Free Exs24 Sampler Instruments A Guide To String And Other Samples For Music Production

Oct. 21, 2025, 5:28 p.m.

Tags: string exs24

The EXS24 sampler has long 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 including any string-related samples, 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. 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.

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.

Top Free EXS24 Instruments

Several high-quality free EXS24 instruments have been identified by music production websites and communities. While the search query specifically mentions string samples, the available sources provide information on various instrument types, with one potentially string-related option.

Indossa Synths on Tape

The Indossa Synths on Tape bundle includes 23 unique synth instruments captured on tape which are playable as EXS24 instruments. Every note is captured, and there are no loops, which means they are very realistic sounding instruments. These synths cover a whole range of sounds and functions from melodic to bass synths. It also comes with loads of 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.

Box Harp

Box Harp is one of the instruments 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. While the provided sources don't specify the exact contents or characteristics of this instrument, its name indicates it likely produces string-like tones that could be of interest to those looking for string samples.

Other Notable Instruments

Several other instruments are mentioned in the sources:

Patronus Station: Limited details are available about this instrument in the provided sources. 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, this 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.
Discord Choir: This instrument 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.

Installation and Usage of Free EXS24 Instruments

Installing and using free EXS24 instruments typically follows a standard process, though specific steps may vary depending on the source and format of the instruments. The general procedure involves:

Downloading the instrument files, which are typically provided as .zip archives
Extracting the files to locate the .exs instrument files
Placing these files in the appropriate EXS24 instrument folder within Logic Pro's library
Scanning the library in Logic Pro to make the new instruments available
Loading the instruments through EXS24 or the newer Sampler instrument

It's important to note that while the instruments are compatible with both Macintosh and Windows systems, the exact location of the EXS24 instrument folder may differ between operating systems. Additionally, Logic Pro may need to rescan its library to recognize newly added instruments.

Licensing Considerations

When using free EXS24 instruments, producers should be mindful of licensing terms. As noted by Ontology SampleSwap, while the instruments themselves are original creations for EXS24, the samples they use may or may not be cleared for commercial use. This distinction is important because:

The instrument design (mapping, zones, etc.) is typically free to use
The underlying audio samples may have their own licensing restrictions
Commercial projects may require additional permissions or licenses

Producers should carefully review any accompanying documentation or license files that come with free EXS24 instruments. When in doubt, it's advisable to contact the creator or source for clarification on usage rights, especially for commercial projects.

Compatibility with Logic Pro Updates

As Logic Pro has evolved, the EXS24 sampler has been upgraded to a more streamlined version called 'Sampler'. Despite this change, all existing EXS24 instruments (.exs files) remain fully compatible with the new Sampler. This compatibility ensures that:

Producers can continue using their existing EXS24 instrument libraries
New free instruments created in EXS24 format remain usable
The investment of time and resources into curating EXS24 collections retains its value

This backward compatibility is particularly valuable for producers who have built extensive collections of EXS24 instruments, as it allows them to seamlessly transition to newer versions of Logic Pro without losing access to their sound libraries.

Finding More Free EXS24 Instruments

Beyond the sources mentioned in this article, producers can find additional free EXS24 instruments through various channels:

Music production forums: Communities such as Logic Pro Expert, Gearspace, and KVR Audio often have dedicated sections for sharing free instruments
Sample library websites: Many sites offer free sections or promotions for EXS24 instruments
Music production blogs and YouTube channels: These frequently feature curated lists of free instruments
Social media groups: Facebook groups and subreddits focused on music production often share free resources

When exploring these additional sources, producers should exercise the same caution regarding licensing and compatibility, ensuring that any downloaded instruments work with their specific version of Logic Pro.

Quality Considerations

While free instruments can be valuable additions to a producer's toolkit, it's important to maintain realistic expectations about quality. Free EXS24 instruments vary widely in:

Sound design sophistication
Recording quality
Playability and responsiveness
Documentation and support

High-quality free instruments like those mentioned in this article typically demonstrate attention to detail in sampling, mapping, and programming. However, some free instruments may require additional processing or refinement to integrate seamlessly into professional productions.

Conclusion

Free EXS24 instruments offer valuable resources for music producers looking to expand their sonic palette without financial investment. While the search query specifically mentioned string samples, the available sources highlight several high-quality instruments across different categories, including the potentially string-like Box Harp instrument.

The compatibility of EXS24 instruments with Logic Pro's newer 'Sampler' ensures their ongoing relevance in contemporary music production. By leveraging resources like Ontology SampleSwap and AZ Electronic Music Blog, producers can access professional-quality sounds that enhance their productions. However, it's crucial to pay attention to licensing terms and usage rights, particularly for commercial projects.

As producers explore free EXS24 instruments, they should consider factors such as quality, compatibility, and intended use. With careful selection and implementation, these free resources can significantly contribute to the creative process and help develop a deeper understanding of sampling and instrument design.