Free Sample Library: Wave Alchemy has released Tape KPR-77, a collection of over 280 free drum samples (recorded directly to 1/4″ analogue tape) from the Korg KPR-77 drum machine.

The Kits:

• Tape Clean – Includes 127 KPR-77 drum samples which have been recorded directly to 1/4″ tape via a Studer A80 Mk1 analogue tape machine at a clean / neutral level. This kit includes 5 round robin samples per sound as well as 3 velocity layers per hit.
• Tape Saturated – Includes 127 KPR-77 drum samples which have been recorded at a hot level (providing obvious tape saturation) to 1/4″ tape via a Studer A80 Mk1 analogue tape machine. This kit includes 5 round robin samples per sound as well as 3 velocity layers per hit.
• Driven Kit – Includes 27 KPR-77 drum samples which have been recorded and processed through a variety of Wave Alchemy’s outboard studio collection.

Due to the KPR-77’s analogue nature, subtle differences in tone are heard in the sound each time a drum is triggered. This means that no two hits coming from the KPR-77 will sound exactly the same, which in turn makes the overall sound a lot less static and instead, more vibrant and real.

Tape KPR-77 contains three pre-mapped drum kit patches for use with Kontakt 2, 3, & 4 and Battery 3. Each kit makes use of extensive velocity layering, round robin sample playback and choke groups which in turn capture the quirkiness and expressiveness of the original unit.

Wave Alchemy notes:

The KPR-77 was originally manufactured by Korg in the early 1980’s and was advertised as a cheaper alternative to Roland’s successful TR-606 drum machine. Surprisingly this quirky little analogue machine is capable of producing quite powerful drum sounds, we are especially fond of the toms, snares and claps!

Note: Registration at the Wave Alchemy site is required to download the free drum sample library.