These are the best free sampler VST plugins online that can be used with FL Studio, Reason, Ableton Live, and other VST-supported software.
I’ve gathered a list of free sampler plugins here, complete with features, images, and videos to guide your choices. From the many free VST plugins I’ve tested, here are some of the most impressive free sampler VST plugins.
Best Sampler VST Plugins
- TX16Wx
- Grace: Sampler
- Zampler
- Sitala
- Momentum
- Decent Sampler Plugin
- Speedrum Lite
- SooperLooper
- Giada
- TAL-Sampler
- Poise
- Loophole
- SampleSwap
- Shortcircuit 2
- Grooove BPB
- RPS-1
- BeatBurner
- DRS0
- InstantSampler
- Yumbu 2
Tutorial: How to Install VST Plugins
Instructions: Click the links below to visit each sampler VST plugin. Look around each website for the download link or button. Do not install any suspicious software.
1. TX16Wx
The TX16Wx is a software sampler plugin for musicians inspired by hardware samplers. This plugin is more than a simple sampler for loading and playing audio files.
It is a full-featured free software sampler. It can load WAV, AIFF, Ogg, FLAC, sf2 sound fonts, and sfz. It offers tons of modulations, envelopes, and robust keyboard mapping.
It is a great free alternative to Accusonus Rhythmiq, Serato Sample, and the Native Instruments Kontakt Sampler.
TX16Wx | PC & Mac
2. Small Clue Grace: Sampler
Grace is a plugin sampler. Everyone should have a creative sampler in their toolbox.
- Two filters per voice
- AHDSR envelopes
- LFOs
- Step sequencers
- XY control pads
- WAV, AIF, and SND formats
- SFZ patch import
- Drag and drop sample loading
- Browse your sample library
- Patch import & export
Grace Sampler | PC
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3. Zampler
Zampler//RX is a fully loaded sampler instrument developed by Synapse Audio. This versatile plugin features all the essentials to sample and manipulate sounds.
Zampler also has an arpeggiator, a step sequencer, a modulation matrix, and an effects section.
Zampler | PC & Mac
4. Sitala
Sitala is a free plugin that’s simple, fast, and musical. Six knobs and sixteen pads make it easy to play with your samples and create something original.
The drag-and-drop feature makes getting your samples into the plugin easy, and the playback is smooth and realistic. You can even use the plugin as an instrument, making it a versatile tool for any producer.
- Fast and musical
- Sixteen pads
- Drag and drop
- Playable like an instrument
- 16 Sample slots
Sitala | PC & Mac
5. Momentum
With Momentum, you can take your loops and samples to the next level by unlocking their potential with sound sculpting tools that give you unprecedented control over your sound.
Momentum is a powerful mega sampler and sample player with a user-friendly interface that makes sound sculpting a breeze. If you’re looking for a powerful and intuitive sound sculpting tool, look no further than Momentum.
This is one of my favorite sampler VST plugins on this list because of its cool interface and great selection of features.
Features
- Powerful mega sampler
- Intuitive sound sculpting
- Load any WAV/AIFF
- Smart BPM stretching
Pros
- 2.1GB free content
- Automatic MIDI assignment
- Edit slices with MIDI
Cons
- 2GB disk space needed
- Works on Windows 8+
- 1440×900 resolution minimum
- Mac requires 10.14+
Momentum | PC & Mac
6. Decent Sampler Plugin
This plugin is easy to use and has excellent sound. It’s perfect for sampling your music and creating new tracks that sound top-notch. You’re sure to be impressed with the quality of sound this plugin produces.
Features
- Perfect for sampling your music
- Creates new tracks that sound top-notch
Plugin | PC / Mac / Linux
7. Speedrum Lite
Speedrum Lite is a powerful sampler with an intuitive interface. With its 16 pads, musicians can easily drag and drop samples to create beats and tracks.
The filter options allow for creative sound design, while the stereo output provides an immersive experience. Speedrum Lite allows users to adjust the start and end of samples and apply envelope effects. The plugin supports WAV, AIF, FLAC, MP3, and OGG file formats.
- 16 Pads & sample slots
- Filter options
- Stereo output
- Adjustable start and end of samples
- Envelope effects
- Eight Sample Layers
- WAV, AIF, FLAC, MP3, OGG file format support
Speedrum Lite | PC / Mac / Linux Ubuntu
8. SooperLooper
SooperLooper is a perfect tool for musicians who want to create professional-sounding music on their computers. It allows you to record, overdub, and reverse your loops in real-time, giving you complete control over your sound.
- Real-time looping
- Overdubbing
- Reverse loops
- Change tempo and pitch
SooperLooper | PC & Mac
9. Giada
Giada is a minimal, fast, powerful audio tool created specifically for live performance and jamming. It’s designed to be simple and effective without too many unnecessary features.
You can use it to play and loop audio files, trigger MIDI events, and record your performance. It is one of the most popular sampler VST plugins in the world of live electronic music.
- Low latency for live performance
- Can play and loop audio files
- Trigger MIDI events
Giada | PC / Mac / Linux / FreeBSD
10. TAL-Sampler
TAL-Sampler is a fantastic synthesizer that allows you to create unique sounds with its powerful modulation matrix and self-oscillating low pass filter.
- Self-oscillating low-pass filter
- Wide range of sound presets
TAL-Sampler | PC / Mac / Linux
11. Poise
Poise is a powerful drum sampler with 16 pads, eight samples per pad, and various sample switching modes. It also comes with a sample browser, amplitude and pitch envelopes for samples, and support for 8, 16, 24, and 32-bit WAV, AIF, and SND file formats.
You can also load samples into Poise by dragging and dropping them into the program. So, if you have a bunch of drum samples you want to use in your next song, Poise is a great way to do it.
Features
- 16 pads
- Eight samples per pad
- Sample browser
- Amplitude and pitch envelopes for samples
- Drag and drop feature
Poise | PC
12. Loophole
The loophole is the plugin if you’re looking for an easy way to create complex loops with maximum flexibility. With its intuitive MIDI triggering system, you can simultaneously play different sections of up to 4 other loops.
Because each loop is tempo-synced, you can stretch or change their lengths. There’s a graphical representation of the loops, play the position, and triggered sections for easy visual reference.
If you need more control, you can adjust the volume and mute individual loops. The plugin also comes in stereo and multi-out versions and includes 21 presets covering different styles and sounds.
- Intuitive MIDI triggering system
- Graphical representation of loops, play position, and triggered sections
- Can stretch or change loop length
- It comes in stereo and multi-out versions
- 21 presets included
Loophole | PC
13. SampleSwap
If you’re looking for an easy way to make your drums fit perfectly into any mix, this is the sampler. It allows you to quickly replace any drum sound with a better-sounding one without re-recording the whole track.
This plugin is one of the best free sampler VST plugins available. You’ll find it helpful if you’re looking for an easy way to improve your drums.
- Quickly replace any drum sound.
- It comes with a library of high-quality drum sounds
SampleSwap | PC & Mac
14. Shortcircuit 2 Sampler VST Plugin
This sampler VST plugin was created as a reaction against the trend of samplers being designed primarily for library playback.
This plugin is for people who consider a sampler a musical instrument in its own right. This plugin makes it easy to add and edit individual samples.
- Powerful sample editing tools
- MIDI mapping capabilities
- Integrated effects
- Instrument browser
Shortcircuit 2 | PC
15. Grooove BPB
Grooove BPB is a virtual drum sampler that emphasizes playability and expressiveness. With easily accessible modulation controls, it makes sampled drums sound as dynamic and life-like as possible. If you’re looking for a drum sampler that is powerful and easy to use, then Grooove BPB is a perfect choice.
It will become your go-to instrument for creating realistic and expressive drum tracks.
- Playable and expressive drums
- Easy modulation controls
- Realistic and lifelike sound
- Powerful drum sampler
Grooove BPB | PC & Mac
16. RPS-1
RPS-1 is a unique pattern sequencing VST plugin that allows you to create percussion sequences with random variations quickly.
This fast, musical plugin is perfect for any producer looking to add some originality to their beats. If you’re looking for a sampler VST plugin that is simple to use and produces high-quality results, RPS-1 is an excellent option.
It will help you take your music production to the next level.
- Create percussion sequences with random variations
- High-quality results
RPS-1 | PC
17. BeatBurner
BeatBurner is one of the best sampler VST plugins because it has excellent sound and is easy to use. It is straightforward, making it perfect for musicians who want to make better music.
If you are looking for a splendid-sounding sampler, BeatBurner is the plugin. It is simple to use and perfect for anyone who wants to create great music.
BeatBurner | PC & Mac
18. DRS0
DRS0 is an advanced drum machine and sampler that lets you load multiple audio sounds with speed (pitch) and reverse options. You can also control each sound’s volume, pan, attack, and decay. This software is perfect for musicians who want to create better music.
- Advanced drum machine /sampler
- Four patterns with N loop and Next Pattern option
- A B Variations
- Mirror Editing – allows both A and B variations to be edited once
- Each track can load multiple audio sounds (WAV, FLAC, OGG, mp3, WusikSound) with speed (pitch) and reverse option
- Plus volume, pan, attack, and decay
- MIDI output
- Resizeable interface
DRS0 | PC
19. InstantSampler
This is a real-time recording sampler that allows musicians to record and playback audio in various ways. It has adjustable velocity, attack and release times, and a floor function to prevent clipping.
The playback speed can be adjusted, and the audio can be played in reverse or looped. The loop size and fade length can be adjusted, and the memory can be cleared to start fresh.
This is an excellent tool for live performance, as it allows musicians to quickly record and playback audio on the fly if you’re looking for a simple yet powerful sampler.
- Realtime recording and playback
- Adjustable velocity, attack, and release times
- Floor function to prevent clipping
- Playback speed can be adjusted
- Audio can be played in reverse or looped
- Loop size and fade length can be adjusted
Plugin | PC & Mac
20. Yumbu 2
Yumbu 2 is a lightning-speed drum sampling engine that is perfect for live performances. Its slot-driven design makes loading fast and easy, and its one-stage controls make it perfect for on-the-fly tweaking.
If you are looking for a fast and easy way to load drum kits, then Yumbu 2 is the perfect solution. It will speed up your workflow and help you create better music.
- Lightning-speed loading
- One-stage controls
- Slot-driven design
Yumbu 2 | PC
21. DrBeat
This is an 8-sample drum sampler with adjustable tuning, filters, pans, and volumes. The hi/lo arrows allow you to set which keys each sample will play on.
The plugin also allows you to adjust the point at which the sample starts, giving you more control over the sound of your drums.
That’s why it’s one of the best drum sampler VST plugins around.
- Eight drum samples
- Adjustable tuning, filters, pans, and volumes
- Set which keys each sample will play on
- Intuitive Interface
- Adjust the point at which the sample starts
DrBeat | PC
22. Multi-Sampler
This sampler allows you to change the background to use your own logo, making the redistribution of samples and soundbanks unique and personalized.
- Allow to load up to 49 samples in the internal bank
- ADSR Amp
- Tremolo
- Low pass Cut filter
Plugin | PC
23. SF2
DSK SF2 v2 – Free high-quality SoundFont player.
- Bank and preset selector
- Midi channel selector
- Note control (Bend, Retrigger)
- Amp envelope
- Multimode Filter
- Advanced LFO with output route
- Midi automation
- Updates: Portamento time control
- Filter amp. envelope
- Delay fx
- Redistributed GUI
DSK SF2 | PC
24. sforzando
sforzando is a simple but powerful SFZ Player. sforzando is a highly SFZ 2.0 compliant sample player.
Advanced sample hobbyists now have a powerful tool to experiment and share instruments without relying on proprietary formats. Sforzando only has one instrument slot; no fancy UI, effects, or mixers.
sforzando | PC & Mac
25. Position
The position plugin is a sample player where you can alter the play position over time using an envelope/LFO. The simplest way of using it is to load a sample, select the required tempo and length, and press a key.
Position | PC
26. MT-PowerDrumKit
The MT Power Drum Kit is a free drum sampler offering the powerful, high-quality sounds of an acoustic, realistic drum kit.
Samples have been specially recorded and processed to make them ideally suited for use in pop, rock, and metal productions.
Plugin | PC & Mac
27. Linux Sampler
Linux Sampler is easy to use and one of the best samplers available. It’s great for beginners and pros alike, with fantastic sound quality, and is the top choice for anyone looking for a splendid sampler.
Plugin | Linux
28. Scylla
Scylla is a powerful synthesizer that lets you create unique sounds and textures. With its advanced features and multi-layered architecture, you can create truly unique sounds that stand out from the crowd.
It has 96MB of content that provides you with everything you need to get started, and 128 presets give you plenty of inspiration. You can easily tweak and customize the sounds to create your unique style.
The ring modulation, granulator, and LFO effects are perfect for creating new and exciting sounds. The independent tune, volume, and pan controls for each layer give you complete control over your sound.
Scylla is a must-have for any serious producer or musician. If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to create sounds, Scylla is the perfect tool.
- 128 Presets
- Advanced features
- Multi-layered architecture
- Independent tune, volume, and pan controls for each layer
- Ring modulation
- Granulator
- LFO effects
Scylla | PC
29. Stupid Simple Sampler
If you’re looking for an easy way to create your samples, look no further than the Stupid Simple Sampler. With just five controls, it’s easy to use and easy to get started.
The Stupid Simple Sampler comes with 8 included samples: bell, tone, meow, voice, bounce, clink, stick, and strings. These samples are good for getting started or adding to your library of samples.
- Five simple controls
- 8 included samples
- Simple to get started
Plugin | PC
30. BAT-S12
BAT-S12 drum sampler is a powerful tool for creating unique beats and rhythms. With 12 slots that load .wav and .aif files, you can create custom sounds and samples in your music.
The body controls make it easy to adjust the start and endpoints of your own samples and the attack and release times. You can also add pitch stations to change the pitch of your samples and use the stereo delay to create echo effects.
The filter and LFO sections let you further customize your sound, and the reverb and pan controls allow you to add space and depth to your beats. The gain control lets you adjust the overall level of your samples, and the mute button allows you to turn off individual sounds quickly.
- 12 slots for loading .wav and .aif files
- Filter and LFO sections
- Reverb and pan controls
- Gain control
- Mute button
- Intuitive Controls
- 12 Sampler modules
BAT-S12 | PC
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Sampler VST Plugin?
A sampler plugin allows you to sample and playback audio samples such as drum samples, chopped samples, and SoundFonts. Samplers are used in many genres of music production, but they are essential to Hip-Hop, Drum & Bass, and Dubstep producers.
They are also used in other genres, such as Pop music. The sampler is often the main instrument in a producer’s arsenal in these genres. I have included sampler VST plugins that support multiple audio formats and offer a variety of audio effects.
What are VST plugins?
VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology. VST plugins are software effects or virtual instruments that can be used within a digital audio workstation (DAW) to enhance and manipulate audio. They can range from equalizers and compressors to synthesizers and samplers.
What are the best free sampler VST plugins for Windows & Mac?
Here are 10 of the best free sampler VST plugins for Windows & Mac:
1. TX16Wx Software Sampler
2. Simple Microtonal Sampler
3. CR8 Creative Sampler
4. Ableton Sampler
5. Polygon Sampler
6. Grace Sampler
7. ShortCircuit
8. TAL-Sampler
9. KONTAKT Player
10. Sforzando
How can I use a sampler in my music production?
To use a sampler in your music production, you need to load or record samples into the sampler plugin and then trigger the samples using MIDI notes. You can then manipulate the samples by adjusting parameters such as pitch, duration, and modulation to create unique sounds.
Are there any free sampler plugins that come with a built-in sampler?
Yes, there are several free sampler plugins that come with a built-in sampler. Some examples include Ableton Sampler, TX16Wx Software Sampler, and Simple Microtonal Sampler. With these plugins, you can improve your sampling workflow with a wide range of features and functionality.
Can I use a sampler VST plugin to add realistic analog sounds to my music?
Yes, many sampler VST plugins offer the ability to manipulate samples in a way that emulates the sound of analog synths and other vintage instruments. By adjusting parameters such as filters, envelopes, and oscillators, you can create realistic analog sounds within your digital audio workstation.
Are there any sampler plugins that can be controlled with a MIDI controller?
Yes, most sampler plugins can be controlled with a MIDI controller. By assigning MIDI notes or CC messages to various parameters within the sampler plugin, you can trigger samples and manipulate them in real time using the physical controls of your MIDI controller.
What are some creative ways to use a sampler in music production?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to using a sampler in music production.
Some ideas include:
– Creating unique drum kits by sampling unconventional objects or recordings
– Layering multiple samples to create complex and dynamic sounds
– Manipulating vocal samples to create interesting textures and effects
– Sampling environmental sounds to add depth and atmosphere to your tracks
– Using samples as a starting point for creating melodic or rhythmic patterns
– Experimenting with granular synthesis techniques using a sampler plugin.
Another program worth checking out is Serato Sample. It’s not free, but there is a free trial you can download. These plugins are great for music production, sound design, and work with most digital audio workstations.
I hope you enjoy these free sampler VST plugins. These are good free alternatives to paid plugins like the Cosmos Sample Finder.
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TAL Sampler is not free