Sample Libraries

The Streetly Tapes series of expansion packs for Gforce's M-Tron Pro aim to get as close as possible to an authentic Mellotron experience.

Founded in 1988, Doug Rogers’ EASTWEST company pioneered the creation of realistic, playable sample-based instruments — 25 years on they remain the undisputed market leader.

The Native Instruments Abbey Road Drummer series must be close to completion. Previously we have had Vintage, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and Modern Drummer, and now NI have slipped 50s Drummer into the decade-sized gap.

Available as a downloadable product, in WAV, Apple Loop and Kontakt versions.

Ueberschall's Elastik-based library series now runs to dozens of titles and Bass Saxophone is one of the latest additions and features 140 samples.

Sonokinetic's classical range of virtual instruments includes everything from symphonic orchestras to individual instruments like the electro mechanical piano.

To create this sample library, Drumdrops went into The Pool studio in London and recorded Ben Hillier's eight-piece 1963...

Do you like a slice of glitch with your hop? Prime Loops certainly do, having launched this download pack.

Eduardo Tarilonte's sample libraries from Best Service now feature regularly in Hollywood film soundtracks, documentaries,...

Some of London's top session players were present at the recording of The London Sessions, which took place at Soho's Dean Street Studio.

Universal Sampling are a small virtual instrument and sample library company who have created four products so far and now Euphoria takes them to a different level.

The majority of Ueberschall's Elastik-based libraries come in an easy-to-use construction kit format: lots of loops organised...

To record the New York Studios Vol 3 drum samples, Toontrack returned to the world-class Avatar Studios (formerly The Power Station).

A collection of over 1800 interface noises for sound designers.

Boasting a catalogue that includes a full Balinese gamelan, the wonderful Array Mbira, a set of glass instruments and a Cumbrian lithophone (basically, a piano designed by a caveman), UK samplists Soniccouture revel in exotic tuned percussion.

The third instalment of EastWest’s grand orchestral master plan sees the project nearing the finishing line.

The chances are that, like me, you won't have seen the inside of producer Davor Devcic's home, but Lounge & Chill provides us with a pretty good idea of what the ambience must be like in his living room.

Once again, the Native Instruments team has been at Abbey Road studios, recording a couple of vintage drum kits to create a library with a unique and desirable sound character.

Ueberschall's original Elastik-based Indie Rock library got a five-star review back in the January 2012 issue of SOS. A year or so on and the company are back with a follow-up.

Sound designers Daniel James and Aaron Frensley are the duo responsible for creating Project Alpha, a sound-design toolkit for cinematic music projects.

The world isn't short of decent drum libraries, but it never hurts to have more sounds available.