Drum Sampler PluginUpdated August 2026

ASTER Drum LabASTERDrum Lab48-Pad Drum Sampler Plugin

Build your own drum kit across 48 pads.

ASTER Drum Lab is a 48-pad drum sampler plugin for Windows and Mac, with up to eight layers per pad and 48 multi-outputs. Load your own samples, shape waveforms, add effects, and mix in one focused instrument.

Download the free DemoNo sign-up · macOS AU/VST3 · Windows VST3

ASTER Drum Lab 48-pad drum sampler plugin interface

FREE DEMO

Try the complete workflow for 20 minutes.

Use the Demo uninterrupted for 20 minutes from the first audible sound. No sign-up is required.

Download the free DemoNo sign-up · macOS AU/VST3 · Windows VST3

Feature	Demo	Full version
Session time	20 minutes from first sound	Unlimited
Periodic mutes	None	None
After 20 minutes	Audio stops completely	Continues normally
ASTER kit saving	Unavailable	Available
Offline rendering/export	Unavailable	Available
Plug-in formats	macOS AU/VST3; Windows VST3	VST3, AU, and AAX

Closing only the plug-in window does not reset the Demo. Fully quit and relaunch the DAW to begin a new 20-minute session. Demo samples, kit settings, effects, routing, and automation assignments reset, but the DAW project itself and original sample files are never deleted.

50 SECOND INTRODUCTION

See ASTER Drum Lab in 50 seconds

From loading a sample to shaping the final mix — see the complete workflow in one short introduction.

NEWS

Latest update

AUG 22, 2026RELEASED

ASTER Drum Lab v1.0.2 — Update

ASTER Drum Lab v1.0.2 is now available. This cumulative update brings together every improvement and fix since v1.0.0, including a new Demo build, flexible window resizing, more reliable project recall, and improved MIDI timing.

Added a Demo version that runs for 20 minutes from first playback
Added flexible proportional window resizing in AU and VST3
Added KEEP LENGTH to preserve playback duration when changing pitch, enabled by default for newly loaded samples
Fixed TRIM recall and marker bounce when dragging directly on the waveform
Fixed recall of layer volume, pan, pitch, kit, and project settings
Added mouse-wheel control for knob values
Added scrolling pad and sample names so long names can be read in full
Reorganized the editor tabs as TRIM → PAD → LAYER → FX and changed the default ATTACK for new layers to 0 ms
Improved the PAD editor layout at smaller window sizes
Fixed the MIXER settings button and routed update notices to the official re-download page
Fixed a subtle MIDI timing shift that could occur in Logic Pro
Added an OUTPUT control to the Transient Shaper
Added MAKE UP GAIN and OUTPUT controls to the Compressor
Redesigned the waveform display with finer visual detail
Introduced 24 assignable automation slots

UNDER CONSIDERATION

Features under consideration

We are exploring additional features to make ASTER Drum Lab an even more flexible and fluid production tool.

Enhanced envelope editing

A more flexible Attack / Hold / Decay / Sustain / Release envelope for each sample, with direct graphical editing of envelope points and curves.

Round robin playback

An optional playback mode that cycles through or randomizes multiple samples assigned to a pad, helping repeated hits sound more natural.

In-Kit Preview during pattern playback

A workflow for auditioning different samples on the selected pad while an existing drum pattern continues to play—for example, comparing multiple Hi-Hat samples without changing the programmed pattern or current pad settings.

These features are currently under consideration. Their specifications and availability have not been confirmed and may change.

Re-download the latest version →

48PADS16 pads across 3 pages

8LAYERS / PADVelocity-based switching

48OUTSPer-pad routing

CHOOSING A DRUM SAMPLER

Check what fits your sample workflow

Use a practical checklist to decide whether 48 pads, up to eight layers, and up to 48 outputs match the way you work.

Drum sampler selection guide →

CORE WORKFLOW

A complete drum-sampling workflow across 48 pads.

Load your own samples, layer, shape, and mix without leaving the same focused workspace.

48 PADS

Build one kit across 48 pads.

Organize 16 pads across three pages and keep everything from kicks to FX in one kit.

8 LAYERS / PAD

Up to eight layers per pad.

Stack samples and switch them by velocity to turn playing dynamics into tonal detail.

48 OUTS

Mix every pad inside your DAW.

Route through stereo, 16, 32, or 48 outputs and continue shaping the mix in your DAW.

MAKE IT YOURS

Shape it into your own kit.

Organize the layout around your workflow, then carry the complete setup into the next session.

PAD CUSTOMIZATION

Name it, color it, arrange it your way.

Rename pads, choose colors, remap MIDI notes, and drag sounds into the layout that feels natural to you.

KIT SAVE & LOAD

Bring the whole kit into your next session.

Save samples, names, colors, sound design, mixer settings, and routing across all 48 pads, then choose only the parts you need when loading.

SOUND DESIGN

Build it. Play it. Finish it.

Deep enough for detailed sound design, direct enough to keep the session moving.

SMART TRIM

Shape samples directly on the waveform.

Adjust start, end, and fades visually, then move straight into sound design.

DYNAMICS

Give every pad its own response.

Control attack, release, humanize, and velocity response from a single view.

FX CHAIN

Go deeper with the built-in FX chain.

Build and reorder per-layer chains with EQ, Filter, Drive, Transient Shaper, and Compressor.

COMPATIBILITY

System Requirements

Available for macOS and Windows in VST3, AU, and AAX formats.

Operating systems

macOSApple Silicon / Intel · 64-bit

Available

Windows64-bit

Available

Plugin formats

VST3Available

AUAvailable

AAXAvailable

Supported sample files

File formats: WAV, AIFF (.aif / .aiff), FLAC, MP3
Channels: Mono / Stereo
Bit depth: WAV / AIFF: 8 / 16 / 24 / 32-bit (including 32-bit float) · FLAC: 16 / 24-bit
Sample rates: Valid rates supported by each file format, including 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz

Files with different bit depths and sample rates can be used together in the same kit. Samples are decoded internally to 32-bit floating point and automatically matched to the DAW/project sample rate during playback. Source files are not modified.

64-bit systems only. See Support for the latest details.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of plugin is ASTER Drum Lab?

ASTER Drum Lab is a drum sampler plugin that lets you arrange your own one-shot samples across 48 drum pads, then manage layers, waveforms, effects, mixing, and multi-output routing.

Can I load my own drum samples?

Yes. You can load mono or stereo WAV, AIFF (.aif / .aiff), FLAC, and MP3 files. Files with different bit depths and sample rates can be used together in the same kit, with up to eight layers per pad. Samples are decoded internally to 32-bit floating point, but the source files are not modified.

Which operating systems are supported?

ASTER Drum Lab supports macOS (Apple Silicon / Intel) and 64-bit Windows. See System Requirements on this page for available plugin formats.

What are the Demo version limitations?

The Demo runs uninterrupted for 20 minutes from the first audible sound, then stops producing audio completely. Closing only the plug-in window does not reset it. Fully quit and relaunch the DAW to begin a new session; Demo samples, kit settings, effects, routing, and automation assignments reset, but the DAW project itself and original sample files are never deleted. ASTER kit saving and offline rendering/export are unavailable.

Where can I get product updates?

Enter the email used at checkout on the re-download page to receive a link to the latest available version.

Can I use it in commercial productions?

See the software license for product usage terms. Only load samples you have the right to use.

PURCHASER REVIEWS

Purchaser reviews

Reviews from verified purchasers. We publish legitimate product experiences that meet our guidelines, regardless of rating or sentiment.

★★★★★@prodbydstl

This is a pretty solid plugin! Glad to have a new tool to make my drums bang!

Response from ASTER

Thank you so much for using ASTER Drum Lab and for the great review! We're really glad to hear you're enjoying it. We'll continue improving and updating the plugin to make it even easier and more enjoyable to use. We’d be honored if ASTER Drum Lab continues to be a part of your music production!

Verified purchaserEarly-access reward eligible

★★☆☆☆Rotten Amp

1. There is an option to change the UI size, but this does not work properly. If you close and reopen the plugin window, the UI SIZE will always return to 100%. 2. There is no problem when adjusting the parameters in the TRIM SECTION with a knob. However, when I dragged and adjusted it directly from the consultation image, the line bounced strangely The returning phenomenon occurs. 3. In the mixer window, the name of each pad is displayed in only one line, so if it’s even a little long, the name gets cut off. I wish this could be changed so that at least two lines are displayed 4. This plugin should be able to change the knob's value using the mouse wheel. 5. When the pitch of a sample is changed, the length of the sample itself increases or decreases. This plugin requires the warp option very much. 6. It's a shame that this plugin doesn't seem to have a round robin option.

Response from ASTER

Thank you very much for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. Several of the points you raised have now been addressed in ASTER Drum Lab v1.0.2: - The marker bounce that occurred when dragging TRIM markers directly on the waveform has been fixed. - Knob values can now be adjusted with the mouse wheel. - Long pad and sample names now scroll when needed, allowing the full names to be viewed. - A new KEEP LENGTH option has been added to preserve the sample’s playback duration when changing its pitch. - Flexible proportional window resizing has also been added for AU and VST3. The issue where the selected UI SIZE returns to 100% after closing and reopening the plugin window is a separate matter that is still being reviewed. I’m looking into a more reliable way to retain the selected size. Round robin playback is also under consideration for a future update. Its specifications and release timing have not yet been confirmed, but your feedback is very helpful in evaluating this fea

Verified purchaserEarly-access reward eligible

★★★★★Be Flat

I use Logic X and I use Roland V-Drums as a controller for Logic's drum plugs, Kontakt 8 drums plugs, Battery and a couple of other expensive ones like Melda MDrummer. They all have their various challenges and basically are a pain to use. I have always stayed open to trying almost any other drum plugin. Sound wise, the ones I have are very good. My main problem with them all is the cumbersome setup involved. You can spend many hours making a drum set and even then still end up feeling less than satisfied with the results. Even worse is once a drum set is ready and you use it on a song, it turns out not too ideal for the song at all. I have spent way too much money and down time working with these drum plugins and no matter what, I always end up stopping my songwriting and recording workflow to once again rework the drums! So, either I settle for something not quite right for the song or the dreaded "drum mechanic" work starts all over again. For the price of a lunch, I have found my final solution in Astor Drum Lab. It does everything I need and just gets out of the way so I can quickly and easily create exactly the drums I need and want for any song I am working on. I use the samples I have already accumulated from the other drum plugins, so nothing is wasted. What is different is that the down time has disappeared. Creating a drum set is quick and easy and reworking it for a song is amazingly simple, fast and intuitive. Excellent plugin, so clear and perfect for my use

Response from ASTER

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed review, and for purchasing ASTER Drum Lab! I’m especially happy to hear that it has helped you spend less time setting up and adjusting drums, and more time actually writing and recording music. Making the workflow quick, simple, and intuitive while still allowing users to build exactly the kit they want was one of the main goals behind Drum Lab. It’s also great to hear that you’re able to make use of the sample libraries you’ve already collected from your other drum plugins. Thank you again for the amazing feedback and support. It really means a lot!

Verified purchaserEarly-access reward eligible

★★★★★Bapad

Hello, I’m really impressed, nothing is missing in Drum Lab. I’m very happy to have bought it. Maybe in the next update, would it be possible to have some groups for the faders in the mixer? Best regards.

Response from ASTER

Thank you so much for your kind words and for purchasing ASTER Drum Lab! I’m really glad to hear you’re enjoying it. I’ll definitely consider adding a more dedicated fader grouping feature in a future update. For now, you can temporarily group multiple faders by holding the Shift key and selecting them. Once selected, you can adjust their fader levels together, and also change their output routing at the same time. Thank you again for the feedback and support!

Verified purchaserEarly-access reward eligible

Write a purchaser review →

Purchase verification is required. New reviews and edits are reviewed before publication.

ASTER DRUM LAB v1.0.2

Build your next drum kit here.

One-time purchase. No account required. Download immediately after checkout.

Download the free DemoNo sign-up · macOS AU/VST3 · Windows VST3