Back in the 90’s UK Garage broke out as a popular genre that was a mash-up of many different styles of music tweaked to fit together. It fits sort of in the Eurobeat sound that was popular in a lot of 90’s movies. That being said, UK Garage has many tracks that influence modern producers and beatmakers in their sounds with its upbeat and almost happy sounds. There are many UK Garage songs that are easy to vibe and fall in love with, and if you listen through these packs, you will see why.
What To Look For When Choosing a UK Garage Sample
When you listen to UK Garage sounds, you hear a lot of pieces that also fit in other genres. Heavy bass, wild synths, and pads, but there are some characteristics that stick out. You can distinguish UK Garage by how the drums sound very chopped up and cut short. The kick is never super heavy but is still present. The bass will follow the kick pattern and even sometimes be the leading melody through the song. If you listen to some songs you can even hear many songs contain an organ sound providing pads and even lead lines.
Pricing
If you have a subscription to a sample site such as Splice or Loopcloud, you will have no issue adding these samples to your library while staying within your budget. You have the option to either purchase single samples individually from the pack or the entire pack as a whole.
Frequency of Use
These UK Garage Sample packs can be used across many different genres of electronic music. The drum sounds that have been created in these packs will add quality to any track universally.
Skill Level
If you were wanting to make these sounds yourself, it would take considerably more effort than simply using samples. That being said, the samples by themselves take p[ractice using and piecing together. If you take the time to learn and apply the knowledge, you’ll have no issues.
6 Best UK Garage Samples
Now let’s take a look at Audio Assemble’s choices for the best UK Garage sample packs. Remember we do not have these in any specific order, but they are numbered for convenience.
1. UK Bass and Garage – Capsun ProAudio
Who’s it for? Intermediate and above
Whether you need premade grooves or individual sounds, this pack has it all. Pavv (from Brighton) created these sounds specifically for this pack and set up anyone with his samples for a successful track.
Price: Available with Splice Subscription
What is included? 285 Loops and 255 One-Shots including
- Grooves
- Vocals
- Bass
- Kicks
- Strings
2. New School UK Garage – Thick Sounds
Who’s it for? Intermediate and above
While these samples are built for UK Garage, they also work very well for other genres such as House and EDM. There is a lot you can do with all of the melodic synth and bass lines for creative new tracks upbeat or slow.
Price: Available with Loopcloud Subscription
Available on Loopmaster
What is included? 194 Loops and 306 One Shots including
- Bass
- Drums
- Synths
- Rhodes
- Kick
3. ZDS Samples Volume 1 – Splice
Who’s it for? Intermediate and above
If you are looking for sounds on the grittier side of UK Garage, this is the pack for you. Working with Zombie Disco Squad (ZDS) Splice created this killer pack that gives you samples for all of the sounds you need to make a UK beat.
Price: Available with Splice Subscription
What is included? 162 Loops and 192 One-Shots including
- Risers
- Synths
- Bass
- FX
- Sub
4. UK Garage and Bass 2 – Loopmasters
Who’s it for? Intermediate and above
The mellow side of UK Garage comes out in this sample pack. It still holds the same upbeat 4/4 tempo you are used to but with calmer instrumentals layered in. The idea of the calmer vibe comes from the warmer/not so harsh pulses you can hear in the synths and organs used.
Price: Available with Loopcloud Subscription
What is included? 130 Loops and 121 One-Shots including
- Synths
- Chords
- Bass
- Synth Bass
- Kick
5. UK Garage – Sample Magic
Who’s it for? Intermediate and above
This pack goes to the roots of UK Garage and brings everything great about the genre together in one pack. You can hear the dance-pop and R&B influences throughout the pack. From the short kicks to the claps and organs mixed in, everything is genuine and bouncing.
Price: Available with Splice Subscription
What is included? 478 Loops and 298 One-Shots
- Chords
- Grooves
- Vocals
- Reverse
- Bass
6. UK Garage & 2 Step – Loopmasters
Who’s it for? Intermediate and above
You won’t stop moving when you hear these samples. The bounce and energy is the perfect mix of upbeat and chill at the same time. Loopmasters released this perfect pack with the creative force of Scott Diaz behind it.
Price: Available with Loopcloud Subscription
Available on Loopmasters
What is included? 302 Loops and 269 One-Shots including
- Rhodes
- Sub
- Claps
- Effects
- Kick
Exploration of Genre
Creating new sounds and incorporating them into other styles is what keeps the world of music interesting. Beatmakers and producers are always looking for new ways to reinvent their sound and that sometimes comes through a combination with other sounds and cultures. UK Garage is the perfect sound to meld with others because the tone is unique but neutral enough that it can be merged with other genres. The next beat you make, try using some UK Garage samples and influences and see what you can come up with.
If you enjoy working with samples and want to find more that you can create with, check out our lists of the best samples for many different styles and instruments here.
Jarrett is a hardcore Lover-Jazz Lover-Rock Lover-Blues Lover-just a music lover. He has the hair to match — Jarrett and provides in-depth insight into all things guitar and music engineering.