Sample Libraries

Sanic Boom includes a growing collection of free, open-source sample libraries. Import any library with a single line:

import "github:SanicBoom/wine-glasses"

Then use libraries as full instruments or reference individual samples:

import "github:SanicBoom/salamander-grand-piano"

// Use the full instrument — the engine picks the right sample per note and velocity
let piano = sample("lib:salamander-grand-piano")

let chords = [C4 E4 G4 C5]
    |> piano
    |> reverb(size: 0.6, mix: 0.3)

Multi-sample libraries like salamander-grand-piano include samples at multiple notes and velocities. When you play a note, the engine automatically selects the closest sampled note and pitch-shifts to match, giving you a realistic instrument across the full keyboard.

For simpler libraries with individual samples, reference them directly with lib:library-name/sample-name:

import "github:SanicBoom/wine-glasses"

// Load a specific sample from the library
let glass = sample("lib:wine-glasses/glass1", root: Eb4)

// Use it as a melodic instrument — notes are pitch-shifted from the root
let melody = [Eb4 _ G4 Bb4 _ Ab4 G4 _]
    |> glass
    |> reverb(size: 0.85, mix: 0.6)
    |> delay(time: 0.375, feedback: 0.4)

The root: parameter tells Sanic Boom which note the sample was recorded at. When you play other notes, the sample is pitch-shifted accordingly — so G4 plays faster than Eb4, and Ab4 plays slower, giving you a full melodic instrument from a single sample.

Importing Samples as Instruments

Use from ... import to pull sample aliases from any library as instruments:

from "github:SanicBoom/808" import { kick, snare, hat }

play [kick _ snare hat]

Each imported name becomes a sample instrument that you can use directly inside patterns. This is the easiest way to build drum patterns — see Per-Note Instruments for more.

Names are resolved in order: first from the library's .sanic module exports (if it has one), then from the library's sample aliases in library.json. This means you can import both module bindings and sample names from the same library:

// "myFunc" comes from the .sanic module, "kick" from sample aliases
from "github:SanicBoom/drum-kit" import { myFunc, kick }

Entry Point Resolution

Libraries with .sanic modules specify their entry point in one of three ways:

1. "main" field in library.json — e.g. "main": "index.sanic"
2. Fallback — main.sanic in the library root
3. Direct file reference — specify a path after the repo name:

from "github:SanicBoom/some-lib/drums.sanic" import { kick, snare }

If a library has no .sanic entry point, from ... import resolves names against the library's sample aliases, and bare import "github:..." loads its samples for lib: path references.

Keyboards & Piano

Strings

Woodwinds

Brass

Saxophones

Guitar & Bass

Tuned Percussion

Drums

Small Percussion

Synths & Creative

Novelty & Effects