The production of hardgroove techno, a subgenre known for its driving, percussive rhythms and groovy basslines, can be significantly aided by the use of pre-made sample packs. Several producers and sample pack creators offer free collections containing loops and one-shots tailored to this specific sound. These packs provide foundational elements such as kicks, bass loops, and groove loops, allowing producers to build tracks without starting from scratch. The available options vary in size, content, and licensing terms, with some packs offering a small selection for free while others provide taster versions of larger commercial products.
Available Free Sample Packs
Based on the provided information, there are four distinct sample packs or pack series that are either entirely free or offer free components. These packs are sourced from platforms such as Bandcamp, Slooply, and Loopmasters, and are created by individual producers and sample pack companies.
TineX Groovebox Sample Pack Vol. 2 (Hardgroove)
TineX, a producer active on Bandcamp, released the "TineX Groovebox Sample Pack Vol. 2 (Hardgroove)" on 20th October 2024. This pack is described as a versatile collection specifically designed for producers working on hardgroove techno tracks. It contains a total of 88 audio files, comprising both loops and one-shots. The pack is positioned as a suitable starting point for creating driving, percussive, and groovy techno sounds, catering to both beginners and experienced producers aiming to craft hard-hitting beats.
The specific content of the TineX Groovebox Sample Pack Vol. 2 includes: - 20 Groove loops - 10 Kick one-shots - 10 Bass loops - 8 Chord shots - 8 Stab shots - 7 Vocal shots - 5 Vocal words - 5 Clap shots - 5 Hat shots - 5 Tom shots - 5 Ride loops
The genre is explicitly listed as Hardgroove Techno. The pack is available for download on the TineX Bandcamp page.
Filterheadz - Hardgroove Techno
The "Filterheadz - Hardgroove Techno" pack is a collection of 175 samples offered by Innovation Sounds. While the primary pack is a commercial product, the source material indicates that it is a significant resource for building tracks in genres including Deep/Tech, Tech-House, and Techno. The pack features sounds prepared from instruments such as Synth, Drums, and Bass. It is inspired by the artist Adam Beyer, and the description suggests that fans of his music will find the sounds familiar.
A key feature of the Filterheadz pack is that all sounds are Royalty-Free for commercial tracks, remixes, and DJ sets. This licensing term allows producers to use the samples in their own released music without further fees. The samples are described as professionally mixed and mastered.
Marexon - Rave Groove Loops 10
Marexon offers a free sample pack titled "Rave Groove Loops 10 (Hard-Dark-Industrial-Techno Sample Pack)" on their Bandcamp page. This pack is part of a larger collection of 63 releases available from Marexon, which can be purchased together for a saving. The free pack appears to consist of groove loops, with the source data listing tracks titled "RGL10 Groove 01", "RGL10 Groove 02", and "RGL10 Groove 03", each with a duration of 13 seconds.
The genre is described as "Hard-Dark-Industrial-Techno," which overlaps with the aggressive characteristics of hardgroove. The pack is available for download via the Bandcamp platform, which provides high-quality downloads and unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.
Chains - Hardgroove Techno Taster Pack
Loopmasters offers a sample pack titled "Chains" for hardgroove techno. The source material mentions that a "free taster pack" is available for download. This taster pack is intended to give producers a preview of the full product, allowing them to "blast your project forward." The full "Chains" pack is inspired by artists including Beau Didier, Funk Assault, Chris Liebing, and Marco Bailey.
The audio files in the full Chains pack are stated to be 100% royalty-free, meaning producers can use them in commercial releases without restriction. The availability of a free taster pack makes this a relevant option for those seeking no-cost samples.
Licensing and Usage Rights
When using free sample packs, understanding the licensing terms is crucial for ensuring that the resulting music can be legally released. The provided source material contains specific information regarding the rights granted to the user for two of the packs.
Royalty-Free Guarantees
Both the Filterheadz - Hardgroove Techno pack and the Chains pack explicitly state that their samples are royalty-free. - Filterheadz: The sounds are "Royalty-Free for commercial tracks, remixes, and DJ sets." This means that once the pack is acquired (or the free portion is obtained), the user does not need to pay royalties to the sample creator or Innovation Sounds when the samples are used in a finished track that is sold or streamed. - Chains: The audio files are described as "100% royalty-free," with the text stating, "so your imagination is the only limit." This reinforces the ability to use the samples in any project without financial penalties.
While the TineX and Marexon pack descriptions provided do not explicitly mention royalty-free status, the fact that they are distributed as free sample packs on platforms like Bandcamp generally implies they are cleared for use in music production, though users should always verify the specific terms on the download page.
Accessing the Sample Packs
The sample packs are distributed through digital platforms commonly used by music producers. The method of access is generally straightforward, involving visiting the specific URL and initiating a download.
Bandcamp
Both TineX and Marexon distribute their free packs via Bandcamp. Bandcamp is a platform that allows artists to sell music and merchandise directly to fans. For free releases, users typically click a "Buy Digital Album" or "Download" button and can enter £0 (or a custom amount) to obtain the files. The source material notes that Marexon releases can be downloaded via the "free Bandcamp app," which also allows for high-quality streaming.
Slooply and Loopmasters
The Filterheadz pack is listed on Slooply, a sample pack marketplace. The "Chains" pack is available on Loopmasters, another major retailer for music production samples. Accessing the free taster pack for Chains or the Filterheadz collection would involve visiting the respective site and following the download instructions provided there. These platforms often require users to create an account to download files.
Conclusion
Producers looking for free hardgroove techno samples have several options available, ranging from dedicated groove packs to taster versions of larger commercial libraries. The TineX Groovebox Sample Pack Vol. 2 offers a comprehensive set of 88 files specifically for hardgroove, while Marexon provides free "Rave Groove Loops" with a darker, industrial edge. For those interested in samples from established producers, the Filterheadz collection on Slooply offers 175 royalty-free sounds, and the "Chains" pack on Loopmasters provides a free taster pack alongside a full royalty-free commercial library. When using these samples, producers should be mindful of the licensing terms, with royalty-free usage confirmed for the Filterheadz and Chains packs, ensuring freedom in commercial releases.