Where to Find the Best EDM Sample Packs & Beats (Free & Paid)

Jump to Section

• Electro
• Rave
• EDM samples and beats
• Premium sample collection for EDM
• EDM pop vocals
• EDM drum samples
• Our top free EDM presets
• EDM sample packs, loops & sounds
• Final thoughts
• BONUS: Sampling for EDM - Pro Tips

Electro

Electro finds its roots in the innovators of technology. Artists like Kraftwerk invented their own instruments, and are pioneers in the truest form. They paved the way for a revolution in synthesis that started in the 70s and exploded in the 80s when synthesizers went into mass production. Many of those iconic synthesizers are now unattainably expensive and for those lucky enough to own them they are notoriously hard to maintain. Luckily for us, there is a wealth of samples of these iconic machines available to us that were recorded in some of the best studios in the world.

For that early electro sound look at the Yamaha CS 80 used by Vangelis, Kraftwerk, Jean Michel Jarre, Rick Wakeman, Daft Punk, Brian Eno, and Tony Banks. The Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 used by Depeche Mode, Gary Numan, Thomas Dolby, New Order, Prodigy, Pink Floyd, the Eurythmics, Pet Shop Boys, George Duke, and Afrika Bambaataa. Or that Arp Odyssey used by Bomb The Bass, Ultravox, Gary Numan, LTJ Bukem, Air, Tangerine Dream, 808 State, Apollo 440, Jimmy Edgar, Jean-Luc Ponty, and Herbie Hancock.

You can find a wealth of electro artists on Tracklib. Artists such as Blowfly, Bass Transmission, Renard With No Regret, and Nitro Deluxe are ready to be sampled. Or for an out-of-the-box, ready-made option, Samplephonics offers a range of free Electro samples.

Rave

Rave is a genre that was music’s most direct response to the invention of the sampler. Hip-hop is equally influenced by sample culture but the origins of hip-hop predate the technology. Rave, on the other hand, can trace its roots back to pure sampling. Rave is a kind of catch-all term for music that was played at Raves. Hardcore and its evolution into Jungle and then Drum & Bass were the predominant genres that were being played. Hardcore and much of Jungle can attribute its fundamental rhythm structure to a single four-bar drum break, from a 1969 soul record called “Amen Brother.” This four-bar sample became the most sampled piece of music in the history of all music, it is, of course, the infamous “Amen Break.” The Amen break comes from the 1969 track "Amen, Brother" by the soul group the Winstons, released as the B-side of the 1969 single "Color Him Father." The drum break lasts about seven seconds and was performed by Gregory Coleman.

The Amen Break is the original musical meme. It has been recreated so many times in rave culture that rather than becoming cliche, it has become somewhat of a pillar that the most revered artists in electronic music have challenged themselves to pay tribute to the iconic sample in more challenging and innovative ways; really pushing the envelope of what is possible with this seven-second break.

EDM Samples and Beats (Top Royalty Free and Premium)

​​When it comes to creating Electronic Dance Music—or EDM—, samples and beats are essential. These packs can give you the tools you need to create your own tracks, and there are some great options out there. Let's take a look at some of the top royalty free and premium packs available.

First, let’s start with some royalty free options. One pack that is always popular is the Vengeance Essential Sounds Vol. 1 pack. This pack includes 1000 high-quality sounds, making it a great choice for anyone just starting out. The sounds are sorted by type, making it easy to find the ones you need, and there are also MIDI files included for even more flexibility.

Another option is the Big Fish Audio EDM Production Bundle. This pack includes over 14,000 sounds, giving you plenty of variety to work with. The sounds are all high-quality, and there are even tutorial videos included to help get you started.

If you're looking for something a little more premium, the Xfer Records Serum Synth Pack is an option. This pack includes over 460 presets for the Serum synth plugin, giving you tons of flexibility in your sound design.

Premium Sample Collection for EDM Styles by Alin Dimitriu

Alin Dimitriu is a name that is quickly becoming known in the world of Electronic Dance Music. His sample collection for EDM styles is quickly gaining a well-known reputation, and it's easy to see why. The samples are all high-quality, and they cover a wide range of sounds. Whether you're looking for dubstep basses, trance pads, or electro drums, this collection has something for everyone.

Such collections are all packed with features that will help you create great EDM tracks. They include high-quality samples, MIDI files, and often tutorial videos as well. This makes it easy to get started, and you can quickly learn how to create your own beats and sounds.

On Tracklib, the section of electronic music covers a wide range of subgenres, so you can find the perfect sounds for your music. Whether you're looking for dubstep basses, trance pads, or electro drums, there is likely originally released music out there that has what you need.

EDM Pop Vocals

Long phrase vocals are a great way to find inspiration for a track. This can be the foundation for your melody. Alternatively, there are many methods of chopping vocals to fit an existing track. Whether that’s transposing a stab across your keyboard, using autotune, or assigning sliced vocals to individual keys and finding entirely new combinations of tonality and melody. You can even use vocals as the central melody to your track, as a musical instrument, or as a generative tool.

Whichever path you take, vocals are the best way to add that human element to your music and create memorable hooks. Check out Tracklib’s Club Vocals collection for an excellent selection of ready to sample acapellas, or drag yourself even deeper into the vocal vaults.

EDM Samples - Drums

The drums are one of the most important elements of any EDM track. They provide the groove and rhythm that drives the song forward. Drums can really make or break a track. That's why it's important to use high-quality drums in your music.

In addition to loops and one-shots, most packs also include MIDI files for each sound. This allows you to quickly create beats by using your favorite drum software or hardware. So if you're looking to add some killer drums to your next EDM track, be sure to check out some of the collections mentioned above. You won't be disappointed!

Our Top Free EDM presets

1. Lennar Digital Sylenth1
This is one of the most popular presets packs out there**—**for good reason. The sounds are all high-quality, and they cover all of the most popular EDM styles.

2. Xfer Records Serum
This is another popular preset pack The Xfer Records Serum contains some truly amazing sounds. If you're looking to create edgy, futuristic sounds, then this is the preset pack for you.

3. Native Instruments Massive
This is one of the most versatile preset packs out there. This Native Instruments product contains sounds that can be used in a variety of different styles. If you're looking for a pack that can do it all, then Massive is the way to go.

EDM Sample Packs, Loops & Sounds: The Best Starter Kits

If you're just starting out in the world of EDM, then you need to scour the best samples out there. By using high-quality samples and beats, you can quickly create great-sounding tracks that will get the party started.

Here are a few collections—Tracklib’s take on EDM Sample Packs, if you will—to get your production going:

Final Thoughts

Samples can be sourced from almost anywhere. The pioneers of electronic music didn’t have the luxury of pre-made sample packs: they dug deep and created something entirely new from looping and chopping up old records. They borrowed from classic hit records, adding that winning formula, the hooks, the money chords… They found little moments of magic in the most obscure records, creating something bigger than the original music could ever be. That’s exactly the type of magic Tracklib offers: real music for worryfree sampling.

Sampling can be an expression of originality when done right. Finding the best part of a song and building something new in its essence. Brutal manipulation of samples can turn them into something that feels signature and unique. Try some heavy processing to mold your samples into something with a life and character of its own compared to the original.

Find the sounds that resonate with you and build your EDM sample library. The more thoroughly you compile this, the more inspiration and musical content you will have to work with at those vital moments when you are laying down a track.

Tracklib has an extensive music library of pre-approved sampling material, across a myriad of genres. This easy-to-use interface provides a unique service that allows producers to instantly clear samples and get their music to market without the complicated legal processes that would be involved in clearing samples. Tracklib has democratized this process in an easy to use interface. Check out our selected songs for EDM track construction here and join the revolution.