A sampler is a tool or device used to collect a representative portion of a larger quantity of material. In various fields, such as statistics and environmental science, samplers help researchers gather data without needing to analyze the entire population or sample. This method ensures that the results are more manageable and can provide insights into the overall characteristics of the larger group. In the context of music, a sampler is an electronic instrument that records and plays back sounds. Musicians use samplers to manipulate audio clips, creating new compositions by layering and altering samples from different sources. This technology has become essential in genres like hip-hop and electronic music, allowing artists to experiment with diverse sounds and styles.