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How It Works

When a sample is analysed, Sample Vault gives it a signature based on what it actually sounds like — not its filename, size, or tags. Samples whose signatures match are grouped into a duplicate cluster. Because the signature describes the audio itself, it catches copies a filename or file-size check never could:
  • The same sound saved as WAV, AIFF, or FLAC
  • Exported at 16- or 24-bit, or at 44.1 or 48 kHz
  • Normalised or otherwise gain-adjusted
  • Re-saved with different metadata or a different filename
One copy of each cluster — the kept copy — is the one that surfaces when you search, filter, or look for similar sounds. The rest stay out of those results. Hidden copies are never deleted; your files on disk are left exactly as they are. Browsing by folder is the exception: a folder always lists everything that’s actually in it, with hidden copies marked as duplicates. That way a folder’s contents match its file count, and you can see at a glance which folders are redundant before deciding what to do about them.
Duplicate detection works on samples that have been analysed. Older samples join in as their directories are re-scanned.

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Which Copy Is Kept

Sample Vault picks the best copy of each cluster to keep visible. A copy you’ve favorited or added to a collection always wins — Sample Vault never hides something you’ve deliberately organised. Otherwise it prefers the higher-quality file: lossless over lossy, higher bit depth and sample rate, real metadata over “Unknown”, and a tidier file path.

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Settings › Duplicates

The Settings → Duplicates tab shows what’s been collapsed and puts you in control:
  • Collapse duplicates — the master switch. Turn it off to see every copy in search and filter results as well.
  • Match strictness — how alike two samples must be to count as duplicates:
    • Exact — the same decoded audio (the default).
    • Same sound — also catches lossy re-encodes and tiny edits.
    • Near-identical / Looser — progressively fuzzier. The loosest setting can group sounds that are merely very similar, so review the results before relying on it.
  • Scan now — re-check the library on demand. A scan also runs automatically after every directory scan.
  • Review — browse every duplicate group, flip individual copies between kept and hidden, and collapse groups as you clear them.
  • Move to Trash — reclaim disk space by sending the hidden copies to your system Trash. They stay recoverable there until you empty it; the kept copy is never touched. You can watch it run and stop it partway, and anything your system refuses to move keeps its place in the library so you can see what was left behind.
Looking for samples that are similar rather than identical? That’s what Similar Samples is for — duplicate detection is about copies of the same sound.