Our top five favourite sample banks and multi-sample libraries
Whether you regularly use sample banks or not, it can certainly help to have good options when you need them.
From realistic drum sounds to cinematic orchestras and electric guitars, there are some things that are rather difficult to synthesize effectively. It can help to have an array of good sample banks and multi-sample libraries at your fingertips for those moments when you need that specific sound, and synthesizing it is just not getting you there. Here are our top five favourite sample banks and multi-sample libraries.
Thomas Penton Essentials Vol. 1
What is it:
This is undoubtedly my go-to sample pack for anything drums and percussion related, it’s all high-quality, dry recordings of everything from drum kits to traditional percussive sounds and even loops. All samples are dry and unprocessed, allowing you to further apply your own effects without overdoing it.
Feature(s):
- 279 Claps
- 79 Crash-Rides
- 637 Hi Hats (Both Open and Closed)
- 276 Kick Drums
- 585 Various Percussion Including Big Drums & Hits, Bongos, Congas, Clavs, Cowbells, Tablas, Triangles and Various Loops and Hits
- 110 Shakers
- 326 Snares and Rims
- 76 Tams
- 138 Toms
Price:
USD $45 (Around R660)
More info
Xenosonics – Vocal Samples
What is it:
This is a pack of well-crafted vocal samples specifically designed for Psytrance although not limited to it, the sounds range in theme from sci-fi and fantasy to traditional phrases and sound effects. The samples are categorized between styles and dry/wet, making it easy to find what you’re looking for.
Feature(s):
- Over 200 words, phrases and vocal effects
- Categorized thoughtfully
- Dry and processed samples
Price:
EUR €20 (Around R325)
More info
Big Fish Audio Shevannai
What is it:
Shevannai is a multi-sample library for use with Native Instrument Kontakt, it features a ton of content specifically for creating ultra-realistic vocal melodies and harmonies. It leans more towards fantasy themes, but it’s great for dance music or cinematic sound.
Feature(s):
- 5 different true legatos (a, e, i, o, u)
- 33 words
- 27 staccatos (16 short and 11 long)
- 113 phrases in different keys (A, Bb, C, D, E, Eb, F and G)
- 52 phrases in Elven language and reciting some Elven poems
- 57 whispered phrases in Elven language and reciting Elven poems
- 110 different whispers – divided into long and short whispers
- 20 beautiful and inspiring soundscapes
Price:
USD $159 (Around R2340)
More info
Native Instruments Action Strikes
What is it:
Action Strikes is another multi-sample library for Kontakt, and another go-to if i’m looking for huge cinematic drum sounds. Each of the ensembles’ sounds can be triggered individually or using the built-in patterns of time-tested rhythms.
Feature(s):
- 13 cinematic ensembles
- 18 orchestral percussion ensembles
- 9 modern percussion ensembles
- 12 traditional and ethnic ensembles
- 10 sound effects ensembles
Price:
USD $299 (Around R4400)
More info
Impact Soundworks Shreddage 2
What is it:
Shreddage 2 is definitely the most realistic electric guitar instrument I have heard, it’s a multi-sample library for Kontakt that excels at Rock and Metal style electric guitar sounds. The samples feature huge articulation variation, including pinches, tremeloes, squeals and slides. The instrument features 7-string mode and Drop-G tuning, for that extra Metal sound.
Feature(s):
- Up to 8x RR variations per note, up + down strokes
- True legato hammer-ons and portamento
- Tonal and atonal release and pick noises
- Multiple picking modes/behaviors
- Virtual fretboard display with deep tweaking
- Custom-built FX rack with amp + cab sim
- Hi-gain FX presets for instant gratification
- Completely customizable mapping
Price:
USD $119 (Around R1750)
More info
All about Kontakt…
So, keep in mind these multi-sample libraries all require Native Instruments Kontakt, however some of them do work with the FREE version of Kontakt – Kontakt Player. So just double check the relevant sites to make sure…
