We’ve just posted a new video that shows how we make sample libraries:
Tag: sampling
Kontakt Video Tutorial: How To Remove Unwanted Frequencies + FREE Kontakt Library
Have you ever had an audio file that contained a bunch of extra frequencies in it that you wish you could just remove? Spectral editing may be for you. In this video, I show how to use spectral editing to clean up a sample so that I can make a Kontakt instrument–but not just any instrument:
A few weeks ago, Christian Henson announced a competition: he challenged the internet community to try to turn two oddball samples he’d recorded into true sample-based instruments.
So this video serves two purposes: it’s both a quick introduction to spectral editing as well as my entry into Christian Henson’s Rusty Gate sample competition.
Here’s a link to the free sample (Kontakt 5.3 or higher).
Here’s a link to Christian Henson’s Rusty Gate Sample Competition.
New sample library: Melodica!
The melodica is a free-reed instrument that became popular in the 1950s. We’ve sampled it twice and turned it into a Kontakt instrument.
Buy it here: https://www.decentsamples.com/product/melodica-kontakt/
Features:
- Compatible with the full version of Native Instruments Kontakt 5.3.1 (or later)
- Two sample sets: Melodica I (4 round robins, 2 velocity layers) and Melodica II (4 round robins, 1 velocity layer)
- Voice controls allow you to choose between 1, 2, and 4 voices simutaneously
- ADSR controls
- EQ controls
- Custom convolution reverb with reverb level knob
- Chorus level knob
- Two versions of each instrument are included: 1) velocity controls dynamics; and 2) modwheel controls dynamics.
- Sample rate: 24-bit 48khz
- Library size: 148MB
Present in the Box Cello Kontakt Library

In December 2018, Dave Hilowitz built a fully playable cello out of an old silverware box. We spent the month of January sampling the instrument and have no turned it into a feature-packed Kontakt library. Introductory price: $20!
Buy it here: https://www.decentsamples.com/product/box-cello-kontakt/
Features:
- Three articulations: sustain (both velocity and modwheel), spiccato and pizzicato
- Up to 8 round robins per note, 2 velocity layers for a maximum total of 16 different samples per note!
- ADSR controls on all patches (except spiccato)
- EQ controls on all patches
- Recorded with three different mics (including a piezo contact mic). Mic levels are controllable after the fact to give maximum sonic flexibility
- Three experimental patches: Texture I, Open Strings, Open Strings (Ensemble)
- Requires the full version of Kontakt 5.3.1 or later.
- Library size: 1.03GB (each articulation is separate patch so you can easily get rid of articulations you don’t need if you find yourself short on disk space)
Video Tutorial: How to Make Release Triggers + FREE Tea Kettle Whistle Kontakt Library
In this video, I show how to make release triggers in Kontakt. In the process, I create a full-featured Kontakt library out of the whistle from a Chantal tea kettle.
The instrument that I make in the video can be downloaded for free here.
– Dave
Video Tutorial: How to Make Mic Level Controls in Kontakt + FREE BOWED NAGOYA HARP SAMPLE
In this video, I find out what happens when you play a Japanese Nagoya Harp (Taishogoto) with a violin bow! In the process, I demonstrate how to make microphone volume level control knobs.
The Plucked Nagoya Harp Library (with 3 mics, velocity layers, round robins, etc.) is still available for $10 here.
The completely different but related Bowed Nagoya Harp Kontakt Library that I created in this video is available for FREE here.
Enjoy!
– Dave
Presenting the new Nagoya Harp (Taishogoto) Kontakt Library

We’ve sampled a new instrument: Japanese Nagoya Harp (Taishogoto)!
It’s $10 for a limited time.
Buy it here
Video Tutorial: How to Make Decent Looping Samples for Kontakt + FREE MUSICAL WINE GLASSES KONTAKT LIBRARY
In this video, I explore various techniques for making samples loop. First, I cover the options available within Kontakt, then I investigate external tools: LoopAuditioneer and WaveLab. At the end of the video, I put theory into practice by recording some musical wine glasses and making them into a Kontakt Library.
The Kontakt library I created in this video can be downloaded here for FREE.
Video Tutorial: Creating a Kontakt Instrument from Start to Finish + FREE KALIMBA KONTAKT LIBRARY
In this video, I show you the entire process of creating a Kontakt Sample Library in four steps:
1. Recording
2. Noise Reduction (using iZoTope RX), Editing, and Chopping (using Reaper)
3. Sample Layout
4. and finally: Music
As part of the video, I sample a Kalimba I found in a thrift store and turn it into a Kontakt Library.
The free Kalimba Kontakt Library can be downloaded here.