The Best Free Loops and Samples
Table of Contents
- What is Sampling?
- How do I find the best free samples, loops, and sample packs?
- The ultimate list of the best free sample packs, loops, samples and one shots
What they say
"All BRAND NEW, never heard before sounds designed from scratch by DECAP. Premium quality, groundbreaking as always."
What we say
DECAP is known for hard hitting drums that have dominated productions from hip hop and trap to pop. If that is what you are after for your productions, this free pack is definitely worth a download.
Originality
The sound sources are not particularly original. However, producer DECAP has carved a powerful niche in creating samples that deliver their promise: drums that knock.
Quality
DECAP is one of the top sample pack producers, and one of the biggest names in hip hop sample production. And deservedly so. These are mix ready, punchy sounds that need little else. If anything, samples are so powerful, they might need taming and shaping to fit into your mix.
Quantity
This is not a big pack, more of a taster pack. But it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. There is a good selection of sounds, covering 808s + Bass, Drum loops, Hihat loops, Hihats, Kicks, Melodic loops, Percussion loops, Risers, Shouts, Snares + Claps + Rimshots.
What they say
"Free sounds to help you on your way to your first beat."
What we say
Make sure this LANDR sample pack lands in your lap. It is a bit unwieldy to navigate with 147 packs but the quality and breadth of samples makes this a worthwhile endeavour.
Originality
LANDR provides a few taster collections across popular instruments and genres. Instruments includes drum loops, synths, vocals, guitar, and kicks. When it comes to genres, the free samples bias towards hip hop, electronic, and pop.
Quality
The quality is high across the samples. They are well recorded, balanced, and ready to use in productions.
Quantity
147 packs. Nearly 7,000 samples. Over 18 GB. For Free. Need I say more?
What they say
"Over 50 volumes of vintage, rare, and landmark drum machines that narrate the history of this modern instrument—from the inception of this invention to relevant contemporary devices—this collection covers any and all electronic rhythm needs and sonic character."
What we say
It's worth a download if you don't have a good range of drum machine samples, but certainly not a must have. While reviewers on Reverb rate the Complete Collection 4 stars, we give this library only 3 stars, because of the bad organisation, low peak levels, and lack of originality.
Originality
The usual suspects of drum machines are included. From the ubiquitous Roland TR 808 and 909, to the more esoteric Ace Tone and the outright obscure Conn Min-O-Matic.
Quality
The quality is good but drum machines are well served, so the bar to make a download worthwhile is high. There is nothing unusual, creative or outstanding in quality in our view.What is annoying, however, is that the samples are not well normalized. Most samples only peak at -15 dB, when I am used to 0 dB as standard.
Quantity
The size of decent with 1.4GB zipped. The format is not convenient, with the sample library zipped, and 52 individual drum machine sample packs all zipped individually.
What they say
"Gratis is our free sample library. It contains 500 samples from various libraries in our catalog. It's the perfect way to test drive our samples to know which library might provide what you're looking for."
What we say
Outstanding. That Sound is one of our favourite sample producers when it comes to clean, cutting, natural drum samples. We have been using the free library in our productions for years, and have bought extra samples from That Sound since.We didn't hesitate to award this free sample library 5 stars. They set the standard.
Originality
You won't find crazy sounds from That Sound. But you will find plenty of original sounds, all stemming from brilliantly recorded acoustic drums and percussion. The stomps and claps are outstanding, hard hitting and ready to mix. Offering dry and room samples from the same sound source gives plenty of options. Some snares and toms include "round robin" samples from the same source, or you will find kicks and snares recorded at different velocities for more dynamic play.
Quality
First class. For natural drum sounds that cut through the mix yet sound natural, That Sound are my go-to sample label. The Instagram feed of That Sound provides insight into the production process and producers behind the samples.
Quantity
500 samples is a generous amount of samples from That Sound, giving you plenty of options across drums sounds. The narrower focus on one shot drum samples, compared to other free sample packs, is an advantage in our view, as this specialism avoids the 500 samples being spread too thinly across too many instruments.
What is Sampling?
Definition of Sampling
Sampling is the process of using pre-recorded audio segments or sound bites, known as samples, in the creation of new music. These samples can be extracted from various sources such as music, movies, or field recordings and can be manipulated, edited, and combined to create entirely new compositions.
Types of samples
Loops
Loops are short, continuous segments of audio that can be repeated to create a rhythmic pattern or texture. They are commonly used for drum patterns, melodies, and harmonies in various music genres.
One-Shots
One-shots are single, isolated sound events or hits, such as a drum hit or a single note. They are usually triggered manually or by a sequencer and can be combined with other one-shots to create new patterns.
Instruments
Instrument samples are recordings of individual notes or a range of notes played by a specific instrument. They can be used in a software sampler to create a virtual instrument, enabling musicians to play these samples using a MIDI controller or a sequencer.
How do I use samples in music production?
Turntables
Turntables have long been used by DJs to manipulate and mix samples, especially in hip-hop and electronic music. By scratching, pitch-shifting, and crossfading, DJs can creatively incorporate samples into live performances.
Hardware Samplers
Hardware samplers allow users to load, manipulate, and trigger samples in various ways. Many hardware samplers have built-in sequencers, effects, and modulation options for further sound shaping.
Software Samplers
Software samplers and plugins or standalone application that allow users to load, manipulate, and trigger samples in various ways.
Samplers in DAW (Digital Audio Workstations)
FL Studio
FL Studio offers a variety of sampling tools, such as the Fruity Slicer for chopping loops and the Sampler Channel for triggering one-shots. The DirectWave Sampler plugin allows for more advanced sample manipulation and layering.
Ableton Live
Ableton Live features the Simpler and Sampler devices, which provide essential tools for working with samples. Simpler is a straightforward sample playback device, while Sampler offers more in-depth control over sample parameters, such as modulation and looping.
Logic Pro
Logic Pro's built-in sampler, the EXS24, is a powerful instrument for working with samples. It allows users to map samples across a keyboard, manipulate them with effects, and create complex, multi-layered instruments.
Pro Tools
Pro Tools includes the Structure Free sampler, which allows users to import and manipulate samples within the DAW. Additionally, users can work with third-party sampler plugins for more advanced sample editing and processing.
How do I find the best free samples, loops, and sample packs?
Scan your computer
Check your DAW and plugins for free samples
Search the internet and scour forums for free samples
Create your own samples
Use the musicmanta directory of free samples
The ultimate list of the best free sample packs, loops, samples and one shots
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Overview: The Best Loops and Samples