# Free crash cymbal samples

> Free crash cymbal one-shots, from short trashy splashes to long cinematic crashes, to mark the start of a section, each with a preview and licence verdict.

33 samples from 4 sources (Strudel sample banks 14, Wikimedia Commons 14, SoundBible 3, OpenGameArt 2), updated 2026-10-23. Picked from a live search and refreshed daily.

- Same search in the browser: https://sound.shep.bot/search?q=crash&category=drums.cymbal.crash
- Same search over the API: `curl "https://sound.shep.bot/v1/search?q=crash&category=drums.cymbal.crash"`
- Details, files and the credit line: `GET https://sound.shep.bot/v1/samples/{id}` with an id from the table below.
- Licence verdicts: "Commercial use OK" (with or without credit) is cleared for a release; anything else must be checked or is non-commercial. See https://sound.shep.bot/docs/licences.md

## Where a crash belongs

A crash cymbal marks a change: the first beat of a chorus, the drop after a build, the end of a fill. In most arrangements it plays once every eight or sixteen bars, so a single good sample goes a long way. Layer it with the kick on the downbeat so the two read as one hit.

Acoustic crashes carry a lot of low-mid "gong" alongside the shimmer. Cutting below 200 to 400 Hz keeps them from clouding the bass, and a gentle dip around 3 to 5 kHz tames harshness without losing air.

## Choosing between them

Drum machine crashes, such as the 909's, are short and noisy and sit well in dance music. Recorded crashes from free libraries have more natural decay and stereo width, which suits live-sounding productions and film cues. If a crash is too long, fade the tail rather than cutting it, or the end will click.

## Samples

| Sample | id | What | Source | Licence | Commercial use | Direct download |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Kobe Bryant helicopter crash ATC audio](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_helicopter_crash_ATC_audio.flac) | `wikimediacommons:Kobe_Bryant_helicopter_crash_ATC_audio.flac` | Crash, 3:57 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Crash Large](https://soundbible.com/1172-Crash-Large.html) | `soundbible:1172-Crash-Large` | Crash | SoundBible | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Dough Samples · crash · 0](https://github.com/Bubobubobubobubo/Dough-Samples/blob/main/crash/CRASH%203.wav) | `strudel:dough-samples/crash/0` | Crash, One-shot | Strudel sample banks | GPL-3.0 (repository licence) | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Crash Collision](https://opengameart.org/content/crash-collision) | `opengameart:crash-collision` | Crash | OpenGameArt | OpenGameArt per-item licence | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Crash (1) Sample](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crash_(1)_Sample.wav) | `wikimediacommons:Crash_(1)_Sample.wav` | Crash, 9.2 s | Wikimedia Commons | CC0 1.0 | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [747 Jet Crash](https://soundbible.com/1651-747-Jet-Crash.html) | `soundbible:1651-747-Jet-Crash` | Crash | SoundBible | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Dough Samples · crash · 1](https://github.com/Bubobubobubobubo/Dough-Samples/blob/main/crash/crash%202.wav) | `strudel:dough-samples/crash/1` | Crash, One-shot | Strudel sample banks | GPL-3.0 (repository licence) | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Vídeo ANÁLISIS CRASH BANDICOOT N. Sane TRILOGY](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:V%C3%ADdeo_AN%C3%81LISIS_CRASH_BANDICOOT_N._Sane_TRILOGY.ogg) | `wikimediacommons:Vídeo_ANÁLISIS_CRASH_BANDICOOT_N._Sane_TRILOGY.ogg` | Crash, 5:19 | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0 | Commercial use OK with credit | yes |
| [3 Background Crash Explosion Bang Sounds](https://opengameart.org/content/3-background-crash-explosion-bang-sounds) | `opengameart:3-background-crash-explosion-bang-sounds` | Crash | OpenGameArt | OpenGameArt per-item licence | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Dough Samples · crash · 2](https://github.com/Bubobubobubobubo/Dough-Samples/blob/main/crash/crash2.wav) | `strudel:dough-samples/crash/2` | Crash, One-shot | Strudel sample banks | GPL-3.0 (repository licence) | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Alaska Airlines Flight 261 crash ATC recording](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alaska_Airlines_Flight_261_crash_ATC_recording.ogg) | `wikimediacommons:Alaska_Airlines_Flight_261_crash_ATC_recording.ogg` | Crash, 3:56 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Dough Samples · crash · 3](https://github.com/Bubobubobubobubo/Dough-Samples/blob/main/crash/crash%204.wav) | `strudel:dough-samples/crash/3` | Crash, One-shot | Strudel sample banks | GPL-3.0 (repository licence) | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Crash cymbal](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crash_cymbal.ogg) | `wikimediacommons:Crash_cymbal.ogg` | Crash, 4.9 s | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0 | Restricted: read the conditions | yes |
| [Dough Samples · crash · 4](https://github.com/Bubobubobubobubo/Dough-Samples/blob/main/crash/CRASH1.wav) | `strudel:dough-samples/crash/4` | Crash, One-shot | Strudel sample banks | GPL-3.0 (repository licence) | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Crash delayed (Gravity Sound)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crash_delayed_(Gravity_Sound).wav) | `wikimediacommons:Crash_delayed_(Gravity_Sound).wav` | Crash, One-shot, 2.7 s | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 4.0 | Commercial use OK with credit | yes |
| [Slowed Breathing](https://soundbible.com/1813-Slowed-Breathing.html) | `soundbible:1813-Slowed-Breathing` | Crash | SoundBible | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Dough Samples · crash · 5](https://github.com/Bubobubobubobubo/Dough-Samples/blob/main/crash/crash.wav) | `strudel:dough-samples/crash/5` | Crash, One-shot | Strudel sample banks | GPL-3.0 (repository licence) | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Crash hit (Gravity Sound)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crash_hit_(Gravity_Sound).wav) | `wikimediacommons:Crash_hit_(Gravity_Sound).wav` | Crash, One-shot, 2.7 s | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 4.0 | Commercial use OK with credit | yes |
| [Crash hit 3 (Gravity Sound)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crash_hit_3_(Gravity_Sound).wav) | `wikimediacommons:Crash_hit_3_(Gravity_Sound).wav` | Crash, One-shot, 3.8 s | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 4.0 | Commercial use OK with credit | yes |
| [Crash hit 2 (Gravity Sound)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crash_hit_2_(Gravity_Sound).wav) | `wikimediacommons:Crash_hit_2_(Gravity_Sound).wav` | Crash, One-shot, 0.5 s | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 4.0 | Commercial use OK with credit | yes |
| [Akai Linn · cr · 0](https://github.com/ritchse/tidal-drum-machines/blob/main/machines/AkaiLinn/akailinn-cr/Crash.wav) | `strudel:tidal-drum-machines/AkaiLinn_cr/0` | Crash, One-shot | Strudel sample banks | No licence stated | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Análisis CRASH BANDICOOT 4 (PS4, Xbox One) VUELVE el mejor CRASH](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:An%C3%A1lisis_CRASH_BANDICOOT_4_(PS4,_Xbox_One)_VUELVE_el_mejor_CRASH.ogg) | `wikimediacommons:Análisis_CRASH_BANDICOOT_4_(PS4,_Xbox_One)_VUELVE_el_mejor_CRASH.ogg` | Crash, 5:32 | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0 | Commercial use OK with credit | yes |
| [Akai MPC60 · cr · 0](https://github.com/ritchse/tidal-drum-machines/blob/main/machines/AkaiMPC60/akaimpc60-cr/Crash.wav) | `strudel:tidal-drum-machines/AkaiMPC60_cr/0` | Crash, One-shot | Strudel sample banks | No licence stated | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Akai XR10 · cr · 0](https://github.com/ritchse/tidal-drum-machines/blob/main/machines/AkaiXR10/akaixr10-cr/Crash-01.wav) | `strudel:tidal-drum-machines/AkaiXR10_cr/0` | Crash, One-shot | Strudel sample banks | No licence stated | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Asiana 214 crash - KSFO Tower ATC recording](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Asiana_214_crash_-_KSFO_Tower_ATC_recording.ogg) | `wikimediacommons:Asiana_214_crash_-_KSFO_Tower_ATC_recording.ogg` | Crash, 7:20 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Akai XR10 · cr · 1](https://github.com/ritchse/tidal-drum-machines/blob/main/machines/AkaiXR10/akaixr10-cr/Crash-02.wav) | `strudel:tidal-drum-machines/AkaiXR10_cr/1` | Crash, One-shot | Strudel sample banks | No licence stated | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Akai XR10 · cr · 2](https://github.com/ritchse/tidal-drum-machines/blob/main/machines/AkaiXR10/akaixr10-cr/Crash-03.wav) | `strudel:tidal-drum-machines/AkaiXR10_cr/2` | Crash, One-shot | Strudel sample banks | No licence stated | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Talk Nation Radio - 2008-10-10 Economic Crash of 2008 101 with Prof Stephen L Ross of UCONN.vorb](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Talk_Nation_Radio_-_2008-10-10_Economic_Crash_of_2008_101_with_Prof_Stephen_L_Ross_of_UCONN.vorb.oga) | `wikimediacommons:Talk_Nation_Radio_-_2008-10-10_Economic_Crash_of_2008_101_with_Prof_Stephen_L_Ross_of_UCONN.vorb.oga` | Crash, 29:46 | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0 | Commercial use OK with credit | yes |
| [Korean Air Flight 801 crash, Guam air traffic control recording (August 1997)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Korean_Air_Flight_801_crash,_Guam_air_traffic_control_recording_(August_1997).oga) | `wikimediacommons:Korean_Air_Flight_801_crash,_Guam_air_traffic_control_recording_(August_1997).oga` | Crash, 4:34 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Alesis SR-16 · cr · 0](https://github.com/ritchse/tidal-drum-machines/blob/main/machines/AlesisSR16/alesissr16-cr/Crash-01.wav) | `strudel:tidal-drum-machines/AlesisSR16_cr/0` | Crash, One-shot | Strudel sample banks | No licence stated | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [AAR214-KSFO-Crash](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AAR214-KSFO-Crash.ogg) | `wikimediacommons:AAR214-KSFO-Crash.ogg` | Crash, 2:56 | Wikimedia Commons | Public domain | Commercial use OK | yes |
| [Alesis SR-16 · cr · 1](https://github.com/ritchse/tidal-drum-machines/blob/main/machines/AlesisSR16/alesissr16-cr/Crash-02.wav) | `strudel:tidal-drum-machines/AlesisSR16_cr/1` | Crash, One-shot | Strudel sample banks | No licence stated | Unclear: check the terms | yes |
| [Boss DR-110 · cr · 0](https://github.com/ritchse/tidal-drum-machines/blob/main/machines/BossDR110/bossdr110-cr/Crash.wav) | `strudel:tidal-drum-machines/BossDR110_cr/0` | Crash, One-shot | Strudel sample banks | No licence stated | Unclear: check the terms | yes |

## Questions

**How long should a crash sample be?**

As long as the section it introduces needs. A full acoustic crash can ring for several seconds; in a dense mix you will often fade it after one or two bars. Shorter crashes and splashes suit fills and busy electronic tracks.

**Can I make a reverse cymbal from these?**

Yes. Reverse a crash in your editor and place it so its loudest point lands on the downbeat. That swell is one of the oldest transition tricks, and it only needs a crash whose licence allows modification, which every green verdict does.

## Related collections

- [Free ride cymbal samples](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-ride-cymbal-samples.md): Free ride cymbal one-shots, including bell hits and bow strokes, for jazz, house and techno grooves, with previews and a commercial-use verdict on each.
- [Free open hi-hat samples](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-open-hi-hat-samples.md): Free open hi-hat one-shots, from tight half-open barks to long washy sizzles, for house, disco, trap and breaks, with a licence verdict on every sound.
- [Free impact sound effects](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-impact-sound-effects.md): Free impact and hit sound effects: cinematic booms, sub drops, braams and slams for drops, trailers and transitions, each with a preview and licence verdict.
- [Free riser sound effects](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-riser-sound-effects.md): Free riser and uplifter sound effects for build-ups before a drop: white noise sweeps, pitch risers and tension builds, each with a preview and licence verdict.
- [Free breakbeats and drum breaks](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-breakbeats.md): Free drum breaks and breakbeat loops for jungle, drum and bass, hip hop and breaks, with tempo where known and a licence verdict, including cleared breaks.
- [Free clap samples](https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-clap-samples.md): Free hand clap and snap samples, from stacked crowd claps to tight drum machine claps, ready to layer with snares, each with a licence verdict and preview.

---
Source: https://sound.shep.bot/samples/free-crash-cymbal-samples