Sample packs cause some controversy in the music production community. Some people are for, and some are against. Whatever you’re opinion, there is no denying the prevalence of sample-based productions in the music industry today. Especially if you are a beginner, it can be very insightful and helpful to use samples when getting started. As there are many companies and people (ourselves included) creating sample packs, we’ve put a list together of some of best.
Freepacks.io
Freepacks.io is a blog that posts about free sample, preset, & midi packs from creators big and small. What’s nice about freepacks.io is that they post about packs for every genre, so no matter what kind of music you’re making you can always find fresh sounds to use. And the fact that you don’t have to dig through pages and pages of google search results to find a free pack for whatever style you’re making is a huge bonus. They’ve done all the searching for you!
99 Sounds
99 Sounds is an indie sound design label that provides royalty free sound effects and sample packs. Although predominantly aimed at audio and video productions, the free samples can be used in your music ventures too. All professionally recorded, there are a number of packs ranging from rain and thunder sounds to the sounds of an old military warehouse.
Ghost Hack
Ghost Hack is a German based producer/label that provides a wide selection of electronic music samples. If you are looking for a mix of one-shot samples, percussion loops and acapellas all for free, then look no further. What’s really great about Ghost Hack is that every Christmas they put an advent calendar on their site and you can get a free sample pack every day leading up to Christmas!
Rast Sound
Rast Sound is a relatively low-key label which is surprising considering the quality of their samples. If you are looking for something a bit different or are a fan of world music genres then Rast Sound is the pick for you. Although they currently only have 25 libraries ranging from mid-eastern vocals to ethno-grooves, each pack can be sampled for free before you buy the full product (which we fully recommend).
Loopmasters
Loopmasters is unparalleled in the sample pack business. One look at their sight and you can see they have sounds covering just about everything. With a never ending cycle of new products and flash sales, we are 99% positive that you will find yourself purchasing samples from this company in the not too distant future. But until then you can get 1GB of free samples by simply signing up to their newsletter. What samples they will send you? Who knows? It is a mystery.
A simple search into Google will reveal a thousand more sample packs. These are just some of our personal picks. If you have any great suggestions then be sure to get in touch and comment below!
