Spitfire Audio Free Samples Accessing Professional Sounds For Music Production

Introduction

Spitfire Audio, a renowned British sample library and instrument developer, offers a collection of free samples and virtual instruments that have become valuable resources for music producers, composers, and sound designers. These free samples provide access to professional-grade sounds across various genres and styles without cost, making high-quality production tools accessible to musicians at all levels. This article examines the available Spitfire Audio free samples, their categories, access methods, and usage terms based on official sources and verified information.

Understanding Spitfire Audio's Free Sample Libraries

Spitfire Audio's most notable free offering is the LABS series, a collection of virtual instruments that provide unique and high-quality sounds for music production, cinematic composition, and sound design. According to official sources, LABS instruments are designed to be easy to use with a clutter-free interface that focuses on simplified controls, sliders for expression and dynamics, and a customizable knob tailored to the user's personal workflow.

The LABS series has been particularly popular among music producers due to its high-quality sounds and accessible interface. Each instrument in the series offers distinct sonic characteristics that can be incorporated into various musical contexts. These instruments have been created through collaborations with professional musicians and sound designers, ensuring authentic and versatile sounds.

The Complete Catalog of LABS Instruments

Spitfire Audio's LABS series consists of 66 free virtual instruments, categorized by type to help users find sounds for specific applications. The complete catalog includes:

String Instruments

  • Strings One
  • Strings Two
  • Scary Strings
  • Frozen Strings
  • Peel Guitar
  • Guitar Harmonics
  • Mandolin
  • Moon Guitar
  • Dulcimer
  • Charango

Pianos & Keyboards

  • Soft Piano
  • Glass Piano
  • Wurli
  • Tape Piano
  • Synth Pads
  • Modular Piano
  • Electric Piano
  • Piano Felt

Brass & Woodwinds

  • Trumpet Fields
  • Saxophone Textures
  • Trumpet Echoes
  • Woodwinds

Percussion

  • Percussion
  • Drums
  • Hand Bells
  • Tape Percussion
  • Drum Kits

Vocals

  • Choir
  • Vocal Pad
  • London Atmos

Synths & Ambient Sounds

  • Synth Strings
  • Synth Textures
  • Synth Bass
  • Granular Whalesong
  • Moon Kit
  • Astral Forms

Orchestral & Cinematic

  • Cello Moods
  • Strings Textures
  • Brass & Reeds
  • Arctic Swells
  • Frozen Brass
  • Tape Orchestra
  • London Atmos 2

Other Unique Instruments

  • Handpan
  • Music Box
  • Steel Drum
  • Zither
  • Kalimba
  • Bass Guitar
  • Harmonic Guitar
  • Tundra Atmos
  • Granular Atmos
  • Arctic Swells 2

Sound Design & Textures

  • LABS Atmos
  • Textural Pads
  • Organic Textures
  • Tape Textures
  • Tape Choir
  • Cassette Synth

Each instrument in the LABS collection offers distinct sonic characteristics suitable for various musical applications, from traditional orchestral arrangements to experimental sound design and contemporary electronic music production.

How to Access and Use Spitfire Audio Free Samples

The primary method of accessing Spitfire Audio's free samples has been through their LABS series, which is available as a dedicated plugin. Users can download the LABS plugin from the Spitfire Audio website, after which they can access all available free instruments.

Additionally, various platforms host user-uploaded samples created with Spitfire Audio products. For instance, Looperman.com features a collection of free loops and samples made with Spitfire Audio instruments, including those created with BBC Orchestra, LABS, and other Spitfire products. These samples are uploaded by users for both commercial and non-commercial use on a royalty-free basis, subject to the platform's terms and conditions.

To find Spitfire Audio samples on such platforms, users can search for items with "spitfire audio free" in the title or description. The search functionality allows users to filter and discover samples based on specific criteria such as genre, instrument type, or date uploaded.

Splice's INSTRUMENT Platform: New Home for Spitfire Presets

In a significant development for music producers, Splice—one of the world's most popular sample platforms—has launched the INSTRUMENT plugin, which incorporates Spitfire Audio's sounds. This move follows Splice's acquisition of Spitfire Audio in a reported $50 million deal.

The INSTRUMENT plugin is a cloud-connected virtual instrument that provides access to a library of 1,200+ multi-sampled presets, with many based on sounds from Spitfire Audio's extensive library. Currently, the platform offers 489 free instrument presets across 66 themed packs available to anyone with a Splice account. These presets cover a wide range of sounds, including intimate pianos, ambient textures, hyperpop synths, and vintage drum sounds.

Notably, the free presets in INSTRUMENT are based on sounds that were previously available through Spitfire Audio's LABS series, which has now ceased operations along with the subscription platform LABS+. This transition means that many of the free LABS instruments are now accessible through Splice's INSTRUMENT platform, with new free presets being added on a regular basis.

Recent Additions: Amapiano Foundations

Spitfire Audio continues to expand its free offerings with specialized collections such as Amapiano Foundations for their Labs range. This free download features 19 Amapiano sounds performed by artists shaping the genre's future, including Major League Djz, Jay Music, and MDU aka TRP.

Created in collaboration with Shannen SP, a London-based curator and DJ with connections to the South African music scene, this collection captures the distinctive elements of Amapiano—a genre originating in Johannesburg that has gained global popularity. The sounds include head-bopping basslines, unique synths, and the characteristic log drum, enabling producers to create authentic Amapiano tracks right from the start.

This release demonstrates Spitfire Audio's commitment to providing culturally relevant and contemporary sounds through their free offerings, reflecting current musical trends and global influences.

Terms of Use and Licensing Information

When using Spitfire Audio free samples, it's essential to understand the licensing terms. According to the provided sources, most Spitfire Audio samples are available for both commercial and non-commercial use on a royalty-free basis, subject to specific terms and conditions.

For user-uploaded samples on platforms like Looperman, the terms typically require users to leave comments if they use any of the loops and samples. Additionally, users should consult the specific licenses granted by the creators of individual loops, which may vary. If questions arise about particular files, users can contact the uploader directly or consult the platform's help section and terms of service.

It's important to note that while many Spitfire Audio samples are free to use, users should verify the licensing terms for each specific sample or instrument to ensure compliance with usage restrictions, particularly for commercial projects.

Conclusion

Spitfire Audio offers a comprehensive collection of free samples and virtual instruments that provide professional-grade sounds for music producers and composers. The LABS series, with its 66 categorized instruments, covers a wide range of sonic possibilities from traditional orchestral instruments to experimental textures. With the transition to Splice's INSTRUMENT platform, these sounds remain accessible while expanding with new presets regularly.

The availability of these free samples represents a significant opportunity for musicians to access high-quality production tools without cost. Whether for cinematic scoring, electronic music production, or experimental sound design, Spitfire Audio's free offerings continue to be valuable resources in the music production landscape.

Sources

  1. Looperman Free Spitfire Audio Samples
  2. MusicRadar: Splice Unveils Free Plugin with Spitfire Audio Presets
  3. ITB Blog: Complete List of Spitfire LABS Libraries
  4. AudioPluginsForFree: Spitfire Labs Description
  5. The Beat Community: Spitfire Audio's Amapiano Foundations