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  • Hyperfocus DSP Releases Niner Free Kick Drum Synth Plugin

    Hyperfocus DSP Releases Niner Free Kick Drum Synth Plugin

    Hyperfocus DSP has released Niner, a free and open-source kick drum synthesizer plugin for Linux, macOS, and Windows. The plugin is currently in beta and is available in VST3, CLAP, and standalone formats.

    A Focused Drum Synth Built Around Kicks and Clap Layers

    Niner is designed as a dedicated kick drum synthesizer rather than a general drum machine. It uses a three-layer engine built from SUB, MID, and TOP sections, which gives users separate control over the low-end body, the midrange weight, and the transient click.

    Alongside the kick engine, Hyperfocus DSP also includes a parallel 909-style clap voice. That makes the plugin a bit more flexible than its main label suggests, especially for producers who want quick drum design tools in one place.

    Three Layers, Distortion Stages, and Master Processing

    The core of Niner combines a SUB sine layer with pitch envelope control, a MID sine-plus-noise layer, and a TOP band-passed click layer. Each one includes its own tuning, amplitude, pitch envelope, and drift settings.

    From there, the signal runs into a fairly deep processing chain. Niner includes per-voice clip shaping, a five-mode distortion palette, master EQ, compressor, transformer drive, brickwall limiting, and automatic tube warmth. On paper, that may sound like a lot, but it is actually one of the more interesting parts of the plugin because it gives users control over both clean punch and a more aggressive character.

    Sequencer, Bounce, and Preset Tools

    Niner also includes a 16-step sequencer that syncs to the host in a DAW and uses internal transport in standalone mode. In addition, users can render one-shot sounds directly from the plugin as 16-bit, 44.1 kHz WAV or AIFF files.

    The plugin supports both factory and user presets, and Hyperfocus DSP says preset handling is designed to remain forward-compatible. That is a practical touch, especially for a project that is still in beta.

    Formerly Slammer

    One detail worth noting is that Niner was previously released under the name Slammer. According to Hyperfocus DSP, the plugin was renamed in version 0.7.0 because of a trademark conflict. Plugin IDs also changed, which means older DAW projects using the Slammer version will need to be re-wired, although user presets and settings should migrate automatically on first launch.

    Features

    • Free and open-source kick drum synthesizer
    • Three-layer kick engine with SUB, MID, and TOP sections
    • Parallel 909-style clap voice
    • Per-layer tuning, drift, amp envelope, and pitch envelope controls
    • Per-voice clip shaping with Tanh, Diode, and Cubic modes
    • Master saturation, transformer drive, compression, EQ, limiter, and tube warmth
    • 16-step sequencer with DAW sync
    • One-shot bounce to WAV or AIFF
    • Factory and user presets
    • Available as VST3, CLAP, and standalone
    • Beta release with GPL-3.0 license

    Plugin Formats

    Niner is available in VST3, CLAP, and standalone formats for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. AU is not supported, so Logic Pro users cannot load it at this time.

    Free Download

    Niner is available as a free download from Hyperfocus DSP.

  • PolytecLab Releases Polytec Free Drum Machine Plugin

    PolytecLab Releases Polytec Free Drum Machine Plugin

    PolytecLab has released Polytec Drum Machine, a free drum machine plugin inspired by the sound and feel of analog hardware. The plugin is available in beta as a free download for Windows and macOS users.

    An Analog-Inspired Drum Machine in Software Form

    Polytec Drum Machine began as an idea to bring the tone and workflow of classic analog drum machines into a software instrument. The result is an 8-channel sample-based plugin built from recordings of real hardware.

    However, PolytecLab did not design it as a simple static sample player. Instead, the plugin includes modulation-focused controls that help the sounds feel more alive, responsive, and flexible in use.

    Eight Channels With Per-Sound Controls

    The instrument includes eight independent sample channels for drum sounds, including kicks, snares, hats, and percussion. In addition, each channel includes its own controls for shaping the sound.

    Users can adjust parameters such as tuning, decay, drift, and more. As a result, the plugin offers more sound design flexibility than a basic drum rompler while still keeping the workflow simple.

    Master Effects and MIDI Control

    Polytec Drum Machine also includes a set of master effects designed to add more grit and character. These include drive, shape, and dust controls for extra texture and edge.

    The plugin supports full MIDI control for triggering sounds from a DAW. It also includes automation support for all parameters, making it easier to integrate into modern production workflows.

    Open Source and Lightweight

    PolytecLab has made the source code available on GitHub, which may be useful for developers and users who want to explore the project further. At the same time, the plugin is designed with a lightweight CPU footprint, so it can run quietly in the background without adding much system load.

    Features

    • Free analog-inspired drum machine plugin
    • 8 independent sample channels
    • Built from recordings of real hardware
    • Per-channel controls for tuning, decay, drift, and more
    • Master effects, including drive, shape, and dust
    • Full MIDI control
    • Full automation support for all parameters
    • Lightweight CPU footprint
    • Open-source code available on GitHub

    Plugin Formats

    Polytec Drum Machine is available in VST3 format for Windows and AU format for macOS. The current release is version 0.1.0-beta.

    Free Download

    Polytec Drum Machine plugin is available as a free download from the PolytecLab website.

  • Joonas Ylänne Releases Doomsday Drums for Decent Sampler (Free & Pro)

    Joonas Ylänne Releases Doomsday Drums for Decent Sampler (Free & Pro)

    Joonas Ylänne has released Doomsday Drums, a cinematic percussion instrument for Decent Sampler that focuses on deep, organic low‑end rather than aggressive trailer hits. Recorded at 192 kHz and performed with felt mallets, the library leans into smooth transients and weighty body, ideal for dark scoring, ambient tension, and subtle dramatic cues.

    Cinematic Low End Without The Bombast

    The concept came out of a real film mix problem: needing big, low percussion that didn’t overpower the scene. By capturing floor toms (and other drums) at very high sample rates, the source can be pitched down up to two octaves without falling apart. Kept intentionally raw, the samples take well to compression or saturation if you want more bite.

    Features

    • Works in the free Decent Sampler player
    • Editions: Essentials (Free) – 3 drum sounds, 18 controls; Pro (€5+) – 8 drum sounds, 65 controls
    • 160 samples total; 5 round‑robins; 4 velocity layers
    • Drums included (Pro): Kick1, Kick2, Snare, Tom1, Tom2, Tom3, Framedrum, Crash
    • Core controls: volume, pan, tune, high‑pass, low‑pass, gain, reverb, delay
    • Recorded at 192 kHz; designed to pitch cleanly up to two octaves down

    Free Download

    Doomsday Drums is available now for Decent Sampler in two editions: Essentials is a free download, and Pro is €5+ on a pay‑what‑you‑want basis. More information at Joonas Ylänne Gumroad.

  • The Crow Hill Company Releases Rhythm Machine Free Drum Instrument Plugin

    The Crow Hill Company Releases Rhythm Machine Free Drum Instrument Plugin

    The Crow Hill Company has released Rhythm Machine, a free drum instrument plugin from the Vaults series, focused on the warm, punchy character of Roland’s CompuRhythm CR-78 while adding tasteful modern effects. It delivers the familiar groove of classic rhythm machines in a compact plugin designed for fast, reliable results.

    CR-78 Background

    Introduced in 1978, Roland’s CR-78 shifted rhythm machines from preset-only boxes to programmable instruments. Beyond fixed patterns like bossa nova or waltz, producers could create and store their own grooves with the external WS-1 programmer, making the CR-78 a practical tool that adapted to the track instead of the other way around.

    Sound And Legacy

    The CR-78’s 14 analog drum voices, kick, snare, hats, rimshot, tambourine, claves, and more – deliver a warm, immediate tone. Its slightly imperfect tempo behavior adds human feel, a quality heard on records by Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, and Blondie. That combination of character and programmability cemented its influence and continues to inspire modern production.

    Vaults Interpretation

    For this Vault, the Crow Hill team set out to preserve the core CR-78 character while extending its range with tasteful processing. The result is an instrument that can sit subtly under guitars and keys or step forward with more pronounced, stylized patterns, without losing the recognizable CR-78 DNA.

    Features

    • Free Rhythm Machine instrument from the Vaults series
    • Inspired by the Roland CR-78 with 14 classic drum voices
    • Built-in effects for quick polish and mix placement
    • Light footprint for multiple instances across a session
    • Available for macOS and Windows in standard plugin formats

    Free Download

    Rhythm Machine drum instrument plugin can be downloaded for free at The Crow Hill Company website.

  • Audio Assault Releases Drum Locker Plugin With Free Kit Included

    Audio Assault Releases Drum Locker Plugin With Free Kit Included

    Audio Assault has released Drum Locker, a compact drum sample library player (plugin) available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The plugin comes with a free 70s-style, super-dry drum kit to help users get started right away.

    Drum Locker supports expansion packs, available separately for only $5.00 each, providing a growing collection of drum sounds to suit different production needs.

    Flexible Drum Sound Engine

    Drum Locker features built-in effects for each channel, including compressor, EQ, reverb, saturation, limiter, transient designer, and clipper. The interface is resizable, and users can import their own MIDI to browse and trigger drum beats easily.

    The plugin is designed to load drum kits quickly, making it ideal for producers looking for speed and simplicity in their workflow. With support for additional libraries, it offers a scalable solution for drum production.

    Features

    • Ultra-compact drum library player
    • Per-channel FX: compressor, EQ, reverb, saturation, limiter, transient designer, clipper
    • Fast drum kit loading
    • Drum beat browser with user MIDI import
    • Resizable interface
    • Includes a free 70s-style super dry drum kit
    • Compatible with Windows 7+, macOS, and Linux

    Free Download

    Drum Locker is available as a free download on the Audio Assault website. Additional drum kits can be purchased separately.

  • Past To Future Samples Offers Free Psych Rock One Shots

    Past To Future Samples Offers Free Psych Rock One Shots

    Past To Future Samples has released Psych Rock One Shots, a free drum sample pack inspired by the warm, punchy character of vintage rock recordings. Offered as a $0+ pay-what-you-want download, the pack delivers high-quality, analog-processed drum hits that are 100% royalty-free.

    These one-shots were recorded from a vintage Ludwig drum kit and passed through analog gear including tube compressors, vintage preamps, and tape machines. The result is a collection of drum sounds with authentic warmth, depth, and retro punch, ideal for psych rock, classic rock, indie, and lo-fi production.

    What’s Inside

    • One-shot samples from a vintage Ludwig drum kit
    • Processed using analog gear for vintage tone
    • Perfect for psychedelic, indie, and retro-inspired tracks
    • WAV format, ready to use in any DAW
    • 100% royalty-free

    Free Download

    Psych Rock One Shots is available now as a pay-what-you-want download (starting at $0) from Past To Future Samples’ Gumroad.

  • Ryu Yabana Releases Taped Drum Kits: 191 Free Analog Drum Samples

    Ryu Yabana Releases Taped Drum Kits: 191 Free Analog Drum Samples

    Sound designer Ryu Yabana has released Taped Drum Kits (TDK), a free sample pack featuring 191 analog drum samples recorded through a 1984 SONY TC-FX220 cassette deck. Available now as a “$0+” download, TDK brings warmth, character, and authentic analog texture to any beatmaker’s library.

    This collection captures the raw essence of classic drum machines and grooveboxes, processed entirely through tape and enhanced with SP-404MK2 effects. The result is a set of deeply textured, mix-ready samples ideal for lo-fi, hip-hop, electronic, or experimental production.

    What’s Inside the Pack

    Taped Drum Kits includes:

    • 16 Kicks: Deep, warm, and punchy
    • 40 Snares: From crisp cracks to full-bodied hits
    • 26 Claps: Saturated, layered claps with vintage tone
    • 13 Cymbals: Shimmering crashes and rides through tape
    • 17 Closed Hi-Hats: Tight and textured
    • 14 Open Hi-Hats: Airy with natural tape decay
    • 65 Percussion hits: A diverse range of clicks, percs, and tonal elements

    All 191 samples have been carefully sculpted, cleaned, and processed for immediate use.

    The Tape Alchemy Process

    Rather than rely solely on emulations, Ryu Yabana ran every sound through his cassette deck to capture real analog saturation and dynamic response. Final touches were applied using a DAW and the SP-404MK2 for additional texture, bringing together the best of analog warmth and modern detail.

    Free Download

    Taped Drum Kits analog drum samples collection is available now as a pay-what-you-want download (starting at $0/free). You can grab it from Ryu Yabana’s official Gumroad page.

  • Sound Magic Releases Free Supreme Drums One Synth Plugin

    Sound Magic Releases Free Supreme Drums One Synth Plugin

    Sound Magic has released Supreme Drums One Synth, a free hybrid modeling drum instrument that brings together the sound of legendary analog synthesizers with modern production tools. Drawing on synth icons like the TR-808, MS-20, and Minimoog, this compact plugin delivers high-quality, synthesized drum sounds with a modern twist.

    Analog Sounds Meets AI-Powered FX

    Supreme Drums One Synth is more than just a classic drum machine emulator. It introduces the Fusion Effect System, an AI-driven processing tool that merges EQ, dynamics, and transient shaping into just three simple controls. With this innovation, users can quickly shape their sound without deep technical know-how.

    Advanced MIDI 2.0 and MPE Support

    Another standout feature is its integration of MIDI 2.0 and MPE support, offering high-resolution control and expressive performance capabilities. Supreme Drums One Synth allows for nuanced interaction using compatible MIDI 2.0 keyboards and controllers, including real-time manipulation of the Fusion Effect through detailed controller messages.

    Features

    • Synthesized drum sounds modeled after classic analog instruments
    • Hybrid Modeling technology in a lightweight 45MB plugin
    • Fusion Effect System with AI-powered dynamics, EQ, and transient shaping
    • MIDI 2.0 and MPE support for next-gen expressive control
    • VST3 plugin format (Windows only for now)
    • Mac version in development

    Free Download

    Supreme Drums One Synth can be downloaded for free at the Sound Magic website. The plugin is currently available for Windows in VST3 format, with a macOS version coming soon.

  • Bloom Drum Percussion Lite by Excite Audio Is Free for a Limited Time

    Bloom Drum Percussion Lite by Excite Audio Is Free for a Limited Time

    For a limited time, Plugin Boutique is offering Bloom Drum Percussion Lite by Excite Audio as a free download. Normally a paid product, this percussion-focused virtual instrument is now available at no cost for a short time—don’t miss out.

    A Rhythmic Journey Through Africa and Latin America

    Bloom Drum Percussion Lite delivers a vibrant palette of organic percussion sounds drawn from African and Latin traditions. The collection includes hand-played instruments like djembes, congas, bongos, timbales, and berimbaus, each carefully captured using high-end analog gear and modern production techniques. These rich and diverse percussive textures bring authenticity and depth to your compositions.

    You’ll find everything from the resonant power of surdos to the crisp nuances of shakers and samba whistles. Whether you’re scoring cinematic soundscapes or adding groove to electronic tracks, this instrument gives your music movement and life.

    Ready-to-Play Presets and Intuitive Control

    The plugin includes 75 expertly designed presets, showcasing rhythmic patterns, one-shots, and loops that are instantly playable and synced to your host tempo. A flexible sequencer and four powerful macros: Drive, Slap Delay, Multi Delay, and Lo-Fi — let you easily shape your sound.

    Use the white keys to trigger samples and loops, while the black keys allow playback tweaks like half/double time, reverse, and pitch shifts. The UI is simple but expressive, and users can now import their own samples for personalized setups.

    Effects and Modifiers

    Three built-in effects modules provide creative sound sculpting:

    • Noise – Add texture and grit
    • Dynamics – Control transients and shape your mix with compression and gating
    • Reverb – Choose between Hall, Plate, and Spring for spatial depth

    Each of the 14 sample keys is supported by modifiers and FX chains, letting you develop rich percussion textures that feel alive and evolving.

    System Requirements

    • macOS 10.15 or higher (Intel & Apple Silicon native)
    • Windows 7 or higher (64-bit only)
    • Plugin formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX, Standalone
    • Compatible with major DAWs including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, FL Studio, Cubase, and more

    Free Download

    Bloom Drum Percussion Lite by Excite Audio can be downloaded for free at Plugin Boutique using the coupon code g032itmp during checkout. Offer valid for a limited time.

  • PastToFutureSamples Releases 60s Closet Drums! Free Drum Sample Library

    PastToFutureSamples Releases 60s Closet Drums! Free Drum Sample Library

    PastToFutureSamples has introduced 60s Closet Drums!, a free drum sample library recorded with vintage gear for an authentic retro sound. Donations are welcomed to support the project.

    Vintage Drum Sounds

    This library features a 1960s Ludwig Club Date 20” kick, a 1960s Ludwig Supro 14×6.5 snare, and a Zildjian hi-hat, all recorded through API preamps and API EQs to tape. The result is a warm, character-rich drum sound reminiscent of classic recordings from the era.

    Free Download

    60s Closet Drums! is available as a free download. Visit PastToFutureSamples’ website to get the library and add vintage drum sounds to your productions.