Attack Magazines Free Sample Packs For Music Producers

Attack Magazine, a prominent publication in the electronic music production community, has offered various free sample packs to its readers over the years. These collections provide music producers with high-quality sounds, loops, and one-shots that can be incorporated into their own productions. This article examines the free sample offerings available through Attack Magazine, including their specifications, availability, and the registration requirements for access.

Free Sample Collections from Attack Magazine

Attack Magazine has released several free sample packs in collaboration with renowned sample providers. These collections typically contain a variety of sounds tailored for electronic music production across different genres and styles.

Sample Magic Collection

One of Attack Magazine's notable free offerings is a collection of samples taken from various sample collections in Sample Magic's product catalogue. This exclusive sampler provides users with an introduction to Sample Magic's recent catalogue, which includes:

  • Drum samples
  • Bass elements
  • Synth patches
  • Music loops
  • Top percussion
  • Hit sounds

The collection contains a total of 102 audio files in 24-bit WAV format, featuring various loops, vocal samples, and drum one-shots. Additionally, the pack includes a set of patches for popular virtual instruments: Sylenth1 by LennarDigital and Massive by Native Instruments.

The Sample Magic collection is approximately 126MB in size and is available for free download via the Attack Magazine website. However, users are required to register for a free account to access the download. Some users have reported compatibility issues with certain web browsers, with the download working properly in Opera but encountering difficulties in Firefox.

Samplestar Collaboration

Attack Magazine has also partnered with Samplestar, a sample imprint widely regarded for its cutting-edge main room house and electro samples. This collaboration resulted in a free sample pack featuring loops and samples from Samplestar's best-selling libraries.

The Samplestar collection includes:

  • Over 280MB of content
  • Loops and hits from four best-selling releases
  • Ranging from deeper vibes in "Deep Tech Sessions" to peak-time workouts in "Progressive Elektro"
  • Influences from artists such as Steve Bug, Anja Schneider, Nicky Romero, and Laidback Luke

These samples are designed for the dancefloor and are produced using state-of-the-art analogue studio equipment. The pack serves as an essential introduction to one of the most innovative sample companies in the industry.

Similar to the Sample Magic collection, the Samplestar pack is available as a free download for registered readers of Attack Magazine. Registration is free of charge.

Spf Samplers Collection

Attack Magazine has also featured free samples from Spf Samplers, another sample provider in the electronic music space. The Spf Samplers collection includes loops and hits from various sample packs, such as:

  • Tech House 3
  • G House
  • Warehouse Techno
  • Monster Drum Hits
  • Dark & Twisted FX
  • Warehouse Techno Drum Loops

This collection aims to provide producers with "fantastic sources of inspiration for their next track." However, unlike the other free offerings, the Spf Samplers pack is exclusively available to paying subscribers of Attack Magazine, not to free registrants. The material is described as a "limited opportunity" for subscribers to explore what Spf Samplers has to offer.

Refraction Sample Pack

Attack Magazine has also released a sample pack titled "Refraction," which is available on SoundCloud. The pack includes several demo tracks that showcase the sounds included in the collection. The SoundCloud page was published on March 30, 2022, and contains tracks such as:

  • Refraction Demo 1
  • Refraction Demo 2
  • Refraction Demo 3
  • Refraction Demo 4
  • Refraction Sounds

While the SoundCloud page provides audio demos of the samples, specific details about the full content, file format, size, and download availability are not provided in the source material.

Beat Dissected Series Sample Downloads

Attack Magazine's "Beat Dissected" series regularly provides free samples for readers to follow along with tutorials. For example, in a tutorial about constructing a "big room monster" beat, the magazine offers downloadable samples on a completely royalty-free basis.

These samples may not be sold or given away, either in whole or in part, according to the terms provided. The specific beat tutorial mentioned includes:

  • Tempo range: 120-125 bpm
  • Swing: 60-70%
  • Sound characteristics: 909-based with lots of layering

The tutorial demonstrates how to construct the beat by layering multiple kick samples, including a TR-909 sample processed with compression and tape saturation, blended with an 808 kick for depth. Additional character is added by layering samples from less obvious drum machines like the Boss DR-202 or Alesis HR-16, along with vinyl hiss and a shaker mixed at very low levels.

Working with Free Samples

While not directly related to free samples, Attack Magazine has also published tutorials about techniques for working with samples effectively. These articles provide valuable context for producers who download free sample packs.

One important consideration is whether the sound has already been processed. When using samples from commercial sample libraries or self-sourced sounds, producers can typically treat them the same way they would the original sound source, applying compression, EQ, and other effects as needed. However, samples lifted from existing recordings have likely already been compressed, EQ'd, mixed, and mastered. In such cases, applying additional compression or EQ can be counterproductive, as it might kill the dynamics in the sound.

The same principle applies to commercial sample packs that offer polished, ready-to-use sounds that have already been heavily processed. While producers should still tune samples, shape their envelopes, and remove frequencies that don't fit their mix, they should avoid applying compression and/or EQ out of habit.

Output Arcade Integration

Attack Magazine has also explored the use of Output's Arcade sampler, which contains royalty-free samples. In one tutorial, the magazine demonstrates how to create an IDM beat by using Arcade to slice up drum breaks and modular loops.

Arcade has been a point of debate in the industry since its release in 2018. Some argue that it's limiting because many kits consist of loops that, when played together, form a song. Others praise the software because all samples are royalty-free and it includes quality effects macros that give Arcade a unique sound. Its monthly price of $10 also makes it widely accessible.

The tutorial demonstrates how to use Arcade's Drum Breaks and Modular Circuitry Instruments to create a Squarepusher-style beat featuring sliced breaks and fills, with a project BPM of 138.

Conclusion

Attack Magazine has provided music producers with access to several free sample packs over the years, including collections from Sample Magic, Samplestar, and Spf Samplers. These offerings vary in size and content, with some requiring only free registration while others are exclusively available to paying subscribers. The magazine also provides tutorials on how to effectively work with samples and integrates with various sampling tools and plugins.

While the free samples offered by Attack Magazine provide valuable resources for producers, it's important to note the terms and conditions associated with each pack. Some samples are completely royalty-free, while others may have usage restrictions. Additionally, the availability of these free samples may change over time, and some packs may be limited-time offers.

Sources

  1. Attack Magazine Free Sample Magic Samples
  2. Attack Magazine and Samplestar Free Sample Pack
  3. Spf Samplers Free Bundle
  4. Refraction Sample Pack on SoundCloud
  5. Mixing Samples Tutorial
  6. Beat Dissected: Big Room House
  7. Squarepusher IDM Beats Tutorial