SAMPLE LIBRARY: WHY IT MATTERS
want to talk about the power of a healthy sample library. It’s a long-form, hands-on process of investment and integrity.
So why is it worth it? And what is the secret sauce?
A well-built sample library isn’t just a collection of sounds—it’s a reflection of your creative identity. It grows and changes over time as you discover new sounds, clear out old ones, and rearrange subfolders. Tending to my library is like nurturing my garden—it’s ongoing, rewarding, and we become more attached over time.
WHY I DON’T SUBSCRIBE TO A SAMPLE LIBRARY SOFTWARE
I do not subscribe to a sample library software. Places like Splice remind me of hitting the vape… instant gratification, but attention-stealing. Ultimately, the vast land of pre-made loops is an illusion of freedom (imo).
I believe in the value of building out a substantial but considered sample library—one that you can familiarise yourself with and draw upon quickly when in flow state.
A big part of producing is being able to be quick. The quicker you can produce, the faster you will get your ideas out without interrupting the flow of consciousness. Training is important—keep flexing that muscle (get a bally mouse :p).
WHAT’S IN MY SAMPLE LIBRARY?
About 80% of my sample library is one-shot drum samples. The backbone? A mighty collection of old-school drum machine sounds. Because, duh. Yes, I am obviously a drum machine nerd, and if you make electronic music (espesh House), you should be too. This is the origin of the genre.
Alongside this labyrinth of retro drum machine samples, you’ll find my ever-growing collection of nature recordings, hand percussion, and foley sounds. These are either self-recorded or collected on excursions to Freesound.org or through deep dives in subreddits where good samaritans donate quirky sample packs.
This collection includes:
- Household items, field recordings, shaker patterns
- Misc percussion instruments (the kind you'd find in a music classroom)
- Snare rolls, hand drums, cymbal flourishes, drum kit loops/breaks
- Percussion stems from other unreleased tracks I’ve made
Your sample library shapes your sound. The sounds I collect define my unique style as a producer. But this isn’t a guide—everyone’s creative garden should look different.
TENDING TO YOUR SAMPLE GARDEN
A well-organized sample library is a creative auxiliary skill. The more fluent you are with your samples, the faster you can get ideas out without disrupting your flow state. Future you will thank you.
MY GO-TO FREE SAMPLE PACKS
Freesound.orgI rate it. I don’t care what you say—it’s a goldmine. Fuck Splice. If you want some weird shit that hasn’t already been rinsed through heaps of compression and reverb, Freesound.org is ya boi. Great for foley sounds and sound effects. Get weird with your searches. Get creative. The BBC Sound Library is a good shout too, but this feels less filtered to me.
A Kiwi legend, but internationally loved. Goldbaby has been around forever, offering an incredible suite of analogue drum machine one-shot sample packs. All samples are fat and juicy. I don’t even know how many Goldbaby packs I have, but the answer is many—and they all get used. These make up a big chunk of my core backbone of go-to samples.
Simply put: these are sick. Tons of retro synths and drum machines with a concise selection of one-shots and minimal processing (only running through an outboard preamp, I think). There are heaps, but my most used have been:
- LinnDrum Pack
- CR-78 Pack
- Yamaha SY22 Pack
Honourable Mentions:
Phantom, Wave Alchemy, Markus Hakala’s 500 Kicks, Gumroad, Glitch with Friends
CLOSING THOUGHTS
A well-crafted sample library is more than just sounds—it’s a creative foundation. The more care and thought you put into it, the more it gives back.
Happy digging. 🎛️🎶
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