Heretical Audio has released Minimal Synths, a free sample pack built around sounds from the Roland SH series and the TR-606 drum machine, available as WAV files with a small bonus for Ableton Live users.
I’ve said it before, but simple WAV-based sample packs have slowly grown on me again.
For years, everything revolved around large Kontakt libraries or DAW-specific formats like Ableton racks. Somewhere along the way, we lost some of the simplicity that made sampling fun in the first place.
But the thing is that with a straightforward WAV pack, you get raw material you can load into any sampler (for example, the new Shortcircuit XT), chop up, re-pitch, resample, or twist into something new.
That’s why the Minimal Synths pack caught my attention when the developer reached out.
Instead of locking the sounds into a proprietary ecosystem like Kontakt (which might or might not be affected by recent Native Instruments financial news), the pack lets you stay flexible. It has more than 500 individual WAV samples, all recorded from original analog hardware and carefully organized for use in your DAW or sampler.
The synth material comes from several classic Roland SH models, with every key sampled across the full range. Each file is clearly labeled with note names and octaves, which makes working with the samples in third-party samplers much easier. You can quickly build your own instruments or just grab individual hits for layering and sound design.
On the drum side, you get a superb collection of TR-606 sounds. Around 160 drum samples are included, captured using round-robin techniques to add subtle variation. These are your typical retro punchy electronic drum sounds that fit naturally into all sorts of electronic productions.
One thing that I really appreciate here is the recording approach. In the spirit of classic sample pack providers like Goldbaby, the sounds were passed through high-end outboard gear for added character.
The signal chain includes boutique preamps, EQ, compression, and even a Neve 542 tape emulator, which adds a bit of weight without overprocessing the source.
If you’re an Ableton Live user, there’s a nice extra: 11 Simpler instrument presets and a TR-606 Drum Rack built from the included samples. They’re useful starting points, but the real strength of the pack, if you ask me, is that you’re not limited to them.
Minimal Synths is available as a free download from the Heretical Audio website. You’ll need to complete a free checkout and enter your email address.
The pack is royalty-free and works in any DAW or sampler that supports 24-bit WAV files. The included Ableton instruments are compatible with Ableton Live 12 Intro, Standard, and Suite.
If you like this kind of stuff, check out our free BPB Mini Analogue Collection.
Download: Minimal Synths (FREE)
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Last Updated on February 5, 2026 by Tomislav Zlatic.
