Finding and collecting samples and loops is a crucial part of music production, as the right samples can make or break a track. With so many online sources available for finding samples and loops, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best places to find samples and loops, including both paid and free options.
One of the most popular paid options for finding samples and loops is subscription-based services like Loopcloud, Landr, and Splice. These sites offer a wide variety of samples and loops that are royalty-free, and you can purchase them using credits that you can buy with a monthly or yearly subscription. These services offer a great way to find a wide variety of high-quality samples and loops without having to worry about copyright issues.
Another popular option is to purchase samples and loops à la carte from sites like Loopmasters and ADSR. These sites offer a wide variety of samples and loops that you can purchase individually, rather than having to subscribe to a service. This can be a great option if you're only looking for a specific sample or loop, rather than a large collection.
Arcade from Output offers a unique model for finding samples and loops. It's subscription-based, but its samples and loops are available via a proprietary virtual instrument that allows you to search for and play sounds directly in your project. This can be a great option for producers who want to quickly and easily find the perfect sample or loop without having to leave their DAW.
For drum and percussion samples, XO by XLN Audio is a beat-making plugin that features hundreds of samples displayed in its Space window. The window maps your samples by similarity in what looks like a star field. Clicking on any of the stars plays the corresponding sample. XO contains a collection of preset sounds and lets you load your own samples.
There are also many free options for finding samples and loops. Websites like Looperman and Freesound.org feature user-uploaded content, and you can find a wide variety of samples and loops on these sites. However, it's important to note that free samples and loops are not always royalty-free, so you should always be sure to check the rights before using them in a commercial production.
Finding and collecting samples and loops is a crucial part of music production. With so many online sources available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Whether you choose to subscribe to a service, purchase samples and loops à la carte, or use a free option, it's essential to find the right samples that match your project.
