ProjectSAM

Active

Country: Netherlands (NL)
Founded: 2002
Developer: ProjectSAM (founded by Maarten Spruijt, Vincent Beijer, and Marco Deegenaars)
Pricing: Paid libraries with serial number activation; free demo library available
Open source: No
Platforms: macOS, Windows

Indexes

Audio/Music Production

Overview

ProjectSAM develops orchestral sample libraries for Kontakt Player by Native Instruments, targeted at composers in film, TV, and games. Libraries such as Lumina, Orchestral Essentials, Symphobia series, True Strike, and Orchestral Brass Classic provide cinematic sounds recorded with ambient techniques.¹⁶ The company, established in 2001 in the Netherlands, focuses on samples bridging custom and commercial orchestral tools for professional mixing needs.¹

Key Features

Cinematic Sample Libraries - Orchestral libraries like Symphobia, True Strike, and Lumina designed for film, TV, and game scoring.
Kontakt Player Compatibility - All libraries run within Native Instruments' free Kontakt Player sampler.
Ambient Recording Technique - Pioneering method capturing depth and imagination in orchestral samples.
Serial Number Activation - Libraries activated via Native Access using unique serial numbers from purchase.
Manual Installation Option - Direct download of ISO or ZIP files for manual setup if Native Access fails.
Free Orchestra Demo - 1.5 GB free library with orchestral strings, brass, percussion, and sound design.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Individual Libraries	Varies (one-time purchase)	Serial number for specific library like Symphobia or True Strike.
Free Orchestra	Free	1.5 GB cinematic orchestral and percussion samples.

Platforms & Requirements

ProjectSAM libraries require macOS or Windows with Native Instruments' Native Access and free Kontakt Player installed.² They function as standalone apps or VST/AU/AAX plugins within DAWs; no mobile or web support mentioned. Minimum requirements align with Kontakt Player specs, with manual installation possible for large ISO/ZIP downloads.³

Integrations & Ecosystem

Native Instruments Kontakt Player
Native Access for downloads and activation
Popular DAWs (VST/AU/AAX plugin formats)
ProjectSAM account for serial management

Alternatives

App	Difference
Spitfire Audio	Broader range of free and subscription-based orchestral libraries with BBC Symphony integration.
EastWest ComposerCloud	Subscription model with expansive Hollywood Orchestra series and built-in mixer.
Vienna Symphonic Library	Highly detailed modular libraries emphasizing articulation control over ambient cinematic style.
8Dio	Focuses on intimate and Century series with more experimental orchestral recordings.

Reputation

ProjectSAM is respected for cinematic orchestral samples tailored to film, TV, and game composers, praised for ambient recording techniques and professional sound quality.¹⁶ Users value the depth from trusted musicians and two decades of experience, though dependency on Kontakt Player and Native Access can complicate installation.²³ It holds a strong position among sample developers without widespread criticisms noted in available sources.

Sources (8)