Developer Splash Sound released Djembe, a free sample-based VST/AU plugin for Mac and Windows.
Percussion is one of humanity’s oldest fascinations in music. Drums and other percussive instruments have been part of the music tradition since people figured out they could make noises.
As such, instruments like the djembe are welcome additions to any production. If you’ve been on the hunt for a solid one, Splash Sound has you covered.
However, the aptly named Djembe plugin is capable of more than just playing static samples. There is much more going on than you’d expect from a sample-based instrument like this.
You’ve got six articulations sampled, each with four levels of velocity and a further five levels of round-robin recorded. This makes for a percussion instrument that sounds organic and lively, rather than something canned like a drum machine.
Control-wise, there isn’t much to say. Djembe has a trio of microphones, a reverb send, and a reverb size to concern yourself with. It does sound gorgeous when dialed in with a particularly cavernous reverb.
Djembe is a perfect sample library for someone looking for a bit of earthy flair or even just a psytrance producer looking to add a little ethnic percussion to a drop. I enjoy how straightforward it is, being to the point with no fiddly controls to get lost in.
During my play with it this afternoon, I found myself slinging it into VCV Rack’s VST host and having a play with an Euclidean sequencer.
This is probably a more fringe use of the capabilities of something like this, but it worked quite well. Random triggers were sent out to switch between the bass and open tones to great effect.
You will need an account to purchase this, so steel yourselves or roll up a burner email account if needed.
Thankfully, you don’t need a full version of Kontakt to run it. Mac and Windows users can rejoice, as it’ll run on both operating systems. You’ll need a host capable of hosting VST3 or AU plugins.
On the other hand, if you own Kontakt, we suggest the free Heritage Percussion library from Impact Soundworks. It includes a suite of sampled percussion that would go along pretty well with the Djembe.
As for the Splash Sound Djembe, there is a standalone app if you’d rather drum around on your MIDI controller without having to worry about anything.
Download: Djembe (FREE – account needed)
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Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Tomislav Zlatic.
