You know that moment when you’re scrolling through drum kits, looking for something that could give your beats a unique edge, and suddenly you stumble across something with a name so intense it makes you pause? That’s exactly what happened to me when I first heard about the 13 Murders Summer Drum Kit. I thought, “Okay… this sounds dark. But can it actually make my beats sound fire?” I’ve been messing with beat-making for years, and I figured I’d give it a shot to see if it’s really worth the hype.
What Makes 13 Murders Summer Drum Kit Different?
Honestly, a lot of drum kits out there sound similar. You have your generic kicks, snares, hi-hats, and 808s. But the 13 Murders Summer Drum Kit somehow manages to feel… alive. The sounds hit hard, but not in a way that’s overwhelming. They feel layered, like someone actually thought about how a beat should breathe.
The kit includes everything you’d expect for trap or hip-hop production: kicks that punch through your mix, snares that snap, hi-hats and percussion for rhythm, and deep, rolling 808s that shake the room. But the vibe of this kit is darker and more aggressive than your average free or paid pack. If you’re trying to make beats that stand out, this kit gives you a head start.
What’s Inside the Kit?
Kicks, Snares, and 808s
The first thing I noticed when loading the 13 Murders Summer Drum Kit into my DAW was the kicks. They’re punchy, tight, and just raw enough to feel real. The snares are crisp, sometimes layered to give that modern trap feel without sounding too artificial. And the 808s? Man, they hit deep. Perfect for bass-heavy tracks that need that sub-bass to carry the beat.
Hi-Hats, Loops, and One-Shots
Beyond the basics, the kit comes with a variety of hi-hats, percussive sounds, and loops. There are rolls, triplets, and quick fills that make building beats feel fun instead of a chore. And the one-shots are great if you like customizing your rhythm rather than just sticking to loops. I found myself experimenting with layering these sounds to create something entirely new, which is exactly what I want from a drum kit.
How I Use It in My Music
I’m mainly on FL Studio, but the 13 Murders Summer Drum Kit works fine on Ableton, Logic, and GarageBand too. The first track I tried with it was a dark trap beat I’d been sitting on for weeks. I swapped out my old 808s for this kit’s version and suddenly the track felt alive. It wasn’t just louder—it had personality.
Here’s a little tip if you’re using it: layer snares with your own recorded sounds or tweak the pitch slightly. It adds an organic feel that makes the kit sound less “sample pack” and more like part of your own instrument collection.
Legal Stuff You Should Know
I have to be honest here. One downside is the murky licensing. Some versions floating around online aren’t officially cleared for commercial use. So, if you plan to sell beats or upload them for profit, double-check where you’re getting the kit. I personally like to stick to sources that clearly allow commercial usage, just to avoid headaches down the road.
Alternatives You Might Consider
Even though I like the 13 Murders Summer Drum Kit, it’s not perfect for everyone. If you want other options:
- Cymatics Trap Essentials – reliable, high-quality, and beginner-friendly.
- Splice Drum Kits – tons of professionally curated sounds.
- Wave Alchemy Trap Sounds – premium quality and versatile.
These aren’t as dark or aggressive as 13 Murders, but they’re solid if you want something more neutral or polished.
Pros and Cons
Why I Like It
- The sounds are raw and bold, giving beats character.
- Easy to drag into any DAW and start making music immediately.
- Perfect for trap, hip-hop, and darker themed tracks.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Licensing can be unclear if not sourced legally.
- Some sounds might need a bit of tweaking to fit certain tracks.
- Not as widely known, so community support is limited.
FAQs About 13 Murders Summer Drum Kit
Q1: What is the 13 Murders Summer Drum Kit?
It’s a drum kit containing kicks, snares, hi-hats, 808s, loops, and one-shots designed for trap and hip-hop production.
Q2: Can I use it for commercial projects?
Yes, but only if you download it from a source that allows commercial use. Avoid pirated versions.
Q3: Which DAWs work with it?
It works with FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, GarageBand, and most other popular DAWs.
Q4: Is it free or paid?
Some versions online are free but may not include licensing. Paid versions are safer if you want commercial rights.
Q5: Are there similar kits I could try?
Yes, Cymatics Trap Essentials, Splice Drum Kits, and Wave Alchemy Trap Sounds are good alternatives.
My Take: Is It Worth It in 2025?
If you’re looking for a drum kit that gives your beats a strong personality and some edge, the 13 Murders Summer Drum Kit is worth a try. It’s not perfect, and the legal side can be a little tricky if you’re not careful, but the sounds themselves are genuinely inspiring.
For me, it sparked creativity and made my old beats feel fresh again. If you approach it with curiosity and a bit of experimentation, it can easily become a staple in your production toolkit. Just remember: always get it from a safe source, and don’t be afraid to tweak the sounds until they feel yours.
At the end of the day, it’s a kit that’s meant to be used, played with, and explored. And honestly? That’s exactly what I love about it.
