Tracklib - Detailed Review
Audio Tools
Tracklib - Product Overview
Tracklib Overview
Tracklib is an innovative music service that simplifies the process of sampling original music, making it easier for producers, DJs, and artists to clear and use samples in their work.
Primary Function
Tracklib’s primary function is to provide a platform where music creators can discover, sample, and license original recordings. This service addresses the long-standing issue of how to legally and ethically clear samples for use in new music productions.
Target Audience
The target audience for Tracklib includes music producers, DJs, and artists. The platform is particularly useful for those involved in genres like hip-hop, dance music, and any other genre that heavily relies on sampling. The user base is predominantly male, with 64.48% of users being male and 35.52% female, and the largest age group is 25-34 year olds.
Key Features
Catalog of Original Recordings
Tracklib offers a vast catalog of over 100,000 original master recordings and stems from more than 400 record labels and publishers worldwide. This includes music from a wide range of artists, from Isaac Hayes and Mozart to jazz artist Bob James.
Clearance and Licensing
The platform functions as an intermediary between record labels, publishers, copyright owners, and artists, allowing users to clear all music and purchase a license for official use. Each track is categorized into three tiers (A, B, or C), each with its own purchase and clearance costs.
Tracklib Loops
Introduced in 2019, Tracklib Loops uses artificial intelligence and neural networks to help users find perfect loop points in any track. This feature makes it easier for producers to sample music, even from older recordings with varying tempos.
User Interface
Users can browse and listen to all music before downloading it in WAV format to use in digital audio workstations like Ableton, Reason, or FL Studio. The platform also allows users to select and preview loops easily.
Conclusion
By providing a straightforward and legal way to sample and clear original music, Tracklib has become a valuable resource for many prominent artists and producers, including J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, DJ Khaled, and Brockhampton.
Tracklib - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Tracklib is crafted to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it an excellent tool for music producers and artists.Interface and Ease of Use
Tracklib’s interface is sleek and easy to use. The platform displays song collections, new tracks, and popular releases in a clear and organized manner. There is a “Discover More” section that helps users dig deeper into the vast music catalog.Advanced Search Functionality
The search functionality is highly advanced, allowing users to search for samples based on various parameters such as genre, era, mood, and tempo. This makes it simple to find specific samples that fit the user’s needs.Looping and Sampling Features
One of the standout features of Tracklib is its loop functionality. Users can easily identify and play back loops from samples, and even download these loops to use in their digital audio workstation (DAW). The loop player allows users to loop sections of a song by 1, 2, 4, or 8 bars, which can be particularly useful for sampling.Tracklib Beats
Tracklib has also introduced “Tracklib Beats,” which integrates a drum machine into the interface. This feature analyzes the beats from samples and syncs them with the drum machine, ensuring that the tempo remains consistent even with recordings that may have slight variations in tempo. Users can choose from different drum kits and adjust the tempo and ducking effects, making the sampling process more versatile and efficient.Licensing and Cover Rights
The platform simplifies the process of obtaining cover rights and licensing for tracks. The licensing system is straightforward, allowing users to license a sample or an entire song with just a few clicks. This eliminates the worry of copyright issues, making it easier for independent artists to release their music.User Experience
Overall, the user experience on Tracklib is positive due to its intuitive design and comprehensive features. The platform is easy to navigate, and the preview option for samples helps users make informed decisions before downloading. The flexible pricing plans, including pay-as-you-go and monthly subscriptions, cater to different needs and budgets, making it accessible to a wide range of users.Conclusion
In summary, Tracklib’s user interface is designed to be user-friendly, with advanced search tools, easy loop functionality, and a streamlined licensing process. These features combine to provide a seamless and engaging user experience for music producers and artists. Tracklib - Key Features and Functionality
Tracklib Overview
Tracklib is a comprehensive music service that leverages advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to facilitate sampling and music production. Here are the main features and how they work:Music Catalog and Search
Tracklib offers a vast catalog of original master recordings and stems from various genres, regions, and labels. Users can search, browse, and discover songs to sample using filters such as Release Date, Song Key, BPM, Genre, and Region. This makes it easier to find the perfect tracks for their projects.Loop Functionality
One of the standout features is Tracklib Loops, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) and neural networks to identify perfect loop points within any song. This feature allows users to click on a sweet spot in a track, and the loop will start playing instantly. This AI-driven technology can handle tracks with varying tempos, especially those from the 60s and 70s, by analyzing the tracks granularly to find precise beat data.Loop Customization
Users can create and play loops of 1, 2, 4, or 8 bars, giving them flexibility in their sampling process. Additionally, they can add beats of various genres to their loops to explore different creative possibilities. The pitch functionality allows users to slow down or speed up their samples, further enhancing their creative options.Sound Library
In addition to full songs, Tracklib offers a section dedicated to royalty-free one-shots and loops. These sounds are curated to work seamlessly with the songs available on the platform. Users can filter these sounds by Instrument, Key, and BPM, or browse through sample packs.Sample Clearance
Tracklib simplifies the process of clearing samples for official use. The platform functions as an intermediary between record labels, publishers, copyright owners, and artists, allowing users to purchase a license for the selected recordings. For users on the Premium and Max plans, unlimited sample clearance is included, eliminating the need for individual clearances.User Interface and Collections
The platform allows users to favorite songs or loops for quick access and create their own collections. Users can download songs for five credits or sounds for one credit, and they can download previously downloaded files as many times as needed, even after stopping their subscription.Subscription Model
Tracklib operates on a subscription model, which was introduced in May 2020. This model provides users with access to the full range of features, including the AI-driven loop functionality and sample clearance services.Conclusion
In summary, Tracklib integrates AI to make sampling more accessible and efficient, providing a user-friendly interface for finding, customizing, and clearing samples, which is particularly beneficial for both experienced and emerging music producers. Tracklib - Performance and Accuracy
Performance and Accuracy of Tracklib
Audio Quality and Format
Tracklib excels in providing high-quality audio samples. All samples are offered in WAV format, which is renowned for its uncompressed nature, preserving every nuance of the music without compromise. The minimum specifications are 44.1kHz / 16bit, ensuring that the audio fidelity is maintained at a high standard.Sample Clearance and Licensing
One of the most significant strengths of Tracklib is its streamlined sample clearance process. The platform simplifies the legal and ethical issues surrounding sampling by offering a royalty-fair model for original musicians, rights holders, and new music creators. This allows users to legally clear samples in a matter of minutes, which is a significant advantage over traditional sampling methods.Extensive Music Library
Tracklib boasts an impressive catalog of over 100,000 songs from various genres and decades, including multitracks, acapellas, and full songs. This vast library is constantly growing, with new songs added every week from more than 500 labels and rights holders. This diversity ensures that users can find a wide range of sounds to suit their creative needs.User-Friendly Tools and Features
The platform offers several user-friendly features, such as the Loop Player and Beat Player, which make it easy to find and loop specific sections of songs. The in-depth searching tool is also highly praised for its effectiveness in locating the right samples quickly. Additionally, Tracklib has a mobile-friendly interface and a newly launched Desktop App to integrate samples seamlessly into digital audio workstations (DAWs).Subscription Plans and Affordability
Tracklib provides various subscription plans that are reasonably priced, starting from $5.99 per month. These plans include access to a significant number of original song samples, although there is a limit on the number of downloads per month. For example, the most extensive plan allows for 35 plus 2 featured tracks to be used per month.Limitations
One of the main limitations of Tracklib is the lack of unlimited downloads. Even the most comprehensive subscription plan has a cap on the number of samples that can be downloaded each month. This could be a constraint for producers who need a large number of samples for their projects.Areas for Improvement
While Tracklib’s searching tools are highly effective, there might be room for further enhancements in the search functionality to make it even more precise. Additionally, offering more flexible download limits or additional download credits could be beneficial for users who require a higher volume of samples.Conclusion
In summary, Tracklib performs exceptionally well in terms of audio quality, sample clearance, and the breadth of its music library. Its user-friendly tools and affordable subscription plans make it a valuable resource for music producers. However, the limitation on download numbers is a notable constraint that users should be aware of. Tracklib - Pricing and Plans
Tracklib offers a clear and structured pricing system with several subscription tiers, each catering to different needs and levels of music production. Here’s a breakdown of their plans and features:
Subscription Tiers
Lite Plan
- Price: $8.99 per month.
- Features: This plan allows you to clear samples, but you will need to pay for each sample you want to clear individually. It does not include access to the royalty-free Sounds library.
Premium Plan
- Price: $13.99 per month.
- Features: This plan includes unlimited sample clearance without any upfront fees. You also get access to the royalty-free Sounds library, which includes loops and one-shots. Additionally, you can download a specified number of tracks per month, though the exact number is not specified in the latest sources.
Max Plan
- Price: $19.99 per month.
- Features: Similar to the Premium Plan, the Max Plan offers unlimited sample clearance without any upfront fees and access to the royalty-free Sounds library. This tier likely includes a higher download limit compared to the Premium Plan, though the exact number is not detailed in the latest sources.
Additional Features and Options
- Free Trial: Tracklib offers a three-day free trial, allowing you to test the service before committing to a subscription.
- Annual Plans: You can opt for annual plans, which save you two months’ worth of subscription fees compared to monthly payments.
- Royalty-Free Sounds: The Premium and Max plans include access to a library of royalty-free loops and one-shots, known as “Sounds”.
- Sample Clearance: Premium and Max subscribers can clear samples without paying any upfront fees, as this is included in their subscription.
Historical Context and Previous Plans
While the current tiers are Lite, Premium, and Max, there were previously mentioned plans such as the Essential, Standard, and Professional plans. However, these seem to have been replaced or rebranded with the current tier structure. In summary, Tracklib’s pricing is structured to accommodate different levels of music production needs, from casual producers to professionals, with a focus on ease of use and affordability. Tracklib - Integration and Compatibility
Tracklib Overview
Tracklib, a leading music sampling service, offers seamless integration and compatibility across various platforms and devices, making it a versatile tool for music producers.Desktop App Integration
Tracklib has recently launched a desktop app available for both Mac and PC, which significantly enhances the integration with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). This app allows producers to preview, loop, and pitch samples directly within the application and then drag and drop them into their DAW without any manual adjustments. This feature streamlines the workflow, ensuring that all metadata, beat markers, and tempo alignments are handled automatically.DAW Compatibility
The Tracklib desktop app is designed to work seamlessly with most DAWs, allowing for a smooth transition of samples from the Tracklib library into the producer’s workflow. This integration eliminates the need for manual syncing and tweaking, making the sampling process more efficient.Mobile and Web Compatibility
In addition to the desktop app, Tracklib is also mobile-friendly, providing a consistent user experience across different devices. The platform can be accessed via major browsers, ensuring that producers can work on their projects from various devices without any compatibility issues.Sample Management and Workflow
Tracklib’s platform allows producers to preview loops directly within the app, set loops quickly, and pitch and extend loops as needed. The app also enables users to save individual loops and manage their sample library efficiently. This streamlined workflow focuses on creativity rather than file management, making it easier for producers to find and use the samples they need.Licensing and Clearance
One of the key features of Tracklib is its ability to handle sample licensing and clearance. The platform provides a clear and transparent licensing process, allowing producers to obtain the necessary licenses quickly and easily. This ensures that producers can release their music on various platforms, including streaming services, vinyl, and video syncs, without worrying about legal issues.Conclusion
In summary, Tracklib’s integration with DAWs, its desktop and mobile compatibility, and its streamlined sample management and licensing process make it a highly accessible and user-friendly tool for music producers across different platforms and devices. Tracklib - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
For any questions or issues, you can contact Tracklib’s customer service through various channels:
- Phone: You can reach them at 4 673 236 9810.
- Email: You can send an email to their customer service or support team at support@tracklib.com.
- Contact Form: While not explicitly mentioned, the general contact information and support email suggest that you can also use these channels to submit queries or feedback.
Additional Resources
Tracklib provides a range of resources to help you get the most out of their platform:
How-to Guides and Tutorials
- The “How to use” section on their website offers detailed guides on finding and using music samples, loops, and sounds. This includes instructions on searching for songs, downloading files, and using features like the Loop function and Pitch adjustment.
Help Center
- Although not explicitly linked, the website likely has a help center or FAQ section that addresses common questions and issues users might encounter.
Blog and Educational Content
- Tracklib’s blog is a valuable resource, offering articles on topics such as finding free loops and samples, tips for music producers, and educational content on music production. This includes guides on using royalty-free music and sample packs effectively.
Community and Forums
- While Tracklib itself may not host forums, the blog suggests engagement with broader music production communities through platforms like Reddit, Discord, and other sound libraries. These communities can provide additional support and resources from fellow music producers.
Sample Clearance and Licensing
- For users who need to release music that includes samples from Tracklib, the platform provides clear guidelines on sample clearance. The Premium and Max plans include unlimited sample clearance, making it easier to manage the legal aspects of sampling.
By leveraging these support options and resources, you can effectively use Tracklib’s platform to enhance your music production workflow.
Tracklib - Pros and Cons
Pros of Tracklib
User-Friendly Interface
Tracklib boasts an easy-to-use interface with a clear layout, making it simple for users of all skill levels to find and utilize samples. The service includes helpful filters and a loop player feature that allows you to loop sections of tracks by 1, 2, 4, or 8 bars, which can be downloaded directly into your DAW.
Huge Music Library
Tracklib offers a vast catalog of over 100,000 songs across various genres, spanning from 1928 to 2024. This includes full tracks, stems, and exclusive multitracks, providing a wide range of sampling options.
Easy Sample Clearance
One of the standout features of Tracklib is its streamlined sample clearance process. Users can clear samples quickly and easily, which is particularly beneficial for producers who need to release music with sampled content legally.
Affordable Pricing Options
Tracklib provides several subscription plans starting from $5.99 per month, which is relatively affordable compared to purchasing samples individually. The plans include different numbers of track downloads per month, catering to various user needs.
Additional Features
The service includes a library of royalty-free sounds, loops, and one-shots, complementing the original song samples. There is also a desktop app available to sync samples and integrate them seamlessly into your DAW.
Transparent Licensing
Tracklib is transparent about licensing costs and provides detailed information on each track, including the artist, track name, year, key, BPM, and genre, along with licensing details.
Cons of Tracklib
No Unlimited Downloads
None of the Tracklib subscription plans offer unlimited downloads. The most extensive plan allows for 35 track downloads plus two additional featured tracks per month, which might be limiting for some users.
Costly for Casual Users
The subscription model and licensing fees can be costly, especially for users who are not earning from their music. This makes it less viable for hobbyists or those not generating income from their productions.
Licensing Fees and Royalties
Users must pay licensing fees and a percentage of royalties earned from the final tracks, which can add to the overall cost of using the service.
Mobile Limitations for Some Features
While Tracklib is mobile-friendly, some features might not be fully optimized for mobile devices, although the core functionalities like the Loop Player work well across platforms.
Overall, Tracklib is a valuable resource for producers who frequently use samples in their music, especially those who need to clear samples legally and efficiently. However, it may not be the best option for casual users or those on a very tight budget.
Tracklib - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Tracklib to Competitors
When comparing Tracklib to its competitors in the audio sampling and music production tools category, several key differences and unique features stand out.
Unique Features of Tracklib
- Original Multitracks and Stems: Tracklib offers exclusive stems and multitracks of originally released music, including rare and previously unreleased content from artists like Isaac Hayes and Sun Records. This sets it apart from other platforms that rely on royalty-free samples or AI-generated content.
- Royalty-Fair Model: Tracklib’s model allows for the sampling of real music while ensuring that original artists and rights holders are fairly compensated. This includes unlimited sample clearances in some plans, making it easier for producers to use samples in commercial releases.
- Curated Content: The platform’s samples are hand-picked by an in-house team of producers, crate-diggers, and selectors, ensuring high-quality and relevant material for serious music producers.
Comparison with Splice
- Sample Library: Splice offers a vast library of royalty-free samples, loops, and one-shots, which is ideal for producers who only need royalty-free material. In contrast, Tracklib provides both royalty-free sounds and original songs with multitracks.
- Sample Clearance: Splice does not include sample clearance, whereas Tracklib’s Premium and higher plans include unlimited sample clearances.
- Desktop and Mobile Apps: Both platforms offer desktop apps, but Splice also has a mobile app for on-the-go browsing and idea generation. Tracklib does not have a mobile app but is mobile-friendly for certain functionalities.
Comparison with Sample Focus
- Sample Source: Sample Focus relies on user-submitted samples, whereas Tracklib offers samples from original records and exclusive multitracks. Tracklib’s samples are more authentic and historically significant.
- Pricing and Plans: Tracklib’s plans start at $12.99 per month, while Sample Focus pricing is not specified in the available sources. However, Tracklib’s unique offerings and sample clearance options may justify the cost for serious producers.
Other Competitors
- Looperman and Samplette: These platforms, like Sample Focus, provide user-submitted samples and royalty-free content but lack the exclusive multitracks and original songs offered by Tracklib.
- Beatstars and DistroKid: These platforms are more focused on music distribution and sales rather than sampling tools. They do not offer the same level of sampling resources as Tracklib.
AI-Driven Alternatives
For those interested in AI-driven tools for audio production, alternatives like LALAL.AI and Samplesound AI Music Generator are worth considering:
- LALAL.AI: This tool specializes in AI stem separation and noise removal, which can be useful for post-production but does not offer the same sampling capabilities as Tracklib.
- Samplesound AI Music Generator: This platform uses AI to generate new audio samples and offers advanced search functionality, but it does not provide the historical and original multitracks available on Tracklib.
Conclusion
In summary, Tracklib stands out for its unique offering of original multitracks, royalty-fair model, and curated content, making it a top choice for producers who value authenticity and ease of sample clearance. However, for those needing only royalty-free samples or AI-driven audio tools, other platforms like Splice, Sample Focus, or LALAL.AI might be more suitable.
Tracklib - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Tracklib, along with detailed responses:
What is Tracklib and how does it work?
Tracklib is a subscription-based music service that allows music creators to legally sample original recordings. It provides a vast library of over 100,000 tracks from various labels and publishers, which users can browse, stream, download, license, and loop. The service simplifies music licensing, making it fast, easy, and affordable for music producers.
What are the different pricing plans offered by Tracklib?
Tracklib offers several pricing plans:
- Essential Plan: $5.99 per month or $59.90 per year, allowing 5 track downloads per month and 2 featured tracks.
- Standard Plan: $13.99 per month, allowing 15 track downloads per month and 2 featured tracks.
- Professional Plan: $29.99 per month, allowing 35 track downloads per month and 2 featured tracks.
Additionally, there are Premium and Max plans that include unlimited sample clearances, with the Premium plan costing €12.49 per month (75 credits) and the Max plan costing €16.66 per month (130 credits).
How do I find and download music on Tracklib?
You can find music on Tracklib by searching, browsing, or discovering songs in the Songs section. You can filter by Genre, Region, Label, Artist, Release Date, Song Key, BPM, and more. Once you find a song, you can download it using credits (5 credits per song or 1 credit per sound). You can also favorite songs or add them to your collections for quick access.
What features does Tracklib offer for working with samples?
Tracklib offers several features to enhance your sampling experience:
- Loop Function: Create and play perfectly chopped loops in any song, choosing between 1, 2, 4, and 8 bars.
- Beats: Add beats of various genres to your loop for extra inspiration.
- Pitch Adjustment: Slow down or speed up your samples.
- Sounds Section: Access royalty-free one-shots and loops curated to work with the songs in the catalog.
Do I need to clear samples before releasing my music?
Yes, if you have sampled from Tracklib’s Songs section, you need to clear the sample before releasing your music. However, Tracklib’s Premium and Max plans include unlimited sample clearance, making this process easier and more affordable. Sounds from the Sounds section are royalty-free and do not require clearance.
Can I use Tracklib if I am a beginner in music production?
Absolutely, Tracklib is designed for music producers of all levels. The Essential Plan is particularly suited for beginners, offering an affordable entry point with 5 track downloads per month and additional featured tracks. The platform is user-friendly, making it easy to find and use samples even if you are new to music production.
What kind of music is available on Tracklib?
Tracklib offers a vast catalog of over 100,000 original recordings from around 400 labels and publishers. You can find music from various genres, regions, and labels, including material from notable labels like Daptone Records, Tommy Boy Entertainment, Mute Records, and Sun Record Company. The catalog includes old gems and future classics, and it is constantly updated by a team of crate-diggers and music industry experts.
Can I register songs using Tracklib samples in my music publishing account?
Yes, you can register songs using Tracklib samples in your music publishing account, such as Songtrust. The process is straightforward, and you can treat these samples the same way you would any other recording.
Is there a free trial available for Tracklib?
Yes, Tracklib offers a free trial, allowing you to get familiar with the service before committing to a monthly subscription. This is a great way to explore the features and see if Tracklib is right for you.
Tracklib - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Tracklib
Tracklib is a unique and valuable resource in the music production and sampling industry, particularly for those who frequently incorporate samples into their work. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and who would benefit most from using it:Key Features
- Pre-Cleared Samples: Tracklib’s most significant advantage is its library of over 100,000 pre-cleared tracks, which eliminates the legal headaches associated with sample clearance. This makes it easy for producers to find and use samples legally without worrying about future licensing issues.
- Extensive Music Library: The service offers a vast catalog of original songs and multitracks from various genres and eras, including works by renowned artists like Isaac Hayes and Mozart. This diversity ensures that users can find the perfect sample for their projects.
- In-Depth Searching Tools: Tracklib features advanced searching tools that make it easy to browse and find specific samples. The ability to loop parts of songs directly in the browser and add drum patterns enhances the user experience.
- Affordable Pricing: Unlike many sampling services that charge per song, Tracklib offers subscription plans that provide access to multiple original song samples, making it a cost-effective option for musicians.
Who Would Benefit Most
- Music Producers: Tracklib is particularly beneficial for music producers who rely heavily on sampling in their work. The pre-cleared samples and extensive library save time and reduce the legal risks associated with sampling.
- DJs and Artists: DJs and artists who incorporate samples into their music will find Tracklib invaluable. The service allows them to discover new music, download samples, and use them legally in their creations.
- Songwriters: Songwriters can also benefit from Tracklib by accessing a wide range of musical elements to inspire and enhance their compositions.