It’s common to believe that you have to carefully look through old recordings and listen for that ideal audio moment in order to get decent samples. Some might argue that the issue of, for instance, obtaining that ideal EDM kick tone or memorable vocal hook can only be resolved by ostentatious, pricey sample packs.
Naturally, they’re not totally inaccurate, but keep in mind that there are a ton of free sample libraries available. When combined, these free sample websites can assist you in producing intricate soundscapes and head-bobbing rhythms.
The primary disclaimer with these libraries and samples is that before using any of the sounds in a song you intend to release, you should verify the license terms.
Certain of the stuff you come across might not be free for commercial use or could need you to give credit to the original sample’s creator. That being stated, allow me to walk you through five of our top recommendations that are well worth checking out.
BandLab Sounds
Producers can use a vast library of royalty-free samples and loops from BandLab Sounds in any DAW, not just BandLab. They are all downloadable.
Launched by social music creation site BandLab, the service includes more than 10,000 sounds created by a variety of top musicians and sound designers. Even MusicTech has bundles available. Samples can be accessed online or on a mobile device and are supplied as uncompressed WAV files.
Either the whole bundle or individual samples can be downloaded. Furthermore integrated into the web-based platform is an auditioning tool. Furthermore royalty-free, any sound can be used without restriction in your tracks and commercial creations.
Also Read Our Article On “5 Affordable Outstanding MIDI Controllers For DAW Music Production“
Legowelt
Your fave producer most certainly knows about Legowelt if you don’t. Over twenty years of experience, several aliases, and, happily for us, a large sample library that he posts for free download on his website.
He has taken the time to carefully record his collection of oddball, old, or one-of-a-kind synths and drum machines, providing hundreds of one-shot samples, pad sounds, and loops for every one.
Legowelt offers 250 samples of a Roland Juno 106, featuring massive basses, enigmatic pads, chords, eerie strings, sequences, arpeggios, drums, and more, in case you ever wanted to hear what a real Juno 106 sounds like without having to go out and buy one.
The sounds are all 16bit WAV files and come in a.zip package. You really should peruse the website and experiment with a few of the instruments, regardless of genre or preference.
Output Arcade
Previously limited to creating plugins, Output set out on a new path in 2023 with the release of their Arcade sample-based instrument. Like Spitfire Audio’s LABS, this playable sample library allows you to manipulate and play a large collection of royalty-free samples.
Create an account with Output to access 60+ product lines, 4,400+ samplers, 1,300+ chromatic instruments, and 64,000+ samples.
Noiiz
You can download as many of Noiiz’s Free Packs as you like with a free subscription. It takes just entering your email address and creating a password to sign up for a free account.
With over 500 packs to download, each with roughly 10 sounds, the free area isn’t skimpy on choices either; no complicated arithmetic formulas are required to show how many sounds are at your disposal.
If you’re looking for fresh inspiration, the packs which include sounds for jazz, trap, d’n’b, neo-soul and much more are undoubtedly worth listening to.
With a $10 monthly membership, Noiiz also offers a wealth of new sample libraries. Packs from seasoned producers and musicians including Letherette, Machinedrum, Samplephonics, Hashfinger, and more are included. Additionally available to you is the Noiiz plug-in, which loads sounds into your sessions quickly with a drag-and-drop mechanism akin to BandLab Assistant.
Citizen DJ
The database of free samples created by the U.S. Library of Congress is maybe a surprising addition to our list. The website Citizen DJ allows you to search through audio recordings from more than a century ago.
It has a vibrant layout and tools that let you quickly browse and listen to sounds. Movie soundtracks, spoken word pieces, commercials, vintage recordings, and other Free Music Archive recordings are included.
Following sample selection, the website offers a sequencer that allows you to cut up a sample and match it with any drum track you choose. Sounds from vintage drum machines and patterns that you can arrange anyway you like make up drum tracks.
You can obtain sample packs with thousands of clips or download individual samples. Inspired by the look of hip-hop songs like Fear of a Black Planet by Public Enemy, Library of Congress Innovator-in-Residence Brian Foo developed the project for DJs and hip-hop producers.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, music producers may benefit much from free sample packs, which provide a large selection of excellent sounds that can improve and motivate their work.
Many free sample websites exist to assist producers in creating distinctive and captivating music, ranging from the vast royalty-free library of BandLab Sounds to the playable sample library of Output Arcade, the varied selection of free packs from Noiiz, and the historical audio archive of Citizen DJ.
Although using samples in commercial works requires checking licensing agreements, these sites can be a terrific place for anyone wishing to broaden their sound palette.