Free Nexus Presets And Expansion Packs For Music Producers

For music producers, having access to high-quality sounds and instruments is essential. One of the most popular tools in the music production community is the REFX Nexus plugin. While the plugin itself is not free, there are numerous free Nexus presets and expansion packs available for download. These free resources can significantly enhance a producer’s sound palette, especially for genres such as trap, hip-hop, EDM, and R&B. This article explores a variety of free Nexus presets and expansion packs, their compatibility, and how to use them effectively in your music production workflow.

Overview of Free Nexus Presets

Free Nexus presets are pre-made sound configurations for the REXX Nexus plugin, a digital synthesizer used by producers to generate a wide range of sounds, from lead synths and basses to ambient textures and drum samples. These presets are created by independent artists and developers who share them for free, often as a way to build their own audience or showcase their work.

The free presets and expansion packs can be categorized based on genre and use case. For example, some are tailored specifically for trap and hip-hop, while others are more suited for EDM or ambient music. These packs can include arpeggios, leads, pads, basses, drum kits, and FX samples. Many of them are compatible with both Nexus and Nexus 2, ensuring broader usability across different versions of the software.

One of the main benefits of free Nexus presets is that they allow producers to experiment with a wide range of sounds without the cost of purchasing expensive expansion packs. This is particularly helpful for beginners and independent producers who are just starting out and may not have the budget to invest in paid sound libraries.

List of Free Nexus Presets and Expansion Packs

Below is a curated list of free Nexus presets and expansion packs that are currently working and compatible with modern versions of the plugin. These presets have been verified to be functional and available for download:

Trap and Hip-Hop Presets

Trap and hip-hop are among the most popular genres for Nexus-based production. There are numerous free packs available specifically for these genres, including:

  • Wrecks Trap: 131 free trap presets ideal for producers on a budget.
  • Holy Trap Mary: 193 free trap presets and 492 drum samples for Nexus 2.
  • Gold Bricks Expansion: Over 100 free trap presets.
  • Trap Kid Expansion: 97 free presets for trap and house music.
  • Young Chop Nexus Presets: 9 free trap presets with a modern sound.
  • BlackGold Nexus Trap Expansion: 51 free trap presets.
  • Nexus Trap Pianos: 50+ piano presets designed for trap production.
  • Free Trap or Die Nexus Expansion: 69 trap presets.
  • Free Trap Gold Nexus Expansion: 69 trap presets.

These packs are particularly useful for producers looking to create modern trap beats with a wide array of synths, leads, and basses.

R&B and Hip-Hop Presets

For R&B and hip-hop production, there are several free Nexus packs that offer a more soulful and melodic sound:

  • Producers Plug: Free presets for hip-hop and R&B, available upon signing up for their email list.
  • 2 R&B Nexus Expansion Packs: Includes 68 presets for R&B production.
  • Nice Keys Nexus Expansion: 34 piano presets suitable for a wide range of genres, including R&B.

These presets are ideal for producers who want to incorporate soft pads, smooth leads, and warm basses into their R&B and hip-hop tracks.

EDM and Electronic Music Presets

EDM and electronic music producers can benefit from a wide range of free Nexus presets:

  • REFX Nexus Presets: Over 30,000 presets covering EDM, dubstep, and other electronic genres.
  • Dubstep Refx Nexus XPacks: 99 free dubstep presets.
  • 2 Electro-House Expansion Packs: 270 free presets for electro-house production.
  • EDMsoundware: A site offering numerous EDM presets for Nexus.

These presets include leads, arpeggios, basses, and ambient textures that are essential for creating energetic electronic tracks.

Other Genre-Specific Presets

There are also free Nexus presets available for more niche or experimental genres:

  • Codeine Dream Nexus: 114 dark and trippy atmospheric presets.
  • Metro Boomin Type Nexus Expansion Pack: 42 presets inspired by Metro Boomin’s production style.
  • 1,000+ FREE Nexus Presets: A large collection of presets covering various genres.
  • Dark Knight Nexus Expansion: 91 free presets with a dark and cinematic sound.
  • Big Orchestra Nexus: 30 free orchestral presets including trumpets and horns.
  • Nexus 6 SFX: A collection of percussive and pad-based presets.

These packs are ideal for producers who want to explore unique and experimental sounds in their music.

Installation and Compatibility

To use free Nexus presets, they must be installed correctly within the Nexus plugin. Most presets come in the form of .nxp or .fxp files, which can be imported directly into the Nexus plugin.

Here is a general guide on how to install and use these presets:

  1. Download the preset or expansion pack from a verified source.
  2. Extract the files from the downloaded archive (if applicable).
  3. Open the Nexus plugin in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).
  4. Import the .nxp or .fxp file by navigating to the import menu in Nexus.
  5. Browse and select the preset you want to use.
  6. Use the preset in your project by assigning it to a MIDI keyboard or by triggering it manually.

It is important to note that some presets may be specific to Nexus 2, while others are compatible with Nexus 3. Always check the compatibility notes included in the download or on the source website.

Considerations for Free Preset Use

While free Nexus presets offer great value, there are a few things to consider before downloading and using them:

PC Requirements

Some preset packs can be quite large, especially when they include high-quality samples and drum kits. It is recommended to have a fast computer or laptop when downloading and using large packs. For users with slower systems, an external hard drive is a good investment to store large sample libraries.

File Safety

When downloading free presets, it is important to only download from trusted sources. Avoid downloading files from suspicious websites or forums. Always verify the authenticity of the source before downloading any file.

Creative Responsibility

Free presets can be a great tool, but the quality of the final track depends on the producer. While having a large library of sounds is beneficial, it is ultimately up to the producer to mix, master, and edit the track to achieve a professional sound.

Legal and Ethical Use

Most free Nexus presets are distributed under creative commons or open-source licenses, which allow for non-commercial use. Always check the terms of use included in the pack or on the source website. Some creators may allow for commercial use, while others may only permit personal or non-commercial use.

Free Nexus Expansion Packs Worth Trying

Here are some recommended free Nexus expansion packs that are known for their quality and usability:

  • REFX Nexus Presets: Over 30,000 presets in a single Google Drive folder.
  • London On Da Tracks Nexus XP: A beginner-friendly pack with a variety of instruments and effects.
  • Nice Keys Nexus Expansion: 34 piano presets for a classic sound.
  • Summer Deep Chill Nexus3 Expansion: A summer-themed expansion pack with deep, ambient sounds.

These packs are highly rated by producers and are considered to be some of the best free options available for Nexus users.

Conclusion

Free Nexus presets and expansion packs are an excellent resource for music producers who want to expand their sound library without the need for expensive purchases. With a wide range of options available for different genres such as trap, hip-hop, R&B, and EDM, producers can find a pack that suits their specific needs.

By downloading and using free presets, producers can enhance their creativity and explore new sounds in their music. However, it is important to use these resources responsibly, ensuring compatibility, file safety, and ethical use.

For those just starting out with Nexus or looking to expand their sound library, the availability of high-quality free presets is a significant advantage that should not be overlooked.

Sources

  1. Digital Piano Kraze - Free Nexus Presets
  2. Musician Wave - Free Nexus Expansion Packs
  3. The Highest Producers - Free Nexus Presets
  4. Thraudio - Best Free Nexus Presets