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🎛️ Top 5 Plugins for Making Loops & Samples (No External Libraries Required)

· By Arthur Boussamet

🎛️ Top 5 Plugins for Making Loops & Samples (No External Libraries Required)

Forget digging through endless packs — these 5 plugins let you create your own fire loops and samples from scratch. Learn step-by-step workflows, embed-ready demo videos, and screenshots so you can follow along.

Why create your own loops?

If you’ve been producing for a while, you know the loop hunt is real. Instead of browsing packs (and if you want, don't forget to check all of our sample packs), these modern plugins let you generate and design original loops and samples inside your DAW — complete control over key, tempo, texture, and vibe.

Quick definitions

  • Loop — a short repeating audio segment (melody, drum pattern, etc.).
  • Sample — any recorded sound you can manipulate (one-shots, textures, vocal chops).
  • Plugin-based creation — making sounds by synthesis, AI, resynthesis, or algorithmic transformations — no external libraries required.

Top 5 Plugins to Create Loops & Samples

1. Samplab 2 — AI Sampler (Audio → MIDI, Text-to-Sample, Resynthesis)

Best for: Converting audio into editable MIDI, resynthesis, and creating playable melodic loops from raw audio.

Samplab 2 lets you drop any WAV/MP3 and extract melody and note data or regenerate sections — perfect for turning a wet idea into MIDI for further editing and resampling. Use it to convert vocal hums, guitar loops, or YouTube chops into editable MIDI and rebuild loops from there.

Quick workflow

  1. Drop a wet melodic loop or vocal into Samplab → convert to MIDI.
  2. Edit the MIDI (change notes/chords), then route to a soft synth or resample back to audio.
  3. Apply texture (tape, saturation) and bounce at 24-bit WAV for a polished loop.

Highlights : 

  • Convert any audio into MIDI instantly
  • Modify chords, melodies, or timing like it’s nothing
  • Regenerate sections with AI
  • It’s free for basic use

2. Output Co-Producer — Re-Imagine (Sample Reinventor)

Best for: Flipping or reworking existing samples into unique variations with a “keep/change” control.

Output’s Co-Producer has a feature called Re-Imagine that analyzes a sample’s character and generates countless altered versions that retain usable musical DNA while sounding brand-new — incredible for avoiding stale loops or Content ID issues.

Quick workflow

  1. Load your favorite loop into Co-Producer → press Re-Imagine and browse variations.
  2. Pick 2–3 versions and layer for movement: slightly detune one, low-pass another.
  3. Resample the result as a stereo loop and run through light compression and saturation.
Output coproducers

Highlights

  • Avoid copyright issues with regenerated sounds
  • Choose how much of the original character to keep
  • Integrates with Output’s ecosystem (Arcade, etc.)
  • Great for cinematic or experimental trap

3. Gennie by Soundation — Text-to-Sample AI Generator (Browser)

Best for: Fast inspiration — generate 12-second loops (drums, bass, chords) from a text prompt.

Gennie generates short audio samples from text prompts (e.g., “dark phonk bass, 100 BPM”). It’s an instant way to get raw loop material you can import into your DAW and chop, pitch, or reslice. Since it’s browser-based, it’s super quick for idea generation.


Quick workflow

  1. Write a specific prompt (genre, BPM, instrument, mood) and generate a 12s sample.
  2. Trim, export as WAV, import to DAW, then time-stretch or slice as needed.
  3. Layer with your drums or resample through effects to make it sit in your beat.
Gennie AI Screenshot

Highlight : 

  • Text-to-loop generation (AI)
  • Generates basslines, drums, melodies
  • Exports directly to WAV
  • No install required

4. Loopcloud — Flip Sample (One-Click Loop Transformer)

Best for: Flipping loops: slicing, resequencing, pitch-shifting, and applying rhythmic patterns instantly.

Loopcloud’s Flip feature is a quick way to take any loop and transform it with curated rhythmic and pitch patterns. It’s perfect when you want to flip a loop into multiple versions fast and find the groove that fits your track.

Quick workflow

  1. Right-click any loop → “Flip Sample” → browse results.
  2. Export the version you like and layer with other elements (drums, FX).
  3. Repeat with different flip styles for multiple variations to use across a track.
Loopcloud flip feature capture

Highlights : 

  • One-click transformation of any sample
  • Instant variations (rhythmic, tonal, or FX-based)
  • Massive loop library integration if you ever want it
  • Tight DAW sync

5. Waves ILLUGEN — Text-to-Sound Engine (Loops, One-Shots, SFX)

Best for: Generating one-shots, textures, or loops from text prompts inside your DAW.

ILLUGEN turns text prompts into sounds — you can specify instrument type, BPM, and character (e.g., “gritty 808 loop, 70 BPM”), then refine and export. It’s powerful for building original sound libraries on the fly.

Quick workflow

  1. Enter a descriptive prompt → generate a loop or one-shot → refine parameters like length and texture.
  2. Resample and process (filter, saturation, granular reverb) for unique loops.
  3. Export as WAV and add to your loop library with metadata (key, BPM, mood).
Waves Illugen AI

Highlights 

ILLUGEN by Waves lets you type “deep dark 808 with distortion” or “spacey pluck loop at 140 BPM,” and it creates the sound for you.

  • Text-prompt sound generation
  • Control style, instrument, BPM
  • Great starting point for custom sound design
  • Can export one-shots, loops, or textures

 


Quick Comparison

Plugin Type Best For AI Reference Price Link
Samplab 2 Audio → MIDI / Resynthesis Melodies & converting audio Yes Free / Pro $9.99 mo Official
Output Co-Producer (Re-Imagine) Sample rework Flipping & variations Yes $10 mo (Output Arcade Sub) Official
Gennie (Soundation) Text-to-sample (Web) Quick loop generation Yes Free (Beta) Official
Loopcloud Flip Sample transformer Flip & slice loops No (Algorithmic) $7.99 mo (Loopcloud Plan) Official
Waves ILLUGEN Text-to-sound One-shots, loops, SFX Yes $49 Intro Price Official

How to integrate them in your workflow

  1. Idea spark: Start with Gennie or ILLUGEN for quick inspiration.
  2. Develop: Use Samplab 2 to convert ideas to MIDI or resynthesize for playable instruments.
  3. Flip & transform: Run promising loops through Loopcloud FLIP or Output Re-Imagine for variations.
  4. Resample & humanize: Add swing, slight timing offsets, and effects chains — export as 24-bit WAV.
  5. Organize: Save loops with tags (Genre, BPM, Key, Mood) in your sample library for fast recall.

Pro tip: Export both WAV and MIDI when possible — MIDI gives you infinite control later.


FAQ — Quick Answers

Are AI-generated loops royalty-free?

Most plugins let you use generated content commercially — but always check each plugin’s license for specifics. If in doubt, run the output through a resynthesis step (e.g., Samplab) to make it uniquely yours.

Can I sell loops made with these plugins?

Usually yes — but read plugin EULAs. Many platforms require you to process/generate content yourself (not simply redistribute the raw library). Resample and process to be safe.

CPU & performance concerns?

Some tools use cloud compute (browser or plugin) — they’re optimized for modern systems, but keep an eye on buffer/latency when using multiple instances.

Final Thoughts — Make Your Sound Yours

These five plugins let you skip the endless pack scavenger hunt and craft original loops and samples that fit your style. Start with one, learn its workflow, and slowly incorporate more into your sound design routine. Make a folder, export WAVs and MIDIs, and build your own signature loop library.

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