Introduction
With good program libraries as our starting point, our sampling process is significantly more involved than just recording and selling a bunch of WAV files. It begins with characterization, continues through the sampling phase, and ends with patch programming in the targeted sampler. We currently have samples from various Casio, Korg, New England Digital, Oberheim, Roland, Sequential Circuits, Suzuki, and Yamaha synthesizers. Order through Sales (sales@synthark.com).
Editions
Our samples come in either Live (16 bit, 48kHz tritone) or Studio (24 bit, 96kHz, minor third) Editions. The Complete Editions contain both Live and Studio Editions. See our Our Sampling Process for more information.
BareBones
The Bare Bones banks contain oscillator only samples (no processing or programming), giving musicians a versatile starting point for crafting sounds.
Kid Nepro
The Kid Nepro banks feature synthesizer programming that is licensed from Kid Nepro, offering a wide range of sounds for each synth.
Preview Samples
We offer preview sample downloads for most of the banks we sell in most popular formats. Preview sample presets were chosen from the Live Editions, based on size, minimizing download times. Some sample player formats do not support all features of original presets (e.g. envelopes may be simplified).
Format Abbreviations:
- EXB: Emu EmulatorX, ProteusX, ProteusVX
- EXS: Apple Logic EXS24
- M5: MOTU MachFive
- NKI: Native Instruments Kontakt
- SFZ: Cakewalk SFZ player
- SF2: SoundFont2 (generic format)
- ST: IK Multimedia SampleTank
- SXT: Propellerhead Reason NN-XT
- WAV: Waveform Audio File Format (generic format)
Note: While WAV files are looped (seamless without cross-fading), they do not support the performance features (LFO, amp envelope) replicated in the platform specific (EXB, EXS, NKI, M5, SF2) banks.
Need a free sample player?
Cakewalk SFZ is good player with a minimal GUI (presets can be edited via text files), while IK Multimedia SampleTank has a full featured GUI. Emu ProteusVX (PC only) has the advanced features of the ProteusX, but is limited by RAM size (no disk streaming), so we would recommend our "Live" editions unless your computer has a lot of memory. If you already own Apple Logic Pro, the EXS24 sample player is included. We also support Emu EmulatorX (ProteusX, ProteusVX), MOTU MachFive, and Native Instruments Kontakt, which compensate for their cost by being much more flexible with a larger feature set. If you have a sample player we do not currently support natively, we recommend the SF2 format, since most sample players can import it. While SF2 is more limited than some of the platform specific formats (EmulatorX, Kontakt, MachFive), it at least supports basic key/velocity mapping, envelope, and LFO settings, unlike WAV.
Casio
CZ
The CZ family is famous for their basses and unique synthetic sounds.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 BareBones Complete:$32 | While the traditional saw, square, and pulse waves are included, the CZ synthesizer family went far beyond those building blocks, introducing double sine, saw/pulse, and resonant saw, triangle, and trapezoid waveforms. Additionally, waveforms could be combined serially, creating alternating waveforms. The primary waveforms and allowed serial combinations bring the waveform count to 58. However, there are far more than 58 samples in this bank, since each waveform was sampled from C1 to C6, preserving the harmonic and amplitude characteristics over the key range (see pics). | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
 Kid Nepro Live:$128, Studio:$256 | The Library edition (192 presets) contains all 12 banks (brass, strings, woodwind, basses, drumbass, organs, epianos, synkeys, synths, assort, effects, mix). | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
FZ
The FZ family are underrated but versatile sampling synths.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 BareBones Live:free download, Studio:free download, Complete:free download | The preset double sine, pulse, random, saw, and square waveforms are included. | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
HZ
The HZ family (including HT variants) is Casio's lesser known analog synth line.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 BareBones Complete:$32 | While the traditional triangle, saw, square, and pulse waves are included, the HZ-600 went far beyond those building blocks, introducing various other complex waveforms for a total of 32 waveforms. However, there are far more than 32 samples in this bank, since each waveform was sampled from C1 to C6, preserving the harmonic and amplitude characteristics over the key range. | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
VZ
Taking “Phase Distortion” (similar to FM) to the next level, the VZ synth family has a staggering 8 oscillators that can modulate each other for unique synthetic sounds and/or be mixed together for a very fat sound.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 Kid Nepro Live:$128 | As usual, the 64 Kid Nepro programs we sampled give a great cross-section of the VZ’s capabilities. Each oscillator was sampled as applicable. As a bonus, the Bare Bones programs (sine, saw1-5, noise1-2) are included, giving musicians a versatile starting point for crafting sounds. | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
Korg
DW6000
The DW-6000 was one of the last of Korg's hybrid synths. The digital oscillators gave the DW-6000 a wider variety of waveforms than a conventional analog synthesizer, while the warm analog filters (NJM2069) are shared with it's siblings (Poly-800/EX-800, DW-8000/EX-8000, DSS-1, DSM-1).
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 Kid Nepro Live:$64, Studio:$128 | The Kid Nepro programming provides a versatile sample bank of 64 presets. | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
DW8000
While the DW-8000 has a voice architecture similar to the DW-6000, it adds more waveforms, velocity sensitivity, and auto-bend.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 Kid Nepro Vol1 Live:$128, Studio:$256 | Once again, Kid Nepro programming puts the DW-8000 through it's paces for this sample banks (64 presets). | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
DWGS
DWGS is the digital single-cycle waveforms used by the DW-6000, DW-8000, and included as harmonic presets in the DSM-1.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 BareBones Complete:$32 | The bank contains 40 single cycle waveforms (all 8 DW-6000, 16 DW-8000, and 16 DSM-1), along with a noise waveform. However, there are far more than 41 samples in this bank, since each waveform was sampled from C-1 to C8, preserving the harmonic and amplitude characteristics over the key range (see pics). | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
Poly800
An odd polysynth configuration, using harmonically weighted square waves for the sound source (with all voices mixed to a common 2069 analog filter) give the Poly800 a distinctive sound.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 BareBones Complete:$32 | Unlike most subtractive synthesizers, the Poly-800 uses 4 square wave harmonics as the sound source. The harmonic volume weighting can be either flat or decreasing, producing "square" or "saw" waves respectively. The 4 harmonics and saw or square weighting leads to 30 (15+15) oscillator waveforms, along with a noise waveform. However, there are far more than 31 samples in this bank, since each waveform was sampled from C1 to C6, preserving the harmonic and amplitude characteristics over the key range (see pics). Notice the wave doesn't look much like a saw until it approaches the top of the key range. | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
 Kid Nepro Live:$128, Studio:$256 | We sampled both Kid Nepro patch banks for this collection. The Library edition contains both banks (128 presets). | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
New England Digital
SynclavierII
The Synclavier II, with it’s cutting edge digital technology, was the synth many wanted, but few could afford. Four additive (or sampled) sound sources, each supporting FM, gave it a large palette, but “timbre frames” (similar to clips in video editing) allowed sounds to change over time.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 Vol0 Live:$64, Studio:$128 | Volume 0 contains various basses, brass, percussion, strings, woodwinds, misc. presets (55 total) | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
 Vol1 Live:$64, Studio:$128 | Volume 1 contains various brass presets (60 total) | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
 Vol2 Live:$64, Studio:$128 | Volume 2 contains basses, brass, guitars, organs, percussion, woodwinds, strings, etc. (64 total) | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
 Vol3 Live:$64, Studio:$128 | Volume 3 contains electric piano, clavinet, synth piano/bass/pad/horn, voice, etc. (64 total) | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
Oberheim
Matrix6
The matrix modulation introduced in it's namesake created one of the few analog polysynths capable of very complex sounds.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 Kid Nepro Live:$64, Studio:$128 | Signature Matrix-6 matrix modulation based complexity is demonstrated in this collection. The Matrix-6 was sampled over velocity as practical (velocity sensitive presets with short durations were sampled with more velocities than presets with long durations). The Library edition contains all 50 presets. Alternately, separate volumes are available. |
Roland
Juno106
Classic Juno sounds from an early member of the Juno Family, sharing the same filter IC (IR3109 in a 80017A module) as the contemporary Jupiter Family.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 Kid Nepro Live:$64, Studio:$128 | Contains Group A and B (128 presets). | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
Super Jupiter R5
The Super Jupiter (MKS-80) came in two distinct versions. Rev 4 used the Jupiter 6 and Jupiter 8 filter IC, while Rev 5 used the same filter IC as the later hybrid Super JX and Alpha Juno families. These samples are from a Rev 5 Super Jupiter. The Rev5 Super Jupiter banks are larger than most of our banks, due to the full 8 velocity sampling of relevant presets. We are developing sample banks from a Rev 4 Super Jupiter, but release has been postponed.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 Kid Nepro Vol1 Live:$128, Studio:$256 | Volume 1 "Classic Analog Mix" contains 64 presets. | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
 Kid Nepro Vol2 Live:$128, Studio:$256 | Volume 2 "Techno/Analog Mix" contains 64 presets (coming soon). | |
 Kid Nepro Vol3 Live:$128, Studio:$256 | Volume 3 "Patch King Mix" contains 64 presets (coming soon). |
Sequential Circuits
Prophet2002
The Prophet 2002 is a classic sampling synth, using analog (CEM) filters, similar to other Prophet synths.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 Factory Complete:$32 | This collection features the 12 factory Prophet 2002 presets and 16 raw “barebones” ROM samples. The Prophet 2002 was sampled over the preset’s key range and velocity as applicable. | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
ProphetVS
The Prophet VS is a classic synth, using analog (CEM) filters, similar to other Prophet synths, along with "Vector Synthesis", which could create evolving timbres.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 BareBones Live:$32, Studio:$64 | While the traditional sine, saw, square, pulse, and noise waves are included, the Prophet VS synthesizer family went far beyond those building blocks, introducing over 50 other single cycle waveforms. Some waveforms add harmonics to traditional waveforms, while others are completely unique to analog synthesizers. The total waveform count is 95 (128 - 32 user - null wave), but there are far more than 95 samples in this bank, since each waveform was sampled from F#0 to C8, preserving the harmonic and amplitude characteristics over the key range, as usual. | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
 Kid Nepro Live:$256, Studio:$512 | Signature Prophet VS sonic complexity abounds in this collection. The Prophet VS was sampled over velocity as practical (i.e. velocity sensitive presets with short durations were sampled with more velocities than presets with long durations). The Library edition contains all volumes (100 presets). Alternately, separate volumes are available. | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
Suzuki
SX500
While somewhat obscure, the SX-500 (a.k.a. Siel EX80) has features similar to a Korg Poly800, although it's tone is different, since it uses an SSM2044 filter (vs. Korg's NJM2069).
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 Factory Live:$64, Studio:$128 | All 40 factory presets are sampled. | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
Yamaha
4op-FM
The 4 operator FM family (DX100, DX21, DX11) is famous for their basses and unique synthetic sounds.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 Kid Nepro Live:$128, Studio:$256 | The Library edition (300 presets) contains all 10 banks (Basses, Drums-Percussion, Woodwinds, Organs, Electric Pianos, Brass, Bells, Synth Mix, Mixed BagA/B). | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
CE20
The CE20 and CE25 were one of the first FM synthesizers developed by Yamaha, paving the way for the more famous 4 operator and 6 operator DX families. The CE20 has 20 presets (Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Trombone, Violin, Cello, Contrabass 1, Contrabass2, Electric Bass 1, Electric Bass 2, Brass, Horn, Organ, Electric Piano, Harpsichord, Strings). Being a preset FM based synth, the original sounds are limited, but they still have their place in history.
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 Presets Complete:$32 | Since the CE20 is not editable, the amplifier envelope could not be gated, so the original attack, decay, and sustain are sampled, creating some long samples. Only the release decay and velocity response performance features are emulated in the platform specific (EXB, EXS, NKI, M5, SF2, ST, SFZ) banks. While WAV files are looped (seamless without cross-fading), the format does not support performance features. Vibrato was not implemented, since settings could not be characterized. Since there are minimal performance features implemented, the cost of the platform specific and WAV formats is the same (similar to the barebones editions). | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |
GS2
The GS1 and GS2 were one of the first FM synthesizers developed by Yamaha, paving the way for the more famous 4 operator and 6 operator DX families. All presets were saved in battery backed RAM, which means if you are lucky enough to find a GS1 or GS2 today, it is probably useless without a memory strip library (since the batteries on most GS1’s and GS2’s died long ago).
| Volume | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
 Presets Live:$64, Studio:$128 | Care was taken to sample this library over velocity. The GS1’s and GS2’s weighted (hammer action) keys are very sensitive to velocity, so these banks are best played on a similarly weighted controller to appreciate the sensitivity of the original GS1 and GS2. Note: Since the GS2 is not editable, the amplifier envelope could not be gated, so the original attack, decay, and sustain are sampled, creating long samples. Only the release decay and velocity response performance features are emulated in the platform specific (EXB, EXS, NKI, M5, SF2, ST, SFZ) banks. While WAV files are looped (seamless without cross-fading), the format does not support performance features. Since there are minimal performance features implemented, the cost of the platform specific and WAV formats is the same (similar to the barebones editions). | EXS24, Kontakt, MachFive, NN-XT, WAV format EmulatorX/ProteusX format |