The Best Free Drum Kits of 2024: Essential Packs for Mind-Blowing Tracks

Having top-notch sounds and samples at your fingertips is essential when you’re trying to stand out from the crowd.

That’s why we’ve put together this incredible list of the best free drum kits available to boost your production game and take your beats to the next level. 

In this extensive list, you’ll discover:

• The most sought-after free drum kits of 2023 ✓
• Exclusive insights and overviews of each drum kit ✓
• What is included in each individual pack ✓
• Advanced production tips & techniques for maximizing the potential of these free drum kits ✓

Get ready to explore a genius collection of high-quality drum samples, loops, MIDI patterns, and much more.

They are all expertly crafted to help you create captivating and unforgettable tracks. 

Let’s dive in…

#1. Unison Free Hip Hop Drum Kit

First up on our list is the Unison Free Hip Hop Drum Kit, designed to make your beats resonate with power and precision.

This comprehensive pack includes over 50 drum samples and loops; all for free and without any royalty obligations.

Crafted for quality, these samples come with matching audio and MIDI stems to provide you with the versatility and creative freedom you need.

From the boom of the 808s to the snap of the snares, each element has been expertly processed to ensure professional quality.

Inside this mind-blowing pack, you’ll find an extensive, well-rounded collection of elements for your rhythmic arsenal

But the allure doesn’t stop at mere numbers…

These high-quality samples have been designed to work across different genres — from hip-hop and R&B to Afrobeats and trap.

They’ve been modeled after the most popular beats in contemporary music to ensure that your tracks align with the industry’s highest standards.

This sample pack includes:

• 3x 808s
• 3x claps
• 3x closed hats
• 3x open hats
• 3x cymbals
• 3x drum loops complete with stems and MIDI
• 3x kicks
• 3x percs
• 3x rim shots
• 3x snaps
• 3x snares

Remember, these are not just sounds; they are your gateway to creating outstanding music.

And if you’re concerned about copyright, rest easy.

All these samples are completely royalty-free, giving you the freedom to use them in any personal or commercial projects.

Pro Tip: Customized 808s

For those looking to further tailor their sound, consider creating a customized 808 instrument.

By importing an existing 808 from this pack into a Sampler and establishing a root note, you can manipulate the ADSR Envelope and generate a unique effects chain.

This method allows you to craft an individualized 808 sound without the need to start from a basic sine wave.

It’s an innovative approach that adds an extra layer of creativity to your beat-making process.

#2. Unison Famous Beatmaker Drum Essentials

If you’re looking to create beats with the signature sounds of some of the most iconic producers in the industry, then the Unison Famous Beatmaker Drum Essentials is the drum kit for you. 

This free drum kit is jam-packed with high-quality drum samples that will add a professional touch to your beats and help you stand out from the crowd.

These expertly crafted drum samples have everything you need to create top-notch beats that will impress even the most discerning listeners. 

Each sound in this pack has been meticulously designed and processed to ensure it has the perfect balance of punch, depth, and character.

One of the standout features of this pack is the attention to detail and quality that’s gone into each sample. 

The sounds have been inspired by some of the biggest names in music production.

Therefore, you’ll be able to incorporate elements from their signature styles into your own work. 

Plus, with a diverse range of kicks, snares, hi-hats, and percussion sounds at your disposal, you’ll have no trouble crafting unique beats that are both groundbreaking and authentic.

This sample pack includes 19 drum samples from the following hits:

• 21 Savage – Bank Account
• A$AP Rocky – Babushka Boi
• Big Sean, Post Malone – Wolves
• Kanye West – Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1
• XXXTENTACION – SAD!

Needless to say, when it comes to free drum kits, this pack is superior in every way.

Pro Tip: Layering Drum Samples

To get the most out of this pack, try layering different drum samples together to create entirely new sounds. 

For example, you could layer a punchy kick with a more sub-heavy kick to create a unique, powerful kick drum that cuts through the mix. 

Try layering a foley sample with a snare to really impart some flare and grit; use a Crunch, Metal, or Change.

Also, try latering a big kick with an Impact or a Melodic Shot for a fuller sonic effect that covers the entire frequency spectrum.

Speaking of samples, if you’re looking for the absolute hottest best free sample packs in the game, we’ve got you covered!

#3. Unison Essential Drum Loops

Unison Essential Drum Loops is a must-have if you’re looking to give your track that extra “oomph.”

This free drum kit provides you with an extensive collection of high-quality, professionally produced drum loops that are perfect for a variety of genres.

It features a wide range of drum loops, from simple, understated grooves to more complex and intricate patterns. 

Each loop has been expertly crafted by renowned producers, so you can bet your bottom dollar that every one is mind-blowing, punchy, and full of character. 

One of the great things about this pack is its versatility.

With drum loops spanning a variety of tempos and styles, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs.

Plus, each loop is provided in both WAV and MIDI format.

Meaning, you’ll have complete control over the sound and be able to customize the loops to fit your unique tracks. 

Another impressive feature of this pack is its organization. 

The loops are sorted by tempo, making it easy for you to find the perfect groove for your track.

Without wasting time browsing through endless folders, mind you.

This sample pack includes:

• 12 professional-quality, perfectly mixed drum loops for you to plug & play straight into your tracks.

What sets this pack apart from other free drum kits is its insane quality and precision.

Pro Tip: Chopping & Rearranging Loops

Try chopping up and rearranging the loops to create your own unique drum patterns. 

You can do this by importing the loops into your DAW and using the built-in audio editing tools to slice and rearrange the individual drum hits. 

This technique not only adds a personal touch to your beats but also helps you create entirely new grooves that will keep your listeners absolutely addicted.

The easiest way to do this is using a Sampler with built-in slicing capabilities, such as the one shown above.

Reason’s new Sampler “Mimic” is ideal for this process and was designed for these types of sampling techniques.

#4. Unison Artist Series Essentials

The Unison Artist Series Essentials is a free drum kit that captures the essence of some of the most iconic artists in the music industry. 

With drum samples and loops inspired by a diverse range of genres, like trap and hip-hop, this pack is a must-have if you’re looking to add some serious star power to your beats.

Whether you’re looking to recreate the sounds of your favorite artists or simply seeking inspiration for your own unique style, this pack has you covered. 

With a diverse range of drum sounds spanning various genres, including hip-hop, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect samples to elevate your beats. 

All the sounds have been meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the artists they’re inspired by, providing you with a polished sonic palette to work with. 

This sample pack includes:

• 2x 808s
• 2x Atmos
• 2x Bass Loops
• 2x Bass Shots
• 2x Claps
• 2x Hats
• 2x Drum Fills
• 2x Drum Loops
• 2x FX
• 2x Kicks
• 2x Lead Shots
• 2x Melodic Loops
• 2x Percs
• 2x Snares
• 2x Vox

Pro Tip: Emulating Artist Styles

To make the most of the Unison Artist Series Essentials, try studying the production techniques used by the artists who inspired the pack. 

Listen to their tracks closely and analyze: 

1. How they layer their drums
2. How they process their sounds
3. How they arrange their beats

By doing so, you’ll be able to enhance your skills in a major way.

Remember, experimentation and analyzation are key to evolving as a producer.

#5. Unison Free Black Friday Pack

The Unison Free Black Friday Pack is a limited-edition free drum kit that’s perfect if you’re looking to expand your sonic arsenal without breaking the bank. 

With a wide array of high-quality drum samples and loops, this free pack is an absolute steal.

You’ll be provided with everything you need to create professional-quality beats that will impress even the most discerning listeners. 

Each sound in this pack has been meticulously designed and processed to ensure they’ll have your tracks ready for distribution.

What sets this pack apart from other free drum kits is its sheer versatility. 

The Unison Free Black Friday pack guarantees you’ll never run out of inspiration or creative options.

Another impressive feature of the Unison Free Black Friday Pack is its user-friendly organization. 

Plus, all the samples and loops are sorted by type.

This way, it’s super easy to find the perfect sound for your track without wasting time browsing through endless folders. 

This sample pack includes:

• 40x Advanced Scales MIDI Files
• 75x Artist Series Samples
• 15x Bass Loops
• 15x Drum Loops
• 19x Famous Beatmaker Drums
• 2x Famous Beatmaker Templates
• 15x Famous Mainstage Serum Presets
• 36x Famous MIDI Chord Progressions
• 124x Guitar Loops, Stems & MIDIs
• 15x Melody Loops
• 36x MIDI Basslines
• 36x MIDI Chord Progressions
• 10x Full MIDI Drum Kits / 58x MIDI Drum Patterns
• 36x MIDI Melodies
• 12x Omnisphere Presets
• 55x Unique One-Shots (In C, E & G#)
• 20x Serum Presets
• 16x Vocals

Can you believe how much this epic pack offers compared to other free drum kits? It’s crazy.

Pro Tip: Combining Samples From Different Packs

Try combining samples from different packs and loading them into a Sampler to create entirely new sounds from different genres (and sample-types).

For example, you could layer a snare from the Unison Famous Beatmaker Drum Essentials with a one-shot from the (also free) Unison One-Shot Essentials pack to create a unique, hybrid drum hit. 

Then, be sure to add some unique processing to each individual one.

Additionally, try adding a glitched and/or gated reverb and delay to the snare.

As well as a delayed reverb and some formant-shifting effect to the one-shot (especially if it’s a vocal sample, like these).

This technique not only adds a personal touch to your beats but also helps you create entirely new sounds that blow the minds of anyone who hears them.

#6. Unison Beatmaker Blueprint (Free Teaser Pack)

The Unison Beatmaker Blueprint (Free Teaser Pack) is a free drum kit that offers a taste of the full Unison Beatmaker Blueprint. 

With a selection of high-quality drum samples and loops, this pack is perfect if you’re looking to try before you buy.

It’s a compact yet powerful collection of drum samples and loops that caters to any genre you can think of.

With over 30 meticulously crafted drum sounds, this pack provides you with a solid foundation to build your next chart-topping hit. 

You won’t even believe the amount of precision and time that went into every single element in this pack compared to other free drum kits; it’s not even close.

This sample pack includes:

• 12x 808s
• 6x Atmos
• 6x Bass Loops (+6x Matching MIDI)
• 6x Bass Shots
• 9x Claps
• 11x Closed Hats
• 6x Cymbals
• 12x Drum Loops
• 6x Foley
• 9x FX & Misc
• 11x Kicks
• 24x Melody Loops
• 18x Melodic Shots
• 6x Open Hats
• 9x Percs
• 6x Rim Shots
• 3x Snaps
• 11x Snares

All the drum loops and melody loops also come with matching MIDI stems & audio stems, so you can really go crazy.

Side note, if you’re looking for even more free drum loops, look no further.

Pro Tip: Creating Unique Textures With Creative Effects

Try experimenting with different effects to create unique textures and soundscapes. 

For example, you could use a bitcrusher on a snare to give it a gritty, lo-fi feel.

Then, add some automation or modulation to really make it more crunchy on the tail-end, without ruining the essence of it’s Attack.

Incorporate a little, very quick/small reverb for some added depth.

NOTE: A quick, short slapback delay can be equally, or even more, effective depending on how pronounced you want the decay/release.

Also, try routing your hi-hats to a reverb send in order to add some “space” to your beat.

Then bounce the send and reverse it, which will cause a super intriguing sound.

By thinking outside the box and applying effects in creative ways, you’ll be able to craft distinctive drum patterns that will make your beats truly shine.

#7. Unison Essential MIDI Drum Kits

The Unison Essential MIDI Drum Kits pack is a must-have if you’d like to expand your MIDI drum pattern library. 

With a diverse range of professionally crafted MIDI drum patterns, this teaser is an invaluable resource to help enhance your tracks with high-quality, professionally produced sounds.

This free pack features a wide range of patterns that is sure to fit any vibe you’re searching for, from basic grooves to intricate rhythms. 

Each pattern has been manipulated in a special fashion to help make your tracks radio ready and absolutely addicting.

One of the great things about this pack is its flexibility. 

Each pattern is provided in MIDI format, so you’ll have complete control over the sounds and be able to tweak and customize the patterns to fit your vibe.

The included patterns are sorted by style and genre, making it easy for you to find the perfect groove for your track without wasting unnecessary time. 

This way, you can just focus on creating more mind-blowing beats for the world to appreciate.

This sample pack includes:

• 5x Kick MIDI Lines
• 5x Closed Hat MIDI Lines
• 5x Open Hat MIDI Lines
• 5x Snare/Clap MIDI Lines
• 6x Perc MIDI Lines
• 2x Off-Snare MIDI Lines

Just drag & drop these MIDI drum files into your projects to create professional-sounding drum grooves instantly.

Pro Tip: Create MIDI Patterns From Drum Loops & Use Your Own Samples

When you replace the default drum sounds in the patterns with your own samples it imparts some sonic flare.

This, in turn, allows you to create entirely new drum patterns. 

To do so:

1. Import a drum loop into your DAW
2. Use your DAW’s Audio-to-MIDI function, incorporate a designated plugin like Melodyne, or input the MIDI manually.
3. Reference the audio file for guidance when it comes to your main kick and snare.
4. Use your ears to estimate the rest, or the parts you’re unable to see visually in the audio.
5. Assign your favorite drum samples to the corresponding MIDI notes
6. Start tweaking the patterns to fit your track. 

This technique not only adds a personal touch to your beats but also helps you create entirely new grooves that will keep your listeners fully engaged.

#8. Unison MIDI Box (Free Teaser)

The Unison MIDI Box (Free Teaser) is a powerful collection of MIDI drum patterns and melody loops. 

With over 30 meticulously crafted MIDI files, this pack provides you with a solid foundation for creating top-notch beats and melodies that will leave your audience thirsty for more.

You’ll instantly be able to hear the quality and precision that was put into these meticulously crafted MIDIs (by the world’s top Music Theory experts & producers).

Meaning, when you use these MIDI patterns in your productions, you’re tapping into the same creative expertise that has shaped the sound of chart-topping hits across various genres.

These expertly designed MIDI patterns can elevate your music production skills and create tracks that are on par with the best in the business.

This free drum kit includes:

• 10x MIDI Melodies
• 10x MIDI Chord Progressions
• 10x MIDI Basslines
• 25 MIDI drum patterns

The competing free drum kits don’t offer quality that comes close to this pack, so you have to check it out.

Pro Tip: Layering MIDI Patterns

Try layering multiple MIDI drum patterns together to create a rich and complex rhythm section. 

For example, you could combine a kick/snare drum pattern with a percussion pattern of a different genre to create a unique and interesting groove.

Or even layer multiple (similar) drum patterns on top of each other to build a more intricate and dynamic beat. 

By combining different MIDI patterns in creative ways, you’ll be able to craft distinctive, enticing tracks.

#9. Unison Essential MIDI Hi-Hat Rolls

The Unison Essential MIDI Hi-Hat Rolls pack is an invaluable resource if you’re looking for those fire hi-hats.

This supreme free pack sets itself apart from all the other free drum kits by focusing specifically on providing a diverse range of hi-hat patterns that can inject life into your tracks.

Each unique hi-hat pattern has been intricately created with the “perfect drum pattern.”

They’re proven to be addictive and genre-specific (but, you can incorporate them however you’d like!).

Whether you’re working on a chill hip-hop track or an heart-stopping EDM joint, this pack is perfect for breathing new life into your percussion layers.

This free pack includes:

• 10 perfect MIDI hi-hat rolls

Plus, each pattern is provided in MIDI format, so you can customize the patterns to your heart’s desire.

Pro Tip: Automating Hi-Hat Pitches & Velocities

To add more depth and realism to your hi-hat patterns, try automating the pitch velocities of the hi-hat hits in the MIDI patterns. 

By varying the velocities, you can create a more dynamic and expressive groove.

This will also give your beats a more polished and professional feel. 

Simply import the MIDI patterns into your DAW and assign your favorite hi-hat samples to the corresponding MIDI notes.

Then, start tweaking the velocities to bring your hi-hat patterns to life.

If applicable in your DAW, you can also try to automate the Swing/Groove parts of your track.

This will help you to accurately emulate a non-quantized drum section (like a live drummer would).

This does more for the subconscious, but it will surely give you a competitive edge over your competition.

Final Thoughts

This ultimate guide to free drum kits for 2023 is your golden ticket to a world of endless possibilities in music production. 

With this incredible collection of free drum kits, you’re now equipped with the tools and techniques needed to craft truly unique and captivating tracks.

Plus, the knowledge and resources you’ve gained from this free drum kits guide are key to becoming a master producer. 

Make sure to keep exploring, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of your creativity as you unlock the full potential of these packs and make your mark in the world of music production.

I know all of these free treasures are more than enough, but if you’re looking for even more free packs, including free MIDI packs, we’ve got you covered!

Until next time…