Side by side
Momentum vs Subsample
Both stand on sampler software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan MacWebWindows
Momentum combines loop editing, slice effects, MIDI control, and catalog browsing, with basic WAV and AIFF support available for free. Consider Pro only if you need its additional import, MP3, or individual-purchase options.
Visit Momentum Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Choose Subsample if you want a free, open-source sampler that maps recorded or live sounds to MIDI notes and offers detailed sound processing and multichannel routing. Look elsewhere if you need a graphical interface, or if you require proprietary use without arranging a commercial licence.
Visit SubsampleThe facts
| Momentum | Subsample | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Momentum Pro Annual: $99.95 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | bigfishaudio.com | github.com |
| On sampler software | #6 of 26 | #10 of 26 |
Momentum: what it does well
- Free app and plugin supports WAV and AIFF.
- Works with leading DAWs and as a standalone app.
- Provides 18 effects for individual loop sections.
- Automatically assigns MIDI notes to slices.
- Web edition can browse and audition catalog sounds.
What to know first
- Free app does not support MP3.
- Pro pricing is not shown.
- Listed minimum RAM is 8 GB.
- Requires an internet connection.
Subsample: what it does well
- Maps sounds to MIDI notes by acoustic similarity without manual tagging.
- Captures and adds distinct sound events to a library in real time.
- Includes onset detection and beat-grid placement at a target BPM.
- Supports mono through 7.1 audio and first-order ambisonics.
- Accepts six listed audio formats and supports MIDI and OSC.
What to know first
- Has no graphical interface; setup uses YAML and a MIDI map.
- Windows use is through WSL2 and is not tested natively.
- Early-release configuration and MIDI map formats may change.
- Proprietary or closed-source use requires a commercial licence.
Alternatives to Momentum Alternatives to Subsample The whole list