Spitfire Audio LABS is a prestigious, ever-expanding series of free virtual instruments that has become an essential staple in the toolkit of modern composers and bedroom producers alike.
Born from the desire to democratize high-end sampling, LABS offers professional-grade sounds, from the world-famous “Soft Piano” to experimental textures all hosted within a dedicated, streamlined plugin.
Every LABS instrument is recorded with the same meticulous attention to detail as Spitfire Audio’s flagship professional libraries, often utilizing legendary studios like AIR Lyndhurst and Abbey Road.
This cinematic heritage ensures that even the free offerings possess a “living” quality, characterized by organic imperfections and rich harmonic depth that standard synthesized presets lack.
Whether it is the intimate resonance of a felt-covered piano or the haunting swells of frozen strings, LABS provides an immediate emotional core for any composition.
The philosophy behind the LABS interface is the removal of technical friction, allowing musicians to focus entirely on performance.
By eschewing the complex menus often found in deep samplers like Kontakt, LABS presents a clean, “one-knob” design where dynamics, expression, and tonal shaping are central.
This minimalist approach does not sacrifice quality; instead, it prioritizes a fast, intuitive workflow that makes it just as effective for quick sketching as it is for final production.
Following Splice’s acquisition of Spitfire Audio, the LABS ecosystem has officially expanded into Splice INSTRUMENT.
This transition marks a major upgrade in how you manage your library, moving from a static plugin to a cloud-connected platform. While the original LABS plugin remains supported for legacy projects, Splice INSTRUMENT is now the primary gateway for new sounds and features.
The sheer diversity of the LABS library is what keeps it relevant years after its launch. It is not just a collection of pianos; it is a sprawling ecosystem of acoustic and electronic soundscapes.
World-Class Sampling Meets the Future of Workflow.
Yes. All original LABS packs remain 100% free. You can access them through a free Splice account using the new Splice INSTRUMENT plugin, which includes hundreds of free-forever presets.
No. While Splice offers paid plans for expanded "Premium" sounds, the original LABS library and new monthly "Free Drops" are available to everyone with a free Splice account.
The original LABS plugin will continue to function for your existing projects well into 2026. However, to access new sounds and the improved interface, you are encouraged to transition to Splice INSTRUMENT.
Installation is seamless. When you open Splice INSTRUMENT for the first time, it will automatically find and link any LABS content already installed on your drive.
Absolutely. All sounds within the LABS and Splice INSTRUMENT free collections are royalty-free, meaning you can use them in any commercial release, film score, or broadcast without additional fees.
