Category: VST

Interesting Virtual Instruments

  • 100 free instruments and libraries for Kontakt, classified

    100 free instruments and libraries for Kontakt, classified

    Whether you’re just starting out with Kontakt, or looking to add some additional flavor to a well-seasoned library of your own, here are 100 free Kontakt libraries and instruments for your sound sculpting collection (from NI site).

    Jump to these sections:

    Synth Plugins and VSTs

    1. Wavesynth EP Glow

    NativeInstruments · Wavesynth EP Glow

    With three wavetable-based electric pianos and 14 different types of wavetable algorithms, the Wavesynth EP Glow from Karanyi Sounds isn’t messing around. Sensuously sampled on a Sequential Prophet 6 and tastefully transformed into a rollicking Rhodes-like patch, this lushly sentimental instrument is perfectly primed for retro-future fun.

    2. SYNTH-1 Mini Collection

    NativeInstruments · SYNTH-1 Mini Collection

    The SYNTH-1 Mini Collection from Karanyi Sounds packs an army of archetypal 80s tones carefully cribbed from 6 iconic analog synthesizers. Processed through equally iconic hardware at a price tag that beats the small fortune you’d have to spend hunting these vintage tones in the wild, this collection is the perfect pairing for nostalgic sonic explorers.

    *The SYNTH-1 Mini Collection is currently unavailable. Please check in at a later date for updates. 

    3. LMFree

    NativeInstruments · LMFree

    Faithful, fully-functional, and fantastically free, Beaotic’s reproduction of the legendary 80s drum machine the LinnDrum LM-2 is a revelation in sentimental sonic expression: Control the start position of your samples via key velocity; add subtle pitch with the Oscillator Drift; or tweak individual edits in pitch, volume, and panning to sculpt unmistakably 80s sounds.

    4. Commodore 64 Sessions Deluxe

    NativeInstruments · Commodore 64 Sessions Deluxe

    The Commodore 64 Sessions Deluxe from Rhythmic Robot Audio features 30 superbly sampled patches from three different iterations of the iconic home computer. With an authentic SID Chip sound and a stylish and authentic UI design, this instrument can crank out everything from chip-tune drum kits to fat bassline synths, making it a must-have VST for crafting vintage 8-bit hits.

    5. Wavetable Experiment Mini-Pack

    NativeInstruments · Wavetable Experiment Mini-Pack

    This experimental pack features seven authentically 80s-inspired wavetable synths. Unlike sample-based synths, which read a static waveform, wavetable synths allow stacked frames to morph from one wave shape to another as you play, resulting in harmonically rich asymmetrical sounds with a deeply textural and dynamically morphing quality – perfect for sculpting sci-fi patches, pads, and drones.

    Vocal VSTs

    6. Jacob Collier Audience Choir

    Jacob Collier Audience Choir brings performances to life with audience samples captured from 22 different cities across the globe during Jacob Collier’s Djesse world tour. Get instant harmony with the chord generator function, blend different vowel types with the Vowel Morph pad, and conduct your own choir by recording custom motions in real time.

    Piano Plugins and VSTs

    Whether you’re looking for a heavy hitting sound or a delicate touch with your piano VST, we have some great free choices below.

    7. Foundations Piano

    Designed as a sound canvas for cinematic composers, this inspiringly lush piano from Heavyocity highlights the softer dynamics of a grand piano. These gentle notes form the basis of a textural sound design layer that can be manipulated to produce rain-like droplets or vibraphone-esque oscillations among even more unusual effects. An essential addition to any modern composer’s toolkit.

    8. The Felt Seiler

    Strezov Sampling’s Seiler was sampled from an upright piano with a layer of felt between the piano hammers and strings, giving it a warm and intimate tone. With a little massaging, the three different synth layers can be mixed and individually reversed to create otherwordly sounds and uncommonly wistful tones.

    9. The 88E

    Ever wondered what it might sound like if you tuned every single one of a piano’s 88 keys to “E” and played them all at once? Then Impact Soundworks has just the instrument for you. You can even stack up to three voices together, resulting in a truly massive sound that covers wide-ranging timbres from horror stabs to subterranean pads, and more.

    10. Preparato Piano

    Recorded in a Roman church, Xperimenta Project’s prepared piano samples are a celebration of imperfection. This experimental library boasts diverse tones from foreboding string scrapes to delicate repetitions and everything inbetween. For especially chilling ambiences, try layering convolution reverbs from both real-world and fantastical spaces and enter a rabbit-hole of sound design possibilities.

    11. The Lobby Piano

    Pianobook’s Lobby Piano is a small grand piano recorded with a variety of techniques to create sculpted layers of creative sound design picks and plucks. With 10 mixable articulations from hammers to mutes, it’s easy to combine the sounds to create your own bespoke timbres – or you can take inspiration from almost 30 presets that showcase the versatility of this uniquely playful instrument.

    Percussion Plugins and VSTs

    12. Jacky

    Rhythmic Robot Audio’s Jacky features five combinable transistor rhythms with a warm, slightly gritty tonality. With five grooves to choose from and a simple two knob setup (one for distortion and another for compression) it’s vibey, minimalist, and great for copping those vintage rhythm machine sounds from old Shuggie Otis and Sly and The Family Stone records.

    13. Taiko

    The Taiko is a traditional Japanese instrument whose percussive sound is so powerful that it was historically used to intimidate enemies during battles in feudal Japan. Prisma Sounds’ Taiko brings these 6th century sounds into the 21st century with a 3 band EQ, ADSR filter, and an FX tab loaded with distortion, saturation, compression, and delay – all of which make this an exceptional instrument for driving, cinematic soundscapes.

    14. Heritage Percussion

    Recorded in painstaking detail with crisp 24-bit fidelity, Heritage Percussion is a free collection of 13 heirloom hand percussion instruments from Impact Soundworks. Create your own custom drum mapping with djembe, rattles, shakers, cowbell, cork drums, and clavs – each with adjustable tone and envelope settings, including open, muted, and rim strike articulations for the djembe.

    15. Thunder X3M

    Strezov Sampling’s latest entry in their Taiko Thunder series lets you assemble a diverse tonal palette from the twelve programmable percussion zones and tweak them individually or as a whole mapped ensemble using the pitch knob and transient controls. The impressive new engine also features multiple dynamic layers, round robin sample playback, three mic positions, and two custom vintage analog hardware chains – all of which can be seamlessly blended in for thicker and punchier sounds.

    16. XoX Drums

    Based on samples of iconic vintage drum machines, Autodafe’s XoX Drums features five vertical slots, each with different selectable kits of sounds. Boasting a jaw-dropping collection of kicks, claps, cymbals, cowbells, and toms, this free drum machine boasts an abundance of options for countless colorful combinations.

    Guitar Plugins and VSTs

    17. 8dio Songwriting Guitar

    8dio’s cleverly constructed library was recorded with an ESP LTD Deluxe, an Epiphone Custom, and a Fender TexMex Strat, all plugged into a 1962 Drawmer preamp. It lets you trigger major and minor chord loops in all 12 keys, with four keyswitching strumming rhythms and 12 keyswitching effects. Ostensibly intended as a pre-production tool, its stellar sound and sonic versatility make it a great fit for any project.

    18. Impact Soundworks Shreddage 3

    Capturing a Fender Stratocaster in four articulations (Sustains, Palm Mutes, Release Noises and Chokes) over three octaves, and with up to three dynamic layers and four round robins, Impact Soundworks’ Shreddage makes writing mix-ready lead and rhythm parts a breeze. Up to 16 effects can be racked up from a library of 30 guitar-orientated modules, and the TACT page facilitates customization of the Sustain and Mute articulation mappings.

    19. Pettinhouse Funky Guitar

    The free predecessor to Pettinhouse’s Funky Guitar 2, this instrument works 450MB of Fender Stratocaster loops and one-shots into three separate KONTAKT instruments: Funky Guitar, Funky Guitar Strum and Funky Guitar Muted. The scripted interface common to all three instruments offers six different amp models along with EQ, overdrive, mod wheel-controlled wah-wah, and one-knob reverb, delay and phaser effects – everything you need to create vibey rhythm guitar tracks perfectly tailored to fit your mix.

    20. KONTAKT’S Band Ensemble

    Our own KOMPLETE START package nets you a couple of tasty free guitar libraries alongside a wealth of other sampled instruments, synths and effects. And there’s plenty of sound sculpting available via the Tone and Pickup controls, alongside powerful effects (like one-knob wah-wah, distortion, overdrive and compression modules, master reverb, and three-band graphic EQ), and fret and string noise for heightened realism. An excellent option for quick and easily adaptable guitar parts.

    21. Samplephonics Ronroco

    Though technically not a guitar (the Ronroco is an Andean mandolin), this inspiring emulation from Samplephonics features a sizable collection of tempo-synced loops in six distinct styles and a comprehensive array of chords at your fingertips for user-configurable MIDI triggering. Its distinct sound and exquisite quality make it a must-have for authentic South American rhythm and solo guitar lines alike.

    Creative Effects Plugins and VSTs

    22. The Drill Drop

    NativeInstruments · The Drill Drop

    Looking for a legendary lead to pump up your tracks? Look no longer! Boasting high-quality samples nudged to neverending sustain, this ambitious instrument offers up a wide palette of tonal options – with Cutoff, Resonance, ADSR and Filter Envelope controls, and independent volume controls for each layer – all perfectly packaged in a strikingly psychedelic interface.

    23. MS20 Drums

    NativeInstruments · MS20 Drums

    If you’re in search of seriously vintage vibes, pianobook has you covered. This creative kit is actually two instruments in one: the first is packed full of the monstrous high-octane distortion that put the Korg MS20 mini on the map, while the second is flush with subdued sonics for lush low-key soundscapes – and both feature cutoff filter, saturation, reverb, and delay to take your effects-laden expeditions further.

    24. GR808 KICK

    NativeInstruments · Gr808 Kick

    Finally, an 808 that covers your ambient needs. Painstakingly processed through the Little Labs Voice of God Bass Resonance Tool, this avant-garde instrument adds an explosive, saturated quality to each 808 note while simultaneously generating celestial sounds in the lower resonating frequencies.

    25. Signal Free

    NativeInstruments · Signal Free

    Test drive the world’s most powerful pulse engine! This slimmed down version of Output’s groundbreaking rhythm instrument combines fat analog synths and exceptional effects that are perfect for sculpting assertive arps, powerful plucks, and everything in between.

    26. 99 Sound Effects

    NativeInstruments · 99 Sound Effects

    Experience the motherload of cinematic sound effects – from domineering drones and bellicose braams to action-packed impacts and newfangled noises. This colossal collection comes fully loaded with retro-inspired SFX sourced from vintage analog synthesizers, and it’s top to bottom tailored for trailers, film scores, offbeat excursions, and cutting-edge sound design.

    27. Rigid Audio – Rigid Grand

    Rigid Grand

    NativeInstruments · Rigid Grand

    A grand piano instrument with a polished sound and a very straightforward interface that offers Release Volume and Reverb parameters, plus an Octave Blend control that mixes in a lower octave for a fuller sound. For a simple, quick piano sound without too many complications this is a great choice.

    28. Rigid Audio – Shimmer Strings

    Shimmer Strings

    NativeInstruments · Rigid Grand

    Shimmer Strings gives you simple sustained bowed violin notes with a touch of ever-present vibrato. The mod wheel can be used to fade the instrument in and out, and Reverb and Octave Blend controls are also on offer to offer some sonic fine-tuning. Ideal for adding an organic layer to chord progressions.

    29. 8Dio – 1928 Steinway Piano

    1928 Steinway

    NativeInstruments · 1928 Steinway

    Recorded from an original 1928 Steinway with its original strings, this fully-featured piano instrument includes Pedal and Release Volumes, a visual Velocity editor, convolution reverbs and effects plus some abstract morphing patches that take it into more esoteric sonic directions.

    30. 8Dio – Polyphon

    Polyphon

    NativeInstruments · Polyphon

    A five octave antique music box, Polyphon has a unique vintage tone that can be sculpted with Attack and Release controls, Low, Mid and High EQ, and a selection of seven effects. The instrument also features eight presets that can be accessed quickly from the main panel, making it quick and easy to get an inspirational sound.

    31. 8Dio – Free Radicals

    Free Radicals

    NativeInstruments · Free Radicals

    A selection of dark and twisted sound sounds, Free Radicals includes bizarre ambiences, disturbing vocal effects, menacing hits, surreal risers and a selection of other off-the-wall timbres and rhythms. An ideal download for getting an edgy sound quickly.

    32. 8Dio – Free ASMR

    Free ASMR

    NativeInstruments · Free ASMR

    Prepare to have your ears tickled by a huge pack of closely recorded, detailed sounds covering whispers, living creatures, foley, field recordings and ambiences. The quality of the samples is impressively high, and the nearly 4GB of content will provide you with a noise for every possible circumstance.

    33. 8Dio – Free Home

    Free Home

    NativeInstruments · Free Home

    Domestic found sounds abound in this collection of percussive, melodic and atonal sounds recorded by the 8Dio user community in their homes. This instrument includes over 800 sounds and five Kontakt instruments, making it a substantial resource for sound design and straightforward foley sounds alike.

    34. 8Dio – Ambient Guitar

    Ambient Guitar

    NativeInstruments · Ambient Guitars

    Dreamy drones are the order of the day with Ambient Guitar, a vast smörgåsbord of ambient timbres created with a selection of effects to bring out the mysterious side of the instrument. With tones ranging from ethereal atmospheres to morphing soundscapes and beyond, Ambient Guitar is a unique collection of organic sounds suitable for a variety of applications.

    35. 8Dio – Smiley Drum

    Smiley Drum

    NativeInstruments · Smiley Drum

    A tonal percussion instrument recorded with mallets, Smiley Drum is akin to a mellow take on a steel drum sound. With twelve separate Kontakt instruments included, covering FX patterns, rolls, hits, slaps and wet sounds, there’s plenty to make you smile if you’re looking for a chilled-out tuned percussion sound.

    36. 8Dio – Free You

    Free You

    NativeInstruments · Free You

    Abstract layered sounds are abundant with Free You, which features more than 300 presets each with three layers that can be balanced with the included mixer parameters. Free You includes rhythmic pads, textural melodic tools, stuttery rhythms, and other sonic delights that are sure to provide inspiration for those looking for something a little different.

    37. 8Dio – Cajon and Bongo

    Cajon and Bongo

    NativeInstruments · Cajon And Bongo

    Extensively sampled percussion sounds are available for free with Cajon and Bongo, which features recordings from small medium and large bongos, and snare and non-snare cajon. This meticulously produced instrument features recordings taken in two studios, with various mic placements to give you a supremely flexible percussion sound.

    38. 8Dio – Copperphone

    Copperphone

    NativeInstruments · Copperphone

    Recorded from a custom-made copper pipe instrument, Copperphone has a sound midway between bells and a metallic marimba. 8 round-robins are used to give the patch a natural, organic feel, and a bonus set of ambiences created with the instrument are included too.

    39. 8Dio – Mini

    Mini

    NativeInstruments · Mini

    Featuring more than 5000 samples, Mini is a huge collection of small sounds. Paper, hoses marbles, bubble wrap and dozens of other objects were used to create this library, which also includes a bonus set of ambiences and Impulse Responses for you to do with as you will.

    40. 8Dio – Hybrid Rhythms

    Hybrid Rhythms

    NativeInstruments · Hybrid Rhythms

    Packed with epic and cinematic rhythmic sounds, Hybrid Rhythms is perfect for adding an edgy energy to your projects. The seven included each have ten rhythms that can be swapped between on the fly, and the instrument can be played by either triggering all the rhythmic elements together, or individually to customise the sound.

    41. ProjectSAM – The Free Orchestra

    The Free Orchestra

    NativeInstruments · The Free Orchestra

    With sounds taken from ProjectSAM’s Symphobia series, The Free Orchestra has limited control options, but a broad array of instruments including basses, horns, strings, winds and everything else you could need for an authentic orchestra feel.

    42. ProjectSAM – The Free Orchestra 2

    The Free Orchestra 2

    NativeInstruments · The Free Orchestra 2

    The follow up to The Free Orchestra includes new sounds such as tutti crescendos, dystopian bows, and warm ensembles, and at the time of writing its still being added to, so who knows what else you’ll find in there! The interface has also been enhanced to give you more control over the sound, making this an essential download even if you already have the original Free Orchestra.

    43. Soniccouture – RMI Rocksichord

    RMI Rocksichord

    NativeInstruments · RMI Rocksichord

    The Rocky Mount Instruments Rocksichord is an electric harpsichord, used by the likes of The Beach Boys, Genesis, Dr. John, John Lennon, Sun Ra and Terry Riley. This virtual version includes all original stops and accents to give you the most flexible timbre possible, and a full effects section means you can tailor these tones to perfection.

    44. Soniccouture – Thunder Drum

    Thunder Drum

    NativeInstruments · Thunder Drum

    Thunder Drum was recorded from a drum with a spring attached to the skin, which results in a continuous resonance through the body of the instrument when it’s shaken. This creates a noise that sounds like thunder, and in this Kontakt instrument every possible permutation of shaking, hitting and slapping has been sampled to give you a wild array of ways to create organic-sounding atmospheres.

    45. Soniccouture – Music Boxes

    Music Boxes

    NativeInstruments · Music Boxes

    Including samples taken from two music boxes, this instrument gives you Mix controls for both, allowing you to dial in the perfect sonic character. The patch also includes a filter with its own dedicated envelope, an amplitude envelope, and cathedral reverb with its own Mix control to get an expansive or intimate sound.

    46. Soniccouture – Tape Choir

    Tape Choir

    NativeInstruments · Tape Choir

    Inspired by the tape-based proto-sampling of 10cc’s “I’m Not in Love”, Tape Choir is a Mellotron-esque instrument based around samples of three male vocalists singing notes in unison. The result is an organic but uncanny choir sound that is perfect for creating angelic pads amongst other ephemeral sounds.

    47. Cinesamples – Create Series Kalimba

    Create Series Kalimba

    NativeInstruments · Create Series Kalimba

    Also known as a thumb piano amongst other names, the kalimba is a westernised version of a traditional Malawian and Zimbabwean instrument. With its soft, pleasant sound this virtual kalimba is a great source of an exotic yet comforting sound, and it includes a built-in reverb and compressor to help you get the most of it.

    48. Cinesamples – Mister Rogers’ Celeste

    Mister Rogers' Celeste

    NativeInstruments · Mister Rogers Celeste

    Sampled from the very instrument used in the theme tune to the popular US children’s television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, this virtual celeste has an enhancing, delicate sound. Perfect if you’re looking for an alternative to a regular bell or electric piano.

    49. Sonokinetic – Tutti Free

    Free Tutti

    NativeInstruments · Free Tutti

    Packed with hits, stabs, textures, crescendi and glissandi, Tutti Free was recorded by a full symphony orchestra and has a powerful sound that makes it ideal for adding a dramatic edge to your music. Predominantly an atonal instrument, this is the ideal accompaniment to more traditional chromatic orchestral patches.

    50. Sonokinetic EMP Mark II

    EMP Mark II
    EMP Mark II

    NativeInstruments · EMP Mk II

    This electric piano patch offers an authentic sound with delicate softer notes, becoming richly harmonic at higher velocities. It includes customisable Tremolo, Drive, Chorus and Room effects, plus dedicated controls for Hammer and Release and some simple EQ settings.

    51. Sonokinetic Vivace Legacy

    Vivace Legacy

    NativeInstruments · Vivace Legacy

    An orchestral library with a huge amount of content, Vivace Legacy features 11 instrument patches covering chords, runs, crescendos, stabs and plenty more besides. Vivace Legacy gives you plenty of options to sculpt the sound by turning individual orchestra elements on and off at will, and also includes keyswitch options for getting a nuanced performance.

    52. Sonokinetic Sleigh Bells

    Sleigh Bells

    NativeInstruments · Sleigh Bells

    A festive collection of tempo-synced rhythmic and one-shot samples, Sleigh Bells is a surprisingly sophisticated instrument. Featuring recordings of six types of sleigh bells from individual bells to a 25 bell stick, Sleigh Bells will add a wintry feel to any project with ease.

    53. Sonokinetic Hurdy Gurdy

    Hurdy Gurdy

    NativeInstruments · Hurdy Gurdy

    Take yourself back to mediaeval times with this drone instrument that played an important role in musical styles from Europe, Eurasia, and large parts of the Middle East. Providing a rich bed for melody instruments to perform over, the hurdy gurdy has a distinctive sound brimming with historical flavour.

    Carousel

    NativeInstruments · Carousel

    Bringing you all the fun of the fair, Carousel is an authentically recorded fairground organ instrument with an unexpected amount of depth, giving you control over the ten registers with level settings, octave offsets and a tutti mode to give you the pipes of your dreams.

    55. Strezov Minimalist Violins Legato Free

    Minimalist Violins Legato Free

    NativeInstruments · Minimalist Violins Legato Free

    Easy to use but with a great deal of control, Minimalist Violins Legato Free has a polished sound and allows you to mix three microphone sources to get just the right tone. Delivering both fantastic legato lines and chords, this is a great download for realistic-sounding strings.

    56. Strezov The Creative ToolboX: Steinway Grand Piano

    The Creative ToolboX - Steinway Grand Piano

    NativeInstruments · The Creative ToolboX – Steinway Grand Piano

    A beautiful, crystal clear-sounding Steinnway with an unfussy interface, The Creative ToolboX: Steinway Grand Piano nevertheless gives you a good deal of control over its sound with three sets of microphones to mix, plus EQ, pedal noise, stereo width and room reverb controls.

    57. Strezov The Creative ToolboX: Drums and Percussion

    The Creative ToolboX - Drums and Percussion

    NativeInstruments · The Creative ToolboX – Drums And Percussion

    A useful collection of bread and butter drum and percussion sounds, this instrument features three patches: a Roland TR-808 kit, a drum kit, and a full-featured set of percussion sounds. These all offer comprehensive mixing controls and their straightforward presentation makes them easy to use.

    58. Strezov Diamond Jazz Trio Free

    Diamond Jazz Trio Free

    NativeInstruments · Diamond Jazz Trio Free

    Offering piano, double bass and two alto sax instruments (sustain crescendo and legato flutter), Diamond Jazz Trio Free is a convenient one-stop-shop for jazz sounds. The double bass is arguably the best instrument on offer here, with a rich, punchy sound that sits great in the mix.

    59. Strezov JADE Ethnic Orchestra Xiao Free

    JADE Ethnic Orchestra Xiao Free

    NativeInstruments · JADE Ethnic Orchestra Xiao Free

    The xiao is a Chinese vertical end-blown flute, and this free version from Strezov’s JADE Ethnic Orchestra is very straightforward, with Legato, Overlap, Release and Reverb controls, plus the ability to mix three microphone sources.

    60. Strezov BALKAN Ethnic Orchestra Duduk Free

    BALKAN Ethnic Orchestra Duduk Free

    NativeInstruments · BALKAN Ethnic Orchestra Duduk Free

    The duduk is a double-reeded woodwind instrument originating from Armenia, and this free instrument brings its evocative sound to your DAW. Offering sampled phrases that can be played chromatically, this instrument has limited flexibility, but it sounds beautiful.

    61. Embertone Ancient Voices

    Ancient Voices

    NativeInstruments · Ancient Voices

    An uncomplicated male choir, Ancient Voices has polyphonic and legato modes, plus a Dynamics control and settings for Close and Stage mics and Reverb level. With just a two-octave range it’s not the most expansive instrument, but it has top-notch sound quality and is quick to use.

    62. Embertone Intimate Strings LITE

    Intimate Strings LITE

    NativeInstruments · Intimate Strings LITE

    Intimate Strings LITE gives you three elementary string patches, a legato string, plus sustain and sordino polyphonic. The instrument has a limited three-octave range, but the variety of patches gives it some flexibility, and its sound is excellent.

    63. Embertone Gobbler

    Gobbler

    NativeInstruments · Gobbler

    Let’s talk turkey: Gobbler is a very simple novelty instrument that features up to five human voices impersonating our chunky feathered friends. You can turn each voice on and off, and there’s a Verb mixer for getting the perfect level of avian ambience.

    64. Embertone Harmonette

    Harmonette

    NativeInstruments · Harmonette

    Capturing and subsequently mashing up the sound of a vintage recorder/melodica hybrid, Harmonette isn’t an instrument for everyone. However, if you’re after unique tones its eleven varied instrument patches will bring you unexpected sounds that might just fuel your imagination.

    Download Harmonette

    65. Embetone Atmoraffe

    Atmoraffe

    NativeInstruments · Atmoraffe

    Created using the unforgettable sounds of a squeezy toy giraffe, Atmoraffe is a light-hearted and extremely specific instrument that might be just what you need in some very specific use cases. It also includes a bonus patch Where Animals Go To Die, which features the sounds distorted to an ear-piercing degree.

    66. Embertone Jug Drum Free

    Jug Drum Free

    NativeInstruments · Jug Drum Free

    An improvised drum instrument created with water jugs, Jug Drum Free has a big, tactile sound that could be employed to create dramatic drums, enhance rhythmic parts, or to beef up impacts. The patch features four octaves of sounds and a Reverb button.

    67. Embertone Ivory Wind

    Ivory Wind

    NativeInstruments · Ivory Wind

    An unforgettable vintage tenor recorder instrument, Ivory Wind offers legato, vibrato, Round Robin and Stage reverb options. Both mono and poly modes are available for all your playing needs, making it a great choice for those after authentic recorder sound.

    68. Embertone Canjo

    Canjo

    NativeInstruments · Canjo

    A Canjo is a single string musical instrument made from a can, and is held like a guitar but may also be played on a table or lap. This virtual version gives you its authentic sound, and includes an arpeggiator for rhythmic can-based action. The download includes 14 patches, giving you more canjo than you ever knew you needed.

    69. Embertone The Keyboard

    The Keyboard

    NativeInstruments · The Keyboard

    With its vague name, you might suspect there’s something mysterious about The Keyboard, and you’ be right. Originally an April Fools prank, this instrument features sampled sounds from an unplugged MIDI controller. So, if you’re after plastic tapping and scraping noises, The Keyboard has everything you need.

    70. Embertone The Kitchen

    The Kitchen

    NativeInstruments · The Kitchen

    The Kitchen delivers the most dramatic kitchen foley sounds you’ve ever heard over its 14 discrete instrument patches. Everything from processed oven door slams to arpeggiated lamp hits is here, taking everyday household objects to strange new sonic places.

    71. ETI Roads MK II

    Roads MK II

    NativeInstruments · Roads MK II

    This 9GB download is substantial to say the least, but as long as you’ve got the bandwidth it’s worthwhile thanks to Roads MK II’s incredibly authentic recreation of the classic Rhodes MK II electric piano sound. The incredible range of velocity layered timbres its provides put it on-par with the best commercial electric piano instruments, making this an essential download.

    72. VSTBuzz LO.VE. Piano

    LOVE Piano

    NativeInstruments · LOVE Piano

    Prepare yourself to fall in love with this soft and inanimate piano which uses 12 velocity layers to get its delicate sound. Including 18 IR convolution reverbs, LO.VE. Piano is ideal for creating romantic moods and perfect for creating soulful soundscapes.

    73. Cinematique Instruments Korn

    Korn

    NativeInstruments · Korn

    A granular sample playback instrument, Korn allows you to twist the 20 included samples or whatever else you like into eerie soundscapes with its comprehensive controls. Ideal for creating drone music or soundtracks.

    Download Korn

    74. Cinematique Instruments Zement 3

    Zement 3

    NativeInstruments · Zement 3

    A pattern generator that triggers tenor ukulele, xylophone and guitar harmonic samples, Zement 3 creates complex harmonies and features a Randomize button for when you’re low on inspiration. With spooky-sounding Hall reverb and Delay, Zement 3 will take you for a walk on the aural wild side.

    75. Cinematique Instruments Mad Libs Xmas

    Mad Libs Xmas

    NativeInstruments · Mad Libs Xmas

    An instrument dedicated to making abstract soundcapes, Mad Libs Xmas allows the user to pick two sound sources from a pool of 14, and combine them with EQ and Church reverb to create otherworldly tones.

    76. Cinematique Instruments Landscape

    Landscape

    NativeInstruments · Landscape

    Make a drone of your own with Landscape. With seven layered source sounds and eight effects, this instrument has the potential to create sonic vistas beyond your imagination. If you’re struggling for inspiration, it features randomization features, plus an ‘Infinity’ mode that creates endless, forever-mutating soundscapes all by itself.

    77. Cinematique Instruments Colors Free

    Colors Free

    NativeInstruments · Colors Free

    A bite-sized box of ambiences, pads and textures, Colors Free includes ten sound sources that can be mixed together to create haunting leads and chords. There’s also a dedicated source for noises, and a small but powerful effects section with Drive, Filter, Chorus, Reverb and Delay effects.

    78. Samplephonics Leeds Town Hall Organ

    Leeds Town Hall Organ

    NativeInstruments · Leeds Town Hall Organ

    Leeds is a town in the English county of West Yorkshire, and as its name suggests this instrument was recorded from the Town Hall’s imposing organ. 3.5GB it’s pretty weighty itself, and it features six presets that range from a modest sound to literally pulling out all the stops. For striking organ sounds, this is a no-brainer.

    79. Bunker Samples Gongster’s Paradise

    Gongster S Paradise

    NativeInstruments · Gongster S Paradise

    Tuned Vietnamese gongs are the order of the day here, with a detailed interface that allows you to mix between mallet and stick sounds, add up to three syncable feedback delay lines, convolution reverb with 26 impulse responses to pick from, chorus and transient shaping.

    80. Bunker Samples Scary Viola Pizz

    Scary Viola Pizz

    NativeInstruments · Scary Viola Pizz

    Spooky pizzicato plucks haunt this free Kontakt instrument, featuring a Density slider that when turned up transforms the patch into something truly uncanny-sounding. A useful tool for adding a disturbing edge to soundtracks.

    81. Bunker Samples Ext.Har

    Ext Har

    NativeInstruments · Ext Har

    Standing for Extra Harmonics, Ext.Har is a library made from viola harmonics that can be played chromatically. Described by its creators as sounding like a mix between a flute, an organ and a cello, Ext.Har. is a good choice for those after an alternative to tried and tested traditional string or woodwind sounds.

    82. Global Audio Tools Trap Gods

    Trap Gods

    NativeInstruments · Trap Gods

    Trap Gods is a quick way to get a bunch of workhorse trap sounds including Roland TR-808-inspired drums (naturally including big 808-style basses), plus leads, keys, pads, plucks, strings and more.

    83. Global Audio Grand Sounds From The Streets

    Sounds From The Streets

    NativeInstruments · Sounds From The Streets

    A convenient collection of urban-style kicks, snare, hats and percussion samples, Sounds From The Streets is a quick and streamlined way to make trap and hip-hop beats fast, and the quality of the drum hits themselves is great.

    84. Global Audio Galaxy

    Galaxy

    NativeInstruments · Galaxy

    As well as a selection of typical trap drum sounds and 808s basses, Galaxy also includes 10 ‘beat starters’, instrumental, drum-free loops at various tempos designed to give inspiration to start your own track.

    85. Rhythmic Robot Audio NanoMod 7

    NanoMod7

    NativeInstruments · NanoMod 7

    A gritty, primitive-sounding synth, NamoMod 7 allows you to morph between detuned multi-voice analogue oscillators and an early digital synth waveform that can provide you with a respite from the polished gloss of contemporary soft synths.

    86. Sonuscore Free HD Orchestra Chords

    NativeInstruments · Jacky

    Offering a unique take on orchestral chords, this instrument features a full orchestra sound with optional extra low and high strings. The unusual part is that the chord played is either major or minor depending on note velocity. This can lead to some interesting results, and the chord samples themselves are big and beautiful.

    87. Rhythmic Robot Audio PatchVault Taster

    PatchVault Taster

    NativeInstruments · PatchVault Taster

    PatchVault Taster offers a simple polysynth patch with filter, chorus, tube, amplitude envelope and tilt EQ options to sculpt the sound to your taste. To add expression you can adjust the modwheel LFO rate, and activate glide mode for portamento lead lines.

    88. Rhythmic Robot Audio Doctor 33

    Doctor 33

    NativeInstruments · Doctor 33

    Recorded from an analogue metronome, Doctor 33 features four extremely lo-fi but charming percussive analogue splats, bleeps and ticks. The instrument includes a Tone control that can be used to filter these sounds to interesting effect, and it’s perfect for getting an old school analogue feel.

    89. Rhythmic Robot Audio PanaRhythm

    PanaRhythm

    NativeInstruments · PanaRhythm

    Sampled from an extremely venerable analogue rhythm machine, PanaRhythm uses round robin samples to maintain analogue authenticity, and includes three sounds: a kick, a hat, and a snare that can be played chromatically over an octave.

    90. Native Instruments Hypha

    Hypha

    NativeInstruments · Hypha

    An exploration into nature-inspired acoustic-electric hybrid sounds, Hypha is optimised for polyphonic aftertouch and includes organic textures, atmospheric keys and mysterious soundscapes among its presets.

    91. Native Instruments Analog Dreams

    Analog Dreams

    NativeInstruments · Analog Dreams

    The synth sound of the 1980s is brought up to date with this preset-packed instrument. Dozens of synth-based plucks, basses, leads, FX, and pads are included, making Analog Dreams ideal for synthwave, techno, and anything else with an electronic edge.

    92. Native Instruments Ethereal Earth

    Ethereal Earth

    NativeInstruments · Ethereal Earth

    A meditative collection presets divided into chords, FX, metallic, natural, pad, sequenced and synthy categories, Ethereal Earth is the perfect instrument for creating chilled soundscapes and relaxing ambiences.

    93. Native Instruments Irish Harp

    Irish Harp

    NativeInstruments · Irish Harp

    This state-of-the-art instrument features a meticulously-sampled 34-string Irish harp complete with a swathe of keyswitches and performance phrases that will have you sounding like a Gallic musical genius at the press of a button.

    94. Native Instruments Yangqin

    Yangqin

    NativeInstruments · Yangqin

    The yangqin is a traditional Chinese hammered dulcimer, and this virtual version includes advanced scale, mixer and mapping controls, plus myriad keyswitching capabilities and built-in performances.

    95. Heavyocity Foundations Nylon Guitar

    Foundations Nylon Guitar

    NativeInstruments · Foundations Nylon Guitar

    Foundations Nylon Guitar provides a great clear acoustic guitar sound with a clean interface, and if you’re looking for more esoteric sonic inspiration it can handle that as well. With atmospheric reverb and delay effects plus an additional texture layer that can be dialed-in plus an arpeggiator, this is a fun instrument that more than fulfills its remit.

    96. Impact Soundworks Cinematic Synthetic Drums

    Cinematic Synthetic Drums

    NativeInstruments · Cinematic Synthetic Drums

    Ideal for hybrid electronic-orchestral scores, Cinematic Synthetic Drums is crammed with epic percussion hits and devastating drum sounds. FX keyswitches are available to help you create the perfect feel, and an Ensemble mode allows you to increase the size of your sounds.

    Download Cinematic Synthetic Drums

    97. Impact Soundworks Super Audio Boy

    Super Audio Boy

    NativeInstruments · Super Audio Boy

    Inspired by a certain popular handheld gaming device from the late 80s, Super Audio Boy includes classic chiptune waveforms such as pulses, triangles, saws, and four separate voices to play them back with. Wave waveform can be tailored with pitch, amplitude and filter modulation, and there’s also an FX section with a reverb inspired by a famous home console.

    98. Impact Soundworks The Stroh Violin

    The Stroh Violin

    NativeInstruments · The Stroh Violin

    The stroh violin is a self-amplified variation on the classic violin design with a resonating metal body and horn. This Kontakt version includes three custom-mapped articulations, with dedicated step sequencers for velocity, step length and attack offset. The perfect instrument for creating unique, rhythmic string tones.

    99. The Alpine Project

    The Alpine Project

    NativeInstruments · The Alpine Project

    An orchestral library created from public domain samples, The Alpine Project serves to complement other orchestral libraries by focusing on a wide variety of expressive solo instruments. With more than 1.5GB of samples included, The Alpine Project offers a comprehensive collection of brass, woodwind and string patches.

    100. AVA Music Group PRISM Drums – Lite Edition

    Prism Drums Lite Edition

    NativeInstruments · PRISM Drums – Lite Edition

    PRISM Drums – Lite Edition includes six drum kits: Modern Pop, Retro Pop, Trailer, Urban Legends, Taped Drums, and Lofi Drums. Featuring a straightforward interface with Compression and “Sauce” sliders, PRISM Drums – Lite Edition is a handy way to get some slamming drum sounds into your mix quick.

    Looking for even more free instruments? Check out this list of free VST plugins.

  • 50 FREE LIBRARIES FOR KONTAKT  player

    50 FREE LIBRARIES FOR KONTAKT player

    Kontakt Player by Native Instruments is a free sample player for playing libraries made by Native Instruments or 3rd party manufactures / developers. There are many free libraries for Full Kontakt, but they can’t be played in free Kontakt Player (offers only 15 minutes DEMO). But here we are talking about some free libraries which are made for Kontakt Player, means they can be played without any limitations with the free player. Is it sounding interesting? Let see which they are (don’t forget to download the full Komplete Start bundle, free).

    • Kontakt Factory Selection by Native Instruments

    Native Instruments offers a selective part of their factory content for free with Komplete Start. This selection has 5 types instruments –

    1. Band: 13 rock and pop instruments, including e-guitars, basses, acoustic drum-kits, an organ, e-pianos, and more.
    2. Synth: A wide range of contemporary synth pads, basses, leads, and drum kits.
    3. Urban: Five instruments and a selection of ready-for-action drum loop production kits, consisting of drum loops, single loop tracks, and individual slices.
    4. Vintage: 13 instruments that revive the legendary sounds of analog synthesizers and keyboards.
    5. World: Six instruments from across the globe, including flutes and reed instruments, bagpipes, plucked instruments, and percussion.

    Download: Kontakt Factory Selection

    • Kinetic Treats by Native Instruments

    KINETIC TREATS is a unique new instrument based on the timeless sounds of vintage children’s toys – The tiny ballerina atop this music box and her creaking tin companion may seem a mismatched pair, but dancing together they conjure up a world of twisted, evolving sounds.

    Download: Kinetic Treats

    • Play Series Selection by Native Instruments

    Streamlined versions of 3 intuitive yet powerful hybrid instruments – ANALOG DREAMS, ETHEREAL EARTH, and HYBRID KEYS.

    Download: Play Series Selection

    • Diamond Jazz Trio by Strezov Sampling

    The Strezov Sampling “Diamond Jazz Trio Freebie” consists of a 3 instruments – Piano, Alto Saxophone and Double bass, distributed in the following 4 patches”

    1. Alto Sax Acc Sus Cresc Freebie – experimental patch with a nice forte-piano attack and loopable sustain; after releasing the key, a crescendo is triggered.
    2. Alto Sax Leg Flutter Freebie – contains 4 different sustain types and legato transitions.
    3. Piano Freebie – upright piano with a classic pop jazz sound.
    4. Double Bass Freebie – an upright bass, recorded with true legato intervals, so that when you play a line, you’ll hear a smooth and realistic transition

    Download: Diamond Jazz Trio

    • The Felt Seiler (Free Edition) by Strezov Sampling

    If a picture is truly worth a thousand words, THE FELT SEILER in the same way, only in a musical context, instead – you can convey so many different emotions only with a few strokes of your hands. Nothing too complex or “puffy”, yet powerful and moving enough to allow you to express yourself freely, with nothing holding you back.

    The content of the library was recorded in the Sofia Session Studio B with a variety of close microphones, later summed into one microphone position. Along with that, The Felt Seiler contains 3 more synth/sound design layers for you to choose from, which will help you shape a unique sound. We’ve named those three layers based on the mood that feels closest to the way they sound – Warmth, Ache and Loneliness.

    Download: The Felt Seiler

    • Minimalist Violins Legato Freebie by Strezov Sampling

    The Minimalist String Section of Afflatus features a Chamber String Ensemble playing flautando with poco vibrato. The Polyphonic True Legato makes this section ideal for lush sounding string beds in the style of Arvo Pärt or Thomas Newmann.

    Download: Minimalist Violins Legato Freebie

    • The Creative ToolboX – Drums and Percussion by Strezov Sampling

    To commemorate 10 years of Strezov Sampling we have created the “Creative ToolboX”. The primary focus of this series is to serve all aspiring songwriters and producers as a sort of “one-stop VI shop”, giving everyone the sonic variety and freedom they’re in need of. The drums and percussion are just the first part of the COMPLETELY FREE VIRTUAL BAND we’re aiming at giving all of you who read this!

    Download: The Creative ToolboX – Drums and Percussion

    • The Creative ToolboX – Steinway Grand Piano by Strezov Sampling

    To commemorate 10 years of Strezov Sampling we have created the “Creative ToolboX”. The primary focus of this series is to serve all aspiring songwriters and producers as a sort of “one-stop VI shop”, giving everyone the sonic variety and freedom they’re in need of. The Steinway Grand Piano is the second part of the COMPLETELY FREE VIRTUAL BAND we’re aiming at giving all of you who read this!

    Download: The Creative ToolboX – Steinway Grand Piano

    • Shreddage 3 Precision Free by Impact Soundworks

    A superb classic and warm p-bass tone is now available for free, compatible with Kontakt Player! Shreddage 3 Precision FREE has the same great sample quality and depth as the full version, with two playable octaves and the crucial fingerstyle articulation along with popping and release noises. Includes tons of editing features and a complete Console FX rack with built-in tones. The ultimate free bass instrument for your DAW!

    Download: Shreddage 3 Precision Free

    • Shreddage 3 Stratus Free by Impact Soundworks

    The ultimate FREE electric guitar sample library for KONTAKT PLAYER! Includes deep-sampled sustain, palm mute, and choke articulations with 3 octaves of playing range, up to 24 samples per note, and tons of performance options. Also features TACT 2.0 and the new CONSOLE mixer and modular FX rack!

    Download: Shreddage 3 Stratus Free

    • The 88E by Impact Soundworks

    What if you tuned every note on a piano to “E”, and played them all at once? Wonder no more: the unbelievably huge sound of The 88E is now playable at any pitch with this free virtual instrument loaded with sound design options, and created in partnership with YouTuber and mad scientist engineer Mattias Krantz.

    Download: The 88E

    • Arcane by Embertone

    Arcane centers around a séance, through which you must appease the evil Kontakt spirits. In order to progress and unlock the mysteries within, there are riddles and challenges to solve. Within this innovative product you’ll find a diverse assortment of sounds, and also an unforgettable experience inside Kontakt.

    Download: Arcane

    • The Free Orchestra by ProjectSAM

    Cinematic sounds taken directly from ProjectSAM’s acclaimed libraries. From orchestral string staccatos and brass clusters to symphonic percussion and dystopian sound design. Now with new presets and Kontakt Player compatibility! Orchestral string staccatos, heroic horns, luminous choirs and dystopian drones. For free. Welcome to The Free Orchestra.

    Download: The Free Orchestra

    • Foundations Emotive Choir by Heavyocity

    Featuring various evolving, sustained vowels and textures paired with a layer of our signature sound design, all housed in a highly customizable interface – FOUNDATIONS | Emotive Choir is an instant mood setter and valuable addition to your scoring toolkit.

    Download: Foundations Emotive Choir

    • Foundations Piano by Heavyocity

    Combining the soft dynamics of a grand piano, an expertly crafted sound design layer, and a highly customizable interface – FOUNDATIONS Piano is an expressive cinematic tool created to tell your story.

    Download: Foundations Piano

    • Foundations Nylon Guitar by Heavyocity

    Combining the lush, soft dynamics of a nylon-stringed acoustic guitar, a meticulously-crafted sound design layer, and a highly customizable interface – FOUNDATIONS | Nylon Guitar delivers a variety of mellow, ambient sounds specifically developed to enhance your story.

    Download: Foundations Piano

    • Foundations Staccato Brass by Heavyocity

    Featuring short, bombastic staccatos paired with an expertly-crafted sound design layer, all housed in a highly customizable interface – FOUNDATIONS | Staccato Brass provides a rhythmic and energetic quality specifically designed for expressive and impactful musical storytelling.

    Download: Foundations Staccato Brass

    • Foundations Staccato Strings by Heavyocity

    Featuring short, crisp staccatos paired with a layer of our signature sound design, all housed in a highly customizable interface – FOUNDATIONS Staccato Strings provides a strong rhythmic starting point to help build your story.

    Download: Foundations Staccato Strings

    • Foundations Synth Bass by Heavyocity

    Featuring the thick sounds of analog synth paired with an expertly-crafted and growling sound design layer, all presented in a highly customizable interface—FOUNDATIONS | Synth Bass delivers a fundamental starting point to build your story from the bottom up.

    Download: Foundations Synth Bass

    • Ferrum Free Edition by Keepforest

    Keepforest’s FERRUM, produced by Vladislav Martirosov and Arseni Khodzin, is a modern trailer percussion powerhouse with a huge variety of cinematic percussion from epic and massive cinematic hits, punches, anvils and doors impacts to cymbals, bells, tiny metals and metallic foley.

    (Note: Free version products for non-commercial purposes, for personal use only)

    Download: Ferrum Free Edition

    • Evolution Devastator Warzone Freebie by Keepforest

    Evolution: Devastator Warzone is a premium collection of hand-crafted custom Signature Sound effects, Bass and Braams, Signals and Signs, Drum Loops, Pulses, Guns and Racharges, One Shots, Cinematic loops and Artist Stems. The library has modern and aggressive character that can be hear in a lot of trending movies and TV series. The Evolution: Devastator series will definitely be a irreplaceable part for movie and game sound designs, as well as for composing trailers and soundtracks.

    (Note: Free version products for non-commercial purposes, for personal use only)

    Download: Evolution Devastator Warzone Freebie

    • Hammersmith Free by Soniccouture

    Thrilling, immersive & addictive. The Hammersmith Model D Grand has featured in countless productions & won many fans since its release. Now you can experience the same performance thrill with Hammersmith Free.

    Download: Hammersmith Free

    • Music Boxes by Soniccouture

    Two original music boxes: all such devices work on the same principle of triggering metal tines using a notated melody, either as punched paper or an embossed metal cylinder. The sound is almost universally evocative of early childhood, whether we personally had such a toy as a child or not.

    Download: Music Boxes

    • Thunder Drum by Soniccouture

    A Thunder Drum is made with a spring attached to the skin, so when it is shaken the spring moves and creates a continuous resonance through the body of the instrument. This results in a sound very much like thunder. The drums come in various shapes and sizes and are sometimes known by other names such as Thunder Tube, Spring Drum or Thunder Maker.

    Download: Thunder Drum

    • RMI Rocksichord by Soniccouture

    Mikael Jorgensen from Wilco mentioned to us that he had started sampling his ancient RMI Rocksichord keyboard, but hadn’t the time to finish the looping and programing. The Rocksichord is a prog-rock icon, used by a huge array of artists, including: The Beach Boys, Genesis, Dr. John, John Lennon, Sun Ra, Terry Riley, and Wilco.

    Download: RMI Rocksichord

    • Tape Choir by Soniccouture

    The legendary multi-layered ‘infinite’ vocal pad from 10cc’s ’70s hit ‘I’m Not In Love’. Tracking, tape-looping and mixing the groundbreaking original was a famously epic endeavour, but Tape Choir boils the process down to a an intuitive engine in which each key across a two-octave range plays an individually recorded stacked vocal note, with randomised start times and adjustable detune delivering that huge ensemble sound. Tape emulation, a multimode filter, an ADSR envelope and an extensive selection of convolution reverb types enable shaping of the ‘choir’,

    Download: Tape Choir

    • Abstract Freebie by Sonixinema

    Abstract is a steel percussion library like no other. Recorded in exceptional detail and performed with a range of sticks, mallets, bows, this wonderful library features a range of energetic hits and abstract effects. The library was performed by world class percussionist Joby Burgess, who is known for his virtuosic performances across blockbusters such as Black Panther, Mission Impossible, Alien and many more. Abstract Free contains 1 free patch from full Abstract.

    Download: Abstract Freebie

    • Brute Flute Freebie by Sonixinema

    A first in cinematic sampling, Brute Flute is a Contrabass Flute library like no other. Recorded in exceptional detail, the full version features a range of cinematic textures, harmonic embellishments, explosive articulations and an expressive true legato.

    Download: Brute Flute Freebie

    • Bowed Metals Freebie by Sonixinema

    Bowed Metals is the final instalment in our Experiments Series of instruments for the free Kontakt Player. Featuring a handpicked collection of Vibraphones, Crotales, Cymbals and Waterphones, performed by virtuoso percussionist, Hugh Wilkinson. Hugh is one of London’s top session musicians, and has performed on scores for blockbusters such as Shazam, Ant Man, Downton Abbey and many more. Together with Hugh, we recorded a collection of delicate bowed textures, creating a unique library of percussion as you’ve never heard it before, which is perfect for ambient and cinematic scores.

    Download: Bowed Metals Freebie

    • Christmas Bells by Sonixinema

    Introducing Christmas Bells, a new free sample library featuring 3 sizes of sleigh bells, multiple round robins, dynamics and 3 preset rhythms to give you an instant Christmas sound.

    Download: Christmas Bells

    • Contemporary Bass Freebie by Sonixinema

    Contemporary Soloists series is a culmination of everything we’ve learned throughout our sampling adventure, and it truly represents Sonixinema’s ideals and taste. After being introduced to Seth and hearing him play, we knew we had to get together in the studio and start with one of our favourite instruments, the Cello. Three patches from the full library includes in this, can be played through Free Kontakt Player.

    Download: Contemporary Bass Freebie

    • Hang Drum Freebie by Sonixinema

    Hang Drum is the new instalment in our innovative range of virtual instruments, The Experiments. Featuring a highly unique set of never before captured articulations, this multi-sampled Hang Drum is truly one of a kind and captures an incredibly raw and soulful tone which is perfect for modern cinematic music. Performed by virtuoso Hang player, Marc Constantine.

    Download: Hang Drum Freebie

    • Saxophone Explorations Freebie by Sonixinema

    Saxophone Explorations is a unique sample library for Kontakt Player. Featuring abstract and aleatoric saxophone textures combined with a custom modular effects rig performed by virtuoso saxophonist and artist, Jay Reynolds, It is sublime, evolving and intense.

    Download: Saxophone Explorations Freebie

    • Sirens Freebie by Sonixinema

    The library is performed by virtuoso soprano, Grace Davidson, who is known for her work on over 200 film soundtracks, and her collaborations with legendary composers such as Max Richter and Eric Whitacre. This library has a wonderfully compelling and intimate sound which is perfect for capturing a modern cinematic sound world. It features a shallow and depth slider which allows you to transform and twist the performance into a whole new dimension.

    Download: Sirens Freebie

    • Desk Bell Freebie by Soundiron

    Desk Bell is a humble library featuring a 3-inch polished brass bell with a simple, yet loud “ding!.” We sampled this instrument in the lush halls of St. Paul’s Church and up close in a dry studio, and designed warm ambiences to provide maximum playability.

    Download: Desk Bell

    • Rainsong Freebie by Soundiron

    Rainsong is a free instrument library for Kontakt, created from a variety of natural rain ambiences and raindrop sound effects, crafted into playable sound-designed synths, pads, atmospheric soundscapes and percussive sfx. It’s full of playable musical elements, as well as useful sonic elements and foley for videogames, animation, film and songwriting.

    Download: Rainsong

    • Pipe Organ Freebie by Sonuscore

    An expressive keyboard instrument with custom mixing for three settings: Pedal, Toccata, and Principal. This pipe organ virtual instrument was sampled in the Saalkirche in Ingelheim, Germany. The Saalkirche, as it stands now, is an over 200-year-old church that doubles as a concert hall due to it housing a famous E.M. Skinner pipe organ.

    Download: Pipe Organ

    • Accent Pianos by Cinesamples

    Accent Pianos, two Orchestral Pianos set in the center of the MGM Scoring Stage at Sony Studios. This particular sound is highly sought after, and legendary for creating a percussive and harmonically rich tone that has made its mark in film scores of all genres. Perfect for accent hits, percussive melodies, and doubling rhythmic patterns, Accent Pianos has the secret sauce producers need to stand out from the crowd.

    Download: Accent Pianos

    • Mister Rogers’ Celeste by Cinesamples

    This beautiful Celeste is famous for the sound of the beloved character ‘Trolly’ in the television show ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’, but it is much more than just a character sound. Mister Roger’s Celeste is a truly beautiful sounding instrument, with a depth of tone, resonance and character that only comes from decades of use and love. The instrument, and now this library is an important part of music history, and we are honored to preserve and care for it for generations to come.

    Download: Mister Rogers’ Celeste

    • Create Series Kalimba by Cinesamples

    Cinesamples is proud to present the Create Series. A collection of small, yet pristinely recorded, instruments for adding color and depth to your music. We hope that the Create Series of free instruments inspires new songs, fresh ideas and saves you from setting up a session every time you need a melody from that little toy laying around the studio. No more setup, just PLAY.

    Download: Create Series Kalimba

    • Create Series Kalimba by Cinesamples

    Cinesamples is proud to present the Create Series. A collection of small, yet pristinely recorded, instruments for adding color and depth to your music. We hope that the Create Series of free instruments inspires new songs, fresh ideas and saves you from setting up a session every time you need a melody from that little toy laying around the studio. No more setup, just PLAY.

    Download: Create Series Toy Xylo

    • Tongue Drum by Cinesamples

    Tongue Drum is a beautiful sounding iron tongue drum tuned to a pentatonic scale. Small improvements have been made to the library, including a custom UI, onboard FX, custom Snapshots and the ability to re-map the instrument chromatically for easier use in compositions in any key.

    Download: Tongue Drum

    • Twisted Psaltry by Cinesamples

    Cinesamples is proud to present Twisted Psaltry – Cinematic FX. Some call it color, some call it vibe, some call it ear-candy. Whatever it is, we all need it to add depth and subtlety to our productions. Twisted Psaltry brings the screechy, hair raising, ear-splitting metallic sound you hear sprinkled throughout horror, sci-fi, cinematic and textural scores. Brilliant in its simplicity, tiny footprint and ease of use, Twisted Psaltry is for the producer who needs that little something to add texture, color, depth, or chaos to their sound.

    Download: Twisted Psaltry

    • Carousel by Sonokinetic

    10 years ago, we took a trip to the funfair and recorded a passion project, the original fairground Carousel. This heritage instrument reminds us of childhood fun, candy floss and steam engines so we wanted to retain all of that joy and excitement within the virtual realm. For 2020 we’ve dusted off those old recordings and brought them right up to date, remastering every single sample with cutting edge acoustic editing, tuning and de-noising. The interface has been given a complete overhaul too, so now you can easily tweak the volumes of each of the ten registers and move them up and down your keyboard. Of course, we had to retain the round robin percussion and bellow noises too, for an experience as close to the real thing as possible.

    Download: Carousel

    • EMP by Sonokinetic

    The electro-mechanical piano has been sampled over and over, so why do it again?
    One reason is because each one has its own specific sound, and this one, the Mark 2,
    has been overlooked by many other companies, while it has a distinctive sound that especially comes to life in soulful ballads, but also holds its own in more upbeat music styles. Another reason is that, for all the work that’s has been put into recreating this kind of instrument, playing the real thing always tickles us in a way that the sampled counterpart just doesn’t. So, what is the big differentiator? We think much lies in the imperfection of a real instrument…and that’s what we tried to capture in this sampled EMP.

    Download: EMP

    • Hurdy Gurdy by Sonokinetic

    For over 500 years this instrument has been an essential musical ingredient in music styles across Europe, Eurasia and large parts of the Middle East. Forming a base of harmony and rhythm and a solid musical environment for melody instruments to perform in, spreading its sound from the early medieval inns, taverns in the Golden Age to the festive Hobbit scenes of the Lord Of The Rings movies. This versatile and distinctive sound instantly triggers the imagination and lingers on to colour the musical picture the composer tries to paint.

    Download: Hurdy Gurdy

    • Sleigh Bells by Sonokinetic

    A ridiculously comprehensive collection of tempo-synced sleigh bells. So, for this special package, we donned our comedy Santa hats and recorded 6 different sizes of sleigh bells, ranging from just one bell to a 25 bell stick.

    Download: Sleigh Bells

    • Vivace Legacy by Sonokinetic

    When we released the original vivace, over a decade ago, we had no idea how this legacy of orchestral scoring would develop and shape Sonokinetic in the years that followed. Over the past ten years our orchestral libraries have straddled genres and emotions. However, we’ve always had a yearning to go back to the previously discontinued Vivace recordings and breathe new life into them.

    Download: Vivace Legacy

    • Otamatone by Audio Imperia

    A must-have in any cinematic composers tool kit. We are incredibly proud to present to you, our new brand new soloist: Otamatone.

    Download: Otamatone

    • Infinite Collection (Demo Pack) by Emergence Audio

    Stay immersed in your creative flow with Emergence Audio’s Infinite Motion Engine™ Series. Making ambient music creation and sound design simple.

    Download: Infinite Collection (Demo Pack)

  • How to use my computer to make a recording studio? (6: Cables&Cables)

    How to use my computer to make a recording studio? (6: Cables&Cables)

    In this serie:

    1. Introduction
    2. The audio interface
    3. The DAW
    4. Virtual Instruments (VST)
    5. Effects
    6. Cables&cables

    Audio cable types are some of the most numerous of any cable, with both the consumer and professional space packed with different options for different uses and different generations of technology.” says a extensive guide.

    Even in an in-the-box studio you will still need some cables, for example for a microphone or for recording a guitar or keyboard, or anything else that requires a physical connection. Also, you will need USB and MIDI cables. Either way, you’ll soon find yourself in a tangle of cables.

    But at least in the digital domain this mess will be mitigated: you don’t need a stereo cable to connect your synths and effects to your DAW, and that’s already a huge step forward in simplification.

    Remember Murphy’s Law? If a cable can break, it will and leave you standing awkwardly amidst an eerie hum and not knowing where it’s coming from.

    But you may need cables, albeit virtual, even in the digital world.
    For example, you have a music program that you really like but it doesn’t exist in VST format. How to drive it from your DAW?

    I would like to build a monument dedicated to people like Tobias Erichsen, creator of VirtualMIDI. Its utility allows you to quickly create a virtual MIDI cable (more cables if necessary), and thus it will be simple to connect your standalone software (non VST) with a MIDI channel of your DAW and so all events can be recorded and played back even without VST. Really excellent.

    Also have a look at all of Tobias’ other utilities, some are really useful even if more complex to use (a MIDI network driver? Really?).

    If instead you need to capture an audio stream (for example, a singer who sings remotely on your base station in Skype) you will need an audio router.

    Sound threatening? It’s just weird terms, it’s actually as simple as plugging a jack into your mixer or amp. Let’s see how.

    Probably the most complete solution is the free and open source Jack Audio Connection Kit, which can handle both MIDI and audio cables.

    With Jack2 you can also connect your DAW to OBS, thus opening the door to audio/video performances. If you’re already drooling, hold back.

    If, on the other hand, you only need a no-frills audio cable, plug and unplug, probably the simplest and freest solution is that of VB Audio, VB-CABLE Virtual Audio Device.

    Cable input, cable output and done. Just connect the right cable to the right place. All audio streams sent to VB-CABLE inputs (Playback Device) will be forwarded to VB-CABLE outputs (Recording Device).

  • How to use my computer to make a recording studio? (5: Effects)

    How to use my computer to make a recording studio? (5: Effects)

    In this serie:

    1. Introduction
    2. The audio interface
    3. The DAW
    4. Virtual Instruments (VST)
    5. Effects
    6. Cables&cables

    Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins are what amateur and professional recording engineers and artists use to enhance their audio projects. A plugin is a type of software that works inside another piece of software. Instead of working on its own, you plug it into something else (in our case, the DAW).

    If you’ve ever visited a recording studio, you’ve certainly noticed some racks containing objects called effects: they’re the equipment that allows the sound engineer to add details to the instruments, maybe some reverb, an echo, a compressor or a special effect. For a guitarist these are the studio equivalent of the numerous pedals at his feet, and the studio ones are much more refined, precise and expensive.

    The chain of effects can actually characterize the sound of an instrument in an important way, the famous case being the sound of the solos of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour. Two notes are enough and you recognize it. Or Jimi Hendrix’s Wha Wha, and many other famous examples (and we are talking about just ONE effect).

    One of the most famous effects used by Gilmour is a delay called the Binson Echorec, a tape echo from days gone by.

    (left) David tweaking his Binson II unit during A Saucerful of Secrets filmed at Pompeii. (right) David pictured at Earl’s Court, London, UK in May 1973 with a Binsin II and a Binson PE.

    That distinctive sound is so desired that many software houses has seen fit to create a replica of the delay in digital format, emulating not only the sound but also the look in the interface.

    A quick internet search for Binson Echorec VST will yield many results.

    This delay is just an example, you can find any kind of known and unknown effects, free and paid, in every category and often it will be just how you use effects that will shape your personal sound.

    Your DAW’s mixer will allow you to use them freely, even emulating rather refined techniques such as sidechain and parallel compression.

    The world of effects is a complex world, just as important as that of tools. Below is a probably partial list of the available audio effects organized by categories.

    Dynamic Effects

    Compression
        FET Compression
        Multi-band Compression
        Optical Compression
        Parallel/Manhattan Compression
        Sidechain Compression
        Variable Mu Compression
        VCA Compression
    De-Esser
    Distortion
        Bitcrushing
        Clipping
        Distortion
        Fuzz
        Overdrive
        Sample Rate Reduction
        Tape Saturation
        Valve Saturation
    Exciter
    Expander
    Level
    Limiting
    Noise Gating
    Noise Reduction
    Transient Shaper

    Modulation Effects

    Chorus
    Flanger
    Phaser
    Ring Modulation
    Rotary Effect
    Tremolo
    Vibrato

    Sound Manipulation Processes

    Reverse
    Time Compression
    Time Expansion

    Spectral Processes

    Equalization
        Dynamic EQ
        Graphic EQ
        Parametric EQ
        Semi-Parametric EQ
        Shelving EQ
    Filters
        Band-pass Filter
        Bell Curve Filter
        Envelope Filter
        High-pass Filter
        High Shelf Filter
        Low-pass Filter
        Low Shelf Filter
        Notch Filter
        Wah
    Imaging
    Panning
    Pitch Correction
    Pitch Shifting

    Time-Based Effects

    Delay
        Analog (BBD) Delay
        Digital Delay
        Doubling Echo
        Haas Effect
        Ping Pong Delay
        Reverse Delay
        Shimmer Delay
        Slapback Delay
        Tape Delay
    Looping
    Reverb
        Acoustic Emulation Reverb
        Bloom Reverb
        Convolution Reverb
        Gated Reverb
        Plate Reverb
        Reverse Reverb
        Shimmer Reverb
        Spring Reverb

    Some Free VST effects plugins (list is very bog, just do a search for free VST effect on web):

    Have fun, don’t listen to the various gurus, find your own way creating your personal, distinctive sound.


  • How to use my computer to make a recording studio? (4: Virtual Instruments – VST)

    How to use my computer to make a recording studio? (4: Virtual Instruments – VST)

    In this serie:

    1. Introduction
    2. The audio intrface
    3. The DAW
    4. Virtual Instruments (VST)
    5. Effects
    6. Cables&cables

    In previous episodes we talked extensively about virtual instruments, or VSTs. But what exactly are they?

    Virtual studio technology (VST) is a digital interface standard that is used to connect and integrate software audio effects, synthesizers and effect plugins with recording systems and audio editors (DAW). VST is basically a software emulation of hardware synthesizers, instruments and samplers, and often provides a custom user interface that mimics the original hardware down to knobs and switches. It provides recording engineers and musicians access to virtual versions of devices and equipment that might be otherwise too expensive or difficult to procure, or that are inexistant on marker as hardware.

    There are many types of VST plugins, which can be mostly classified as instruments (VSTi) or effects. VSTi does exactly what its name implies, as it emulates different musical instruments so that the recording engineer or musician does not need to procure the specific instrument or find someone who can play it. Modern VST plugins provide their own custom GUI, but older ones tended to rely on the UI of the host software.

    Steinberg released the VST interface specification and SDK in 1996. They released it at the same time as Steinberg Cubase 3.02, which included the first VST format plugins: Espacial (a reverb), Choirus (a chorus effect), Stereo Echo, and Auto-Panner.

    Steinberg updated the VST interface specification to version 2.0 in 1999. One addition was the ability for plugins to receive MIDI data. This supported the introduction of Virtual Studio Technology Instrument (VSTi) format plugins. VST Instruments can act as standalone software synthesizers, samplers, or drum machines.

    VST have a story: in 2006, the VST interface specification was updated to version 2.4. Changes included the ability to process audio with 64-bit precision. A free-software replacement was developed for LMMS that would be used later by other free-software projects.

    VST 3.0 came out in 2008, and VST 3.5 in 2011. In October 2011, Celemony Software and PreSonus released Audio Random Access (ARA), an extension for audio plug-in interfaces, such as VST, allowing greater integration between audio plug-ins and DAW software.

    VST 3.6.7 came out in March, 2017. A long story that make this technology solid and tested.

    There are three types of VST plugins:

    • VST instruments generate audio. They are generally either virtual synthesizers or virtual samplers. Many recreate the look and sound of famous hardware synthesizers.
    • VST effects process rather than generate audio—and perform the same functions as hardware audio processors such as reverbs and phasers. Other monitoring effects provide visual feedback of the input signal without processing the audio. Most hosts allow multiple effects to be chained. Audio monitoring devices such as spectrum analyzers and meters represent audio characteristics (frequency distribution, amplitude, etc.) visually.
    • VST MIDI effects process MIDI messages (for example, transpose or arpeggiate) and route the MIDI data to other VST instruments or to hardware devices.

    VST plugins often have many controls, and therefore need a method of managing presets (sets of control settings).

    Steinberg Cubase VST introduced two file formats for storing presets: an FXP file stores a single preset, while an FXB file stores a whole bank of presets. These formats have since been adopted by many other VST hosts, although Cubase itself switched to a new system of preset management with Cubase 4.0.

    Many VST plugins have their own method of loading and saving presets, which do not necessarily use the standard FXP/FXB formats.

  • Generative music machine and Langton’s ants

    Generative music machine and Langton’s ants

    I am very passionate about instruments that generate music. Given some rules, those start generating notes and sequences and hearing the variations hypnotises me.

    A study started by Brian Eno in 1995 with a software called Koan ,evolved now in Wotja.

    Generative music is the term used to describe any music that is ever-different and changing, created by a system. The term has since gone on to be used to refer to a wide range of music, from entirely random music mixes created by multiple simultaneous CD playback, through to live rule-based computer composition

    For me an old passion, started on Atari with a software called M, which I still use in an Atari ST emulator under Windows

    For this I greatly appreciated the work done by Marcin Gruszczyński by Fairly Confused with Cracklefield.

    A contraption that I’m not sure how to classify: a grid based sequencer, with objects traveling in different directions, bouncing off walls and colliding with each other, creating dynamically evolving patterns. So, Cracklefield is a generative music machine, experimental sequencer based on a cellular grid.

    The field can be read or modified by cursors, pointing at sequence track playing position. The cursors can travel the field in any direction, horizontally, vertically or diagonally, each at it’s own rate. They can bounce off field edges or obstacles (walls) and, what is the fun part, bounce off each other. 

    Cursors can interact with the field; paint, erase or flip cells, build or destroy walls, shift whole field rows or columns. It’s a playground for building evolving patterns – set initial conditions and see what would it sound like. Crazy.

    Cursors are driven by a Langton’s ant scheme, a cellular automaton, which changes direction depending on what kind of cell it steps on.

    In short, a library for Kontakt really difficult to describe. 

    It’s not a freebie, cost around 70 euro on many shops online, but Marcin released a “Stay at home with Cracklefield” version on Covid times. it’s a stripped-down version, but enough to have some fun and understand how it works.

    Attention: Cracklefield is not intended as a generator of sounds, but of notes. Its sound library serves only to get an idea, but each channel (slider) can be redirected to a track of your DAW to which a suitable VST instrument is associated. Or, download the Kontakt multi-channel sequencer script. Reading the fucking manual mandatory. Work only with Kontact full.

  • Streaming live performances in Second Life from a DAW

    Streaming live performances in Second Life from a DAW

    For a musician is enough difficult send a stream from own PC to Second Life.

    If it’s a live performance, the unexpected is around the corner, and it’s necessary to launch several programs at the same time, keeping your fingers crossed that everything works.

    This is why I find this free VST plugin, ShoutVST, interesting. He allows you to connect your audio from within your DAW without launching other programs. Simple is always better.

    It works with any program that supports VST technology and is pretty simple to set up.
    This way it will be easy to prepare basic tracks in your DAW and play along with them using a dedicated track on your DAW. You’re not eight-armed octopuses, come on.

    Download: https://www.kvraudio.com/product/shoutvst-by-r-tur

    The VST at work inside Studio One, which is the DAW i use, But he work same with traktor or Ableton, for example, without the use of loopback methods.