Function Loops is a sample brand, and its free tech house drum plugin has been covered as a freebie. Because free offers change, confirm the current details on the official page before you download. Whatever tool you use, the real skill is in the pattern, and this guide covers what makes tech house drums work.
Availability note: free releases and promotions change quickly. Price, formats, system requirements and licence terms can differ between versions, so confirm everything on the developer's official page or official store listing before you install.
The basics of tech house drums
Tech house sits around 124 to 128 BPM and blends the drive of house with the sparse, groovy feel of techno. Drums are the star: a solid four-on-the-floor kick, tight percussion, offbeat hats and a shuffle that keeps people moving.
A starter pattern
| Element | Pattern |
|---|---|
| Kick | Every beat (1, 2, 3, 4) |
| Clap or snare | Beats 2 and 4 |
| Open hat | On the offbeat (the "and" of each beat) |
| Closed hats | 16th notes with velocity variation |
| Percussion | Syncopated hits, such as a rim or conga, on off-grid steps |
Start there, then remove or move hits until the pattern grooves without being busy.
Adding groove and swing
- Apply a little swing, about 5 to 15 percent, to hats and percussion.
- Vary velocity between hits, especially closed hats.
- Shift some percussion a few milliseconds off the grid.
- Use ghost notes: very quiet extra hits that add feel.
- Change one element every 8 bars to keep it moving.
Layering drums
Layer two kicks, one for punch and one for weight, and high-pass the top layer. Layer claps with a short snap for presence. Keep layers phase-aligned: zoom in on the waveform or flip polarity to choose the fuller result.
Mixing the drum bus
Use EQ to remove low rumble from everything but the kick and bass. Gentle bus compression glues the kit; learn the basics in the Fruity Compressor guide, which explains attack and release in a way that applies to any compressor. Sidechain the bass to the kick to keep low end clear, and make sure levels are healthy with the gain staging guide.
How to vet any free plugin before installing
A free price tag does not remove the need for basic caution. Run through this checklist every time.
- Download only from the developer's own site or an official store page, never from re-upload, torrent or "cracked" sites.
- Check that your operating system and DAW plugin format (VST3, AU or AAX) are supported.
- Read the licence: is commercial use allowed, and is an account or email signup required?
- Scan the installer with your normal security software.
- Test on a duplicated project so a crash cannot damage your real session.
More sounds
Browse the free VST collection for other tools, and try the PS2 UK garage sample pack if you like shuffled rhythms.
Frequently asked questions
What BPM is tech house?
Usually around 124 to 128 BPM.
Do I need a plugin for drums?
No, but a drum plugin speeds up auditioning sounds.
How do I make hats groove?
Vary velocity and add subtle swing.
Is the Function Loops plugin still free?
Check the official page for current availability.
Key takeaways
- Tech house runs at roughly 124 to 128 BPM.
- Groove comes from velocity, swing and ghost notes.
- Layer kicks carefully and check phase.
- Verify plugin availability on the official page.
