The EXS24 sampler, a legacy instrument within Logic Pro X, has been upgraded and is now known simply as ‘Sampler’ within the software. Despite the change, the original .exs file format remains fully compatible with the new version, allowing users to continue utilising a wide array of legacy instruments. For new producers and those looking to expand their sound library without immediate investment, numerous free EXS24 instruments are available for download. These instruments are typically created by individuals sampling their own sounds and distributing them for free, offering a human dimension to digital music production. This article details the available free instruments, their characteristics, and the process for integrating them into a digital audio workstation.
Available Free EXS24 Instruments
Several specific free EXS24 instrument bundles and individual patches are documented in the provided source material. Each offers distinct sonic characteristics and is designed for use within compatible digital audio workstations such as Logic Pro X, Ableton, and Studio One.
Indossa Synths on Tape
This bundle includes 23 unique synth instruments captured on tape, playable as EXS24 instruments. The recordings are multisampled for every note, avoiding loops to ensure realistic playback. The collection covers a range of sounds from melodic to bass synths, with a focus on warm and crunchy tape sounds suitable for Lo-Fi, retro, and synth-wave music. The high-quality recordings provide depth and warmth, though the dense sounds may require EQ and compression for proper mixing. The bundle also includes free samples of retro drum hits.
Patronus Station
Created using recordings of Tehran’s Subway System, this instrument functions as a pad that can be used melodically as a pluck or for atmospheric texture. The download includes three soundscape instruments ideal for sound design. The unique, expansive sounds can dominate a mix and may sometimes require pitch fine-tuning, but they add a haunting atmosphere to tracks.
Lorenzo’s Drums
This instrument provides drum samples, though specific details regarding the number of samples, format, or sonic characteristics are not elaborated upon in the provided source data.
Box Harp
This instrument is listed among the best free EXS24 instruments, but no further description, technical specifications, or usage notes are provided in the available source material.
Discord Choir
Listed as a free EXS24 instrument, the provided source data does not contain additional descriptive details about its sound, sample content, or intended use.
Ontology SampleSwap Instruments
The Ontology SampleSwap page hosts a collection of original EXS24 instruments created specifically for the format. Users must note that the samples used may or may not be cleared for commercial use, and it is recommended to review the associated notes. Several specific instruments are listed:
- ontology-longevity-gongs.exs (10 MB): A multisampled instrument containing seven samples (16-bit, 44 kHz). It features individual big gong hits recorded by Amani Friend, mapped on the keyboard both as single hits and as a pitched multisample where hitting keys harder reveals various types of strikes.
- ontology-athomhard-fx.exs (2 MB): An FX/drum hit instrument containing 25 samples (16-bit, 44 kHz). It is described as containing "jaw-dropping cut-through the mix original squeaks blips blarts and farts" with a super digital sound.
- ontology-mellotron-femchoir.exs (18 MB): A sampled instrument with a 33-part multisample (16-bit, 44 kHz). It emulates the Mellotron, which used tape loops, providing a dirty but warm analog sound. The specific sample is described as a "big dramatic female choir doing not quite 'oh' not quite 'ahh'."
Sourcing and Compatibility
Free EXS24 instruments are available from various websites, such as Pianobook, Samplephonics, and the Ontology SampleSwap. The .exs file format is compatible with both Macintosh and Windows systems. These instruments are designed for the EXS24 sampler in Logic Pro X and are also compatible with the upgraded ‘Sampler’ instrument. They can also be used in other digital audio workstations like Ableton and Studio One, provided the host software supports the EXS24 format or can load the samples directly.
Installation Process
To use a free EXS24 instrument, a specific installation process must be followed:
- Download the EXS24 instrument: Visit a website that hosts EXS24 instruments (e.g., Pianobook) and download the file.
- Extract the .exs file: Use extraction software such as WinRAR, 7-Zip, or the Unarchiver on Mac to unzip the downloaded folder. On Mac, the native zipping feature can be used for .zip files, but .rar files require a tool like the Unarchiver.
- Move the .exs file to the Sampler Instruments folder: The folder location is typically
[User]>Music>Audio Music Apps>Sampler Instruments. - Open Logic and create a new Sampler Instrument: In Logic Pro X, click the “+” on a track to add a new software instrument, then open the new Sampler plugin.
- Open the sampler instrument window and select the instrument: On the software instrument track, click the button above the mixing fader to open the software instrument collection. Select ‘Sampler’ from the menu and open the new instrument.
- Play the instrument: The instrument is now ready to use.
Important Considerations for Users
When downloading and using free samples and instruments, users should be aware of several key points:
- Copyright and Clearance: Not all free samples are necessarily royalty-free or cleared for commercial use. The Ontology SampleSwap site explicitly states that samples are not necessarily "royalty free" or "cleared," and it is impossible to verify which samples are original. Users are advised to read the notes provided with each download carefully.
- Source Reliability: The information provided is based on user-contributed content and third-party websites. While the sources indicate these instruments are high quality, the user assumes responsibility for verifying suitability for their projects.
- Community Contribution: Many of these resources rely on community contribution. The Ontology SampleSwap encourages users with original EXS24 instruments to contribute to the library.
Conclusion
A variety of free EXS24 instruments are available for music producers using Logic Pro X or compatible digital audio workstations. These instruments range from synthesized sounds recorded on tape to atmospheric pads and specific multisampled instruments like gongs and choirs. The installation process is standard for Logic Pro X, involving downloading, extracting, and placing the .exs file in the correct system folder. While these free resources offer significant creative potential, users must exercise due diligence regarding copyright and sample clearance, especially for commercial projects. The continued compatibility of the .exs format with the modern ‘Sampler’ instrument ensures that these legacy free resources remain accessible and useful for contemporary music production.