SampleScience is giving away three of its plugins, and you can grab them for free using the code freetheplugins.
This offer arrives at a time when the developer has been going through some hard times, so if you’ve used SampleScience tools over the years and want to show some appreciation, this is a good moment to do so. Even a small donation helps.
SampleScience has been one of the most active indie developers in our scene for over a decade, and we’ve collaborated on several projects together, including the free BPB 64 plugin. He offers his products in a multitude of formats, including VST, Kontakt, and Decent sampler, so essentially anyone can use these in their setup.
The three free plugins cover a nice range of sounds: a physically modeled handpan, a lofi 80s drum module, and a simple learning-focused synthesizer.
Virtual Handpan
Virtual Handpan recreates the soft tone of the real instrument, but expands it far beyond what an acoustic handpan can physically provide.
Instead of the typical handful of notes, you get 57 playable tones mapped across the keyboard. The plugin combines multisampling with modeling, and you can shape the sound with four built-in effects, ADSR, filters, and multiple LFO options. It also includes poly, mono, and legato modes.
If you prefer sample-based formats, there are Decent Sampler and Kontakt versions available, though Kontakt requires the full version.
80s DrumStar
80s DrumStar is built around the Elka DrumStar 80, an Italian drum machine known for its gritty character. You get all 32 original sounds, three kits, and an extra set of ten reversed samples that weren’t in the hardware.
The interface includes distortion, delay, reverb, filters, and a multi-LFO for gentle modulation. It’s a fun little instrument if you need slightly rough, mid-80s drum hits that can sit well in synthwave, electro, or lofi beats.
UltraBasic
UltraBasic is a sample-based synth that is intentionally minimal, with ten waveforms (basic shapes plus noise variants) and a compact set of effects and filters.
When I tried the earlier version, I liked how its limitations forced me to get the most out of these raw synthesizer sounds (it wasn’t too hard of a task since I’m a big chiptune fan). It’s a good pick if you want a simple starter synth or a quick tone generator for testing gear.
How to get the plugins
You can download all three plugins for free from SampleScience’s Gumroad pages using the discount code freetheplugins. And again, if you’re able, consider leaving a tip. Indie developers like SampleScience keep the ecosystem alive, and every bit of support matters.
All three plugins run on macOS and Windows in 64-bit VST/VST3/AU formats (Decent Sampler/Kontakt versions where applicable).
Download: Virtual Handpan / 80s DrumStar / UltraBasic
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Last Updated on December 1, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
