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Ami Sampler

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What Ami Sampler is

Ami Sampler is a free, open-source 8-bit sampler inspired by the Commodore Amiga, designed for modern digital audio workstations. It runs as a standalone application or as a plugin, with packages for Windows, macOS and Linux. The sampler has twelve individual samplers, each with volume, pan, ADSR controls, solo and mute, and mono or polyphonic voice modes. Its stated maximum polyphony is eight voices. Sound-shaping options include sample-rate decimation, pitch glide in mono mode, two selectable low-pass filters, vibrato and a Paula switch that alternates note panning. Ami Sampler loads WAV, AIF, 8SVX IFF, signed 8-bit raw PCM, mu-law BIN and BRR files, and can save WAV, AIF, IFF, raw and BIN. Plugin formats vary by operating system: the installation guide lists VST3 for Windows, VST3 and AU for macOS, and VST3 and LV2 for Linux. The maker reports testing the sampler in Ableton, Studio One, Tracktion Waveform, GarageBand, Ardour 8 and MusE. Packages are available through GitHub Releases, with optional sample directories also available for download. The project uses the GPL-3.0 license.

Who it suits

Ami Sampler suits musicians who want an 8-bit sampler for a modern DAW or as a standalone desktop application. It may be a fit for users working with its supported sample formats across Windows, macOS or Linux, including those who want to inspect or use GPL-3.0 software.

What it does well

  • Free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license.
  • Available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
  • Can run as a standalone app or plugin.
  • Includes twelve individual samplers with volume, pan and ADSR controls.
  • Loads WAV, AIF, 8SVX IFF, raw PCM, mu-law BIN and BRR.
  • Offers sample-rate decimation, filters, vibrato and pitch glide.

What to know first

  • Maximum polyphony is eight voices.
  • Sample presets and BLEP synthesis remain to be added.
  • Linux plugin window scaling is disabled.
  • macOS may warn that the program is unsigned.

Limits

Ami Sampler has a maximum polyphony of eight voices. Sample presets and BLEP synthesis remain to be added, and plugin window scaling is disabled in Linux plugins.

Getting started

  1. Open the Ami Sampler GitHub project page.
  2. Choose a platform package from GitHub Releases.
  3. Install the standalone application or the plugin format listed for your operating system.
  4. Optionally download the sample directories.
  5. Use the project’s GitHub Issues page for support.

Verdict

Pick Ami Sampler if you want a free, open-source 8-bit sampler with standalone and plugin options across the three listed desktop systems. Its supported file types and sampler controls make it relevant for sample-based work. Consider its eight-voice ceiling and the listed unfinished features and platform caveats when deciding whether it fits your setup.

Questions

How much does Ami Sampler cost?

Ami Sampler is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license.

Which operating systems and plugin formats are supported?

Windows, macOS and Linux are supported. The installation guide lists VST3 on Windows, VST3 and AU on macOS, and VST3 and LV2 on Linux.

Can Ami Sampler run without a DAW?

Yes. The installation guide provides standalone application instructions for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Which sample formats can it load and save?

It loads WAV, AIF, 8SVX IFF, signed 8-bit raw PCM, mu-law BIN and BRR. It saves WAV, AIF, IFF, raw and BIN.

Which DAWs does the maker report testing?

The maker reports testing Ami Sampler in Ableton, Studio One, Tracktion Waveform, GarageBand, Ardour 8 and MusE, with format availability varying by operating system.

Where can I get the software and support?

The installation guide directs users to GitHub Releases for platform packages and says optional sample directories are available for download. GitHub Issues is listed for the project.

Facts from Ami Sampler's own pages

Channels
It has twelve individual samplers, each with volume, pan, ADSR, solo/mute, and mono or polyphonic voice modes. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
DAW compatibility
The maker reports testing it in Ableton, Studio One, Tracktion Waveform, GarageBand, Ardour 8, and MusE, with format availability varying by operating system. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Downloads
Installation instructions point to GitHub releases and list Windows, macOS, and Linux packages, including standalone applications and plugin files. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Formats and integrations
The project describes VST3, AU, and LV2 plugin formats and reports testing with Ableton, Studio One, Tracktion Waveform, GarageBand, Ardour, and MusE. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Included samples
The repository includes sample packs and samples recorded on the maker’s Amiga 500; additional sample directories are available for optional download. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Known bug
The maker reports that the mouse cursor sometimes fails to change to the Amiga cursor, apparently in Ableton while the playhead is moving. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Known limitations
The maker says sample presets and BLEP synthesis remain to be added, and notes that plugin window scaling is disabled in Linux plugins. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Known missing features
The maker says sample presets and BLEP synthesis remain to be added. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
License
The repository identifies its license as GPL-3.0. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
macOS installation note
The installation instructions say the macOS installer may show a warning because the program has not been signed by Apple. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
macOS signing
The installation guide says macOS may warn that the program is unsigned because the developer has not had it signed by Apple. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Master effects
Master controls include volume, pan, two Amiga-inspired low-pass filters, and vibrato speed and depth. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
MIDI and controls
It includes a computer-key virtual MIDI keyboard mapped to ProTracker/Fasttracker notes, sample looping, MIDI channel and transposition controls, and pitch glide in mono mode. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Paula mode
The Paula switch alternates note panning to create a wide chord effect, and is disabled in mono mode. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Platforms and formats
The project describes Windows, macOS, and Linux support with VST3, AU, and LV2 formats; the installation guide lists VST3 on Windows, VST3 and AU on macOS, and VST3 and LV2 on Linux. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Purpose
Ami Sampler is an 8-bit sampler inspired by the Commodore Amiga for use in modern digital audio workstations. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Sample formats
It loads WAV, AIF, 8SVX IFF, 8-bit signed raw PCM, mu-law BIN, and BRR files; saving supports WAV, AIF, IFF, raw, and BIN. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Sampler channels
It has twelve samplers, each with volume, pan, ADSR, solo/mute, and monophonic, four-voice, or eight-voice polyphonic options. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Sound controls
It includes sample-rate decimation, pitch glide in mono mode, two selectable low-pass filters, vibrato, and a Paula switch that alternates note panning. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Standalone app
The installation guide provides standalone application installation instructions for Windows, macOS, and Linux. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Support and updates
The repository lists GitHub Issues for the project and identifies a mouse-cursor issue that can occur in Ableton while the playhead is moving. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026

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