As a music producer, I understand the importance of finding the perfect tools for your craft. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to the Best Sampler VST Plugins and my insights from years of hands-on experience.
These plugins can transform your music. A quality sampler plugin can push your sound beyond the limits of the ordinary.
Without further ado, here are the Best Sampler Vst Plugins.
1. Kontakt by Native Instruments
Kontakt 7 is the latest iteration of Native Instruments‘ renowned software sampler. It’s a flexible and powerful tool designed to inspire music producers.
Indeed, as a Native Instruments VST plugin, it tops our Best Sampler VST Plugins list.
Specifications
Compatibility
VST3, AU, AAX (64bit)
System Requirements
- Windows 10 or later
- macOS 11 or later
Features
Kontakt 7 has a new resizable browser for easy sound finding, an overhauled Factory Library, newly added effects, and under-the-hood audio improvements. It also includes a unique collection of expertly sampled large orchestral sections from Orchestral Tools.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of Kontakt 7 is impeccable. It sets a new standard in top-notch audio.
Functionality
Kontakt 7 offers an all-new browsing experience, allowing you to search, filter, and audition individual sounds across your collection. You can also view preset properties, edit tags, and import indie libraries and homemade instruments.
User Interface (UI)
The user interface of Kontakt 7 is sleek and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and find your favourite sounds. It also allows for easy tweaking of acoustic and electronic instruments.
Support and Updates
Native Instruments provides regular updates for Kontakt 7, ensuring it stays at the forefront of the industry. Their support team is always ready to assist with any issues or questions.
2. Phalanx by Vengeance Sound
Phalanx is a dynamic sampler designed by Vengeance Sound. This VST plugin offers a comprehensive sampling solution, uniquely blending powerful features and high-quality sound.
Specifications
Compatibility
VST2, VST3, AU, RTAS, and AAX (64bit)
System Requirements
- Windows Vista or later
- macOS 10.9 or later
Features
The plugin boasts over 3000 factory sounds and 32 stereo sample slots in 16 channels. It features 12 types of filters, a reverb by ArtsAcoustic, and a four-band parametric EQ for each sample pad. The suite also includes a complex modmatrix and two independent LFOs per sample slot.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the Vengeance Producer Suite – Phalanx is exceptional. With a vast library of high-quality sounds and various filters, the plugin delivers crisp, clear, and professional-grade audio.
Functionality
The plugin offers a high level of functionality, a convenient library browser, BPM-syncable envelopes, and an insert FX with 17 effect types. Users can easily customise their sound with the ability to drag and drop samples.
User Interface (UI)
The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly. It features a mini preset browser with numerous presets for FX and envelopes, and all controllers and MOD matrix settings can be dragged into a custom area for easy access.
Support and Updates
Vengeance Sound provides reliable support and regular updates, ensuring the plugin remains compatible with the latest operating systems and DAWs.
3. TAL-Sampler by Togu Audio Line
TAL-Sampler is more than your typical sample player. It’s a fully-featured, analogue-modelled synthesizer with a sampler engine as its sound source. It boasts a robust modulation matrix and high-quality self-oscillating filters, offering a fun and intuitive workflow for creating unique sample presets.
Specifications
Compatibility
VST, VST3, AU, AAX (64bit)
System Requirements
- Windows 7 or later
- macOS 10.9 or later
Features
This plugin offers a variety of vintage DAC modes, a steep 96dB low-pass reconstruction filter, and a variable sample rate. It also has a powerful MOD-Matrix, four sample layers, and three AHDSR envelopes with vintage Digital / RC mode. Additional features include:
- Three LFOs.
- High-quality effects.
- A self-resonating zero feedback delay filter.
- Support for a wide range of audio formats.
Sound Quality
TAL-Sampler provides a unique sound quality by down-sampling the sample to the desired sampling frequency and processing the data depending on the chosen DAC. It also offers a LEVEL slider to reduce the volume of the recorded sample and decrease the sample quality, perfect for achieving a vintage and noisy sound.
Functionality
The plugin can play four samples simultaneously, with an easy-to-use mapping editor and simple SFZ import for samples. It also includes a vintage real-time time stretcher and the option to modulate the sample loop positions.
User Interface (UI)
TAL-Sampler boasts a scalable, high-resolution user interface, with the option to change the font and background colour. It supports fast sample and preset loading and offers an intuitive sample browser to find samples quickly.
Support and Updates
Togu Audio Line provides comprehensive support for TAL-Sampler, with regular updates to ensure optimal performance. The plugin also supports micro tuning (tun file import and MTS Client) and offers more than 100 presets for download.
4. Novum by Dawesome
Novum by Dawesome is a cutting-edge VST plugin that unlocks a universe of sonic possibilities. It allows you to create diverse instruments from a single sample, offering a limitless sonic range.
Introducing a promising new contender that could potentially climb to the top of our Best Sampler VST Plugins list as we anticipate upcoming updates and features.
Specifications
Compatibility
VST3 and AU (64bit)
System Requirements
- Windows 10 or later
- macOS 10.13 or later
Features
Novum features a unique algorithm that breaks samples into layers, granular synthesis with up to 6 layers, and disentangled timbre and temporal evolution editing. It also includes a timbre flower for spectral modification of timbres, cross synthesis via drag and drop, and advanced subtractive with SYNTIFY, analogue filter, and comb filter. The plugin supports full MPE and is highly optimized for CPU efficiency.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of Novum is exceptional. It can create shimmering sound particles, sonic glitter, and acoustic fairy dust through its advanced granular synthesis. The plugin can also produce massive, life-like sounds with its six granular layers.
Functionality
Novum offers a powerful and intuitive modulation system, allowing users to create fascinating instruments from a single sample. Its unique features, such as the timbre flower and SYNTIFY, make it easy to transform samples into various sounds.
User Interface (UI)
The user interface of Novum is user-friendly and intuitive. It allows users to navigate its features and settings quickly, making creating unique sounds simple and enjoyable.
Support and Updates
Dawesome provides regular updates to ensure Novum stays at the forefront of creative sampling. They also offer robust support, including training resources, learning guides, and video tutorials.
5. SampleTank 4 by IK Multimedia
SampleTank 4 MAX v2 is a robust VST plugin by IK Multimedia. It offers an extensive library of over 18,000 instruments, providing musicians with various sounds to explore and create.
Specifications
Compatibility
VST, AU, AAX (64-bit)
System Requirements
- Windows 7 or later
- macOS 10.10 or later
Features
SampleTank 4 MAX v2 stands out with its massive sound library, dynamic “groove players” for creating patterns, and a new live performance mode. It also offers a dedicated Layer interface for setting up layers and splitting points, complete MIDI control, and seamless integration with iRig Keys I/O controllers.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of SampleTank 4 MAX v2 is impressive, with high-quality recordings of various instruments. The new efficient disk-streaming engine ensures these sounds load faster and perform better than ever.
Functionality
The functionality of this plugin is enhanced by its new sound engine, which allows for deep, powerful editing and a new modulation matrix. Features like the Arpeggiator, Strummer, Phraser, and Loop Manager swiftly turn your sounds into songs.
User Interface (UI)
The resealable user interface has been redesigned to offer a smooth workflow. It provides in-interface access to all mix settings and onboard effects, simplifying the process of sound mixing.
Support and Updates
SampleTank 4 MAX v2 offers simplified installation and updates via IK Product Manager, enabling users to focus more on making music. The support team is responsive, promptly addressing any issues or queries.
6. CMI V by Arturia
The CMI V by Arturia is a digital reincarnation of the first commercially available digital sampling system Fairlight CMI. This VST plugin is a sonic powerhouse with features that take music production to the next level.
Specifications
Compatibility
VST, VST3, AU, AAX (64-bit only)
System Requirements
- Windows 10 or later
- macOS 10.13 or later
Features
The CMI V boasts a wide range of features. It includes a faithfully modelled CMI Series IIx, a powerful additive synthesis engine, and a unique Spectral Synth mode. The plugin also offers the ability to load samples, a 32-step sequencer, and high-quality output effects.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the CMI V is exceptional, offering a perfect balance between precision and synth-sounding effects. It suits various music genres, including EDM, hip-hop, and neo-disco.
Functionality
The CMI V is highly functional, allowing you to work simultaneously with multiple instruments and sound generation technologies. It also provides cross-synthesis, merging the plugin’s synthesis types for more complex soundscapes.
User Interface (UI)
The user interface of the CMI V is both user-friendly and visually appealing. It’s designed to resemble the original CMI’s computer terminal, light-pen interface, and master keyboard, with added real-time controls for a modern touch.
Support and Updates
Arturia provides comprehensive support for the CMI V, including in-app tutorials that guide you through every aspect of the instrument. Updates are also regularly released to ensure the plugin’s performance remains optimal.
7. Serato Sample by Serato
Serato Sample is a revolutionary VST plugin designed to transform your sampling process. It’s a game-changer for beatmakers. It offers a fast, simple workflow and cutting-edge stem separation to ignite your creativity and enhance your sound quality.
Specifications
Compatibility
VST3 and AU (64bit)
System Requirements
- Windows 10 or later
- macOS 10.12 or later
Features
Serato Sample is packed with features that maximize creativity. These include real-time audio stem separation, BPM and key detection, visual waveforms, and the ability to trigger chops with your MIDI pads, computer keyboard, or mouse.
Sound Quality
The plugin boasts unrivalled sound quality thanks to its legendary pitch-shifting and time-stretching technology. It also features dynamic Beatgrids for syncing unquantized samples to your project, ensuring they are always in key and on time.
Functionality
Serato Sample offers a range of sound-design tools to help you stand out. You can slice, randomize, and manually chop your samples, isolate any combination of audio stems, and adjust various parameters for each sample chop individually.
User Interface (UI)
The user interface of Serato Sample is intuitive and easy to navigate. It offers a visual representation of waveforms that respond to frequency and stem characteristics, making creating and manipulating your sound easier.
Support and Updates
Serato provides regular updates to enhance the plugin’s performance and add new features. Their support team is also readily available to assist with any issues or queries.
8. GRANULIZER 2 by Inertia Sound Systems
GRANULIZER 2 is a granular synthesis software synthesizer designed for creative sound design. This tool offers a broad sound palette, ranging from metallic crunch to smooth reverb-like tones and chaotic soundscapes.
Specifications
Compatibility
VST3, VST, AU (64bit)
System Requirements
- Windows 10 or later
- macOS 10.12 or later
Features
GRANULIZER 2 boasts a high-quality audio engine that performs time-stretching, pitch-shifting, granular resynthesis, and spectrum manipulation. The grain warping module provides atonal variations or acts as a second oscillator. It also features a high-quality diffusion delay effect for droney soundscapes.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of GRANULIZER 2 is versatile, delivering a wide range of sounds from metallic crunch to smooth reverb-like tones. The grain warping and spectral processing per grain further enhance the sound quality, offering unique and creative outputs.
Functionality
GRANULIZER 2 offers excellent functionality with controls over grain size, density, speed, grain envelope shape, pitch, and timing randomization. The interactive waveform viewer with zoom in/out and loop selection capabilities adds to its user-friendly function.
User Interface (UI)
The UI of GRANULIZER 2 is clean and minimalistic, with explanatory on-screen tooltips on the mouse hovering over the parameters. It also includes a dark theme for late-night users and a portable and intuitive preset system.
Support and Updates
Inertia Sound Systems offers responsive support and listens to user feedback to deliver better products. They also provide real-time updates, including new preset packages, enhancing the user experience.
9. Cataract by Glitchmachines
Cataract is a segment multiplexer plugin for electronic music production and experimental sound design. It offers many features, enabling users to create everything from nuanced percussive articulations to intricate particle sound effects and hyper-glitch chaos.
Specifications
Compatibility
VST3, AU (64bit)
System Requirements
- Windows 10 or later
- macOS 10.14 or later
Features
Cataract boasts dual Sample Scanner Modules, an XMOD Crossfade Module, and a Global Parameter Sequencer.
It includes:
- Scan Sequencers
- Effects Sequencers
- Effects and Dynamics Processors
- LFOs
- Global Randomizer
The plugin has a specially curated Factory Sample Bank and 100 Factory Presets.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of Cataract is exceptional, offering a wide range of sonic possibilities. Whether you’re creating nuanced percussive sounds or complex particle sound effects, Cataract delivers a clean, crisp audio output.
Functionality
Your DAW’s clock drives Cataract. It dynamically scans segments of up to four separate audio files, loaded across two “Scanners”. This functionality allows for creative manipulation of segments in various ways, resulting in unique sound designs.
User Interface (UI)
The user interface of Cataract is intuitive and easy to navigate. The redesigned scalable interface allows quick access to all features and parameters, making it a breeze for beginners and experienced producers.
Support and Updates
Glitchmachines offers comprehensive support for Cataract, ensuring users can get the most out of the plugin. Regular updates are also provided, integrating refinements and adding exciting new features to enhance the user experience.
10. Loopmix by Audiomodern
Loopmix is an innovative VST plugin by Audiomodern. This tool transforms your loops into a kaleidoscope of new sounds, offering a unique platform for remixing and rearranging audio loops.
Specifications
Compatibility
VST, VST3, AU, AAX, AUv3, Standalone (64-bit)
System Requirements
- Windows 10 or later
- macOS 10.12 or later
Features
Loopmix is packed with features that facilitate effortless loop mangling. It comes with unique randomization parameters, 6 intelligent sequencer engines, and the ability to mangle up to 6 audio loops simultaneously. Its signature Infinity Mode, Temporary Random Functionality, and Smart Remix Pads Section allow you to generate infinite patterns and grooves.
Sound Quality
Loopmix delivers exceptional sound quality thanks to its advanced time-stretching algorithms. The plugin is powered by Zynaptiq ZTX Time Stretch/Pitch Shift Technology, ensuring high-quality sound output.
Functionality
Loopmix is highly functional, with features like a multi-functional performance keyboard, multi-out for desktop, and the ability to send MIDI to any device, plugin, or hardware. It also allows you to create packs, tag presets by genre, and drag export/import.
User Interface (UI)
The user interface of Loopmix is intuitive and easy to navigate. It offers a dynamic preset system that can be transformed into an ecosystem of variations and remixes with just a click.
Support and Updates
Audiomodern provides reliable support and regular updates for Loopmix. The plugin allows activation on three computers per serial code. It requires a reliable internet connection for download delivery and product activation.
11. MachFive 3 by MOTU
MachFive 3 is a universal sampler for creative music production, boasting state-of-the-art virtual instrument technology. This plugin enhances your desktop studio experience and streamlines your workflow.
Specifications
Compatibility
VST, AU, AAX (64bit)
System Requirements
- Windows 7 or later
- macOS 10.5.8 or later
Features
MachFive 3 features a massive 45 GB sound library, a unified design for easy use, and a scripting engine with unlimited layers. It includes IRCAM technology for advanced time-stretching, pitch-shifting, and granular synthesis. The plugin also offers a graphic mixer with faders, FX inserts, unlimited channels, and 47 different effects, including convolution reverb.
Sound Quality
The 3rd-generation UVI Engine powers MachFive 3, ensuring superb sound quality acclaimed worldwide. The extensive sound library and deep synthesis capabilities enhance its impressive audio performance.
Functionality
MachFive 3 provides simple operation, combining instruments, loops, phrases, synthesis, and FX in one window. Its universal support reads all major 3rd-party hardware/software sample formats for consolidated sound library management.
User Interface (UI)
The plugin’s user-friendly UI offers full-screen editing for comprehensive automation, modulation, and editing. It allows unlimited parts, enabling you to layer synths and sample-based parts seamlessly.
Support and Updates
MOTU offers reliable customer service and regular updates for MachFive 3. To register your MachFive upgrade, you can email their customer service department a copy of your purchase receipt and a screenshot of your competing product sales receipt or registration.
12. Bliss 2 by discoDSP
Disco DSP’s Bliss 2 is a performance sampler that stands out in the realm of virtual instruments. This powerful tool offers a unique blend of flexibility and intuitiveness, making it a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their sampling experience.
Specifications
Compatibility
VST, VST3, AU (64-bit)
System Requirements
- Windows 7 or later
- macOS High Sierra or later
Features
Bliss 2 has features, including a built-in wave editor, 7 built-in effects, and flexible modulation capabilities. It supports up to 64 voices of polyphony. It offers full MIDI input triggering control, making it a versatile tool for any music producer.
Sound Quality
One of the standout features of Bliss 2 is its ability to record from your favourite Virtual Instruments without losing sound quality. This makes it an ideal tool for creating your custom sample libraries.
Functionality
With its scalable and themeable GUI, 8 macro assignments, and dual zero-delay feedback filters, Bliss 2 offers high functionality. Thanks to its selectable mono/poly/legato operation, it includes a full range of playback options.
User Interface (UI)
The user interface of Bliss 2 is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Its scalable and themeable GUI allows users to navigate the various features and settings easily.
Support and Updates
DiscoDSP provides reliable support and regular updates for Bliss 2.6, ensuring users can always access the latest features and improvements.
What is a Sampler VST Plugin?
Sampler VST Plugin is a unique tool designed to capture, chop, slice, and replay audio samples. These samples can range from melodies and chords to drum beats and more.
Samplers are often used in hip-hop and electronic music genres.
How It Works
The plugin loads audio files, anything from a single note to an entire music piece. You can then play these samples using a MIDI controller.
Beginner’s Guide: How to Use a Sampler VST Plugin
It would be helpful to have an essential beginner guide, wouldn’t it?
I can help you with that.
Hot Tip:
Technical rules exist primarily in the mixing process. However, feel free to forget them during the creative process and create something unique to enjoy.
1. Load Your Sample
First, find the option to load or import a sample in the sampler interface. The button may be marked as “Load“, “Import“, or something similar. Look for the audio sample on your computer and select “Open” or a similar button.
2. Tweak Your Sample Settings
Your sampler VST plugin may offer settings like pitch, volume, start and end points, looping, etc.
Explore the interface to locate these controls. Key parameters often include ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelopes, pitch controls, and modulation options.
3. Trigger Your Sample
Typically, samplers respond to MIDI input. To trigger your sample, create a MIDI track in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and link it to the sampler. You can then draw or record MIDI notes on the track.
The specific note or range triggering the sample will depend on your sampler’s settings.
4. Play and Experiment
Now, hit play in your DAW and start experimenting! Experiment with various pitches, adjust envelopes and customize other settings to shape the sound to your preference.
Remember, practice is the key to mastering any tool, so don’t be afraid to explore.
Frequently Asked Question
A sampler, in the world of music production, is a crucial tool. It’s a digital instrument that plays back recorded audio files, known as samples. These samples can be anything from a single note played on a piano, a drum loop, or even a snippet of a movie dialogue.
The primary role of a sampler is to manipulate these audio files. It can change the pitch, tempo, or even sound texture. This allows musicians and producers to create unique sounds from existing audio.
When it comes to replicating the sounds of real-world instruments, samplers are your best bet. This is because samplers are based directly on audio recordings, giving them an edge over synthesizers.
Despite technological advancements, many music producers, especially in the hip-hop genre.
Many artists find inspiration in sampling. While some may argue that not all samples are used effectively, this is primarily a matter of personal taste.
Fun fact. The most sampled track in music history is “Amen, Brother” by The Winstons. This song is estimated to have been sampled over 6005 times, mainly due to its iconic drum break at 1:27 minutes.
Initially, I was hesitant about trying the Samplers after hearing mixed reviews. However, upon giving it a chance, I realized that the plugin’s full potential lies within its customization abilities rather than being a one-size-fits-all solution.
Incorporating the Sampler VST into my beatmaking process has been nothing short of amazing. Not only does it allow me to chop up samples with precision, but also gives me the freedom to warp them beyond recognition using its extensive modulation matrix. The plugin’s low CPU usage ensures that even during heavy sessions, I can keep pushing the envelope creatively without worrying about performance issues. Definitely worth checking out if you’re serious about making beats!
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