.

I'm going to use a Rio Leyva drum kit that I got from Wavsupply. Since most Internet Money members use FL Studio, when they export files into drum kits they're almost always in 32 bit format. I've changed the name to be "32-bit Drum Kit".

Set desired parameters

1. Encoder Options - Click the button "Encoder Options" and change your options to match the following:

Channels = Match Source - this will ensure the exported files will match the original files whether they're in mono or stereo

Sample Size = 24 bits Integer - the audio file conversion that will allow the files to be playback within the Logic Pro sample browser

2. Destination Folder - Click the button "Browse" to set your destination folder. I will select the folder I created at the beginning of the post, "24 bit Kits"

3. Check the box labelled “Copy source folder structure” - This will match the folder structure of your exported samples with the original folder. 808s will be an 808s folder, snares will be in a snares folder, etc.

Convert your files

Now that the parameters our desired parameters are set, let's convert our files. Click the convert button.

After clicking convert, you will be asked which folder you want to mirror your export from. Click “Browse” and select the original folder that you’re converting. This will ensure that all of your sounds are organized in their originally intended folders. I will select the folder "32-bit Drum Kit" that I originally dragged in.

Click “OK” and Switch will start converting your 32 bit wav samples to 24 bit!

Move 24 bit files Drum Kits or Samples folder

If you have a ‘Drum Kits’ or ‘Samples’ folder that you normally house your samples in, you can move your newly converted 24 bit samples folder into it so you can browse samples and hear them playback within the browser in Logic Pro.

Tip: I like to keep both the 32-bit and 24-bit samples in case something messes up during the conversion. I’ve never had any issue with Switch conversions but it’s always good to have a backup.

Now your files will play inside the Logic Pro sample browser. Enjoy the sound selection process as it was meant to be!

Watch the step by step video explanation