As the industry’s leading instrument-building tool, Kontakt is your gateway to the widest collection of sampled instruments available anywhere.
But more than a sampler, this shapeshifting platform has powered two decades of blockbuster film scores and chart-topping hits, plus thousands of incredible instruments. And with hundreds of officially licensed instruments available from Native Instruments and other leading manufacturers – alongside thousands more from boutique developers, sound designers, and composers – you’ll never run short of inspiration.
Whether you’re a producer looking for free Kontakt libraries for pop music, a composer searching for cinematic free Kontakt instruments, or simply someone looking for the new free Kontakt instruments, this list has something for you. Kontakt Player is included in the free Komplete Start bundle, which you can use to host many of the libraries below.
Jump to these sections:
NEW: Transform your workflow with Kontakt 8
While Kontakt has long been an industry standard, the new features in Kontakt 8 transform it into a powerful creative hub for songwriting and inspiration. Many of these tools are built right into both the full version of Kontakt 8 and the free Kontakt 8 Player, and they work with all Kontakt instruments, new and old.
Synth plugins and VSTs
1. Quinterface by Klang
Influenced by the digital piano and synth sounds of the 90s, this instrument’s source sounds are derived from an interface itself. It’s an excellent choice for crafting nostalgic, lo-fi electronic music. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
2. Analog Dreams by Native Instruments
The synth sound of the 1980s is brought up to date with this preset-packed instrument. Dozens of synth-based plucks, basses, leads, FX, and pads are included, making Analog Dreams ideal for synthwave, techno, and anything else with an electronic edge. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
3. Sine Beauty by Klang
This instrument is a testament to the simple purity of the sine wave. It uses subtle variations to create stunning and beautiful sounds, perfect for crafting the essence of many soundscapes. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
4. Cassette Bass by Wrongtools
This instrument captures the warm, vintage character of a synthesizer recorded to cassette tape, giving you a uniquely nostalgic sound with all the tape saturation and flutter you could ask for. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
5. Wavesynth EP Glow
With three wavetable-based electric pianos and 14 different types of wavetable algorithms, the Wavesynth EP Glow from Karanyi Sounds isn’t messing around. Sensuously sampled on a Sequential Prophet 6 and tastefully transformed into a rollicking Rhodes-like patch, this lushly sentimental instrument is perfectly primed for retro-future fun. (Requires the full version of Kontakt).
6. Commodore 64 Sessions Deluxe
The Commodore 64 Sessions Deluxe from Rhythmic Robot Audio features 30 superbly sampled patches from three different iterations of the iconic home computer. With an authentic SID Chip sound and a stylish and authentic UI design, this instrument can crank out everything from chip-tune drum kits to fat bassline synths, making it a must-have VST for crafting vintage 8-bit hits. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
7. Wavetable Experiment Mini-Pack
This experimental pack features seven authentically 80s-inspired wavetable synths. Unlike sample-based synths, which read a static waveform, wavetable synths allow stacked frames to morph from one wave shape to another as you play, resulting in harmonically rich asymmetrical sounds with a deeply textural and dynamically morphing quality – perfect for sculpting sci-fi patches, pads, and drones.
8. Ethereal Earth by Native Instruments
A meditative collection of presets divided into chords, FX, metallic, natural, pad, sequenced and synthy categories, Ethereal Earth is the perfect instrument for creating chilled soundscapes and relaxing ambiences. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
9. Hypha by Native Instruments
An exploration into nature-inspired acoustic-electric hybrid sounds, Hypha is optimized for polyphonic aftertouch and includes organic textures, atmospheric keys, and mysterious soundscapes among its presets. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
Download Hypha in Komplete Start
10. NanoMod 7 by Rhythmic Robot Audio
A gritty, primitive-sounding synth, NamoMod 7 allows you to morph between detuned multi-voice analogue oscillators and an early digital synth waveform that can provide you with a respite from the polished gloss of contemporary soft synths.
11. PatchVault Taster by Rhythmic Robot Audio
PatchVault Taster offers a simple polysynth patch with filter, chorus, tube, amplitude envelope and tilt EQ options to sculpt the sound to your taste. To add expression you can adjust the modwheel LFO rate, and activate glide mode for portamento lead lines.
12. Impact Soundworks Super Audio Boy
Inspired by a certain popular handheld gaming device from the late 80s, Super Audio Boy includes classic chiptune waveforms such as pulses, triangles, saws, and four separate voices to play them back with. Wave waveform can be tailored with pitch, amplitude and filter modulation, and there’s also an FX section with a reverb inspired by a famous home console.
Interested in learning more about Kontakt?
Join our community of more than 75,000 music creators and receive expert insights, tips, and tricks that will help you become a better producer.
Vocal VSTs
13. Jacob Collier Audience Choir
Jacob Collier Audience Choir brings performances to life with audience samples captured from 22 different cities across the globe during Jacob Collier’s Djesse world tour. Get instant harmony with the chord generator function, blend different vowel types with the Vowel Morph pad, and conduct your own choir by recording custom motions in real time. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
14. Ancient Voices by Embertone
An uncomplicated male choir, Ancient Voices has polyphonic and legato modes, plus a Dynamics control and settings for Close and Stage mics and Reverb level. With just a two-octave range it’s not the most expansive instrument, but it has top-notch sound quality and is quick to use. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
15. Tape Choir by Soniccouture
Inspired by the tape-based proto-sampling of 10cc’s “I’m Not in Love”, Tape Choir is a Mellotron-esque instrument based around samples of three male vocalists singing notes in unison. The result is an organic but uncanny choir sound that is perfect for creating angelic pads amongst other ephemeral sounds. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
Piano plugins, keyboards, and VSTs
Whether you’re looking for a heavy hitting sound or a delicate touch with your piano VST, we have some great free choices below.
16. Salmesykkel by Wrongtools
This library provides the rich, characterful sound of an old harmonium. The bellows, keys, and subtle imperfections are beautifully captured, making it perfect for adding a nostalgic and organic feel to your compositions. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
17. Tangent by Wrongtools
Ditch the pristine parlor sound – Tangent takes the classic Bechstein grand piano and sends it straight to the cinematic cosmos. Constructed through a meticulously complex chain including the legendary Eventide H8000fw, dual tape machines, and a classic stereo LA-2A compressor, Tangent isn’t just a piano sample; it’s a deeply architected soundscape ready to score your next blockbuster. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
18. Foundations Piano
Designed as a sound canvas for cinematic composers, this inspiringly lush piano from Heavyocity highlights the softer dynamics of a grand piano. These gentle notes form the basis of a textural sound design layer that can be manipulated to produce rain-like droplets or vibraphone-esque oscillations among even more unusual effects. An essential addition to any modern composer’s toolkit. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
19. The Felt Seiler
Strezov Sampling’s Seiler was sampled from an upright piano with a layer of felt between the piano hammers and strings, giving it a warm and intimate tone. With a little massaging, the three different synth layers can be mixed and individually reversed to create otherwordly sounds and uncommonly wistful tones. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
20. The 88E
Ever wondered what it might sound like if you tuned every single one of a piano’s 88 keys to “E” and played them all at once? Then Impact Soundworks has just the instrument for you. You can even stack up to three voices together, resulting in a truly massive sound that covers wide-ranging timbres from horror stabs to subterranean pads, and more. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
21. Preparato Piano
Recorded in a Roman church, Xperimenta Project’s prepared piano samples are a celebration of imperfection. This experimental library boasts diverse tones from foreboding string scrapes to delicate repetitions and everything in between. For especially chilling ambiences, try layering convolution reverbs from both real-world and fantastical spaces and enter a rabbit-hole of sound design possibilities. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
22. The Lobby Piano
Pianobook’s Lobby Piano is a small grand piano recorded with a variety of techniques to create sculpted layers of creative sound design picks and plucks. With 10 mixable articulations from hammers to mutes, it’s easy to combine the sounds to create your own bespoke timbres – or you can take inspiration from almost 30 presets that showcase the versatility of this uniquely playful instrument. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
23. ETI Roads MK II
This 9GB download is substantial to say the least, but as long as you’ve got the bandwidth it’s worthwhile thanks to Roads MK II’s incredibly authentic recreation of the classic Rhodes MK II electric piano sound. The incredible range of velocity layered timbres its provides put it on-par with the best commercial electric piano instruments, making this an essential download. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
24. VSTBuzz LO.VE. Piano
Prepare yourself to fall in love with this soft and inanimate piano which uses 12 velocity layers to get its delicate sound. Including 18 IR convolution reverbs, LO.VE. Piano is ideal for creating romantic moods and perfect for creating soulful soundscapes. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
25. Rigid Audio - Rigid Grand
A grand piano instrument with a polished sound and a very straightforward interface that offers Release Volume and Reverb parameters, plus an Octave Blend control that mixes in a lower octave for a fuller sound. For a simple, quick piano sound without too many complications this is a great choice. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
26. 8Dio - 1928 Steinway Piano
Recorded from an original 1928 Steinway with its original strings, this fully-featured piano instrument includes Pedal and Release Volumes, a visual Velocity editor, convolution reverbs and effects plus some abstract morphing patches that take it into more esoteric sonic directions. Requires full version of Kontakt.
27. Strezov The Creative ToolboX: Steinway Grand Piano
A beautiful, crystal clear-sounding Steinnway with an unfussy interface, The Creative ToolboX: Steinway Grand Piano nevertheless gives you a good deal of control over its sound with three sets of microphones to mix, plus EQ, pedal noise, stereo width and room reverb controls. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
28. Sonokinetic EMP Mark II
This electric piano patch offers an authentic sound with delicate softer notes, becoming richly harmonic at higher velocities. It includes customisable Tremolo, Drive, Chorus and Room effects, plus dedicated controls for Hammer and Release and some simple EQ settings. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
29. Cinesamples - Mister Rogers' Celeste
Sampled from the very instrument used in the theme tune to the popular US children’s television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, this virtual celeste has an enhancing, delicate sound. Perfect if you’re looking for an alternative to a regular bell or electric piano. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
Percussion plugins and VSTs
30. Bike Bells by Klang
Klang went out to record the sounds of bike bells on bicycle lanes and stretched the tones across the keyboard. The result is a unique percussive instrument with a surprising musicality. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
31. LMFree
Faithful, fully-functional, and fantastically free, Beaotic’s reproduction of the legendary 80s drum machine, the LinnDrum LM-2, is a revelation in sentimental sonic expression: Control the start position of your samples via key velocity; add subtle pitch with the Oscillator Drift; or tweak individual edits in pitch, volume, and panning to sculpt unmistakably 80s sounds. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
32. Jacky
Rhythmic Robot Audio’s Jacky features five combinable transistor rhythms with a warm, slightly gritty tonality. With five grooves to choose from and a simple two knob setup (one for distortion and another for compression) it’s vibey, minimalist, and great for copping those vintage rhythm machine sounds from old Shuggie Otis and Sly and The Family Stone records. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
33. Taiko
The Taiko is a traditional Japanese instrument whose percussive sound is so powerful that it was historically used to intimidate enemies during battles in feudal Japan. Prisma Sounds’ Taiko brings these 6th century sounds into the 21st century with a 3 band EQ, ADSR filter, and an FX tab loaded with distortion, saturation, compression, and delay – all of which make this an exceptional instrument for driving, cinematic soundscapes. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
34. Heritage Percussion
Recorded in painstaking detail with crisp 24-bit fidelity, Heritage Percussion is a free collection of 13 heirloom hand percussion instruments from Impact Soundworks. Create your own custom drum mapping with djembe, rattles, shakers, cowbell, cork drums, and clavs – each with adjustable tone and envelope settings, including open, muted, and rim strike articulations for the djembe. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
35. Thunder X3M
Strezov Sampling’s latest entry in their Taiko Thunder series lets you assemble a diverse tonal palette from the twelve programmable percussion zones and tweak them individually or as a whole mapped ensemble using the pitch knob and transient controls. The impressive new engine also features multiple dynamic layers, round robin sample playback, three mic positions, and two custom vintage analog hardware chains – all of which can be seamlessly blended in for thicker and punchier sounds. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
36. XoX Drums
Based on samples of iconic vintage drum machines, Autodafe’s XoX Drums features five vertical slots, each with different selectable kits of sounds. Boasting a jaw-dropping collection of kicks, claps, cymbals, cowbells, and toms, this free drum machine boasts an abundance of options for countless colorful combinations. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
37. Strezov The Creative ToolboX: Drums and Percussion
A useful collection of bread and butter drum and percussion sounds, this instrument features three patches: a Roland TR-808 kit, a drum kit, and a full-featured set of percussion sounds. These all offer comprehensive mixing controls and their straightforward presentation makes them easy to use. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
38. Rhythmic Robot Audio Doctor 33
Recorded from an analogue metronome, Doctor 33 features four extremely lo-fi but charming percussive analogue splats, bleeps and ticks. The instrument includes a Tone control that can be used to filter these sounds to interesting effect, and it’s perfect for getting an old school analogue feel. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
39. Rhythmic Robot Audio PanaRhythm
Sampled from an extremely venerable analogue rhythm machine, PanaRhythm uses round robin samples to maintain analogue authenticity, and includes three sounds: a kick, a hat, and a snare that can be played chromatically over an octave. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
40. Sonokinetic Sleigh Bells
A festive collection of tempo-synced rhythmic and one-shot samples, Sleigh Bells is a surprisingly sophisticated instrument. Featuring recordings of six types of sleigh bells from individual bells to a 25 bell stick, Sleigh Bells will add a wintry feel to any project with ease. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
41. 8Dio - Smiley Drum
A tonal percussion instrument recorded with mallets, Smiley Drum is akin to a mellow take on a steel drum sound. With twelve separate Kontakt instruments included, covering FX patterns, rolls, hits, slaps and wet sounds, there’s plenty to make you smile if you’re looking for a chilled-out tuned percussion sound. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
42. 8Dio - Cajon and Bongo
Extensively sampled percussion sounds are available for free with Cajon and Bongo, which features recordings from small medium and large bongos, and snare and non-snare cajon. This meticulously produced instrument features recordings taken in two studios, with various mic placements to give you a supremely flexible percussion sound. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
43. 8Dio - Hybrid Rhythms
Packed with epic and cinematic rhythmic sounds, Hybrid Rhythms is perfect for adding an edgy energy to your projects. The seven included each have ten rhythms that can be swapped between on the fly, and the instrument can be played by either triggering all the rhythmic elements together, or individually to customise the sound. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
44. Embertone Jug Drum Free
An improvised drum instrument created with water jugs, Jug Drum Free has a big, tactile sound that could be employed to create dramatic drums, enhance rhythmic parts, or to beef up impacts. The patch features four octaves of sounds and a Reverb button. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
45. Bunker Samples Gongster’s Paradise
Tuned Vietnamese gongs are the order of the day here, with a detailed interface that allows you to mix between mallet and stick sounds, add up to three syncable feedback delay lines, convolution reverb with 26 impulse responses to pick from, chorus and transient shaping. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
46. AVA Music Group PRISM Drums - Lite Edition
PRISM Drums – Lite Edition includes six drum kits: Modern Pop, Retro Pop, Trailer, Urban Legends, Taped Drums, and Lofi Drums. Featuring a straightforward interface with Compression and “Sauce” sliders, PRISM Drums – Lite Edition is a handy way to get some slamming drum sounds into your mix quick. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
47. Global Audio Tools Trap Gods
Trap Gods is a quick way to get a bunch of workhorse trap sounds including Roland TR-808-inspired drums (naturally including big 808-style basses), plus leads, keys, pads, plucks, strings and more. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
48. Global Audio Grand Sounds From The Streets
A convenient collection of urban-style kicks, snare, hats and percussion samples, Sounds From The Streets is a quick and streamlined way to make trap and hip-hop beats fast, and the quality of the drum hits themselves is great. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
49. Global Audio Galaxy
As well as a selection of typical trap drum sounds and 808s basses, Galaxy also includes 10 ‘beat starters’, instrumental, drum-free loops at various tempos designed to give inspiration to start your own track. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
Guitar plugins and VSTs
50. Guitar Harmonics by Klang
This instrument consists of a set of warm and lovely recorded harmonics notes of an electric guitar. It’s a pure and easy-to-use patch for adding a delicate, bell-like quality to your tracks. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
51. 8dio Songwriting Guitar
8dio’s cleverly constructed library was recorded with an ESP LTD Deluxe, an Epiphone Custom, and a Fender TexMex Strat, all plugged into a 1962 Drawmer preamp. It lets you trigger major and minor chord loops in all 12 keys, with four keyswitching strumming rhythms and 12 keyswitching effects. Ostensibly intended as a pre-production tool, its stellar sound and sonic versatility make it a great fit for any project. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
52. Impact Soundworks Shreddage 3
Capturing a Fender Stratocaster in four articulations (Sustains, Palm Mutes, Release Noises and Chokes) over three octaves, and with up to three dynamic layers and four round robins, Impact Soundworks’ Shreddage makes writing mix-ready lead and rhythm parts a breeze. Up to 16 effects can be racked up from a library of 30 guitar-orientated modules, and the TACT page facilitates customization of the Sustain and Mute articulation mappings. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
53. Pettinhouse Funky Guitar
The free predecessor to Pettinhouse’s Funky Guitar 2, this instrument works 450MB of Fender Stratocaster loops and one-shots into three separate Kontakt instruments: Funky Guitar, Funky Guitar Strum and Funky Guitar Muted. The scripted interface common to all three instruments offers six different amp models along with EQ, overdrive, mod wheel-controlled wah-wah, and one-knob reverb, delay and phaser effects – everything you need to create vibey rhythm guitar tracks perfectly tailored to fit your mix. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
54. Kontakt’s Band Ensemble
Our own free Komplete Start package nets you a couple of tasty free guitar libraries alongside a wealth of other sampled instruments, synths and effects. And there’s plenty of sound sculpting available via the Tone and Pickup controls, alongside powerful effects (like one-knob wah-wah, distortion, overdrive and compression modules, master reverb, and three-band graphic EQ), and fret and string noise for heightened realism. An excellent option for quick and easily adaptable guitar parts.
55. Samplephonics Ronroco
Though technically not a guitar (the Ronroco is an Andean mandolin), this inspiring emulation from Samplephonics features a sizable collection of tempo-synced loops in six distinct styles and a comprehensive array of chords at your fingertips for user-configurable MIDI triggering. Its distinct sound and exquisite quality make it a must-have for authentic South American rhythm and solo guitar lines alike. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
56. Heavyocity Foundations Nylon Guitar
Foundations Nylon Guitar provides a great clear acoustic guitar sound with a clean interface, and if you’re looking for more esoteric sonic inspiration it can handle that as well. With atmospheric reverb and delay effects plus an additional texture layer that can be dialed-in plus an arpeggiator, this is a fun instrument that more than fulfills its remit. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
Orchestral & cinematic plugins and VSTs
57. Tokyo Scoring Strings Free by Impact Soundworks
A fantastic no-cost introduction to the Tokyo Scoring Strings library, this instrument features beautifully sampled violins and cellos from a full orchestra, capturing the rich sound and expressive quality of the ensemble. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
58. Palette Primary Colors by Impact Soundworks
This free selection provides three grand orchestral ensembles (strings, winds, and brass) taken directly from the full Palette Orchestra Complete library. It’s a powerful tool for adding a professional orchestral sound to your projects. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
59. ProjectSAM - The Free Orchestra
With sounds taken from ProjectSAM’s Symphobia series, The Free Orchestra has limited control options, but a broad array of instruments including basses, horns, strings, winds and everything else you could need for an authentic orchestra feel. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
60. ProjectSAM - The Free Orchestra 2
The follow up to The Free Orchestra includes new sounds such as tutti crescendos, dystopian bows, and warm ensembles, and at the time of writing its still being added to, so who knows what else you’ll find in there! The interface has also been enhanced to give you more control over the sound, making this an essential download even if you already have the original Free Orchestra. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
61. Sonokinetic - Tutti Free
Packed with hits, stabs, textures, crescendi and glissandi, Tutti Free was recorded by a full symphony orchestra and has a powerful sound that makes it ideal for adding a dramatic edge to your music. Predominantly an atonal instrument, this is the ideal accompaniment to more traditional chromatic orchestral patches. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
62. Sonuscore Free HD Orchestra Chords
Offering a unique take on orchestral chords, this instrument features a full orchestra sound with optional extra low and high strings. The unusual part is that the chord played is either major or minor depending on note velocity. This can lead to some interesting results, and the chord samples themselves are big and beautiful. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
63. The Alpine Project
An orchestral library created from public domain samples, The Alpine Project serves to complement other orchestral libraries by focusing on a wide variety of expressive solo instruments. With more than 1.5GB of samples included, The Alpine Project offers a comprehensive collection of brass, woodwind and string patches. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
64. Embertone Intimate Strings LITE
Intimate Strings LITE gives you three elementary string patches, a legato string, plus sustain and sordino polyphonic. The instrument has a limited three-octave range, but the variety of patches gives it some flexibility, and its sound is excellent. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
66. Strezov JADE Ethnic Orchestra Xiao Free
The xiao is a Chinese vertical end-blown flute, and this free version from Strezov’s JADE Ethnic Orchestra is very straightforward, with Legato, Overlap, Release and Reverb controls, plus the ability to mix three microphone sources. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
65. Strezov Minimalist Violins Legato Free
Easy to use but with a great deal of control, Minimalist Violins Legato Free has a polished sound and allows you to mix three microphone sources to get just the right tone. Delivering both fantastic legato lines and chords, this is a great download for realistic-sounding strings. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
67. Strezov BALKAN Ethnic Orchestra Duduk Free
The duduk is a double-reeded woodwind instrument originating from Armenia, and this free instrument brings its evocative sound to your DAW. Offering sampled phrases that can be played chromatically, this instrument has limited flexibility, but it sounds beautiful. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
68. Strezov Diamond Jazz Trio Free
Offering piano, double bass and two alto sax instruments (sustain crescendo and legato flutter), Diamond Jazz Trio Free is a convenient one-stop-shop for jazz sounds. The double bass is arguably the best instrument on offer here, with a rich, punchy sound that sits great in the mix. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
69. Bunker Samples Intimate Viola Ext.Har
Standing for Extra Harmonics, Ext.Har is a library made from viola harmonics that can be played chromatically. Described by its creators as sounding like a mix between a flute, an organ and a cello, Ext.Har. is a good choice for those after an alternative to tried and tested traditional string or woodwind sounds. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
70. Impact Soundworks Cinematic Synthetic Drums
Ideal for hybrid electronic-orchestral scores, Cinematic Synthetic Drums is crammed with epic percussion hits and devastating drum sounds. FX keyswitches are available to help you create the perfect feel, and an Ensemble mode allows you to increase the size of your sounds. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
71. Impact Soundworks The Stroh Violin
The stroh violin is a self-amplified variation on the classic violin design with a resonating metal body and horn. This Kontakt version includes three custom-mapped articulations, with dedicated step sequencers for velocity, step length and attack offset. The perfect instrument for creating unique, rhythmic string tones. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
72. Sonokinetic Hurdy Gurdy
Take yourself back to mediaeval times with this drone instrument that played an important role in musical styles from Europe, Eurasia, and large parts of the Middle East. Providing a rich bed for melody instruments to perform over, the hurdy gurdy has a distinctive sound brimming with historical flavour. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
73. Sonokinetic Carousel
Bringing you all the fun of the fair, Carousel is an authentically recorded fairground organ instrument with an unexpected amount of depth, giving you control over the ten registers with level settings, octave offsets and a tutti mode to give you the pipes of your dreams. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
74. Embertone Ivory Wind
An unforgettable vintage tenor recorder instrument, Ivory Wind offers legato, vibrato, Round Robin and Stage reverb options. Both mono and poly modes are available for all your playing needs, making it a great choice for those after authentic recorder sound. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
75. Samplephonics Leeds Town Hall Organ
Leeds is a town in the English county of West Yorkshire, and as its name suggests this instrument was recorded from the Town Hall’s imposing organ. 3.5GB it’s pretty weighty itself, and it features six presets that range from a modest sound to literally pulling out all the stops. For striking organ sounds, this is a no-brainer. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
Creative effects plugins and VSTs
76. Spin by Wrongtools
Spin by Wrongtools is an enchanting and often unsettling collection of Kontakt patches built entirely from two distinct sources: a cylinder music box and a carousel music box. It’s perfect for adding a touch of childlike wonder, dark vintage mystery, or outright whimsical chaos to your tracks. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
77. Paul's Glass by Klang
This patch provides a fascinating, time-stretched soundscape created from various glass sounds. The result is a mysterious and wonderful texture perfect for experimental music and sound design. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
78. Frozen Pan by Klang
Handpans have magical overtones. This instrument enriches that quality with a sustained sound created from a frozen handpan sample, offering a unique, ethereal texture. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
79. The Drill Drop
Looking for a legendary lead to pump up your tracks? Look no longer! Boasting high-quality samples nudged to neverending sustain, this ambitious instrument offers up a wide palette of tonal options – with Cutoff, Resonance, ADSR and Filter Envelope controls, and independent volume controls for each layer – all perfectly packaged in a strikingly psychedelic interface. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
80. GR808 KICK
Finally, an 808 that covers your ambient needs. Painstakingly processed through the Little Labs Voice of God Bass Resonance Tool, this avant-garde instrument adds an explosive, saturated quality to each 808 note while simultaneously generating celestial sounds in the lower resonating frequencies. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
81. Signal Free
Test drive the world’s most powerful pulse engine! This slimmed down version of Output’s groundbreaking rhythm instrument combines fat analog synths and exceptional effects that are perfect for sculpting assertive arps, powerful plucks, and everything in between. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
82. 99 Sound Effects
Experience the motherload of cinematic sound effects – from domineering drones and bellicose braams to action-packed impacts and newfangled noises. This colossal collection comes fully loaded with retro-inspired SFX sourced from vintage analog synthesizers, and it’s top to bottom tailored for trailers, film scores, offbeat excursions, and cutting-edge sound design. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
83. 8Dio - Free Radicals
A selection of dark and twisted sound sounds, Free Radicals includes bizarre ambiences, disturbing vocal effects, menacing hits, surreal risers and a selection of other off-the-wall timbres and rhythms. An ideal download for getting an edgy sound quickly. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
84. 8Dio - Free ASMR
Prepare to have your ears tickled by a huge pack of closely recorded, detailed sounds covering whispers, living creatures, foley, field recordings and ambiences. The quality of the samples is impressively high, and the nearly 4GB of content will provide you with a noise for every possible circumstance. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
85. 8Dio - Free Home
Domestic found sounds abound in this collection of percussive, melodic and atonal sounds recorded by the 8Dio user community in their homes. This instrument includes over 800 sounds and five Kontakt instruments, making it a substantial resource for sound design and straightforward foley sounds alike. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
86. 8Dio - Free You
Abstract layered sounds are abundant with Free You, which features more than 300 presets each with three layers that can be balanced with the included mixer parameters. Free You includes rhythmic pads, textural melodic tools, stuttery rhythms, and other sonic delights that are sure to provide inspiration for those looking for something a little different. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
87. 8Dio - Mini
Featuring more than 5000 samples, Mini is a huge collection of small sounds. Paper, hoses marbles, bubble wrap and dozens of other objects were used to create this library, which also includes a bonus set of ambiences and Impulse Responses for you to do with as you will. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
88. 8Dio - Ambient Guitar
Dreamy drones are the order of the day with Ambient Guitar, a vast smörgåsbord of ambient timbres created with a selection of effects to bring out the mysterious side of the instrument. With tones ranging from ethereal atmospheres to morphing soundscapes and beyond, Ambient Guitar is a unique collection of organic sounds suitable for a variety of applications. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
89. Embertone Gobbler
Let’s talk turkey: Gobbler is a very simple novelty instrument that features up to five human voices impersonating our chunky feathered friends. You can turn each voice on and off, and there’s a Verb mixer for getting the perfect level of avian ambience. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
90. Embetone Atmoraffe
Created using the unforgettable sounds of a squeezy toy giraffe, Atmoraffe is a light-hearted and extremely specific instrument that might be just what you need in some very specific use cases. It also includes a bonus patch Where Animals Go To Die, which features the sounds distorted to an ear-piercing degree. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
91. Embertone The Keyboard
With its vague name, you might suspect there’s something mysterious about The Keyboard, and you’ be right. Originally an April Fools prank, this instrument features sampled sounds from an unplugged MIDI controller. So, if you’re after plastic tapping and scraping noises, The Keyboard has everything you need. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
92. Embertone The Kitchen
The Kitchen delivers the most dramatic kitchen foley sounds you’ve ever heard over its 14 discrete instrument patches. Everything from processed oven door slams to arpeggiated lamp hits is here, taking everyday household objects to strange new sonic places. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
93. Cinematique Instruments Korn
A granular sample playback instrument, Korn allows you to twist the 20 included samples or whatever else you like into eerie soundscapes with its comprehensive controls. Ideal for creating drone music or soundtracks. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
94. Cinematique Instruments Mad Libs Xmas
An instrument dedicated to making abstract soundcapes, Mad Libs Xmas allows the user to pick two sound sources from a pool of 14, and combine them with EQ and Church reverb to create otherworldly tones. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
95. Cinematique Instruments Landscape
Make a drone of your own with Landscape. With seven layered source sounds and eight effects, this instrument has the potential to create sonic vistas beyond your imagination. If you’re struggling for inspiration, it features randomization features, plus an ‘Infinity’ mode that creates endless, forever-mutating soundscapes all by itself. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
96. Cinematique Instruments Colors Free
A bite-sized box of ambiences, pads and textures, Colors Free includes ten sound sources that can be mixed together to create haunting leads and chords. There’s also a dedicated source for noises, and a small but powerful effects section with Drive, Filter, Chorus, Reverb and Delay effects. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
97. Rigid Audio - Shimmer Strings
Shimmer Strings gives you simple sustained bowed violin notes with a touch of ever-present vibrato. The mod wheel can be used to fade the instrument in and out, and Reverb and Octave Blend controls are also on offer to offer some sonic fine-tuning. Ideal for adding an organic layer to chord progressions. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
98. 8Dio - Polyphon
A five octave antique music box, Polyphon has a unique vintage tone that can be sculpted with Attack and Release controls, Low, Mid and High EQ, and a selection of seven effects. The instrument also features eight presets that can be accessed quickly from the main panel, making it quick and easy to get an inspirational sound. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
99. 8Dio - Copperphone
Recorded from a custom-made copper pipe instrument, Copperphone has a sound midway between bells and a metallic marimba. 8 round-robins are used to give the patch a natural, organic feel, and a bonus set of ambiences created with the instrument are included too. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
100. Soniccouture - Music Boxes
Including samples taken from two music boxes, this instrument gives you Mix controls for both, allowing you to dial in the perfect sonic character. The patch also includes a filter with its own dedicated envelope, an amplitude envelope, and cathedral reverb with its own Mix control to get an expansive or intimate sound. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
101. Soniccouture - RMI Rocksichord
The Rocky Mount Instruments Rocksichord is an electric harpsichord, used by the likes of The Beach Boys, Genesis, Dr. John, John Lennon, Sun Ra and Terry Riley. This virtual version includes all original stops and accents to give you the most flexible timbre possible, and a full effects section means you can tailor these tones to perfection. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
102. Soniccouture - Thunder Drum
Thunder Drum was recorded from a drum with a spring attached to the skin, which results in a continuous resonance through the body of the instrument when it’s shaken. This creates a noise that sounds like thunder, and in this Kontakt instrument every possible permutation of shaking, hitting and slapping has been sampled to give you a wild array of ways to create organic-sounding atmospheres. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
103. Cinesamples - Create Series Kalimba
Also known as a thumb piano amongst other names, the kalimba is a westernised version of a traditional Malawian and Zimbabwean instrument. With its soft, pleasant sound this virtual kalimba is a great source of an exotic yet comforting sound, and it includes a built-in reverb and compressor to help you get the most of it. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
104. Sonokinetic Vivace Legacy
An orchestral library with a huge amount of content, Vivace Legacy features 11 instrument patches covering chords, runs, crescendos, stabs and plenty more besides. Vivace Legacy gives you plenty of options to sculpt the sound by turning individual orchestra elements on and off at will, and also includes keyswitch options for getting a nuanced performance. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
105. Embertone Harmonette
Capturing and subsequently mashing up the sound of a vintage recorder/melodica hybrid, Harmonette isn’t an instrument for everyone. However, if you’re after unique tones its eleven varied instrument patches will bring you unexpected sounds that might just fuel your imagination. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
106. Embertone Canjo
A Canjo is a single string musical instrument made from a can, and is held like a guitar but may also be played on a table or lap. This virtual version gives you its authentic sound, and includes an arpeggiator for rhythmic can-based action. The download includes 14 patches, giving you more canjo than you ever knew you needed. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
107. Bunker Samples Scary Viola Pizz
Spooky pizzicato plucks haunt this free Kontakt instrument, featuring a Density slider that when turned up transforms the patch into something truly uncanny-sounding. A useful tool for adding a disturbing edge to soundtracks. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
108. Native Instruments Irish Harp
This state-of-the-art instrument features a meticulously-sampled 34-string Irish harp complete with a swathe of keyswitches and performance phrases that will have you sounding like a Gallic musical genius at the press of a button. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
109. Native Instruments Yangqin
The yangqin is a traditional Chinese hammered dulcimer, and this virtual version includes advanced scale, mixer and mapping controls, plus myriad keyswitching capabilities and built-in performances. Works with the free Kontakt Player.
110. Bunker Samples Intimate Cello: Ext.Har Lite
Intimate Cello: Ext.Har Lite captures the haunting beauty of natural cello harmonics with a distinct, unsettling flavour. This isn’t just one sound – it’s five different harmonic samples, each mapped across the full range, available both con sordino (muted) and normale. The real power is in the blending: you get dedicated sliders to balance these five sources, allowing you to extract a massive variety of complex timbres. Requires the full version of Kontakt.
Looking for even more free instruments? Check out our list of free VST plugins.
Related articles
-
See you at ADE 2025: explore the future of DJing and electronic music with Native Instruments
Join Native Instruments at ADE to explore the intersection of technology and underground DJ culture. See the new Traktor MX2,…
-
How Kice uses Guitar Rig to merge Arabic heritage with house
Kice uses Guitar Rig to merge Arabic instrumentation with house music on Al-Ain, shaping a sound that’s both authentic and…
-
Designing for the modern DJ: an interview with the Traktor MX2 team
Lead Product Manager Michael Koczynski and Senior Manager, Product Design Rami Naayem share how Native Instruments designed the new 2-channel…
-
7 drum patterns every producer should know
In this guide to basic drum patterns we’ll show you how to make the seven types of drum beats every…
-
Getting started with the Traktor MX2: a step-by-step guide
This beginner's guide walks you through setup, connections, essential gear, and playing your first tracks with the Traktor MX2 DJ…
-
Introducing Traktor MX2: the creative controller for every DJ
Break new ground with the Traktor MX2, a creative 2-channel DJ controller that grows with you. Get pro-level tools like…
-
How Kontakt libraries shaped the emotional tone of Blonde Maze’s new album
Blonde Maze breaks down how Kontakt libraries shaped the emotional tone and production choices on her new album, Second Sight.
-
How Kontakt and Raum keep Kokiri focused in his garden studio
Kokiri shares how his garden studio, trusted tools like Raum and Kontakt, and a simple setup have all helped sharpen…