Cinesamples
Cinesamples: A broad cinematic library catalog with Kontakt support and a free Kalimba release. Ranked #18 of 31 in Music Sample Libraries by our editors (7.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for professional orchestral and choir libraries.
At a glance
- Editor score7.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forProfessional orchestral and choir libraries
- Free planYes
- Paid from$99/unit one-time
- Download modelPer-item
- Founded2007 · Los Angeles, California, United States
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Broad orchestral, choir, keyboard, world-instrument, and sound-design catalog
- Kontakt and selected free Kontakt Player support
- Free Kalimba release alongside individual libraries and bundles
Where it doesn't
- Some products require the full version of Kontakt
- Paid libraries use a per-item download model
- Catalog focus may not suit producers seeking non-cinematic content
Our verdict on Cinesamples
Cinesamples develops downloadable virtual instruments and sample libraries for composers and music producers working in film, television, games, and related music production. Its catalog covers orchestral strings, brass, winds, percussion, choir, keyboards, world instruments, artist-series instruments, and sound design. The range is aimed at professional users who need cinematic and orchestral content, with vocal material included through its choir libraries.
The published plans show a freemium model. The Create Series - Kalimba is a free sample-library release, while an Individual library costs $99 USD as a one-time purchase and includes downloadable sample-library and virtual-instrument content. Cinesamples also offers bundles, although bundle pricing is not specified here. Purchased products are delivered as downloads, and the category specifications identify NCW audio and Kontakt instrument libraries. Native Instruments Kontakt is the main ecosystem connection; selected libraries support the free Kontakt Player, while others require the full version of Kontakt.
The strongest case for Cinesamples is its breadth within cinematic music: buyers can build from individual orchestral or choir libraries and extend into percussion, keyboards, world instruments, and sound design. That makes it a fit for composers who want a focused catalog organized around virtual instruments rather than a general-purpose sample marketplace. The main limitation is the Kontakt dependency, especially for products that do not work with the free player. Buyers who want a free-player-only workflow, a single all-in-one purchase, or content outside Cinesamples' cinematic and instrument-focused scope should consider another library provider.
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Cinesamples pricing
All 2 Cinesamples plans and prices →
Cinesamples fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $99/unit one-time |
| Included content | virtual instruments, orchestral, choir, percussion, keyboard, world-instrument, and sound-design libraries |
| Sample count | Not verified |
| Download model | Per-item |
| MIDI included | Not verified |
| Stems included | Not verified |
| Vocal content | Yes |
| Sample formats | NCW audio and Kontakt instrument libraries |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Tickets, Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: Native Instruments Kontakt, Native Instruments Kontakt Player |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | cinesamples.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Cinesamples integrations
Cinesamples lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- Native Instruments Kontakt
- Native Instruments Kontakt Player
Alternatives to Cinesamples
- LoopcloudA large, searchable sample library with DAW syncing, plugins, storage, and editing tools.9.4
- Splice SoundsA broad, credit-based sample library with advanced search and DAW plugins.9.2
- UVI SoundbanksA large subscription catalog for producers, composers and audio professionals.8.9
See all Cinesamples alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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