Welcome. This is your guide to the best free tools for composers.
There are many free plugins and sample libraries available if you know where to look. But what might surprise you is just how good some of them sound!
I’m a composer for royalty-free music libraries and I use these free tools in my own compositions.
So please try them out for yourself and have fun!
In addition, check out my latest video. I’ll show you how to create a cinematic percussion track using an amazing FREE sample library. https://youtu.be/kurh2D9Qh3E
Spitfire Audio, Labs.
Let’s start with Labs by Spitfire Audio. This huge collection of high-quality instruments has to be heard to be believed. Labs covers a vast range of instruments from mandolins to synthesizers. Furthermore, the collection is growing all the time. So why not check them out! Kontakt Player not required.
https://labs.spitfireaudio.com/
Splash Sound, Epic Percussion Elements 3
This Kontakt Instrument showcases a small selection of epic percussion. The sounds are taken from the full version of Epic Percussion 3. I’m impressed by the epic sounding drums in this library. So it’s well worth a try! The full version of Kontakt is required.
http://splashsound.org/percussionelements3.html
**** Watch my video tutorial on how I use Epic Percussion Elements to create a cinematic trailer track: https://youtu.be/kurh2D9Qh3E
8dio, Free Angels and Free radicals
These Kontakt instruments from 8dio offer some quite interesting and unique sounds. Secondly, you’ll have fun trying all the presets. Also, the user interfaces are quirky and interesting. Full version of Kontakt required.
Red Room, Snaps Claps Slaps Stomps & Shouts
A vocal and body FX virtual instrument that samples a 24-piece mixed choir. Full version of Kontakt required.
https://redroomaudio.com/product/snaps-claps-slaps-stomps-shouts/
Project Sam, The Free Orchestra
Includes one gigabyte of free, cinematic sounds taken directly from ProjectSAM’s acclaimed libraries. From orchestral string staccatos and brass clusters to symphonic percussion and dystopian sound design. Requires the free Kontakt Player 6.2.1 or higher
AVA, Eminence
A selection of free trailer sound effects, cinematic drones and modern pop drums. Kontakt Player not required.
https://avamusicgroup.com/pages/free-sounds
Production Music Tools, Free sample and midi pack
Combine blazing string ostinatos with world-class trailer samples to create a hard-hitting epic masterpiece. Kontakt Player not required.
https://productionmusictools.com/
Reverb, Drum Machines Complete Collection
This is an extensive sample collection of rare and noteworthy drum machines. It includes over 50 drum machines, the complete Reverb Drum Machines collection. Kontakt Player not required.
Slate Digital, EDM Sample Pack
Slate Digital have some amazing free sample packs. In this one, you get over 500 amazing sounds to make your EDM tracks come alive. In addition, once you are signed up, you can expect to receive further free sample packs. Kontakt Player not required.
https://slatedigital.com/edm-sample-pack-2020
WA Production, free sample packs
A fantastic selection of sample packs for EDM, pop, dance and electronic music. Kontakt Player not required.
https://www.waproduction.com/sounds/items/free
Ample Sound, Bass P Lite and Guitar M Lite
Nice Bass and Acoustic guitar virtual instruments. Kontakt Player not required.
Bass P Lite: https://www.amplesound.net/en/pro-pd.asp?id=19
Guitar M Lite: https://www.amplesound.net/en/pro-pd.asp?id=7
Newfangled Audio, Pendulate Monosynth
Pendulate is a chaotic monosynth that uses a brand new double-pendulum-oscillator to create previously unheard sounds. Kontakt Player not required. https://www.newfangledaudio.com/pendulate
IK Multimedia, Sampletank CS
Combining all the features of SampleTank 4’s award-winning sound engine with 50 all-new instruments and 200 MIDI loops. SampleTank 4 CS gives you the power to create full tracks in a single plug-in, then expand your sonic arsenal as needed.
https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/st4cs/?pkey=sampletank-4-cs
If you are interested in more content from IK multimedia then please use my affiliate link.
IK Multimedia, Amplitube CS
Amplitube CS is a fantastic free tool for guitarists. In this free version of Amplitube you get 41 iconic, pedals, amps, cabinets, mics and rack FX. Amplitube can be used stand-alone or as a plug-in in your favourite recording software. Find out more:
https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/amplitube5cs/
If you are interested in more content from IK multimedia then please use my affiliate link.
Marimbaphonic
Marimbaphonic is a sampled marimba. It contains 122 samples from the University of Iowa Electronic Music Studios public domain library.
http://www.alanvista.com/marimbaphonic/
Cymatics Free Sample Packs
Cymatics offers a large range of free sample packs. From EDM to Hip-Hop, Lo-Fi, Trap and much more.
https://cymatics.fm/pages/free-download-vault
So there we have it: The Best Free Tools for Composers 2021.
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