IK Multimedia has introduced SampleTank 4 Custom Shop, an introductory version of their flagship workstation software with 50 free instruments and over 4 GB of sound content.
SampleTank 4 Custom Shop is a freeware sample-based virtual instrument. It can operate as a standalone application, or as a plugin in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats for compatible DAW software on PC and Mac. The software is based on IK Multimedia’s flagship SampleTank 4 (starting at €299.99) virtual instrument. The free edition of the software can be authorized permanently, with no time restriction.
See also: Real Cello Mayhem Is A FREE Cello Sound Library For NI KontaktThe freely downloadable SampleTank 4 Custom Shop comes with 4 GB of sound content, offering 50 sampled instrument patches across sixteen sound categories. The included patches will be a great fit for music producers who are looking for good quality grand pianos, string ensembles, multi-sampled guitars, synthesizer multi-samples, and drum kits. To expand on the existing sounds, users can purchase additional SampleTank, Syntronik, and Miroslav Philharmonik 2 libraries.
The available sound libraries can be accessed via SampleTank 4 Custom Shop’s improved browser which is optimized for a fast workflow. Some of our favorite free patches in the free version are the Berlin Grand Piano, Steel String F guitar, Classic Tonewheel Organ, Live Strings ensemble, and the Sigma Centauri Pad synthesizer patch. The presets can be layered together or mapped to the different sections of the keyboard as splits. SampleTank 4 Custom Shop also includes 200 MIDI loops which are compatible with the built-in drum kits.
SampleTank 4 Custom Shop is more than just a sample player, though. It allows for in-depth editing of all synth engine parameters. The freely customize the loaded sounds with editable modulation, effects, and more.
Other notable features are the Groove Players that are used to animate the loaded sounds, as well as the built-in mixer 70 effects and a dedicated master bus. The mixer features 16 individual stereo outputs for users who want to assign them to different channels in their digital audio workstation of choice. It’s also worth noting that SampleTank 4 Custom Shop uses direct disk streaming for sample playback.
Visit the product page linked below to download your free copy of the software. A free IK Multimedia user account is required to activate the software. In combination with the recently released KOMPLETE START bundle by Native Instruments, SampleTank 4 Custom Shop can be a great starting point for beginner music producers. For more options, visit our free music production software page.
More info: SampleTank 4 Custom Shop (672 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/VST3/AU/AAX plugin format for Windows & macOS)
More articles:
7 Comments
Kirill R.
onNice one. I’m using ST3 custom shop occasionally for a couple of years now, hope there are some new instruments in new version.
Rex Roll
onNothing there.Where is it?
Tomislav Zlatic
onThere’s a download button in the top-right corner of the product page.
Jam
onAccording to the IK specs list, SampleTank4 CS (like most new plugins, it seems) is only available in 64-bit.
On another note, thanks for all the great articles, Tomislav! The BPB has been a hugely valuable resource for me as a hobby ProTools user on a budget.
Tomislav Zlatic
onThanks, I’ll correct the info in the article. And you’re very welcome! It’s always nice to hear that fellow music producers are finding BPB a helpful resource. :)
Uli
onI (re)installed it several times now. I finally got ST4 running and activation worked after several attempts. Now I can’t select any sound out of the included library as it wants to be activated, too!? I’m on the way of giving up and feeling stupid ;(
Fotis
onThe included Berlin Piano is one of the most AMAZING sounding freebie pianos I’ve ever heard. ST4CS is also compatible with the previous SampleTank Custom Shop sample library, bringing the total size of freebie ST libraries to almost 6GB!