Connect an XLR cable to your mic. Connect the other end of the cable to the "Input" jack on your audio interface. The audio interface converts audio to data so your digital-audio workstation can save the sound.
Connect a MIDI controller to your computer with a USB cable.
Open your preferred digital-audio workstation; for example, Logic or Pro Tools.
Open an audio channel. Although this recording will be used for MIDI, the input type must be audio. The specific method for opening an audio channel varies according to which workstation you use. Typically you open a new audio channel from the "File" menu or by clicking a tab with a "plus" sign.
Name the audio channel; for example, "Bell Sample 1."
Audition the microphone. Sing into it as loud as possible and monitor the volume units meter on the digital-audio workstation. If the red light flashes, this means the microphone signal is too high. Reduce the strength of the signal by turning down the "Gain" dial on the front of the audio interface.
Record the sample. Point the microphone at the sound source and hit "Record" on the workstation.
Click "File" and select "Export as WAV." This renders the file as a lossless, uncompressed file. Select an easy-to-retrieve save destination.
Open a MIDI track. Click "Instruments" or "Sounds" and scroll through until you find the sample you just recorded.
Hit a note on your MIDI controller. This sends a data command to your digital-audio workstation to play back the audio clip. The pitch of the key you select typically determines the playback speed and pitch of the recorded sample.
Point your sampler toward the sound source; for example, a car engine or door.
Hit "Record" and capture a clip of the sound. Hit "Play" to listen back to the sound. If it is weak or there is interference, record another sample.
Hit "Save" and name the sample when prompted. This stores the sample on a memory card that you can use to transfer the audio sample to a MIDI keyboard.