The commercial success of Sound of KSHMR Vol 2 lies in its sheer utility. At roughly 1.5 GB, the pack contains 600+ samples, loops, and MIDI files, plus a massive bank of presets for Serum and Massive. But let’s look at the specific categories that producers still lose sleep over.
The official distribution for Sound of KSHMR Vol 2 has shifted over the years. Originally a standalone purchase, it is now exclusively available via:
Technical Specs:
Sound of KSHMR Vol 2 is more than a collection of WAV files; it is a sonic library of the "KSHMR brand." It allows you to inject world music, cinematic bravado, and festival destruction into your tracks instantly.
Whether you are trying to write the next Tomorrowland anthem or just looking for the perfect snare drum that slaps, starting with Volume 2 is the short cut. Open your DAW, load up that "Dharma Kick 05," and start your journey.
Ready to produce? You can find Sound of KSHMR Vol 2 available exclusively on Splice Sounds or the KSHMR store. Don't forget to check out the bonus "MALM" and "LION" expansion packs that followed.
Listen with headphones. Produce with passion.
The Sound of KSHMR Vol. 2 is widely regarded as one of the most influential sample packs in the history of electronic dance music (EDM). Released in July 2016 via Splice, it dramatically expanded on its predecessor, offering over 1,500 meticulously crafted samples designed to provide producers of all genres with "world-class" tools. A Massive Leap in Scale and Variety
While Volume 1 established the "KSHMR sound," Volume 2 was nearly four times its size, moving beyond standard EDM staples into cinematic and world-inspired territory. The pack is organized into several key categories:
Drums (609 samples): Includes highly processed, key-labeled kicks, snares, claps, and toms designed to cut through dense mixes.
Ethnic Instruments: Features unusual instruments from across the globe, including sitar (31 samples), duduk (5 samples), and chimes (4 samples), often playing melodies composed by KSHMR himself.
Animals (38 samples): A unique collection of animal sounds—from lion roars to bird chirps—processed and tuned to specific musical keys for use in cinematic sound design.
Vocals (121 samples): A mix of vocal shots, "beds," and loops intended to add a human element to digital productions.
Live Sounds & Foley: Over 230 samples of real-world recordings, ranging from grandfather clocks to crowds stomping in a gym. The "Arabic Scale" and Cultural Influence
One of the defining features of the pack is its focus on Middle Eastern and Indian scales. KSHMR introduced many producers to what he termed the "Arabic" Scale (using C as the root: C, C#, E, F, G, G#, A#), which is essentially the F harmonic minor scale starting on C. This scale is a hallmark of his signature sound, which blends bass-heavy EDM with rich cultural influences from his Kashmiri heritage. Impact on Music Production
Sounds of KSHMR Vol. 2 is widely considered one of the most influential EDM sample packs ever released, significantly expanding on its predecessor with over 1,500 high-quality samples. Released through Splice , it is roughly four times larger than Volume 1 and has become a staple for electronic music producers ranging from beginners to professionals. Sample Library Breakdown
The pack contains a diverse range of sounds categorized to cover nearly every element of a modern electronic production: Key Highlights Drums
Massive variety including 127 kicks, 111 snares, and 99 claps. Live Sounds
Includes organic textures and foley to add "real-world" character. Percussion
Covers standard EDM percussion plus specialized ethnic hits. Synth
One-shots and loops optimized for Big Room and Progressive House. Vocals Signature KSHMR vocal chops and phrases. Ethnic Instruments
Specialized sounds like Sitar (31), Flute (8), and Duduk (5). Orchestral
High-quality Brass & Woodwinds (69), Strings (80), and Choirs (7). Impact on Music Production
Industry Standard: Producers on Reddit have noted that these samples are so prevalent that they define the "Big Room House" sound, with some professional tracks allegedly consisting of up to 70% KSHMR samples.
Signature "KSHMR" Style: The pack is essential for achieving the producer's trademark blend of heavy orchestral elements and traditional Indian instrumentation.
Ease of Use vs. Originality: While praised for its "quality stuff" that makes mixing easier, some in the community caution that over-reliance on these recognizable sounds can lead to a lack of originality in a producer's work. Strategic Usage Tips
Layering: KSHMR often recommends layering orchestral strings (one panned left, one right) to create a wide, monophonic lead instrument effect.
Energy Management: Use high-octave automation to slowly introduce high frequencies, which conveys building energy throughout a track's breakdown.
Selective Selection: Experts suggest purchasing only specific samples from the Splice pack rather than the whole set to avoid being overwhelmed by similar-sounding "duplicate" files.
If you are a producer, would you like tips on how to layer these samples with synths like Serum, or Lessons of KSHMR: Orchestral and Ethnic Instruments Part 2
In the landscape of electronic dance music, few names carry as much weight in the studio as KSHMR (Niles Hollowell-Dhar). After leaving his mark on the pop world as part of The Cataracs, he reinvented himself as the "Indian Lion," delivering anthems like "Bazaar," "Jammu," and "Dharma." But while his DJ sets are legendary, KSHMR’s true legacy might be his virtual instrument line with Splice and his infamous sample packs.
In 2019, the industry was shaken by the release of "Sound of KSHMR Vol 2." The original Sound of KSHMR had already become the gold standard for Big Room and Progressive House. However, Sound of KSHMR Vol 2 didn't just raise the bar—it obliterated it, becoming a perennial best-seller. Even years later, we are still dissecting why this pack remains the "secret sauce" for producers ranging from Spinnin’ Records headliners to bedroom beatmakers.
Here is the definitive breakdown of why Sound of KSHMR Vol 2 is not just a sample pack, but a masterclass in sound design.