Finding And Using Free Exs24 Sampler Instruments For Music Production

Oct. 21, 2025, 2:01 p.m.

Tags: esx24

The EXS24 sampler has been a cornerstone of music production for Logic Pro users, offering powerful sampling capabilities within a digital audio workstation. While the instrument has been upgraded to simply 'Sampler' in recent versions of Logic Pro X, the EXS24 format remains fully compatible, ensuring that the vast library of existing instruments continues to be usable. This article explores where to find free EXS24 instruments, highlights some of the best options available, and provides guidance on installation and usage.

Understanding EXS24 and Its Evolution

The EXS24 sampler was Emagic's flagship instrument before Apple acquired the company and integrated it into Logic Pro. Known for its flexibility and sound quality, EXS24 became a go-to tool for producers looking to create and play sampled instruments. In recent updates, Logic Pro X has upgraded EXS24 to a more streamlined version called 'Sampler'. Despite this evolution, all existing EXS24 instruments (.exs files) remain fully compatible with the new Sampler, ensuring that producers can continue to use their existing libraries without interruption.

This compatibility is particularly important for producers who rely on free EXS24 instruments, as it means that resources created for the original EXS24 continue to be valuable in current production environments. The transition to 'Sampler' has not rendered the older format obsolete, but rather extended its lifespan through continued support.

Sources of Free EXS24 Instruments

Several online platforms offer free EXS24 instruments, catering to producers seeking to expand their sound palettes without financial investment. These resources vary in quality, specialization, and licensing terms, making it important for producers to understand what each offers.

Ontology SampleSwap

Ontology SampleSwap provides a dedicated page for free EXS24 instrument downloads. Unlike some sources that offer simple AKAI conversions, the instruments available here are original creations specifically designed for the EXS24 sampler. The samples are provided as .zip archives compatible with both Macintosh and Windows systems, ensuring broad accessibility.

The website currently features specific instruments such as "ontology-longevity-gongs.exs" (10 MB), which contains 7 samples at 16-bit 44 kHz quality. This instrument consists of individual big gong hits recorded by Amani Friend, mapped on the keyboard both as single hits and as a pitched multisample where hitting keys harder reveals various types of strikes. Another available instrument is "ontology-athomhard-fx.exs" (2 MB), featuring 25 samples described as "jaw-dropping cut-through the mix original squeaks blips blarts and farts" created by "Atom Hard."

Importantly, the website notes that while the instruments themselves are original creations for EXS24, the samples they use may or may not be cleared for commercial use. This warning highlights the importance of checking licensing terms before incorporating free instruments into commercial projects.

AZ Electronic Music Blog

AZ Electronic Music Blog offers "AZ SimpleSynths," a collection of 77 free instruments for both EXS24 and Kontakt. These instruments were created using the ES2 synth for sound design, with modulation for each sound made using the same synth. According to the creator, no sampler filters or FX were used in the creation process, meaning users receive pure synth instruments sampled directly from the ES2.

The collection is described as offering "typical synth instruments for electronic music production," suggesting it focuses on sounds commonly used in genres such as house, techno, and other electronic styles. The availability of 77 instruments provides producers with a substantial variety of synth tones to work with, all at no cost.

Other Sources

While the sources provided focus primarily on the above platforms, other websites may offer free EXS24 instruments. Producers exploring additional resources should verify the authenticity of downloads and check compatibility with their specific version of Logic Pro. As with any free software or sample content, it's advisable to scan files for malware and review any licensing restrictions before use.

Top Free EXS24 Instruments

Several instruments stand out among the free EXS24 offerings available. These vary in style, complexity, and application, catering to different production needs and musical genres.

Indossa Synths on Tape

The Indossa Synths on Tape bundle includes 23 unique synth instruments captured on tape, playable as EXS24 instruments. Each note is individually captured without loops, resulting in realistic sounding instruments. The synths cover a wide range of sounds and functions, from melodic to bass synths, and come with additional free samples of retro drum hits.

These instruments are characterized by their warm and crunchy tape sounds, making them particularly suitable for Lo-Fi production. However, the dense nature of these sounds may require significant EQ and compression to mix properly. The bundle is compatible with Logic Pro X, Ableton, and Studio One, offering flexibility across different digital audio workstations.

Patronus Station

While limited details are available about this instrument in the provided sources, Patronus Station is listed among the top free EXS24 instruments. Its name suggests it may offer pad or atmospheric sounds, though specific characteristics would need to be determined through use.

Lorenzo's Drums

As the name implies, Lorenzo's Drums appears to be a drum kit instrument for EXS24. While the provided sources don't specify the contents or style of this drum kit, it likely includes sampled drum sounds mapped across the keyboard for use in various musical contexts.

Box Harp

Box Harp is another instrument listed among the best free EXS24 options. The name suggests it may be a sampled version of a stringed instrument, possibly a dulcimer or similar folk instrument, offering unique textures for producers seeking alternative sounds.

Discord Choir

The Discord Choir likely offers choral or vocal textures, potentially with a dissonant or avant-garde character suggested by the name "Discord." Such instruments can be valuable for film scoring, ambient music, or any production requiring atmospheric vocal elements.

AZ SimpleSynths Collection

The 77-instrument collection from AZ Electronic Music Blog provides a comprehensive range of synth sounds for electronic music production. Created using the ES2 synth with no additional processing, these instruments offer pure synth tones that can be further shaped within the EXS24/Sampler environment. The variety of sounds makes this collection particularly valuable for producers working in electronic genres who need a broad palette of synth options.

How to Install EXS24 Instruments

Installing free EXS24 instruments in Logic Pro is a straightforward process that requires just a few steps. The following instructions, derived from the provided sources, will guide producers through the installation:

Extract the .exs file: Use software such as WinRAR, 7-Zip, or The Unarchiver (on Mac) to extract the .exs file from the downloaded folder. Mac OS's native zipping feature can also be used for .zip files, though .rar files will require additional software.
Move the .exs file to the Sampler Instruments folder: Navigate to [User] > Music > Audio Music Apps > Sampler Instruments and place the extracted .exs file in this directory. This ensures Logic Pro recognizes the instrument.
Create a new Sampler Instrument in Logic: Open Logic Pro and create a new software instrument track by clicking the "+" button on your track and selecting a software instrument.
Select the instrument: On the software instrument track, click the button above the mixing fader to open the software instrument collection. Select Sampler from the menu and choose your newly installed instrument from the dropdown menu.
Play the instrument: Once selected, the instrument is ready to play. You can now incorporate it into your productions.

This installation process works for all EXS24 instruments, regardless of their source, making it easy to build a diverse collection of free instruments over time.

Important Considerations When Using Free EXS24 Instruments

While free EXS24 instruments offer valuable resources for producers, several considerations should keep in mind:

Licensing and Commercial Use

The Ontology SampleSwap website specifically warns that the samples used in their instruments may or may not be cleared for commercial use. This ambiguity means producers should exercise caution when using free instruments in commercial projects. When in doubt, it's advisable to contact the creator or avoid using the instrument in professional contexts.

Quality Considerations

Not all free instruments are created equal. Some, like those from Ontology SampleSwap, are described as original creations specifically for EXS24, while others may be conversions from other formats or created with less attention to detail. Producers should evaluate instruments based on their specific needs and quality standards.

Compatibility

While EXS24 instruments are compatible with the new 'Sampler' in Logic Pro X, producers using other digital audio workstations should verify compatibility before downloading. Some instruments may require specific software or plugins to function properly.

Organization

As producers accumulate more instruments, maintaining an organized system becomes important. Properly labeling and categorizing instruments can save time when searching for specific sounds during production.

Conclusion

Free EXS24 instruments offer producers an accessible way to expand their sonic palettes without financial investment. Resources like Ontology SampleSwap and AZ Electronic Music Blog provide high-quality options ranging from unique percussion and gongs to comprehensive synth collections. Understanding how to install these instruments and being aware of licensing considerations ensures producers can make the most of these free resources while avoiding potential pitfalls.

As Logic Pro continues to evolve, the compatibility of EXS24 instruments with the new 'Sampler' ensures their ongoing relevance. By leveraging these free resources, producers at any level can enhance their productions with professional-quality sounds, all while developing a deeper understanding of sampling and instrument design.