13 Instruments, One Arabic Legacy
From Darbuka Thunder to Sajat Sparkle – The Definitive Middle Eastern Percussion Bundle

Engine Audio Arabic Percussion Collection unites five carrefully recorded libraries—**Darbuka**, **Dufouf**, **Khashkash**, **Riq**, and **Sajat**—totaling **13 instruments** for full ensemble authenticity. From thunderous clay/metal darbukas and resonant Katem drums to shimmering Riq tambourines and Sajat finger cymbals, this bundle covers every rhythmic role in Arabic music. Bassam Ayoub’s MIDI grooves and intuitive Engine Player workflow ensure instant access to traditional rhythms like *Maqsum* and *Baladi*, while organic imperfections (hand claps, room noise) add lifelike realism for film, games, or global fusion tracks.
The Heartbeat of the Desert
Dive into the rhythmic magic of the East with the Arabic Percussion Collection by Bassam Ayoub – a journey through the rich tradition of Arabic percussion. This extraordinary library, inspired by the bustling markets, endless dunes, and lively celebrations, captures the essence of Arabic percussion in its purest form.
13 Authentic Instruments, each with its own story, tone, and soul, come together to form a collection that effortlessly brings traditional rhythms and modern compositions to life.
Arabic Percussion Dufouf (5 Instruments)

The Arabic Percussion Dufouf is part of the Arabic Percussion Collection, produced by Bassam Ayoub. This library features four distinct Dafs and a Katem, offering a rich palette of deep, resonant tones and dynamic rhythmic possibilities.
- Daf: A traditional frame drum widely used in Arabic music, the Daf delivers warm bass notes and sharp slaps. The library includes four unique variations – two crafted with natural skins for a traditional tone and two with synthetic materials for modern versatility.
- Katem: Known for its deep, earthy resonance and sharp percussive taps, the Katem adds texture and complexity to rhythmic patterns, making it an excellent complement to the Dafs.
Arabic Percussion Khashkash (3 Instruments)

The Arabic Percussion Khashkash is part of the Arabic Percussion Collection, produced by Bassam Ayoub. It features the Mazhar and two distinct Tambourines, offering a versatile range of traditional sounds ideal for enriching any musical arrangement.
- Mazhar: A large percussion instrument with a deep, resonant tone that provides powerful rhythms and a commanding presence.
- Tambourines: Two variations bring bright, metallic jingles and lively rhythmic textures, perfect for adding energy and dynamic accents.
Arabic Percussion Sajat (2 Instruments)

Arabic Percussion Sajat is part of the Arabic Percussion Collection, produced by Bassam Ayoub. This library is perfect for bringing shimmering, metallic accents and unique rhythmic textures to your music – ideal for any composition or performance.
"Sajat" refers to a family of cymbal instruments widely used in Arabic music.
The library offers two exciting variants:
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Sajat: Finger cymbals that add sharp, rhythmic accents and sparkling highlights to your music.
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Tura: Larger cymbals with a full, resonant sound – perfect for dramatic and expressive performances.
Arabic Percussion Darbuka (2 Instruments)

The Darbuka (also known as the Doumbek) is a key instrument in Arabic music, famous for its sharp, melodic tones and versatile rhythmic potential. With its iconic goblet-shaped body, typically made of ceramic, metal, or plastic, the Darbuka is perfect for a wide range of playing techniques – from sharp slaps to deep, resonant bass sounds.
Inside Arabic Percussion Darbuka, you'll find two distinct variations:
- Clay Darbuka: Known for its warm, earthy tones, it adds a rich, natural feel to your rhythms.
- Metal Darbuka: Bright and vibrant, this version brings crisp, energetic sounds, ideal for fast-paced and expressive performances.
Arabic Percussion riq (1 Instruments)

The Riq is a traditional Arabic tambourine-like instrument, known for its sharp jingles and vibrant rhythms. Played with fingers and palms, it adds a lively texture and dynamic melodies to both folk and classical music. Its distinct sound and versatile technique make it essential in Arabic music ensembles, whether in solos or larger compositions. The Riq is a key instrument for exploring the rich traditions of Arabic percussion.
Unmatched Realism
The Riq has been recorded with great care to capture the full range of typical articulations in Arabic music. Additional elements such as hand claps and random noises add even more authenticity. With a variety of dynamic layers, round-robin samples, and variations, you will experience a lively and realistic sound experience.
Complete Instrument List
- Darbuka: Clay Darbuka (organic warmth), Metal Darbuka (bright punch)
- Dufouf: 4 Dafs (natural/synthetic skins), Katem (deep earthy resonance)
- Khashkash: Mazhar (powerful frame drum), 2 Tambourines (metallic jingles)
- Riq: Traditional Arabic Tambourine (crisp jingles, dynamic strikes)
- Sajat: Sajat Finger Cymbals (sharp accents), Tura Cymbals (resonant crashes)
Why Choose Engine Audio Arabic Percussion Collection?
- Full Cultural Palette: Cover every Arabic percussion role — from driving rhythms (Darbuka) to shimmering accents (Sajat).
- Time-Saving MIDI: Bassam Ayoub’s grooves eliminate programming for authentic rhythms like Maqsum, Baladi, and Saidi.
- Optimized Performance: Lightweight libraries (115MB–220MB each) with minimal CPU load.
- Studio-Grade Effects: Built-in reverb, EQ, and compression across all plugins.
- Cross-Genre Flexibility: Blend traditional sounds with modern production via drag-and-drop MIDI.
WATCH TUTORIAL
PRODUCT SUMMARY
- 13 Authentic Instruments:
- Darbuka: Clay Darbuka + Metal Darbuka (2)
- Dufouf: 4 Dafs (natural/synthetic skins) + Katem (5)
- Khashkash: Mazhar + 2 Tambourines (3)
- Riq: Traditional Tambourine (1)
- Sajat: Sajat Finger Cymbals + Tura Cymbals (2)
- 500+ MIDI Grooves: Pre-composed rhythms by Bassam Ayoub for instant traditional/hybrid arrangements.
- Organic Textures: Hand claps, performance noise, and room ambience across all instruments.
- Engine Player: Unified interface (VST/AU/AAX/Standalone) with tempo sync, effects, and mic blending.
- Dynamic Playability: Round-robin samples, velocity layers, and articulations (strikes, rolls, mutes).
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Formats: Standalone, VST3, AAX, AU
(via Engine Player 1.1.0+).
OS: macOS 10.15–15 / Windows 10+ (64-bit only).
RAM: 4GB minimum (8GB+ recommended).
Storage: 612MB download size.
DAWs: Compatible with all major hosts (Logic Pro, Cubase, Pro Tools, etc.).
