Orange Tree Samples has launched OTS Timbales, a completely free collection of timbales percussion samples for use with NI Kontakt or any WAV compatible sampler.
The download pack contains 81 individual timbales one shot samples in 24-bit WAV format (most of these are actually multiple velocity variations of the same articulation), along with eight instrument patches for Native Instruments Kontakt. Apart from the one shot samples, the freebie pack also contains six short timbales fills which will come in handy if you prefer using live performed percussion tracks instead of programming them yourself in a piano roll editor.
According to the info provided by Orange Tree Samples, these samples are based on recordings of LP Matador Series steel shell timbales. The included samples sound very nice, they’re well recorded with loads of natural body and punch. You should absolutely grab this sample pack if you’re looking for a free resource of latin percussion sounds.
Although NI Kontakt is not required in order to use these sounds (since the download pack also contains individual samples in WAV format), the provided Kontakt patches are pretty cool because they use various built-in effects to enhance the sound of the original instrument. For example, on of the provided patches goes for a deep “dub” style sound, while another one uses overdrive in order to enhance the higher frequencies and give the samples a bit of edge.
Download
OTS Timbales is available for free download via KVR Audio (20.3 MB download size, RAR archive, contains 81 audio samples in 24-bit WAV format, 8 instrument patches in NKI format for Native Instruments Kontakt).
