Splice releases Instrument, a free virtual instrument that is the new home for Spitfire Audio LABS.
Spitfire Audio’s LABS has gone from being the people’s champion to a topic of much contention in recent times.
The once seemingly universally adored LABS, a regular source of outstanding free instruments, generated a massive shift in public opinion when Spitefire Audio announced LABS+, a paid subscription tier.
It’s difficult, but not impossible, to recover after such a drastic shift in public sentiment.
Splice Instrument represents a first move beyond samples for Splice, and the next phase in the journey for LABS and LABS+.
Existing LABS+ subscribers should note that the plugin will be supported until 2026 and can continue to use it as usual. However, Spitfire Audio promises significant benefits and perks upon moving to Splice Instrument.
Before I get into the changes and potential benefits, let’s look at the pricing.
Splice Instrument has multiple subscription levels: FREE, Instrument ($12.99 per month), Creator ($19.99 per month), and Creator+ ($39.99 per month).
Free account holders can access all free instruments from Splice and LABS.
Instrument tier subscribers can access ALL premium instruments, including LABS+ releases, and Splice artist collaborations.
Creator and Creator+ account holders will get all of the above plus 200 or 500 credits, respectively, to spend on Splice library sounds.
So, how is this better for current LABS+ users and those who revolted against the new model?
Besides the price, many users were unhappy with the updated LABS interface. Like LABS, Splice Instrument is available as a plugin in your DAW or a Standalone instrument (macOS and Windows), but promises significantly improved browsing and a better overall workflow.
Spitfire Audio also cites the addition of Splice instruments, created in collaboration with various artists, as a significant upside to the new platform.
Free users will have the option to purchase individual LABS+ instruments, previously exclusive to paid monthly subscribers.
One of the more interesting commitments from Spitfire Audio is the return of monthly free LABS instruments. In a sense, it feels like Spitfire Audio is trying to give us the old LABS back, but is it the same?
What I loved about LABS was more than just the free instruments; it was that the instruments had character, quirkiness, and a story, as seen when they recorded the home piano of Phillip Glass, among others.
With the existence of LABS+, will the monthly freebies be what they used to be, or a diluted token gesture? I hope that we see a return of free LABS instruments with the same passion and enthusiasm; time will tell.
I see the potential upside for existing LABS+ subscribers with more sounds and a smoother workflow. However, it’s too early to know if this new format will bring back previous fans or usher in a new audience.
Is Splice Instrument a return to some former glory for LABS, or is it too little, too late?
I should highlight once more that it’s not all about LABS. Splice will add exclusive content to Instrument, but I’m sure LABS will dominate the early conversations.
“Too little, too late” reminds me that our Exclusive 70% discount on all SoundMorph products ends on October 10, 2025. You have around a week to grab that discount, after which, it’s too little, too late!
Check out the deal: Instrument (Multiple subscription levels: FREE, Instrument – $12.99 monthly, Creator – $19.99 monthly, and Creator+ – $39.99 per month)
Deal of the day 🔥: Get 70% OFF any SoundMorph product (starting at $14!)!
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Last Updated on October 3, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
