A Comprehensive Guide To Free Vocal Phrase Samples For Music Producers

Vocal phrases are essential elements in modern music production, providing human elements to electronic tracks, serving as inspiration, and helping create memorable hooks. For producers on a budget, finding quality free vocal samples can be challenging. This guide explores the best sources for free vocal phrases and samples, detailing what's available and how to access them.

What Are Vocal Phrases and Why They Matter Vocal phrases in music production refer to pre-recorded segments of human voice that producers can incorporate into their tracks. These can range from short ad-libs and one-shots to longer phrases and complete acapellas. According to the source materials, high-quality vocal samples can help producers create more memorable and catchier tracks, serve as inspiration when starting new projects, act as placeholders while searching for session vocalists, help with song structure and arrangement, and add commercial viability to music.

The sources emphasize that finding quality vocal samples is difficult, as it requires not just good singing but also quality recording equipment and mixing expertise. Several free packs aim to bridge this gap by providing professionally recorded vocal samples at no cost.

Where to Find Free Vocal Phrase Samples Multiple platforms and websites offer free vocal samples to music producers. The sources highlight several reputable sources:

1. Cymatics: Offers multiple high-quality vocal sample packs including "Euphoria" and "Infinity"
2. LANDR: Primarily known for mastering services but also offers a free vocal sample pack
3. Black Octopus Sound: Provides extensive free vocal samples through their mailing list
4. SamplePhonics: Offers various free vocal packs
5. Sample Radar: Features 1338 free female vocal samples
6. Looperman: Provides diverse vocal samples from various contributors
7. WA Production: Specializes in free EDM vocal shouts and loops
8. Volterock: Offers unique vocal shouts and effects
9. Rob Meulman: Multiple vocal packs from a singer-songwriter
10. Sample Focus: A search engine for vocals with tagged samples
11. Kate Wild: Features 30 high-quality vocal samples
12. Ras Kitchen: Rasta-styled vocals
13. Evo Sounds: Ghouse/Bass House vocal chops
14. FLP Family: EDM vocal samples with pre-drop phrases
15. FunctionLoops: Glitchy and pitch-shifted vocal chops
16. GhostHack: Female vocal samples with variations
17. MusicRadar: Ultimate female vocal samples pack

Detailed Overview of Vocal Sample Packs

Cymatics Euphoria Vocal Sample Pack The Euphoria pack from Cymatics contains over 250 samples, including: - 2 acappellas - 48 ad libs - 26 chants - 12 pre-drop vocals - 44 sung phrases - 29 tonal one shots - 27 vocal chops - 12 vocal FX - 33 vocal phrases

All samples come in both dry and wet versions, and they are tagged by key and BPM for easy integration into projects. The pack is approximately 300MB in size and is noted for its high quality that can help producers create memorable tracks. The sources specifically highlight that these vocal samples will "definitely set yourself apart from other artists and producers" and can make any track memorable.

Cymatics Infinity Vocal Sample Pack Infinity represents Cymatics' most ambitious vocal project, featuring: - 2 Full Acapella Tracks with Stems - 61 Various Vocals

The pack was created to address the difficulty producers face in finding high-quality vocal recordings, providing access to professionally recorded vocals that can be remixed in various ways. According to the sources, Cymatics' mission was to "provide producers with truly high quality, royalty free acapellas and vocal samples to use for remixing any way you like."

Cymatics The Eternity Vintage Collection This collection includes: - 48 free vocal samples - 30 guitar loops - 22 MIDI files - 19 melody loops + stems - 102 drum one shots - 62 drum loops

The vocal samples in this pack are highlighted as "outstanding" and suitable for most EDM style tracks and beats. The sources note that the rest of the pack is "just as fire as the vocal loops," making it a comprehensive production resource.

Cymatics Orchid Orchid is a full production suite featuring: - 12 Vocal Loops with Stems - Access to over 30 vocal samples - Ambient background vocals for layering

The vocal loops are noted for their layered approach, providing stems that allow for detailed customization. The sources mention that checking the vocal stems reveals "ambient background vocals as well that are perfect for layering," adding depth and texture to productions.

LANDR 50 Free Vocal Samples LANDR offers a pack containing: - 50 vocal samples - Total size: 127 MB - Mix of one-shots, loops, and atmospheres

These samples are described as "soulful and fit well with EDM music." To access the pack, users need to create a LANDR account, but once registered, the samples are completely free. The sources note this pack provides "a healthy mix of free vocal samples generally best fitted to all sorts of EDM genres."

Black Octopus Sound Veela Pack Black Octopus offers an extensive free pack that includes: - 2.5 GB of sounds - 1038 samples - A sampler from their infamous Veela vocal pack

To access this pack, users need to sign up for the Black Octopus mailing list. The sources describe this as "100% worth it" given the size and quality of the samples. The pack spans numerous genres, making it a versatile resource for producers across different styles.

EDM Vocal Samples Pack Vol. 1 by FLP Family This pack contains: - 25 free vocal samples - Focus on pre-drop phrases for club anthems - Similar to styles used by artists like Swedish House Mafia or Major Lazer

The sources describe these samples as designed to "make the ground shake," particularly useful for creating "huge club anthems."

VOX Reloaded by FunctionLoops This pack specializes in: - Super-glitchy vocal chops - Weirdly-pitched vocal samples - Ideal for experimental electronic music

The sources position this pack as the go-to resource for producers seeking "super-glitchy and weirdly-pitched vocal chops."

Free Vocal Kit II by GhostHack This pack features: - 60 female vocal samples - Various types from simple breaths to chants and one-words - Different versions of each sample with reverb or pitch modulation

The sources recommend this pack specifically for those looking for "female-only vocals," noting that it offers samples ranging from "simple breaths to chants and one-words" with multiple processing variations.

Ultimate Female Vocal Samples Pack by MusicRadar This extensive pack includes: - 1,337 female vocal samples - Each sample supplied in different variations - Two distinct harmony parts for each sample - Designed to add human elements to tracks

The sources describe this as "the ultimate female vocal pack," highlighting its comprehensive approach with multiple variations and harmony options.

Creative Techniques for Vocal Phrase Samples The sources suggest several creative approaches to working with vocal samples:

1. Time-stretching and pitch-shifting: The sources explain that producers can "pick a vocal in a different BPM to your song, then speed it up or slow it down. Pitch it up or down to match your project and give it its own identity." This technique allows for greater flexibility when integrating samples into existing projects.

2. Chopping vocals: The sources recommend "slice and re-arrange words or syllables from different samples to create brand new melodies." This approach is particularly noted for trap and R&B production, with the sources mentioning that "vocal chop loops are a staple of the trapsoul/RnB sound that has been made popular by artists like Bryson Tiller and Drake."

3. Creating pads and atmospheres: The sources suggest using "reverb in excess to create haunting textures that will add depth to your tracks." This technique transforms vocal samples into atmospheric elements that can serve as backgrounds or textures in a mix.

4. Layering: Several packs, particularly Cymatics Orchid, include stems and multiple layers specifically designed for this purpose. The sources mention that layered vocals can create "richer textures" and add depth to productions.

5. Processing: The sources highlight the importance of creative processing, with many packs including both dry (unprocessed) and wet (processed) versions of samples. This allows producers to either use the samples as-is or apply their own effects.

Types of Vocal Samples Available The sources detail various types of vocal samples that producers can access:

1. Acappellas: Complete vocal tracks without instrumental accompaniment. Cymatics offers both full acappella tracks with stems in their Infinity pack.

2. Ad-libs: Short vocal phrases or sounds added for emphasis or texture. The Cymatics Euphoria pack includes 48 ad-libs.

3. Chants: Repetitive vocal phrases often used in electronic music. The Cymatics Euphoria pack features 26 chants.

4. Pre-drop vocals: Short phrases specifically designed to build tension before a drop in electronic dance music. The Cymatics Euphoria pack includes 12 pre-drop vocals.

5. Sung phrases: Melodic vocal elements that can form the basis of a song's vocal part. The Cymatics Euphoria pack contains 44 sung phrases.

6. Tonal one-shots: Individual vocal notes or sounds that can be triggered like instruments. The Cymatics Euphoria pack includes 29 tonal one-shots.

7. Vocal chops: Short segments of vocals that have been sliced and processed. The Cymatics Euphoria pack contains 27 vocal chops.

8. Vocal FX: Processed vocal sounds used as effects rather than melodic elements. The Cymatics Euphoria pack includes 12 vocal FX.

9. Vocal phrases: Complete melodic or rhythmic vocal segments. The Cymatics Euphoria pack features 33 vocal phrases.

10. Loops: Repeating vocal segments that can be used as foundations for a track. Several packs, including Cymatics Orchid, offer vocal loops with stems for customization.

Legal Considerations for Free Vocal Samples The sources mention several important points about the legal use of vocal samples:

1. Royalty-free status: Cymatics explicitly states that "ALL Cymatics' samples & vocal samples are 100% Royalty Free," meaning producers can use them in commercial releases without paying additional royalties.

2. Account requirements: Some platforms, like LANDR, require users to create an account before accessing free samples, though the samples themselves remain free.

3. Mailing list subscriptions: Some providers, like Black Octopus, require email newsletter subscriptions in exchange for access to free sample packs.

4. Exclusivity: Free samples are generally available to anyone who accesses them, meaning multiple producers may use the same samples. The sources suggest manipulating samples significantly to make them unique.

Maximizing the Value of Free Vocal Samples The sources offer several strategies for getting the most out of free vocal sample packs:

1. Organization: The sources note that Cymatics organizes samples "neatly so it's easy to download whatever samples you need for your next big hit." Producers should establish their own organizational systems for managing sample libraries.

2. Creative manipulation: Since free samples may be used by others, the sources recommend manipulating them significantly to create unique elements. This can include chopping, pitching, time-stretching, and applying effects.

3. Integration with other samples: Many packs include additional elements beyond vocals, such as MIDI files, drum loops, and melody loops. The sources highlight Cymatics' Eternity Vintage Collection, which includes not only vocals but also guitar loops, MIDI files, and drum samples.

4. Inspiration generation: The sources position vocal samples as tools for inspiration, helping producers overcome creative blocks when starting new projects.

5. Placeholder use: Producers can use vocal samples as temporary elements while searching for session vocalists or developing original vocal parts.

Selecting the Right Vocal Samples for Your Project The sources suggest several considerations when choosing vocal samples:

1. Genre compatibility: Different packs cater to different genres. For example, the FLP Family EDM Vocal Samples Pack focuses on "pre-drop phrases for those huge club anthems," while the GhostHack Free Vocal Kit II