Best Free Kontakt Libraries You Must Have

Who doesn’t want some free Kontakt libraries? I sure do! Over the past 2 weeks, I have spent countless hours researching and testing every one of the following free Kontakt libraries.  These are the best free Kontakt libraries I could find on the interwebs.

If you feel like some extra light reading, Ive also compiled a list of FREE Piano VST plugins, and FREE Rhodes VST plugins.

What this list of free Kontakt libraries consists of:

• Palette by Primary Colour
• Signal Free by Output
• Orchestra Chords and Sustained Strings by Sonuscore
• KSHMR & 7 Skies by Neverland Lead
• Landscape by Cinematique Instruments
• Debussy Freeze by Cinematique Instruments
• Neon Tube Buzz by Cinematique Instruments
• Thunder X3M Taiko Freebie
• Shreddage 3 Stratus by Impact Soundworks
• Ronroco by Samplephonics
• Orchestral Rise Builder by Hidden Path Audio
• Free Fall by Sound Ethers
• Leads Town Hall Organ by Samplephonics
• Shortnoise by Prodyon
• Medicine man by Sonixinema
• Gongster’s Paradise by Bunker Samples
• Commodore 64 Samples by Producers Blog
• Up-write Felt Piano by West Wood Instruments
• Trap Gods by Beats24-7
• Nanomod by Rhythmic Robot

1. Palette by Primary Colour

• Orchestral Samples
• 1.3GB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

To be totally honest, I’m really surprised that Palette is free… It is loaded with orchestral sounds that sound absolutely amazing! Its a little tricky to wrap your head around at first, but once you learn how to start stacking different orchestral sounds you can come up with some awesome Flume like violin assembles. Hmmm… maybe this is what he used? Who knows. You can easily select what instruments you want to stack by pressing the allocated buttons on your MIDI keyboard, then just play as normal and you will hear the stacked instruments playing together.

You can then mix your stacks together by changing the volume levels of each instrument in the mixing section. There is also an effect section where you can stack up to 4 effects such as reverb, saturation, distortion, chorus, flanger, phaser, eq, and many more. I only spent a good half an hour messing around with this thing but it was really fun and it was sparking creative ideas already!

2. Signal Free by Output

• Synthesizer Samples
• 1.42GB
• Works in Kontakt Player for 15 minutes

Wow, this thing has a lot inside of it and it’s only the demo version. I would love to see what the full version looks like. It’s no surprise that Output makes killer products, and Signal Free falls under that category… Killer. Signal stacks two sounds at once and mixes them together with perfection.

There are some interesting presets you can easily scroll through but most of them are arpeggios or rhythmic in some way or another. You have the control to completely remove all effects and just use the sample in its original form. Each side of the interface has a sample, and each side has its own set of knobs and faders you would expect to see on a sampler, such as ADSR, Envelopes, LFOs, panning, etc, and there are more effects such as compression, EQ, limiter, etc. You can choose to effect a single sound or affect the sound globally.

If presets are your thing then you will probably find Signal a disappointment, as it only has 25 available in the free version, and unfortunately, you can’t save your own presets.

3. Orchestra Chords and Sustained Strings by Sonuscore

• Orchestral Samples
• 370MB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

This Kontact library consists of two separate instruments and is another great free option if you are into orchestral sounds and productions. There is not much to these two libraries apart from a reverb knob that actually sounds really nice. The samples themselves sound pretty damn good too and the notes transition from one to the other seamlessly. The whole thing consists of string assembles so if you are looking for something with a little more substance and diversability then this free Kontakt library probably isn’t your best option. If strings are your thing then this is a must-have.

4. KSHMR & 7 Skies by Neverland Lead

• Synthesizer Samples
• 99MB

The KSHMR & 7 Skies library consists of one simple synthesizer patch. It consists of 3 layers that can be mixed using the three Amp knobs. There is also a global filter, filter envelope and a global amp envelope. Very simple library with limited functionality.

The user interface is super easy to understand with no confusing knobs and faders. Straight out of the box it makes a deep sound full of harmonics, and that’s before processing.

If your looking for another synth lead to add to your collection then this is another option. Although for 99BM of Hard drive space it’s probably now worth it.

5. Landscape by Cinematique Instruments

• Cinematic Samples
• 600MB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

Do you like horror movies? Because this is what landscape sounds like. It makes some really amazing sounds but damn… I was constantly thinking someone was going to sneak up behind me and stab me in the back.

There are general functions like ADSR, LFO, Filters, and effects, but there is also a random button that generates some crazy random complex sounds. It’s actually quite interesting to see what type of sounds this thing can make. There is a ‘Start Infinity’ button in the middle that automatically plays the current sound, this way when you are scrolling random settings it’s easy to hear.

If you are the type of producer who likes to go in with an idea in mind and enjoy the more traditional approach to sound design, Landscape probably won’t resonate with you. On the other hand, if you enjoy turning faders and dials and experimenting with random buttons to see what interesting sounds and textures you can come up with, then you will absolutely love this thing.

6. Debussy Freeze by Cinematique Instruments

• Bell Samples
• 30MB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

Debussy Freeze… It’s just fun to say! Another very simple library only consisting of one instrument. It kind of sounds like some sort of bell.

You can manipulate certain parameters such as Volume, Length of note, Tone, Delay, Reverb, Chorus, and Drive. That’s basically ass you can change. There are 9 different types of reverbs to chose from with a web dry fader to mix to taste. The chorus and drive effects are global and only have a toggle on and off button with no wet/dry fader.

7. Neon Tube Buzz by Cinematique Instruments

• Keys Instrument
• 78MB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

Neon Tube Buzz and Debussy Freeze both come from a collection from Cinematique Instruments called ‘Klang’. They find all kinds of old hardware and objects and sample them into free Kontakt libraries. What lovely humans!

All Klang libraries share the same interface making it easy to navigate. Neon tube buzz is a sampled neon light buzz. Pretty self-explanatory huh?

Basically this instrument is some keys. You can add a bunch of reverb and turn it into a more pad sound, or you can shorten the length and turn it more into a stab sound. The cool thing about this is how warm it sounds. Because it was sampled from an old retro neon light, that organic warmth naturally emanates from the samples.

8. Thunder X3M Taiko Freebie

• Percussion
• 249MB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

Damn, this thing sounds goooood!! This is at least in my top 3 on this list. Have you ever heard of Taiko drums? Well, this library consists of just that… Super powerful Taiko drums. I also love the animation on the interface too!

Thunder X3m consists of 9 different taiko drum zones with each zone has 4 round robbins. You can easily change the pitch, transient attack, and transient sustain of each individual zone. There is also a global set of effects to manipulate the sound as a whole.

You can choose to use the original default key bindings or you can make your own custom settings to suit your individual play style. There is actually white a bit of control available in this little beast, so if you decide to take the leap and download, you won’t be disappointed.

9. Shreddage 3 Stratus by Impact Soundworks

• Guitar Samples
• 760MB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

There is way too much stuff to talk about in this free Kontakt library, I am only going to scratch the surface. After half an hour on this thing, there was still so much I didn’t get to discover, but I could sense how much more there was.

This library was obviously designed for the guitar lover/player as most of its functions are designed around guitar terminology. It has up to 3 dynamic layers, 4 round robbins and up and down strokes, making it up to 24 samples per keypress. Pretty impressive.

There are other features such as palm mutes, sustains, and chokes. It even has this cook shred mode that makes shredding your new virtual guitar sound even more realistic. Now to be honest I’m not really sure what most of that stuff means as im more of a piano guy myself. But I’m sure most of you guitar guys, this will be a must-have your Kontakt library collection.

10. Ronroco by Samplephonics

• Ronroco Samples
• 1.2GB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

The only words that can be used to describe this little fella are ‘Cute af’. It sounds so beautiful I want someone to play this at my wedding… if I ever get over my fear of commitment. Speaking of commitment, I highly recommend you commit to downloading this free bad boy.

It’s quite a large download file, but it’s jam-packed full of loops and one-shots to keep your ears fulfilled for hours. The recording quality of these samples is absolutely perfect and the transitions between key presses are quite smooth.

The interface looks stunning and it consists of 5 faders and knobs. There is a rack section to this library that has your effect chain modeled after hardware stacks. This contains a beautiful sounding reverb consisting of 13 different verbs, and a delay stack where you can change the rate, width, and a few other settings.

11. Orchestral Rise Builder by Hidden Path Audio

• Orchestral Samples
• 78MB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

Probably the most simple library on the entire list. There isn’t really much to this one. The only option you have it to play the samples provided using your MIDI device. They do sound really nice though!

This library consists of 3 different types of risers. Short, Medium and long risers. Each type is allocated a part of the piano roll making it easy to find what you are after.

Each Type of riser consists of three instruments. Strings, Brass and woodwinds. You can choose to play an individual instrument or you can chose to play them in an essemble. The choice is completely up to you.

12. Free Fall by Sound Ethers

• Synthesizer Samples
• 173MB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

Out of all of the libraries on this list, Free Fall is the only one that I could not personally test myself. In order to get the download link to this library, you must contact the developer and they will send the link to your email. It seems they don’t check their emails very often. I have attached the link below to get in touch.

From what I can see Free Fall consists of 18 presets, all with custom mod wheel automation to keep things interesting. Each preset contains 3 different layered sounds that you can mix, tune or pan to taste with the ‘Layer Mixer’ section.

The interface is quite clean and consists of an amp envelope, pitch envelope, high pass filters, low pass filters, and a filter envelope.

13. Leads Town Hall Organ by Samplephonics

• Organ Samples
• 3.2GB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

I find it amazing that people out there put in a lot of hard work and spend their precious time to sample pieces of history, and then give it away completely for free. Thank you Samplephonics.

Leads town hall organ sounds absolutely stunning. There are 6 presets to have fun with, each containing multiple round robbins and over 10-second sample length. With every note press, you can hear its beautiful character. If you close your eyes, you even feel like you are there yourself.

The user interface consists of some simple effects such as delay, reverb, filter with cut off, res and drive, and also a master global control section.

14. Shortnoise by Prodyon

• Synthesizer samples
• 6GB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

300 instruments and 150 multis!!! What?? No wonder it is a 6GB download!! Well worth it though. This is an absolute beast considering its free. Shortnoise consists of arps, pads, basses, keys, and effects, and all samples are 100% royalty-free. What more could you ask for?

The interface looks retro but it is very simple to understand with everything labeled. It consists of amp envelope, filter and filter envelope, pitch and pitch envelope. There is a bunch of standard effects such as reverb, delay, flanger, distortion, and a cool lo-fi effect. There is also a filter LFO and a pitch LFO.

The most impressive part of Shortnoise is in its beautiful, sounding multis. A multi is a set of samples playing at the same time with only one keypress. These multis are good enough to be used just by themselves. If you are looking for a massive free Kontakt library with a bunch of sounds for electronic music, then Shortnoise is definitely for you!

15. Medicine man by Sonixinema

• Steel Drums
• 445MB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

You can literally feel your body healing as soon as you hit the first note… no lies. Medicine man has the most basic interface out of all the free Kontakt libraries I have listed. It literally has no faders or knobs to turn. The only thing you can do it back away on your MIDI device and listen to its healing power.

With that said it does sound super nice and clean. Sonixinema did put a lot of effort into recording these samples because they are of very high-quality. Personally, for me, I won’t use this too much as it isn’t much you can really do inside of Kontakt, but if you want to do some self-healing then I guess you should give it a shot.

16. Gongster’s Paradise by Bunker Samples

• Steel Drums
• 229MB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

This Kontakt library was made by Coolio himself… no, I’m just kidding. It was made by Bunker Samples and it sounds awesome. I can’t say I am a fan of the interface though. This library consists of some tuned Vietnamese gongs, and a few effects so you can have a little fun.

The interface consists of a transient shaper with ADSR, some chorus controls, and a delay effect. Unfortunately, the delay effect only has half, eights and sixteenth intervals. Ahh well, we can’t have everything.

If you really want to gt into the vibe of these Vietnamese gongs then I recommend getting yourself a nice Bahn mi or a bowl of pho.

17. Commodore 64 Samples by Producers Blog

• Game Console Samples
• 240MB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

Damn, I love this library so much. In my opinion it is one of the best free kontakt libraries on this list. Although I have to give props not jus to The Producers Blog, but also to Rhymic Robot on this collaboration of absolute brilliance.

The sounds in this beast take me back to a much-loved era that is gone forever… my childhood. Listening to all of these 8bit sounds make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. There are 32 samples and all of them can be affected by a filter envelope and an amp envelope.

You can choose to set it to mono giving you the option to glide between notes. That is my fav part. Or you can set it to poly and play chords. It is packed full of arps, glitches, blips, plucks, keys, basses and more of that cool old school stuff. Man this thing sounds so good!!

18. Up-write Felt Piano by West Wood Instruments

• Piano Samples
• 378MB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

This up-write felt piano was recorded with 3 microphones to help capture the sound and room harmonics perfectly. And it really shows. The warms and organics of this free Kontakt library are amazing. The felt on the hammers takes away the harsh high end of a regular piano and replaces it with a gentle note.

The interface is very easy to use with only a few knobs and faders. These consist of the generalities like an EQ and a mixer. The mixer is capable of changing the amplitude of each microphone allowing you to mix it to your taste. There are some other features you can tinker with like reverb, width, and distortion. This is one of the best free kontakt libraries when it comes to pianos and I highly recomment it.

19. Trap Gods by Beats24-7

• Synthesizer Samples
• 1GB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

The guys down at Beats 24-7 have gone all out in 2019 and given us 66 high-quality trap samples in one free Kontakt library. What more could one want in life? These samples consist of some drums, bass, keys, pads, plucks, strings, leads and a bunch more, and better yet, all of these samples are 100% royalty-free. Meaning you won’t have to pay anyone royalties when you make the next hit. YEW!

The interface is simple and clean and consists of the typical ADSR, and some effects such as reverb, delay, chorus, and twang? The twang effect is basically a distortion effect that packs a good punch. You can easily bypass whatever effect you chose by toggling the bypass button.

The cool thing about this pack is you can pretty much make an entire trap song with just this free Kontakt library. Pretty cool if you ask me.

20. Nanomod by Rhythmic Robot

• Synthesizer Samples
• 100MB
• Requires full version of Kontakt

Rhythmic robot back again with the goods, this time with Nanomod. This free Kontakt library takes samples from a bunch of different hardware synths and implements them into a simple and clean interface. I actually like the way this thing looks.

Nanomod actually won the soundware category of the KRV developer challenge 2014 for the best soundware instrument! Good stuff!

The interface consists of a very simple envelope with only a few preset settings to choose from, some movement knobs and the beautiful grit filter located smack bang in the middle. Everything works together to give this unique library its organic warm sound.

This library is perfect for the producer who is more into that analog, gritty, warm sound. I personally love that sound and will be using this in a lot of my productions for basses or keys.

What is Kontakt?

For those who don’t know what Kontakt is… Kontakt is awesome!  But in all seriousness, Kontakt is one of the best Samplers on the market.  It was made by Native Instruments to host their insanely huge array of samples, but the best part about Kontakt is its ability to add third-party free Kontakt libraries just like the ones listed above.

Third-party creators can make their own user interface and completely customize the way it looks, or they can use Kontakt’s standard sampling interface.  Even you can make your own sample library.

If you don’t already own Kontakt, you can download the free ‘Komplete Start’ and you will get the ‘Komplete Player’ in the package, along with 2000 awesome free samples! Most of these free Kontakt libraries only work on the full version of Kontakt, but a few of them should work just fine inside of Kontact Player.

You can download ‘Komplete Start‘ HERE.

How does Kontakt work?

As I mentioned before, Kontakt is awesome because of all the third- party possibilities that are available, and a lot of these third-party samples are free Kontakt libraries.  People can sample any instrument or sound they like and implement those samples into a Kontakt library, then sell them or give them away for free. 

We will only be looking at free Kontakt libraries in this article.

Because anyone can make their own Kontakt library, there are some very low-quality samples out there, and generally, they are the freebies.  The quality depends on a lot of different factors such as the sound engineers’ experience, microphones, sound treatment, etc.

How to install and load Kontakt libraries

Loading Kontakt libraries is quite simple once you know how. Some sample libraries will automatically install into the ‘Libraries’ tab, while others will have to be loaded manually.  If you can’t see your new free Kontakt libraries under the ‘Libraries’ tab, then follow these simple steps:

1. Install all Kontakt libraries into a folder called ‘Kontakt Libraries’.  I like to keep this folder in the same location as my Ableton VST plugins, but you can choose to keep it where you like.
2. Open your DAW and load an instance of Kontakt.
3. Click the ‘Libraries’ tab and see if your new library is visible.
4. If it is not there, click the ‘Files’ tab and locate the ‘Kontakt Libraries’ folder from step 1.
5. Open your desired Kontakt library you wish to load.
6. Open the ‘Instruments’ Folder.
7. Look for a file ending with .nki, For example, KSHMR & 7 SKIES – NEVERLAND LEAD.nki
8. Double click this file and your new free Kontakt library will be loaded into the sampler.
9. Enjoy.

Summary

So folks, there you have it! My top 20 amazing free Kontakt libraries that you should definitely own. Unfortunately, nearly all of them require the full version of Kontakt in order to function properly, so if you have a copy then go out and start downloading.

Be sure to bookmark this page as I am constantly updating with new free Kontakt libraries, but I’m sure there are more awesome free Kontakt libraries out there somewhere, so if you know of any please let me know and I will add them to this list.

I hope these free Kontakt libraries serve you as well as they have served me.

Want to check out some of my other freebie lists?

• The All-Time Best Free Rhodes VST Plugins
• Ultimate List Of Free Piano VST Plugins
• Free High-Quality Vocal Samples
• Free MIDI Files – The Ultimate List
• Amazing Free Serum Skins

As always, good luck and happy producing.