9 Places to Find Free Samples

1 Oct 02 2014 in Resources

9 Places to Find Free Samples

Let’s face it. Being a music producer isn’t the most lucrative hobby or career path, especially when starting out. Paying for premium samples cannot only be an inconvenience at times, but also unviable when you’re tight on money. There is of course a reason why samples and soundsets cost money, as it’s quite clear that most "paid” products are of higher quality than free ones.

The main downside that’s present in the world of free samples is that it’s hard to find the quality libraries amidst all the tacky ones. In this post I’m going to address that, providing you with 9 places that you can get free, high quality samples from.

1. Freshly Squeezed Samples

We’re allowed to self-promote on our own website, right?

While we’re known for our premium products, whether it be sample packs, sound sets, or templates – we also have a range of free products that have proven to be incredibly popular over the years. Many of them are taster packs for our larger products, but in no way does this have an impact on the quality of the packs.

Head over to our Micro Essentials category page and check out the range of sample packs, MIDI kits, and sound sets.

2. 99Sounds

99Sounds is a project made by the owner of Bedroom Producer’s Blog (also mentioned in this article). Their goal? To create commercial quality sample libraries for free. So far, they’re doing a damn good job. The packs there at the moment won’t fit in every genre, and some are quite abstract, but every single one of them is quality made and worth checking out.

3. MusicRadar

If you’re looking to really build your sample library, then MusicRadar is perfect. They have the largest collection of free samples on the internet (almost 50,000), all focused around different genres and styles.

The only downside with a sample collection this big is that you’re going to spend a lot of time sifting through the low quality packs.

4. Loopmasters

Loopmasters are very well known in the production community, and distribute sample libraries from a range of different labels and artists. While almost all of their products come at a price, each one has a "taster pack” which can be downloaded completely for free. Yes, they’re small, but you can still build up your library with them.

In addition to the taster packs, Loopmasters also stock a number of free label samplers, which can be found here.

5. Producer Loops

Producer Loops are well known for their vast and diverse range of sample libraries and sound sets. The sheer amount of products (especially free products) does make it hard to find high quality samples, but fortunately their free sample packs are top notch.

Check out their comprehensive collection of free samples here.

6. Function Loops

Function Loops is a lesser known brand compared to Loopmasters and Producer Loops, but as we both know the quality is what matters, and it’s clear that Function Loops put out some of the highest quality sample libraries on the market. They only have 3 free sample packs, but all of them are great, so I suggest you head over and download them.

7. Bedroom Producer’s Blog

I’ve already given BPB a mention in this post, but I think it’s important to do so again. Bedroom Producer’s Blog isn’t a store or a database containing samples, but rather a blog that’s updated frequently with the best free samples and plugins on the web. If you’re a producer and you don’t have this site bookmarked, then you should feel sorry for yourself.

8. Freesound.org

Freesound.org doesn’t stock your standard sample libraries for dance music producers. It’s a crowd-populated database of recorded sounds. You won’t find punchy EDM kicks or groovy top loops here, but if you’re looking for a field recording of people talking in a bar, or the sweet, sweet sound of a V8 engine starting, then you’ll feel right at home.

9. Your Friends!

Lastly, if you have any, get free samples off other producers. Many producers have their own collection of samples that they’ve designed and built from scratch, and many are willing to share them. Ask people you know if they’ve made any samples or loops and if they’re happy to send them your way.

So, there you have it, 9 places to get free samples that don’t reek of bad quality. Have I missed a place? Let me know in the comments.