In the tutorial above, we take a look at some of the best VST samplers and specialized apps that are out there, and how you can effectively apply them in your productions. Watch along and find links to download each tool below, along with some free options that we couldn’t fit into the video but are absolutely worth checking out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From versatile sample-based instruments to powerful sound design plugins, here are seven of the best sampler plugins to keep an eye on in 2024 and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many consider the Mellotron to be the first analog sampler\u2014and Arturia has achieved a highly faithful recreation of it with Mellotron V. The Mellotron’s iconic hazy sound is emulated with immaculate attention to detail, while there are also some added bells and whistles that help you incorporate it into a modern workflow. The instrument is available both as a standalone plugin on Arturia’s site,<\/a> or as part of their renowned V Collection.<\/a> You can go to 0:15 in the video to learn more about Mellotron V and hear it in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another powerhouse instrument from Arturia, CMI V is an emulation of the CMI, one of the earliest digital sampling systems to ever become commercially available. Its sequencer in particular is incredibly powerful, allowing you to import your own samples and manipulate them in unique ways, as we demonstrate at 1:45 in the video. Like Mellotron V, this instrument is also both available on its own and as part of V Collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Easily among the best VST samplers, Serato Sample is a powerful but intuitive plugin that enables producers to quickly find and make loops their own.<\/a> Its pitch shifting algorithm is second-to-none, and its “Find Samples” feature allows you to start experimenting with unique segments of your imported sound in seconds. Check out 2:27 in the video to learn more about Serato Sample and hear it in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While Serato Sample is the king of longer loops and samples, there’s nothing better than XLN Audio’s XO when it comes to working with drum one-shots. Its one-of-a-kind UI intelligently categorizes similar timbres together, and allows you to audition them in a visually appealing and highly intuitive way. Go to 3:35 in the video to learn more about XO and hear it in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’ve watched any amount of project file breakdowns from artists and producers, you’ve likely already heard of KONTAKT. The sampling platform provides both a simple sampler as well as a universe of instrument libraries, spanning everything from stripped-down drums to full-fledged symphonies. Check out 4:43 in the video to learn more about KONTAKT and hear it in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another industry standard in sample-based instruments is Omnisphere. Spectrasonics claim that it’s the only software synth on the market that offers a hardware synth integration feature, and this innovation transforms over 65 classic hardware synthesizers into extensive hands-on controllers. Go to 4:33 in the video to learn more about Omnisphere and hear it in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the surface, Pigments may seem like a software synth that, while excellent, doesn’t have a whole lot to do with sampling software. However, it deserves a spot on this list for its severely underrated granular sampling engine. At 4:54 in the video, we demonstrate this feature in the context of a beat\u2014you truly have to hear it for yourself to understand its full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re on a tight budget, there are also a wide array of free sampler plugins that can open up new creative possibilities. Here are six options that are worth exploring as a starting point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want more free stuff? <\/strong>Download Splice INSTRUMENT<\/strong><\/a> and start creating immediately with its extensive catalogue of world-class and human-made presets\u2014plus regular Free Drops to keep your inspiration flowing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Plugins for your DAW aren’t the only options available today for ‘in-the-box’ sampling. At 7:00 in the video, we also showcase an example track produced entirely on a phone, using a combination of the three apps below in conjunction with the Splice mobile app.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you use Splice Sounds<\/a> in your production process, you’ll be pleased to know that importing them into VST samplers is a straightforward process. Most tools should allow you to directly drag-and-drop them from the Dekstop app\u2014we demonstrate what this process looks like below using Logic Pro X’s sampler<\/a> as an example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. CMI V by Arturia<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Serato Sample by Serato<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. XO by XLN Audio<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. KONTAKT by Native Instruments<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Omnisphere by Spectrasonics<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Pigments by Arturia<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBest free sampler plugins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nBest mobile apps for sampling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nHow can I play Splice samples through my VST sampler?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n