The provision of free digital audio samples for music production is a well-established practice within the creative community. For musicians and producers seeking specific sounds for genres like drum and bass (DnB), several online platforms and creators offer downloadable packs of hi-hat samples and loops. These resources are typically distributed on a royalty-free basis, allowing for both commercial and non-commercial use, subject to the terms of the providing website. The following article details the available sources for free DnB hi-hat samples, focusing on the types of sounds, formats, and community practices associated with these offerings.
Sources for Free DnB Hi-Hat Samples and Loops
A variety of online platforms host user-generated or professionally curated collections of free audio samples. These platforms range from community-driven libraries to dedicated sample pack websites.
Looperman
Looperman is a prominent community platform where music creators upload and share their own samples and loops. The site hosts a vast collection of music samples across all genres, including drum and bass. Users can find specific DnB hi-hat loops by using the search function. The platform explicitly states that the free DnB hi-hat loops, samples, and sounds listed are uploaded by other users for commercial and non-commercial use on a royalty-free basis, subject to the site's terms and conditions. The site encourages users to leave comments on tracks where they have used the samples.
A search for "dnb hi hat" on Looperman yields several specific loops. For example, one entry describes a "Clean, tight dance floor hi-hat loop at 174 BPM, tuned to C1 for easy layering with drum & bass and jungle drums." Another is described as a "Punchy DnB drum loop built at 174 BPM. Kick was created in Kick 3, with hats and click layers designed in a dedicated hat generator." Other user-uploaded loops include a "Kick snare and hi-hat drum loop for a Drum and Bass track at 174 bpm" and a loop made in FL Studio at 169 BPM. A common feature among these user descriptions is the mention of specific tempos (e.g., 174 BPM, 169 BPM), which is critical for DnB production, as the genre typically operates within a 160-180 BPM range.
Hiphopmakers.com
Hiphopmakers.com serves as a curated directory linking to free sample packs from various creators and studios. The site compiles a list of the "best free Hi-Hat samples and Hi-Hat sample packs" to assist producers. While not all listed packs are exclusively for DnB, many offer versatile sounds suitable for the genre. The site provides direct links to the source pages for each sample pack, where users can typically find download buttons or instructions.
Among the packs listed, several are relevant for DnB producers seeking crisp, high-quality hi-hat sounds:
- HF Free Hi-Hat Drum Samples: This pack, co-created with DMS, offers over 80 unique samples in WAV format. It is described as promising "crisp, 16-bit sound quality" and is 100% royalty-free.
- Sample Radar: Ultimate Hi-Hat Samples: This collection provides 477 free ultimate hi-hat samples. The samples are organized into nine tempo-themed folders and are designed as WAV files for easy import into a digital audio workstation (DAW) or sampler. The site notes these samples are royalty-free.
- Hi-Hat Sound Pack: This pack contains over 250 studio-quality hi-hat samples crafted from high-end music hardware. It is compatible with DAWs like Pro Tools, Reason, and FL Studio.
- Free Hi Hat Loops Sample Pack: From Monosounds, this pack offers 40 professionally crafted loops designed to suit a range of genres and tempos.
- Free Wave Samples: This collection focuses on open hi-hat sounds, offering high-quality, 16-bit stereo sounds at a 44100 Hz sample rate. The sounds are sourced from renowned brands like Korg and Ensoniq.
Characteristics of Available DnB Hi-Hat Samples
The samples and loops available for free download exhibit several key characteristics important for music production.
Tempo and Rhythm
Many of the specific DnB loops found on Looperman are explicitly tagged with tempos, most commonly 174 BPM, which is a standard tempo for the genre. This allows producers to integrate the loops directly into their projects without needing to adjust the project tempo or warp the audio. The "Sample Radar: Ultimate Hi-Hat Samples" pack is also noted for being organized into tempo-themed folders, aiding in the selection process for producers working within specific BPM ranges.
Audio Format and Quality
The majority of the sample packs listed on Hiphopmakers.com and the loops on Looperman are provided in WAV format. WAV is a standard, lossless audio format that ensures high quality and compatibility with virtually all DAWs and music production software. Specific packs, such as the HF Free Hi-Hat Drum Samples and Free Wave Samples, highlight 16-bit sound quality, which is a common standard for professional audio. The Hi-Hat Sound Pack is described as containing "studio-quality" samples, implying a professional level of recording and processing.
Royalty-Free Licensing
A consistent theme across the provided sources is the royalty-free nature of the samples. Looperman states that its user-uploaded content is available for "commercial and non-commercial use on a royalty-free basis." Similarly, Hiphopmakers.com describes packs like the HF Free Hi-Hat Drum Samples and Sample Radar's collection as "royalty-free." This licensing is crucial for producers who intend to sell or distribute their music commercially, as it grants them the rights to use the samples without paying ongoing royalties to the original creator, provided they adhere to the specific terms of the platform or pack.
Community and User-Generated Content
Looperman operates as a community-driven platform. The site encourages interaction by asking users to "leave your comments" and "post your track you used it in in the comments." This creates a feedback loop and a sense of community among producers. In contrast, the sample packs listed on Hiphopmakers.com are typically created by specific studios or individuals (e.g., Fesliyan Studios, Six Bit Deep, Mayo Staccato) and are distributed through their own channels or dedicated sample websites.
Practical Considerations for UK Producers
For music creators in the UK looking to utilise these free resources, several practical points are worth noting.
Access and Download Process
Accessing these samples generally involves visiting the respective website and locating the download link or button. On Looperman, users may need to create a free account to download loops, as is common on community platforms. On Hiphopmakers.com, the site acts as a directory, so the actual download occurs on the external site of the sample pack creator (e.g., the HF website or the Sample Radar website). The instructions on Hiphopmakers.com explicitly advise users to "Click the links below to visit each hi-hat sample pack. Look around each website for the download link or button."
Software Compatibility
The samples are designed to be compatible with popular DAWs used in the UK and worldwide. The Hi-Hat Sound Pack is noted for compatibility with Pro Tools, Reason, and FL Studio. The Essential Hi-Hat MIDI Kit is compatible with Ableton and FL Studio. Looperman's community often mentions the software used to create the loops, such as FL Studio, which can be helpful for users of the same software. The WAV format ensures broad compatibility across all major DAWs, including Ableton, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Reaper.
File Sizes and Storage
The provided information includes some details on file sizes, which can be relevant for users with limited storage or bandwidth. For example, Mayo Staccato’s "Scads of Hats" collection is a light pack at 6.55 MB zipped. Patchbanks’ Lo-Fi Hi-Hat Loops pack is 33.2 MB. These are manageable sizes for most internet connections. Other packs, like the Hi-Hat Sound Pack with over 250 samples, may be larger but are not specified in the provided data.
Specific Sample Packs and Their Offerings
Beyond the general categories, several specific sample packs are highlighted in the source data, each with unique features.
- Analog Hi-Hats by Six Bit Deep: This pack offers 19 unique hi-hat sounds processed through "legendary equipment" to achieve an analog warmth. This is suitable for producers seeking a vintage or character-rich sound.
- Free Hi-Hat Samples Released by Mayo Staccato: This pack, titled "Scads of Hats," contains 28 samples derived from unique field recordings. It includes 12 closed hats, 7 crashes, 9 open hats, and a glitched hat. The samples are public domain, allowing for modification and sharing.
- Essential Hi-Hat MIDI Kit: Unlike audio samples, this pack provides 40 MIDI files. These files contain note data for hi-hat patterns, allowing producers to trigger their own chosen sounds. The kit is inspired by producers like Metro Boomin and TM88 and includes patterns from simple to complex triplets, tailored for genres like Trap and UK Drill.
- Lo-Fi Hi-Hat Loops by Patchbanks: This pack offers 25 original loops specifically designed for the Lo-Fi genre, providing a "chill" aesthetic.
- Hi Hat Loops Vol. 1 by Stit9: This pack is described as filled with original and creative hi-hat loops for adding a modern touch to hip-hop tracks, though its sounds could be adapted for DnB.
- Producer Buzz Ultimate Hi-Hats & Cymbals: This pack contains 41 diverse hi-hat and cymbal samples, compatible with FL Studio and Logic Pro.
- Sample Camp: This resource offers open hi-hat one-shot samples tuned to the A note, available in WAV and MP3 formats.
Conclusion
The landscape of free DnB hi-hat samples is diverse, encompassing both community-shared loops on platforms like Looperman and curated sample packs from various creators. These resources provide producers with high-quality, royalty-free WAV files, often tagged with specific tempos suitable for the genre. Access is straightforward, typically requiring a visit to the hosting website to locate download links. While the specific needs of a UK-based producer may vary, the compatibility of these samples with standard DAWs and their royalty-free licensing makes them a valuable resource for creating professional-sounding drum and bass music without initial financial investment.