Where to Get Vocal Samples (Ultimate Guide for Vocal Loops)

*A high-quality studio microphone in a dark recording booth.* Every producer knows that adding vocals can bring a human touch that makes a track stand out. But where do you get vocal samples if you don’t have a singer on call? Whether you need a full acapella, a catchy vocal loop, or just a short “vox” one-shot or texture to spice up your beat, there are plenty of places to find them. In this guide, we’ll explore the best sources for vocal samples – from free libraries to premium platforms – and we’ll also cover creative approaches and crucial legal tips so you can use vocal loops confidently and ethically in your music.

Best Free Vocal Sample Sites

Aside from the above, other honorable mentions include Sample Focus (a community-driven free sample library with plenty of vocals) and Freesound (a huge database of user-uploaded sounds – some vocals are available under Creative Commons licenses). These can be great sources too, just pay attention to the specific licensing on each sample.

Top Premium Vocal Sample Platforms

Other notable premium sources include 91Vocals (a site dedicated entirely to high-quality vocal sample packs by professional singers) and Black Octopus Sound (known for excellent EDM vocal kits and “deep sampled” choir vocals). Marketplaces like Loopmasters and Producer Loops also offer a vast selection of vocal packs across genres. These options usually come at a cost per pack or via subscription, but they can be well worth it for the quality and variety of vocals you’ll get.

Creative & DIY Vocal Sample Sources

Record Your Own Vocals: Don’t overlook the simplest route – if you have a microphone, try recording yourself or friends. Even if you’re not a trained singer, you could record spoken phrases, chants, or ambient vocal noises (like humming or ad-libs) to layer in a track. With some creative effects (pitch shifting, vocoders, heavy reverb), even a basic vocal recording can turn into a cool atmospheric element or texture in your song. This way, you also completely avoid any copyright issues because you own the recording.

Public Domain & Found Sounds: You can source vocals from some unconventional places. For example, vintage movies, old public domain recordings, or archival speeches may contain vocal snippets that are free to use if their copyrights have expired. There are also viral videos or field recordings (crowd chants, etc.) that intrepid producers sample. One famous example: Kanye West’s “Ultralight Beam” sampled a viral video of a child praying. If you go this route, be mindful – ensure the material is truly public domain or cleared, or transform it so much that it’s unrecognizable (and even then, there’s some risk). When in doubt, get permission.

Legal & Ethical Considerations

Before you drop that fresh vocal loop into your project and release it, it’s important to understand the legal side of using vocal samples. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Royalty-Free vs. Free: “Free” vocal samples might cost nothing to download, but that doesn’t automatically mean they are royalty-free for commercial use. Royalty-free means you have the right to use the sample in your music without paying ongoing royalties or needing further clearance. All the sources we highlighted as “royalty-free” (Splice, Looperman, Cymatics, etc.) allow you to use the vocals in released music. Just double-check the terms on each site – in rare cases, a free sample might be for non-commercial or educational use only.
• Sampling Commercial Music: If you sample a recognizable vocal from an existing song (for example, a line from a famous pop track that is not provided in a service like Tracklib), you **must** clear the sample with the original rights holders if you plan to release your song commercially. Failing to do so can lead to copyright claims or worse. Tracklib is a great solution for this, since it handles clearance for you when you use their catalog. Otherwise, you’d need to seek permission (which can be complex and expensive).
• Credit and Contracts: If you hire a vocalist or collaborate with someone to record vocals, make sure you both agree on usage. Typically, you’d either pay them a one-time fee as a session vocalist (and you own the recording), or agree on featuring credits/royalty splits if they are contributing as an artist. Always have these agreements in writing to avoid disputes later. Similarly, if you download a community vocal (say from Looperman) where the user asks for credit, it’s good etiquette (and sometimes legally required by the license) to credit them.
• Creative Commons and Public Domain: Some vocal samples (for instance, on Freesound or in public archives) are released under Creative Commons licenses. Pay attention to the specific license type. Some may require attribution (credit), others may disallow commercial use. Public domain recordings can be used freely, but ensure they are truly in the public domain (e.g., U.S. government recordings, or works with expired copyright).

In short, always check the usage terms of any vocal sample you download. The good news is that all the major dedicated sample sources we listed aim to provide hassle-free, royalty-free vocals. If you stick to those or properly clear samples from original songs, you’ll be safe. When in doubt, get permission or choose an alternative sample that you know is cleared. It’s worth the peace of mind to handle it upfront, so you can focus on making great music without legal worries.

Now that you know where to get vocal samples and how to use them responsibly, you’re ready to add some voice to your music! From free online packs to original vocals recorded just for you, there’s an option for every budget and style. Experiment with different sources and don’t be afraid to get creative in how you integrate vocals into your productions. A well-placed vocal loop or hook can truly transform a track and captivate listeners. Happy sampling!