Free Exs24 Sampler Instruments A Guide For Music Producers

Oct. 21, 2025, 5:25 p.m.

Tags: exs24

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.

Installation Guide for EXS24 Instruments

Installing free EXS24 instruments in Logic Pro involves a straightforward process that works for all .exs files regardless of their source. Follow these steps to add new instruments to your collection:

Download the instrument file: Obtain the .exs file from a trusted source such as Ontology SampleSwap or AZ Electronic Music Blog.
Extract the file: If the instrument is provided as a .zip archive, extract its contents to reveal the .exs file.
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 and Authenticity

Free instruments can vary significantly in quality. Some, like those from Ontology SampleSwap, are original creations specifically designed for EXS24, while others might be simple conversions from other formats. Producers should evaluate each instrument based on their specific needs and production standards.

Community Contributions

Many free instrument repositories rely on community contributions. Websites like Ontology SampleSwap encourage users to submit their original creations, expanding the available library over time. For those who create their own instruments, these platforms offer opportunities to share work with fellow producers.

Building Your Instrument Library

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.

Several strategies can help maximize the value of free EXS24 instruments:

Explore multiple sources: Different websites offer different types of instruments, providing variety in sound and style.
Organize your collection: Create a systematic folder structure for your instruments to easily locate them during production.
Test instruments thoroughly: Before incorporating an instrument into a project, test it across the full keyboard range and with different velocity settings.
Respect licensing terms: Always verify the usage rights of each instrument, especially for commercial projects.
Contribute back: If you create instruments that others might find useful, consider sharing them through community platforms.

Conclusion

Free EXS24 instruments represent an accessible resource for music producers looking to expand their sonic palette without financial investment. Despite the evolution of the EXS24 to 'Sampler' in recent Logic Pro versions, the compatibility of existing .exs files ensures these instruments remain valuable tools in modern production environments.

By exploring sources like Ontology SampleSwap and AZ Electronic Music Blog, producers can discover a wide range of instruments from gongs and sound effects to synth patches. The straightforward installation process makes it easy to incorporate these instruments into Logic Pro, while careful attention to licensing terms ensures proper use in both personal and commercial projects.

As the music production landscape continues to evolve, these free resources provide an entry point for new producers and a valuable supplement for experienced creators alike. By leveraging these tools while respecting their terms and conditions, producers can enhance their productions while developing a deeper understanding of sampling and instrument design.