[DTM] 25 Free Sound Sources Recommended for Beginners [VST Plugins]

DTM is a valuable tool that allows even people who are not good at playing instruments to easily create songs.
If you're just starting out with DTM, after using DAW software for a while, you'll probably find yourself in a situation where the existing sound sources that come with the DAW aren't quite enough.
However, most paid music sources cost tens of thousands of yen per source, and the higher the quality the more expensive they are, so if you keep buying all of them you'll go bankrupt!!
So, this time we'll introduce some cool free sound sources for those DTMers who don't have much money.
However, when adding sound sources, please consult with us about the available disk space on your PC!

Software Instruments

Komplete Start

This software sound source contains 15 types of software sound sources and a large number of effects from Native Instruments (NI), a well-known company in the DTM world.
Examples include the sampler "KONTAKT PLAYER," which can be used by loading NI and other free sound sources, and "REAKTOR PLAYER," which can be used to create your own synth sounds using modular synths as well as dance synths.
It also includes an incredible amount of sound sources for a free product, such as "EXPANSIONS SELECTION," which contains approximately 1,500 carefully selected loops and samples from the "EXPANSIONS series" of expansion sound sources, so if you've been creating music using only the plug-ins that come with your DAW, it's definitely worth getting.
However, a full installation requires approximately 7GB of free disk space.
To get Komplete Start, you'll need to have an NI account.

Here is the link to Komplete Start:
Komplete Start

Independence Free

This is the free version of "Independence" from MAGIX. It includes 2GB of various sounds, including acoustic guitar, drums, and synths. The electric guitar power chords and bass sounds are particularly high quality, making it perfect for creating rock music!
However, it's a pain that you have to go through the trouble of creating a MAGIX account and it takes a long time to download in order to get it...

Here is the link to INDEPENDENCE FREE↓
Independence Free

SampleTank Custom Shop

This is the free version of IK Multimedia's "Sample Tank 4." In addition to the high-quality grand piano sound source "Grand Piano 1 SE," over 30 other sounds, including woodwinds, electric instruments, and synths, are available for free.
To get SampleTank Custom Shop, you will need to create an IK Multimedia account.

Here is the link to SampleTank Custom Shop↓
SampleTank Custom Shop

synthesizer

Synth1

This plug-in sound source is modeled after the legendary Japanese synth "Nord Lead." It's easy to use and a highly acclaimed free synth sound source that lets you learn how synths work!
You can also get various presets distributed on other sites, so the uses are endless.
It is compatible with Mac and can be launched, but since it is an unfinished beta version, it takes quite a bit of effort to set up the presets.

Here is the link to Synth1↓
Synth1

DEXED

An open-source free synth modeled after the Yamaha FM synth "DX7."
FM synths are very rare among free sound sources.
It reproduces the sound of an FM sound source, has a wide range of tones, and perfectly reproduces the sound of the DX7, making it a well-received sound source.
It excels at producing metallic tones that are difficult to achieve with analog synths, so it will be useful for creating sounds not only for EDM but also for a variety of other genres.

Link to DEXED here:
DEXED

Piano/Electric Piano

PIANO ONE

This free piano sound source reproduces the Yamaha C7 grand piano, released by Sound Magic. It's simple and easy to use, and the quality is so high you wouldn't believe it's free.
There are 16 presets available, and you can tweak harmonics, tuning dynamics, key, pedal noise, and even resonance.
To get PIANO ONE, you need to create a Sound Magic account.

Link to PIANO ONE here↓
PIANO ONE

LABS ELECTRIC PIANO

Free vintage electric piano sound source from the "LABS" series provided by Spitfire Audio.
This is probably a sound source based on the motif of "Rhodes," and rather than being dynamic, it has a soft, moist sound that would suit mellow songs such as jazz and ballads.
You will need to create an account to purchase Spitfire Audio products.

Link to LABS ELECTRIC PIANO here↓
LABS ELECTRIC PIANO

Darksichord 3 Lite

Free dark harpsichord (harpsichord) sound source.
As the name suggests, it has a dark sound that would suit the atmosphere of a witch's mansion, something you might find in an RPG.

Here's the link to Darksichord 3 Lite:
Darksichord 3 Lite

Electric guitar/acoustic guitar

Kriminal LP SG Custom

Since it's called SG Custom, it's probably a sampled version of a Gibson SG Custom guitar. The solo still has a programmed sound to it, but for backing, I think it's of a decent enough quality for a free sound source.

Link to Kriminal LP SG Custom here↓
Kriminal LP SG Custom

Ample Guitar M Lite Ⅱ

This is the free version of "Ample Guitar M," an acoustic guitar sound source from AmpleSound, which has released a number of ultra-high quality paid guitar sound sources, and is probably based on a Martin acoustic guitar.
Since it is a free version, there are limitations to its use, but it does have some strokes that are rare in free versions, and the sound is of high quality, with a rich acoustic guitar-like tone.
You will need to create an account to purchase AmpleSound products.

Here is the link to Ample Guitar M Lite Ⅱ↓
Ample Guitar M Lite Ⅱ

Base

Ample Bass P Lite Ⅱ

This is a free version of AmpleSound's bass sound source "Ample Bass P II," and is likely a sound source sampled from a Fender Precision Bass.
There are some restrictions on playing style, but it's suitable for people who are good enough to create normal bass lines.
You will also need to create an account to purchase AmpleSound products.

Here is the link to Ample Bass P Lite Ⅱ↓
Ample Bass P Lite Ⅱ

Acousticsamples Kontr

This is a double bass sound source included in the free sound source "AS Free Collection," a bundle of five instruments.
Since it's a free version, there are limitations on playing techniques, but the tones, such as ghost notes, are quite realistic, so it will be useful for creating jazz or mellow acoustic songs!
In addition to the double bass, the kit also comes with sound sources for drums, snares, vibraphones, etc., but in order to use these sounds you will need the free sampler software "UVI Workstation."
To get Acousticsamples Kontr you will need to create an account with Acousticsamples.

Here is the link to Acousticsamples Kontr↓
Acousticsamples Kontr

Also, here's a link to UVI Workstation:
UVI Workstation

MODO BASS 2 CS

A free version of IK Multimedia's bass sound source "MODO BASS 2."
Although there are some limitations, such as the number of patterns and the sound source being limited to a single Fender "60's P-Bass," the tone changes depending on the volume and picking position, making it a great tool for creating sounds that are close to human performances!
You need to create an account to get the product.

Here's the link to MODO BASS 2 CS:
MODO BASS 2 CS

Drum

MT Power Drum Kit 2

This is a free version of the sound source that Manda Audio originally sold for a fee. The snare and bass drum are very powerful and produce such a good sound that it's hard to believe it's free.
It also contains thousands of MIDI grooves with drum patterns, so you can simply drag your favorite MIDI groove into a track in your DAW to create a drum track and use it in your own music!
...It seems like it would be useful when you can't think of any drum pattern ideas and it's a pain (sneer face).

Here is the link to MT Power Drum Kit 2↓
MT Power Drum Kit 2

Mega Drum Machine

Free drum machine sound source from Autodafe.
This free collection includes 130 different vintage drum machine samples.
The GUI is simple and easy to use, with only pan and volume controls.
You need to create an account to download.

Here is the link to Mega Drum Machine↓
Mega Drum Machine

Brass Sound Source

DSK Saxophone

Free saxophone music.
This is a fairly usable free sound source that allows you to choose between two sounds, soprano saxophone and tenor saxophone, and allows you to fine-tune settings such as adjusting the attack and release.

Link to DSK Saxophone here↓
DSK Saxophone

Orchestral Sounds

BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover

A free version of the orchestral sound source from the extremely popular orchestral sound source "spitfire audio" that includes 35 different instruments from the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
It normally sells for $49, but the quality of all the sounds is so high that it's hard to believe it's free, and it's so light and easy to use! Plus, it's easy to create orchestral scores, so I recommend it to anyone just starting out with orchestral composition! Is it okay to get something like this for free? (Joy)
To get the audio, you need to create a Spitfire Audio account and then answer a questionnaire. Two weeks later, you will receive a notification at the email address registered on the site that the audio is now available for download.
Incidentally Free distribution for a limited timeIt has become, and I don't know how long it will lastIf you see this article, get it right away!

Here's the link to BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover:
(Available under ADD CART or FREE)
BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover

Choir

Free choir sound source from Spitfire Audio.
This recording uses a sample from "ERIC WHITACRE CHOIR," a paid recording by a choir produced and conducted by Grammy Award-winning composer Eric Whitacre.
With this and an orchestral sound source, you can easily create grand religious music!
You will need to create an account to purchase Spitfire Audio products.

fall

ethnic instruments

Balkan Ethnic Orchestra Duduk Freebie

Free version of Strezov Sampling's "Balkan Ethnic Orchestra," a sound source of the Balkan ethnic orchestra in Eastern Europe.
The Balkan instruments and choral sounds are of very high quality, and I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to create exotic music!
You need to create an account to download.

Balkan Ethnic Orchestra Duduk Freebie link here↓
Balkan Ethnic Orchestra Duduk Freebie

Asian DreamZ

A free sound source of Chinese folk instruments produced by DSK MUSIC.
It includes seven sounds: Chinese pipa, tremolo Chinese pipa, moon zither, Chinese guzheng, erhu, nambu flute, and a percussion kit.
The sound is quite realistic, making it a great source for creating Chinese-style music!

Link to Asian DreamZ here↓
Asian DreamZ

Indian DreamZ

Also from DSK MUSIC, this is a free sound source that collects Indian folk instruments.
It includes six tones, including sitar, sarod, veena, and tabla, so it's perfect for any Indian music.
Let's eat curry, play some spicy sitar sounds, and get motivated to make music!

Here is the link to Indian DreamZ↓
Indian DreamZ

World StringZ

Another free sound source from DSK MUSIC featuring ethnic string instruments from around the world.
The collection includes eight string instruments from around the world: Celtic harp, cumbas, dobro, kanun, koto, dulcimer, tar, and Turkish oud.If you grew up playing Square and Enix RPGs from the 90s, you're bound to have a weakness for Celtic music!

Here is the link to World StringZ↓
World StringZ

LABS Mandolin

Free mandolin sound source from the "LABS" series provided by Spitfire Audio.
It includes a variety of tones, including Fingered, which is played with your fingers, and Picked, which is played with a pick.
By the way, the mandolin is said to have derived from the lute, an instrument often carried by bards in medieval and RPG games.
You will need to create an account to purchase Spitfire Audio products.

Link to LABS Mandolin here↓
LABS Mandolin

ボーカロイド

UTAU

It is a free singing voice synthesis software similar to Vocaloid."Wild Vocaloid"It is said that the quality is comparable to that of the original Vocaloid.
If you don't have a vocalist or feel embarrassed about singing, leave it to UTAU!

Here's the link to UTAU↓
UTAU

VoiSona (formerly CeVIO Pro)

Techno Speech free singing voice synthesis software.
This excellent product uses the latest AI technology to realistically reproduce the way humans sing!
Personally, I think her vocals have a similar voice quality to Aimer, a singer famous for the theme songs of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" and "Gundam UC."
It can be used not only as a standalone but also as a VST in a DAW.
By the way, with the release of the beta version on June 2, 2022, the software name was changed from CeVIO Pro (tentative) to VoiSona.
To get VoiSona, you need to have a TechnoSpeech account.

Here is the link to VoiSona:
VoiSona

Free sound sources with such high quality you'd never guess they were free

So, what do you think?
Some free sound sources are of such high quality that it's hard to believe they're free, but depending on the source, there's a higher chance (compared to commercially available sound sources) that installing them will cause your DAW to become unstable, and even if the sound is good, there may be usage restrictions that limit what you can do with them.
If you plan to make a living from music in the future, it would be better to save up money and buy paid music software when it's on sale, rather than going to the trouble of searching for free music sources.
Also, it would be better if you could learn to play an instrument properly.

* 2022/5/20 Added Mega Drum Machine
※ 2022/5/27 Vocaloid related content added
* June 3, 2022: Name changed from CeVIO Pro (tentative) to VoiSona
* June 3, 2022: MODO BASS 2 CS and Choir added