SampleTank 4 virtual instrument plugin interface by IK Multimedia

SampleTank 4: Virtual Instrument Workstation by IK Multimedia

Rated 4.5/5 on Plugin Boutique (90 ratings)

SampleTank 4 is a virtual instrument plugin and standalone application from IK Multimedia. It combines a large sample library of instrument presets with a sound engine, 70 built-in effects, a mixer and a live performance mode.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

SampleTank 4 is IK Multimedia's sample-based workstation for building sounds, arranging them and performing them live. The library includes over 100 GB of samples and 6,000 instrument presets across a wide range of styles and genres. Instruments, Multis and MIDI Patterns organize the content, so producers can move from a single sound to a full layered setup inside one plugin. The developer positions it as a way to handle tasks that might otherwise need several separate plugins.

Best for

Sample-based instrument sounds
Live set list performance
Layered and split instruments
Sound design with modulation
Pattern and loop playback
Multi-track mixing inside one plugin

Developer: IK Multimedia
Category: Virtual Instruments
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Multi-format plugin and standalone application for macOS and Windows
Instruments, Multis and MIDI Patterns for organizing content
16-part multitimbral with 16 individual stereo outputs
Mix view with volume, pan, mute, solo and routing per part
Live mode with set lists, songs and program change assignment
70 built-in effects including amps, reverbs and filters
Custom modulation matrix for synth and effects parameters
Four play modes including mono legato with portamento

03In depth

Sound library and browsing

The sound library covers piano, keyboards, guitars, bass, drums, strings, brass, synths, vocals and percussion, with articulations and round-robins in many instruments. Sounds are filtered by timbre, style, genre and mood, which helps when you are looking for a specific texture or want unexpected options.

SampleTank 4 can also import your own .wav and .aiff samples, and the library is expandable. Older "Powered by SampleTank" sounds and libraries imported with SampleTank 3 CS are compatible with the new version.

Sound design, effects and performance

Each instrument can be edited in depth through the Edit view, with access to the synth engine parameters for each element or articulation. A custom modulation matrix can target synth engine and effects parameters, and BPM-syncable time-based effects, audio loop instruments and LFOs help keep sounds in tempo.

The 70 effects include amps, distortion, dynamics and EQ, modulation, reverb and delay, and filters. A Live mode organizes instruments into set lists and songs, and each song can have its own tempo. Pad interface and MIDI Learn let you launch patterns, loops or notes and assign any parameter to a controller.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	IK Multimedia
Type	Plugin
Category	Virtual Instruments
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does SampleTank 4 support?

SampleTank 4 is available as VST 2, VST 3, AAX and Audio Units. The Audio Units format is supported on macOS, and VST 2, VST 3 and AAX are supported on both macOS and Windows.

What do I need to run SampleTank 4?

On macOS you need 64-bit macOS 10.13 or later. On Windows you need Windows 7 or later and an ASIO-compatible sound card. Both platforms require a 64-bit CPU and an OpenGL 2 compatible graphics adapter, plus hard drive space of 40 GB for SampleTank 4 SE, 128 GB for SampleTank 4, or 640 GB for SampleTank 4 MAX.