Momentum

Momentum is a loop-focused editor, plugin and standalone application for producers who want to reshape samples rather than simply play them back. It suits users working with WAV or AIFF material, especially those who want MIDI control over individual slices and a route into Big Fish Audio’s catalog. The free edition covers the central editing workflow; Pro is aimed at creators who also need MP3 files, personal-audio management or paid catalog access.

Overview

Momentum combines loop editing with a web catalog for browsing, auditioning and downloading Big Fish Audio material. Filters for instrument, genre, key, tempo and other attributes make it easier to narrow a large sample collection to a usable starting point. The product’s focus is deliberately specific: it is built around cutting loops into sections and reshaping those sections, not around being an all-purpose sampler.

Big Fish Audio says legitimate purchases provide unlimited rights to use its license-free sounds in musical compositions without additional license fees. That policy is useful when purchased material is moving into released music. Big Fish Audio has been producing sample libraries since 1986.

Key features

Slice effects and MIDI control

Momentum supplies 18 effects that can be applied to individual loop sections. The set includes pitch, stutter, delay and reverse, allowing a single loop to produce variations without processing the entire phrase uniformly. This slice-level approach is a strong fit for rhythmic edits and rearrangements, but it is narrower than a general sampler designed for broad instrument programming.

Every slice is assigned a MIDI note automatically. Users can therefore trigger sections, change their order and perform new patterns from MIDI rather than relying only on the original loop timing. Producers who already work in a MIDI-centered workflow get a clear advantage; users seeking extensive synthesis or instrument-sampler facilities will find the scope more limited.

Catalog and file workflow

The web edition handles catalog discovery, auditioning and downloads, with metadata filters that include instrument, genre, key and tempo. The free application accepts WAV and AIFF files. MP3 support is reserved for Momentum Pro, so projects built around compressed personal collections may need the upgrade.

Pro also enables importing and organizing personal audio files. Pro subscribers receive monthly or annual points that can be used to add samples, kits or full products to a Momentum account, and Pro supports individual loop purchases. Those additions make the paid tier a catalog and library-management option as well as a format upgrade.

Pricing

The free plan is the sensible starting point for producers whose files are WAV or AIFF and who only need core slicing, effects and MIDI rearrangement. Pro is relevant when MP3 compatibility, personal-library organization or points for Big Fish Audio products justify an ongoing subscription. The Pro page offers monthly and annual billing, but no price is published, so prospective subscribers cannot compare the tiers by cost from the stated plans. A free trial is offered; its duration and any renewal terms are not given.

Platforms

Momentum runs as a plugin with leading DAWs and as a standalone application on Mac and PC. The web edition provides the catalog-browsing experience. Minimum requirements are Windows 10 or later (64-bit) or macOS 12 Monterey or later, 8 GB of RAM, a 1440×900 display and an internet connection. The Help Center provides tutorials, account guidance, general help and troubleshooting, with contact available for the Big Fish Audio team.

Who it's for

Choose Momentum if your production starts with loops and you want to re-sequence their slices, apply effects per section and perform the result through MIDI. It is also a good match for users who value direct access to Big Fish Audio’s searchable catalog. The free edition fits a WAV/AIFF-based setup; MP3-heavy workflows and producers who need to bring in and organize their own libraries should budget for Pro.

Pros and cons

• Pros: 18 slice-level effects provide targeted loop manipulation; automatic MIDI notes make rearrangement and performance straightforward; catalog filters cover practical discovery criteria; standalone and DAW plugin formats support different working styles; legitimate purchases carry unlimited composition-use rights without extra license fees.
• Cons: The free tier excludes MP3, personal-audio import and organization, and individual loop purchases; Pro pricing is custom and its subscription tiers cannot be cost-compared from the stated plans; the feature set is centered on loop editing rather than a broad sampler workflow; an internet connection is required.

Alternatives

For a wider sampler shortlist, browse Sampler Software. sfizz is a free option across API, Linux, macOS, web and Windows, with optional donations and no trial. Decent Sampler is free on iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows and plays libraries in its .dspreset and .dslibrary formats. TX16Wx Software Sampler offers a free sampler plugin plus an unrestricted professional licence. Vaporizer 2 is GPL-3.0 software available as standalone and plugin formats on Linux, macOS and Windows. Just a Sample is a free, MIT-licensed open-source sampler for Windows, macOS and Linux. LinuxSampler is GPL software across API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted and Windows, with prior permission required for commercial hardware or software use. Source-to-Image is a free open-source toolkit with no paid plans stated. Subsample is another free Linux, macOS and Windows option.

Verdict

Momentum is a strong choice for loop-based producers who want per-slice effects, automatic MIDI control and Big Fish Audio catalog access in one workflow. Its free core removes the main barrier to trying that approach. Look elsewhere if you need a broad sampler rather than loop manipulation, or choose Pro only when MP3 support, personal-audio organization and catalog points are worth an ongoing, custom-priced subscription.