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.
In the world of electronic music, few names carry the weight of a Hollywood blockbuster quite like KSHMR (Niles Hollowell-Dhar). While many DJs chase the dopamine hit of a big room drop, KSHMR builds entire worlds. His Sound of KSHMR Vol. 2—released as a sample pack, not a traditional album—is arguably his most fascinating artifact. It’s not just a collection of kicks, snares, and synth shots. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, disguised as a utility tool.
In the landscape of electronic dance music, few names command as much respect for craft as Niles Hollowell-Dhar, better known as KSHMR. While his anthems like "Burn" and "Secrets" dominate festival main stages, his most enduring legacy might be his sample packs. Before 2016, the industry relied on generic orchestral hits and synthesized kicks. Then came Sound of KSHMR Vol 1, a pack that literally changed how big room, progressive, and future house music sounded. But it was the sequel—Sound of KSHMR Vol 2—that evolved from a simple sample collection into an indispensable producer’s bible.
Released via the renowned Splice platform and Native Instruments, Vol 2 didn't just repackage Vol 1's success; it redefined it. This article dives deep into why this specific pack continues to dominate DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) from Los Angeles to Mumbai, years after its release.
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 air in the small mountain village of Dharamshala was thin, but the vibrations coming from the basement of an old colonial house were heavy enough to shake the foundations.
, a young producer who had spent years obsessing over the perfect kick drum, sat surrounded by glowing monitors and a single, weathered hard drive. On its casing, etched in faded ink, were the words: " Sound of KSHMR Vol. 2 ."
To the outside world, it was a legendary sample pack—the holy grail of modern electronic production. To Nile, it was a map. The Awakening sound of kshmr vol 2
He clicked open the "World" folder. The sounds didn't just play; they breathed. A Sitar pluck from the pack didn't just ring out; it carried the humidity of a Kolkata afternoon. A heavy orchestral brass hit felt like the gates of a forgotten palace swinging shut.
Nile began to layer. He took a cinematic riser that sounded like a rising storm and fused it with a Dhol loop that hit with the precision of a heartbeat. The "Sound of KSHMR" wasn't just about the individual notes; it was about the culture baked into the digital signals. The Composition
As the sun dipped behind the Himalayas, Nile found the "Song Starters" folder. He didn't want to copy; he wanted to converse. He pulled a haunting vocal chant—ethereal and ancient—and processed it through a gritty distortion plugin.
The Contrast: The raw, organic vocal fought against a synthetic, aggressive bassline.
The Build: He used the signature "KSHMR sweeps" to create a tension that felt like holding one’s breath underwater.
The Drop: When the beat finally hit, it wasn't just dance music. It was a fusion of the digital future and the ancestral past. The Legacy
By dawn, the track was finished. Nile realized that the "Sound of KSHMR Vol. 2" wasn't a shortcut to fame; it was a toolkit for storytelling. It allowed a kid in a remote mountain town to bridge the gap between traditional Indian instrumentation and the mainstages of Tomorrowland.
He hit "Export," the file name simple: Legacy_V2.wav. The sound of the village waking up outside matched the rhythm of his speakers. The world was loud, but he finally had the right tools to speak back.
Released in July 2016, Sounds of KSHMR Vol. 2 is a seminal EDM sample pack created by producer KSHMR and distributed primarily via Splice. It contains over 1,500 high-quality, royalty-free samples, marking a significant expansion—four times the size—of its predecessor. Core Specifications & Content
The pack is renowned for its diverse range of sounds, from foundational EDM drums to niche ethnic instruments and foley. Total Samples: 1,500+ files.
Drums (609+): Includes processed kicks (127), snares (111), claps (99), and hats (81), all meticulously key-labeled for immediate use.
Live & Ethnic Instruments (232+): Features unique world instruments like the sitar (31), duduk (5), and tabla, alongside guitar loops and orchestral brass. Deconstructing the Spectacle: Why "Sound of KSHMR Vol
Vocal Content (121+): Over 100 vocal shots, beds, and choir loops designed to add human texture to electronic productions.
FX & Foley: Distinct categories such as "Animals" (38 sounds tuned to key) and synthetic effects like airlocks, lasers, and tape stops.
VIP Contributions: Includes exclusive sounds from fellow producers like Bassjackers, Headhunterz, and Henry Fong. Unique Musical Features
KSHMR integrated specific musical theories into the pack's organization to aid production workflow.
The "Arabic" Scale: Many loops are composed using a specific Middle Eastern-influenced scale (C — C# — E — F — G — G# — A# — C), which KSHMR notes is functionally identical to the F harmonic minor scale starting on C.
Extensive Key Labeling: Unlike many packs of the era, Vol. 2 key-labeled nearly everything, including percussive elements like snares and claps, to ensure harmonic cohesion. Industry Impact & Reception
Reviewers and users from platforms like Steemit and Reddit highlight the pack's lack of "filler" samples and its broad applicability across genres beyond Big Room House.
Creative Flexibility: While heavily associated with EDM, the high-quality recording of vocal beds and ethnic instruments has seen it adopted by hip-hop and trap producers.
Educational Aspect: Upon release, KSHMR also shared an Ableton project on Splice featuring stems and production tips to show how the samples were used in a professional context.
Sounds of KSHMR Vol. 2 is available as a standalone purchase for approximately $24.98 at Dharma Studio or via Splice's subscription credits. 3 or 4 to see how the collection has evolved? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Sounds of KSHMR Vol. 2: Edm Sample Pack by Splice
Option 1: For Instagram / Twitter (hype + nostalgia)
🎹 The Sound of KSHMR Vol. 2 – still the gold standard for cinematic big room & melodic house.
From earth-shaking kicks to ethnic leads, orchestral hits, and those vocal chops that defined an era of festival anthems. If you produce any style of mainstage or emotional electronic music, this pack is a masterclass in sound design. Listen with headphones
Which Vol. 2 sound is still in your current projects? 🔥🎧
#KSHMR #SoundOfKSHMR #EDMProduction #SamplePack #BigRoom #Dharma
Option 2: For Reddit / Discord (producer-focused)
PSA: The Sound of KSHMR Vol. 2 still holds up.
Revisited it today and realized how many of these kicks, risers, and ethnic woodwinds are still unmatched. The “KSHMR Kick 06” alone has been in countless released tracks.
If you’re looking for:
✔️ Festival-ready drums
✔️ Middle Eastern / Indian-inspired melodies
✔️ Clean, layered leads & plucks
✔️ Vocal one-shots that actually cut through a mix
This pack (from Splice/Dharma) is worth revisiting in 2024/2025.
What’s your favorite sound from Vol. 2?
Option 3: Short & punchy (for TikTok / Reels caption)
KSHMR Vol. 2 walked so your festival bangers could run.
That lead. That kick. Those vocals. 🏔️
Still royalty-free. Still legendary.
Drop a 🐅 if you still use it.
You might think a sample pack released in 2019 would sound dated by now. However, Sound of KSHMR Vol 2 achieved "timeless" status for three specific reasons:
The kicks in this pack are infamous for their transient punch. Unlike standard 808s, KSHMR’s kicks sit perfectly in the 100-128 BPM range without muddying the sub. The pack includes "Hard Kicks" for Big Room drops and "Punched Kicks" for psy-trance influences. The distortion layers are pre-mixed to cut through a club sound system without clipping.
Fans of KSHMR know he layers vinyl crackles, jungle ambience, and sword-clashing foley under his drops. Vol 2 dedicates a massive folder to atmosphere. You get the sound of burning fires, marketplaces in Mumbai, thunder, and even fireworks. These textures give his tracks a "3D" feel that sterile digital productions lack.