The provided source material details two distinct, freely available digital sample libraries: Brush Snare by Mkhitaryan and Swirly Drums by Karoryfer. These resources offer musicians and producers access to no-cost audio samples for use in digital audio workstations, specifically designed for creating drum sounds using brush techniques. Unlike the broader categories of consumer free samples (such as beauty, baby care, or pet products), these offerings are targeted at a niche audience of audio creators, hobbyists, and professionals seeking to expand their sound palette without financial investment. The information is sourced from a dedicated music production blog and the official product page of a sample library developer, providing a clear, factual basis for understanding how to access these digital freebies.
The primary source of information is the Bedroom Producers Blog, which serves as an aggregator and reviewer of free music production tools. The second source is the official Karoryfer product page for Swirly Drums. Both sources provide specific details about the content, technical requirements, and access methods for these libraries. It is important to note that one of the libraries mentioned, Brush Snare, is indicated as no longer available, while Swirly Drums remains accessible. This distinction is critical for managing expectations and providing accurate guidance to potential users.
Brush Snare by Mkhitaryan
Brush Snare is a free sample library created by Mkhitaryan, designed for use with Native Instruments Kontakt, a popular software sampler. The library focuses on capturing the sound of a snare drum performed with a brush mallet, a technique commonly associated with jazz music. According to the source data, the library is described as a "small but useful pack" containing samples from five different snare drums, all recorded in a home studio environment.
The technical specifications of the Brush Snare library are detailed in the source material. The download package is approximately 23.5 MB in size and is distributed as a RAR archive. The archive contains 56 individual audio samples in WAV format, alongside one instrument file in NKI format for direct use within Kontakt. The source explicitly states that the samples are also available in AIFF format, ensuring compatibility for users who do not own Kontakt and prefer to use alternative sampler software. This dual-format offering increases the library's accessibility across different user setups.
In terms of the sample content, the library includes five different snare drums, each represented with up to eight velocity layers. Velocity layers are crucial for creating dynamic and realistic drum performances, as they allow the sample to change in volume and timbre based on how hard the virtual "drum" is struck. The source notes that the number of velocity layers is limited, which may present challenges for achieving a natural sound in highly complex or advanced jazz arrangements. However, for simpler drum loops and for layering with other snare sounds, the library is considered a "very good pick." The pack also includes a small collection of additional samples capturing different articulations, such as rimshots, which are represented with four layers.
The process for obtaining the Brush Snare library was straightforward. According to the source, users simply needed to visit the product page and download the files. There was no requirement to register an account or provide an email address, which streamlined the access process and removed a common barrier associated with many free sample programmes. However, a crucial update within the source material indicates that "the brush snare kit is no longer available so we removed the link." This information was last updated on June 8, 2020. Therefore, while the library was once a freely accessible resource, it is no longer distributed through the original channel. The source does not provide any alternative official download links or information on whether the library has been re-released elsewhere.
Swirly Drums by Karoryfer
Swirly Drums is another free sample library, originally a commercial product that has been made freely available by Karoryfer. The library was developed from an effort to sample snare drum brush techniques in a flexible manner. The source material clarifies that "nothing here is played with sticks," confirming its exclusive focus on brush-played percussion. Beyond standard snare brushes, the library contains unique percussion elements, including brushed cowbell, darbouka, djembe, bongos, and a cajon used as a kick drum.
A notable characteristic of Swirly Drums is its stylistic inspiration. While brushed drums are most commonly associated with jazz, the source specifies that this kit is "more indie." The kit pieces sampled belong to punk and metal drummers, but they are being played gently with brushes instead of being struck forcefully with sticks. This creative approach results in a distinct sound palette that blends the aggression of punk and metal instrumentation with the subtlety of brush techniques.
The scale of the Swirly Drums library is significantly larger than that of Brush Snare. The source states that it contains "over 4700 samples," providing a comprehensive set of articulations for each kit piece. The detailed articulations listed in the source material include:
- 20" Marching Kick: Hit and pedal noise.
- Cajon: Kick pedal hit.
- Snare: Centre hit, edge hit, dig, long and short stir, long and short flutter, and dig release noise.
- Hi-hat: Hits with six degrees of openness, foot chik, splash, and pedal return noise.
- Cymbals: Various hits for crash, ride, splash, China crash, broken crash, and cracked splash cymbals.
The source for Swirly Drums is the official Karoryfer product page. The page presents the library as "Free: Swirly Drums," confirming its no-cost availability. The description and detailed list of articulations are presented directly on the product page, which is a reliable source for official product information. Unlike Brush Snare, there is no indication in the provided data that Swirly Drums has been discontinued or removed from availability.
Access and Eligibility Considerations
For both libraries, the eligibility criteria for access are minimal, reflecting their nature as freely distributed digital assets. The primary requirement for Brush Snare was simply to visit the product page and download the file, with no registration or email submission needed. The source does not specify any geographic restrictions or eligibility rules beyond the availability of the download link itself. For Swirly Drums, the information is derived from the official product page, which presents the library as a free offering. The source material does not detail any sign-up forms, terms of service, or eligibility checks for accessing Swirly Drums, suggesting the download is direct from the Karoryfer site.
It is important to distinguish between these digital sample libraries and traditional consumer freebie programmes. The latter often involve physical products (such as beauty samples or pet food trials) and typically require participation in a brand's promotional scheme, which may involve registration, surveys, or purchase history. In contrast, these audio libraries are digital products available for immediate download, with access governed by the availability of the download link rather than a structured promotional programme. The sources provided do not mention any mail-in programmes, brand partnerships, or other typical elements of consumer sample schemes. The focus is solely on the technical details of the audio samples and the method of obtaining them.
Comparison of the Two Libraries
While both libraries offer free brush-based drum samples, they differ significantly in scope, style, and availability. Brush Snare is a compact, focused library designed primarily for Kontakt users, offering a straightforward set of snare drum samples with limited velocity layers. Its style is aligned with traditional jazz brush techniques. In contrast, Swirly Drums is a much larger library with over 4700 samples, offering a wide range of articulations for a full drum kit and additional percussion. Its style is described as "indie," with a unique twist of using punk and metal drum kit pieces played with brushes.
From an accessibility standpoint, Brush Snare is no longer available according to the source, while Swirly Drums is presented as a current free offering. The technical requirements also differ; Brush Snare includes an NKI file for Kontakt but also provides WAV and AIFF files for broader compatibility. The Swirly Drums source does not specify the exact file formats or sampler compatibility, but given the large number of samples, it is likely distributed as a set of WAV files that can be loaded into any compatible sampler.
Conclusion
The provided source material offers a clear, factual overview of two free digital sample libraries: Brush Snare by Mkhitaryan and Swirly Drums by Karoryfer. Brush Snare, a small Kontakt-focused library of jazz snare brush samples, is documented as no longer available as of a 2020 update. Swirly Drums, a comprehensive library featuring over 4700 samples of punk and metal drum kit pieces played with brushes, is presented as a freely available resource on the Karoryfer website. Access to these libraries is straightforward, requiring no registration or email submission, and they are targeted at audio producers rather than the broader consumer market for physical product samples. For individuals interested in brush drum sounds, Swirly Drums represents an accessible and extensive current option, while Brush Snare serves as an example of a past free resource in this niche.