Splice has just taken a bold step forward. After years of being the go-to platform for samples and loops, they’ve officially entered the virtual instrument world with the release of INSTRUMENT, a free VST/AU/AAX plugin for macOS and Windows.
And here’s the kicker: it launches with over 1200 multi-sampled presets powered by Spitfire Audio, one of the most respected names in cinematic and orchestral sound design.
For anyone who has relied on Splice credits for samples, this marks a considerable shift: no credits, no downloads from a web browser, just a playable instrument right inside your DAW.
Splice INSTRUMENT Is Free
Splice CEO Kakul Srivastava calls INSTRUMENT a “major milestone” for the company. It’s not just a new plugin, it’s a new direction. Instead of limiting themselves to one-shots and loops, Splice is now offering fully playable instruments, from intimate pianos and lush choirs to experimental synths and vintage drum machines.
Much of this content comes from Spitfire Audio’s LABS series, which has now been discontinued. If you’ve ever used LABS, you’ll feel right at home, except that the entire system now lives inside Splice’s ecosystem, with a much cleaner workflow.
At launch, INSTRUMENT gives you access to 489 free presets across 66 themed packs, with new free “drops” planned regularly. These cover:
- Atmospheric pads and textures
- Rare and characterful pianos
- Hyperpop-inspired synths
- Vintage-style drums and percussion
The free tier is generous, making it a serious addition to your toolkit even if you never upgrade.
Inside the Plugin
The design is intuitive and straightforward:
- Browser: Browse, preview, and download presets directly inside the plugin.
- Play Window: Once loaded, adjust sounds using macro controls to fine-tune dynamics, tone, and expression.
- Presets: Quickly switch between variations within themed packs.
It’s not as deep as a Kontakt instrument or a full sampler, but that’s the point. INSTRUMENT is about fast inspiration and plug-and-play creativity.
This release feels like the natural evolution of Splice, following its acquisition of Spitfire Audio earlier this year. LABS has been retired, and LABS+ has shut down; now, everything lives under Splice.
As Paul Thomson of Spitfire Audio puts it, “Sounds from this collection have already appeared on Grammy-nominated albums and blockbuster films.” That’s a big statement, but it shows the level of quality now available to anyone with a Splice account.
Final Thoughts
By combining Spitfire’s sampling expertise with Splice’s distribution model, the INSTRUMENT plugin creates an environment where musicians can access world-class sounds instantly, without requiring heavy system resources or clunky workflows.
If you’re a producer looking for inspiring sounds, cinematic textures, or just a reliable free instrument to expand your palette, INSTRUMENT is absolutely worth downloading. And with Splice promising regular free new sounds and presets, it’s only going to get better over time.
👉 Download Splice INSTRUMENT free at Splice and start exploring over 1200 presets today.
