Steve PMHIn recent years, several audio sample subscriptions have appeared on the market. As a creator and music producer, it can be dizzying to try to figure out which one has the best features for the best value.
Everyone in the industry knows that the sounds you choose can make or break you. You can have great ideas, but if you don’t have a large selection of quality sounds to choose from, you’ll be limited in what you can do.
For me, I like to have a wide variety of options, because I never know what direction I may take.
I’ve tried several of the biggest names to see what each of them offers. Read on to learn more about the best audio sample subscriptions and get my final say on which is the best of the best.
Landr Samples
Landr Samples offers fresh new ways to make music using some sophisticated technology. Their library contains over a million sounds from songs to instruments to vocals to sound effects. With so many sounds, I never have any trouble mixing music that’s unique to me.
One of the coolest things about the Landr service is that I can start creating a track while I browse. Its Creator program lets me stack and build beats and sounds as I go through their sample library. I started creating almost immediately after signing up.
Their Selector feature uses AI to recommend samples based on previous selections, so I spend less time scrolling. I also love that Landr makes it easy to filter samples based on my needs. I can see what’s available based on instrument, key, BPM, and more.
Plan Features
Landr Samples offers monthly and yearly subscription plans that give you a number of credits to use as you see fit.
Landr offers other music production services that you may want to use to keep your work under one platform. Options like mastering, distribution, and sessions let you take your music to the next level.
Pros
- AI helps you find relevant samples in less time.
- You can easily categorize sounds you like.
- Creator lets you mix tracks directly in the program so you can preview an idea.
Cons
- Their library isn’t as large as some other libraries.
- They don’t have a comprehensive listing of genres.
Splice
Splice offers a library with almost any sound you can think of. I feel like my creativity knows no limits with this program, as they offer samples from almost every genre, and sounds include a variety of instruments, effects, vocals, and more. They also release exclusive creator packs by well-known artists in the industry.
With Splice, it’s easy to find what I’m looking for, as I can filter for different characteristics, like BPM or genre. Once I find something I like, it’s easy to download the sample and then drop it into my DAW.
Splice also has an AI feature called Similar Sounds. If I find something I like that’s not exactly what I’m looking for, I can use Similar Sounds to find a variety of samples that may be just what I need. It’s much more convenient than browsing through pages of random tracks.
Plan Features
You pay a monthly subscription fee and get credits for downloading tracks. You can also use credits for other features, like Skills, which are courses to help you learn even more about production.
You can also purchase access to convenient features like a production program and cloud services to save your work. By joining the community, I was able to collaborate with others and enter fun contests.
Pros
- All samples are royalty-free and available for commercial use.
- You get to purchase sounds individually, instead of in a pack.
- You can cancel anytime and still keep everything you’ve downloaded.
- Huge library with millions of tracks
Cons
- The computer application can be troublesome to use.
- They offer free songs, but they’re hard to find.
Noiiz
Noiiz is an audio sample subscription service that offers a variety of samples and features a simple, easy-to-navigate interface. It’s easy to get started, as you simply have to sign up for a subscription of your choice, download a plugin, and begin creating music.
Noizz features thousands of kits for you to download, so you’re sure to find some sounds to suit your tastes and projects. They even offer a few free sample packs so you can get a feel for what they have to offer.
Plan Features
Noiiz offers three levels of plans. The Light and Basic plans are billed monthly. Each offers a set amount of sounds and instruments each month based on how much you’re paying.
To get the full features of Noiiz, you’ll have to subscribe to their Unlimited plan. It’s billed annually and you’ll get complete access to all of Noiiz’s packs, instruments, and features. Everything is stored in the cloud so you can find your stuff from anywhere.
Pros
- You don’t need a subscription to use the Noiiz plugin with your own sounds.
- Noiiz allows you to make changes to your samples as you audition.
- Although their library is small, Noiiz is constantly adding new sounds.
Cons
- The unlimited plan is costly.
- You don’t get access to much with one of the monthly subscriptions.
Output Arcade
Output’s Arcade service offers something a little different than some of the other options on my list. When you subscribe and begin using their app, it comes pre-loaded with all of their samples. They also promise to upload new samples every day.
Output Arcade also lets you work right inside the app. Choose from the samples available and start crafting your track.
This program is a great option for those who are just starting and are learning how everything works. It keeps it simple and you can start creating without too much of a learning curve.
Plan Features
Output Arcade keeps it simple with one monthly subscription plan. Once you sign up, you get access to the entire library available and the new samples that are added each day.
Pros
- It’s a good option for beginners.
- It has a small operation, personal feel.
- It’s affordable compared to some other options.
Cons
- You’ll need internet access to use it consistently.
- You don’t have as much control over what music you choose based on what’s available.
Sounds.com
Sounds.com is a sample service offered by Native Instruments, a brand that creates software and hardware for music producers. They have a large library created by over 200 artists and offer many exclusive sounds.
All of their loops, packs, and samples are royalty-free and available for commercial use.
Sounds.com works with any of your Native Instruments products but is also compatible with your equipment of choice. They strive to offer the highest quality of sounds, so you know your music will sound just the way you want it.
It’s easy to find music on Sounds.com. The powerful search engine lets you filter tracks by BPM, genre, tone, instrument, and more. I like the curated sample packs, which give me a range of tracks in the style I’m searching for.
Plan Features
There are three different plans to choose from with Sounds.com, the Essential, Pro, and Ultimate plans. Each plan is billed monthly and offers a certain number of credits for use each month.
Pros
- Sounds.com has a large library for you to choose from.
- It features exclusive tracks from top artists like DJ Khalil.
- While Sounds.com is new, its parent company has been around for decades and is well-established.
Cons
- No plan allows you unlimited access.
- It’s a little harder to find the sounds you want quickly.
Loopmasters’ Loopcloud
Loopmasters is one of the older names in the audio sample subscription industry, as they’ve been around since 2003.
Plan Features
Instead of a monthly subscription plan, Loopmasters lets you purchase points as you need them. You can use these points to purchase samples, loops, and packs. This option is beneficial if you don’t want to commit to a monthly plan.
Loopmasters offers over four million sounds for you to choose from, so you’re bound to find plenty of options for whatever you’re trying to create.
I was impressed not only with the size of the library but the scope. I found samples and loops in just about every genre to create some unique pieces.
Loopmasters works with their cloud-based program Loopcloud, which allows you to manage your sounds. You can also upload your sounds into Loopcloud. Loopcloud lets you audition samples as you go and lets you see if it works with your project.
Pros
- They have one of the largest libraries available.
- You can audition songs in the key and time you need for your project.
- Loopmasters gives you a lot of opportunities for creative freedom with organic creation.
Cons
- The website is a little dated and doesn’t have as many features as other companies.
- It’s easy to go off on a tangent and move away from your original idea.
Buyer’s Guide: The 5 Main Criteria for Choosing the Best Audio Sample Subscription
Before signing up for an audio sample subscription, it’s a good idea to know what to look for so you choose the one that best suits your needs. Below are our main criteria for choosing the best platform.
Library Size
One of the most important things to look for in a subscription service is the size of the library. If it has a limited number of tracks, you’ll be limited in what you can create. A larger selection is usually better, and you’ll also want to check for a variety of genres.
Quality
No matter how big a service’s library is, it won’t matter much if the quality is poor. Look for a service that has high-quality sounds so you can produce professional-sounding music. You may be tempted to choose a cheaper service, but don’t sacrifice quality for a lower price.
You should also look for the caliber of artists who are contributing to the packs. I like to look for names I recognize, even if it costs a little more, because I know that I’ll be getting some great sounds from some of the biggest names in the business.
Flexibility
When it comes to creativity and platforms, I like lots of room for flexibility. I like programs that let me pick and choose what I want without having to pay for things I don’t want. While some programs that give you access to an entire library with one subscription may have some advantages, I prefer credit systems and the ability to purchase single tracks.
Cost
Between all of the hardware and software you need, a lot of money goes into music production. While you shouldn’t necessarily choose the cheapest platform on the market, you also want to avoid paying for a lot of features you don’t use.
Other Features
Many platforms offer more than just samples for download. Some offer other integrations that allow you to create as you go.
I like platforms like Landr that use AI to suggest tracks and have a feature that lets me audition songs in the context I’ll be using them. These features help me quickly find what I need.
Final Verdict
Each of these subscription services has some great features; what you choose will often depend on your particular needs. For me, my favorite option is Landr Samples. While their library isn’t as large as some of the others on this list, they’re constantly adding new songs.
What I really like about Landr Samples, though, is that they’re moving forward using new technology. Their use of AI to develop their Selector feature is innovative and gives me a new way to create music. It’s not only easy to find new sounds based on what I’m doing, but it also gives me new creative directions.
I also like how easy Landr Samples makes it to audition new tracks as I’m browsing. I can build as I go without having to leave the software. Their creator feature reduces steps in my process and makes more workflow more seamless.
👉 Check the Plans of Splice
