Free Old School Rave Samples Where To Find And How To Use Them

Old school rave samples are audio clips that capture the essence of early 1990s rave music. These samples include drum patterns, basslines, synth melodies, and vocal snippets that defined the electronic music scene of that era. For music producers and enthusiasts, these samples offer a way to recreate authentic rave sounds or incorporate vintage elements into modern productions. This article explores where to find free old school rave samples, what types are available, and how to use them legally in your music projects.

Overview of Old School Rave Samples

Old school rave samples are audio recordings that capture the distinctive sounds of early 1990s rave music. This genre emerged from the electronic dance music scene in the United Kingdom and characterized by fast tempos, repetitive beats, and synthesized melodies. According to the source material, these samples often feature elements such as "old school rave piano," "hoover" bass sounds, and "lazer" effects that were prominent in tracks from artists like The Prodigy, Altern8, and SL2.

The cultural significance of old school rave music lies in its role in the acid house and rave movement of the early 1990s, which became a youth phenomenon in the UK and influenced electronic music globally. The samples preserve these iconic sounds for contemporary producers to reference or remix in their own work.

Where to Find Free Old School Rave Samples

Several online platforms offer free old school rave samples for music producers. According to the source material, these include:

• Looperman.com: A platform where users upload free loops, samples, and sounds. The site offers a collection of rave samples that can be browsed by tags or genres. Users can search specifically for "rave" to find relevant samples.

• MusicRadar.com: This website provides free sample packs, including a collection of old-school rave samples. According to the source, MusicRadar offers samples that "hark back to the early '90s" and are split into five folders: Beats, Drum hits, FX, Loops, and Construction Kits.

• Free-sample-packs.com: This site features a techno rave sample pack inspired by pioneers of the electronic scene such as Drumcode, 1605 Music Therapy & Suara.

• Hardcorejunglism.com: Offers a free sample pack containing over 120 old skool/nu skool samples.

These platforms provide access to a wide variety of rave samples that producers can use in their music projects.

Types of Samples Available

The source material indicates that several types of old school rave samples are available for free download:

• Bass samples: These include deep basslines and "hoover" sounds that were characteristic of rave music. According to the source, some bass samples are inspired by artists like AronChupa and are available in various keys such as G, D, E, B, and F#.

• Drum hits and loops: These include individual drum sounds and complete drum patterns. The source mentions drum hits and "break loops" that are "split into different layers for each break." One collection specifically lists "31 TR8 samples" among the available sounds.

• Synth and melody loops: These are melodic elements that often define the hook of a rave track. One pack lists "24 Synth and melody loops" and "5 Lead Synth samples."

• FX samples: These include special effects and transitional sounds commonly used in rave music. The source mentions an "FX" folder among the sample categories.

• Construction kits: These are complete musical arrangements that include multiple elements working together. The source mentions construction kits at tempos of 127, 135, and 140bpm, while another describes "three construction kits" containing drums, bass, guitar, keyboard and synth loops, plus multisamples and single hits.

• Piano samples: One source mentions "old school rave piano" samples available in E minor with an unusual rhythmic pattern.

• Pad and chord samples: These provide atmospheric background elements. One collection lists "12 Pad/Chord samples" and "5 String samples."

Licensing and Usage Rights

The source material provides important information about the licensing terms for these free samples:

• Royalty-free usage: Most samples are available for royalty-free use, meaning producers can use them in their music without paying additional royalties. One source explicitly states, "Because they're royalty-free, you're welcome to use the samples in your music in any way you like."

• Non-commercial and commercial use: One source indicates that samples on Looperman.com can be used for both commercial and non-commercial purposes "on a royalty free basis (subject to our terms and conditions)."

• Redistribution restrictions: While samples can be used in music, redistribution of the sample files themselves is typically prohibited. One source states, "all we ask is that you don't re-distribute them."

• Attribution requirements: The source material doesn't explicitly mention attribution requirements for the samples, though one source suggests leaving comments if samples are used.

• Copyright compliance: Users are encouraged to verify that samples don't infringe on copyright. One source states, "If you come across any content that is in breach of copyright or our upload guidelines please contact support."

Technical Details

The source material provides several technical details about the free old school rave samples:

• File format: Most samples are provided in WAV format. One source explicitly states, "All the samples are supplied as WAV files so can be imported directly into your DAW or sampler of choice." Another source also mentions that samples are "In 24bit WAV format."

• Tempo information: Many samples include tempo information. One source mentions construction kits at 127, 135, and 140bpm, while another lists "5 Break Loops split into different layers for each break."

• Key information: Some samples specify the musical key. The sources mention samples in keys including E, A, B, G, D, and F#, and A# Minor.

• Audio quality: One source specifies that samples are "In 24bit WAV format," indicating high-quality audio suitable for professional production.

• Sample organization: Samples are typically organized into folders by type (drums, bass, synths, etc.) and sometimes by tempo or key for easier navigation.

How to Use These Samples

The source material provides guidance on how producers can use these free samples:

• Importing into DAWs: Since samples are provided as WAV files, they can be directly imported into digital audio workstations (DAWs). One source confirms this by stating, "All the samples are supplied as WAV files so can be imported directly into your DAW or sampler of choice."

• Creating new music: Producers can use these samples as building blocks for new tracks. One source encourages users to use the samples and "leave your comments" if they do.

• Experimentation: Some samples are intentionally designed for experimentation. One source describes one sample as "A bit all over the shop but mostly in A# Minor. Could work better as a chop though. Experiment!"

• Genre blending: While primarily intended for rave music, some samples may work in other genres. One source mentions one sample that "could also work in other genres like hip hop."

• Layering: One source mentions that break loops are "split into different layers for each break," suggesting that producers can layer these elements to create more complex rhythms.

Notable Sample Packs and Their Contents

Based on the source material, several notable free sample packs specifically focus on old school rave sounds:

• Hardcore Junglism Sample Pack 01: According to the source, this pack contains:

  • 8 Bass Stabs
  • 8 Sub Bass Samples
  • 5 Break Loops split into different layers for each break
  • 5 Lead Synth samples
  • 24 Synth and melody loops
  • 12 Pad/Chord samples
  • 5 String samples
  • 31 TR8 samples All samples are in 24bit WAV format and are "100% royalty free."

• MusicRadar Old School Rave Samples: One source describes this collection as containing sounds that "hark back to the early '90s" and are organized into five folders:

  • Beats
  • Drum hits
  • FX
  • Loops
  • Construction Kits (127, 135 and 140bpm) These samples are also royalty-free but come with the restriction that users shouldn't redistribute them.

• Free Sample Packs Techno Rave Pack: One source describes this pack as being "inspired by the Techno music schools that are true pioneers of the electronic scene, such as Drumcode, 1605 Music Therapy & Suara." It contains "three construction kits, each of which contains the likes of drums, bass, guitar, keyboard and synth loops, plus multisamples and single hits."

Conclusion

Free old school rave samples offer producers an accessible way to incorporate authentic 1990s electronic music elements into their productions. Through platforms like Looperman.com, MusicRadar.com, Free-sample-packs.com, and Hardcorejunglism.com, music creators can access a wide variety of samples including basslines, drum patterns, synth melodies, and FX sounds. These samples are typically provided in high-quality 24bit WAV format and come with royalty-free usage rights, though redistribution is usually prohibited. By understanding the licensing terms and technical specifications, producers can effectively use these samples to create new music while respecting the rights of original creators.

Sources

1. Free Rave Loops & Sounds on Looperman
2. Old School Rave Samples on MusicRadar
3. Free Rave Loops Search on Looperman
4. Techno Rave Sample Pack on Free-sample-packs.com
5. Hardcore Junglism Sample Pack 01