The Bells
Key Features
- 15 tuned bell sounds combining acoustic bell recordings, FM synthesis, physical modeling, and resynthesis for a wide timbral range
- Four built-in effects — distortion, reverb, chorus, and delay — for transforming bells into pads, plucks, keys, and textured sounds
- Multi-LFO with lowpass and highpass filters for dynamic modulation and tone shaping
- Three voice modes: polyphonic, monophonic, and legato for different playing styles and layering approaches
- Low CPU usage with amplitude range controls for efficient performance in large sessions
- Also available as a Decent Sampler patch (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS) and full Kontakt library (Kontakt 5/6/7 required)
Description
The Bells by SampleScience is a virtual instrument built around 15 tuned bell sounds created through acoustic sampling, FM synthesis, physical modeling, and resynthesis. The source material includes orchestral bells, acoustic bells, and synthesized tones designed to cover a wide range of timbres from bright crystalline chimes to deep resonant tolls.
The plugin version ships with a multi-LFO, lowpass and highpass filters, amplitude range controls, and three voice modes: polyphonic, monophonic, and legato. Four built-in effects — distortion, reverb, chorus, and delay — let you push patches well beyond basic bell territory into pads, plucks, keys, and organ-like textures.
BPB noted that the effects are "more than adequate and quick to dial in with minimal fuss," calling it a limited instrument by design but one with genuine sound-shaping depth. On KVR Audio it holds a 5.0/5 rating, with reviewers praising the "great range of different, well sampled, good sounding bells" and the intuitive interface.
The Bells is also available as a Decent Sampler patch (adding Linux, iOS, and Pro Tools support via AAX) and as a Kontakt library requiring the full version of Kontakt 5, 6, or 7. The plugin version runs on Windows 8.1+ and macOS 10.12+ as a 64-bit VST, VST3, or AU instrument.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What synthesis methods were used to create The Bells sounds?
The 15 bell sounds were created using four different techniques: acoustic bell recordings, FM synthesis, physical modeling, and resynthesis. This combination produces a wider variety of tones than sampling alone, ranging from realistic orchestral bells to synthesized metallic textures.
Does The Bells Kontakt version work with the free Kontakt Player?
No. The Kontakt version requires the full retail version of Kontakt 5, 6, or 7. It is not compatible with the free Kontakt Player. The standalone VST/VST3/AU plugin version and the Decent Sampler version are both completely free alternatives that do not require Kontakt.
What is the best bell VST plugin for music production?
For a dedicated bell instrument, The Bells by SampleScience offers 15 tuned sounds with built-in effects at no cost. Paid options include AudioThing Bells (sampled from a historic Italian foundry) and Soundiron Chroma Bells (deeply sampled brass and bronze hand bells with multiple microphone positions). The right choice depends on whether you need raw character or highly detailed multi-sampled realism.
Can The Bells be used on Linux or iOS?
The VST/VST3/AU plugin version is Windows and macOS only. However, the Decent Sampler version works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS through the free Decent Sampler host, giving you cross-platform access to the same 15 bell sounds with different effects and sound-shaping options.
