Tracklib - Detailed Review
Music Tools
Tracklib - Product Overview
Introduction to Tracklib
Tracklib is an innovative music service that revolutionizes the process of sampling and clearing music samples for official use. Founded in 2014 and officially launched in April 2018, Tracklib is based in Stockholm, Sweden.
Primary Function
Tracklib’s primary function is to enable music producers to discover, sample, and license original recordings effortlessly. The platform solves the long-standing issue of sample clearance by providing a straightforward and legal way to use samples in new music productions.
Target Audience
Tracklib is targeted at music creators, including producers, DJs, and artists of all levels. From renowned producers like J. Cole, Lil Wayne, and DJ Khaled to emerging musicians, Tracklib caters to anyone looking to incorporate original samples into their music.
Key Features
Extensive Music Catalog
Tracklib offers a vast library of over 80,000 original master recordings and stems, covering a wide range of genres and regions. This includes everything from Soul, R&B, and Funk to Jazz, Classical, and Ethnic/Folk music.
Easy Sample Clearance
The platform allows users to browse, download, and license samples with the click of a button, eliminating the hassle of manual clearance processes. Each track is categorized into three tiers (A, B, or C) with corresponding purchase and clearance costs.
Advanced Search and Looping Tools
Tracklib features advanced search options that let users filter tracks by genre, region, label, artist, year, song key, BPM, and track type. The platform also includes a looping function that uses machine learning to find perfect loops within songs, and a drum machine feature to add beats to loops.
Subscription Model
Since May 2020, Tracklib has operated on a subscription model, making it more accessible for regular users.
Intermediary Role
Tracklib acts as an intermediary between record labels, publishers, copyright owners, and artists, ensuring that all parties benefit from the sampling process. This includes generating new revenue streams for original artists, producers, and their labels and publishers.
By simplifying music licensing and providing a vast, diverse catalog of original recordings, Tracklib empowers music creators to focus on what they love most – making music – without the worries of clearance and licensing.
Tracklib - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Tracklib is intuitive and user-friendly, making it an excellent tool for musicians and producers looking to sample and create music.Interface Layout
When you first log in to Tracklib, you are presented with a clear and organized dashboard. The main sections include song collections, new tracks, popular releases, and a “Discover More” area that helps you explore the vast music library.Browsing Options
- You can browse songs by genre, region, label, or artist, and use filters to narrow down your search by release date, song key, BPM, and more.
Song Interaction
Once you select a song, the interface provides several useful features:Waveform Display
- A waveform display allows you to see the song’s structure and scroll through it in real time.
Looping Features
- You can loop specific parts of the song, choosing from 1, 2, 4, or 8 bars. This feature is particularly useful for sampling and creating beats.
Additional Features
Tracklib also offers other tools to enhance your creative process:Beat and Pitch Adjustment
- You can add beats of various genres to your loops and use pitch adjustment to slow down or speed up your samples.
Sounds Section
- The platform includes a “Sounds” section with royalty-free one-shots and loops, which can be filtered by instrument, key, and BPM.
Ease of Use
The interface is easy to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy. The layout is straightforward, and the features are well-integrated, making it simple to find, sample, and work with music tracks. The site is akin to a digital version of a record store, but without the physical hassle, making it a fun and engaging experience.Overall User Experience
Using Tracklib is a pleasant and engaging experience. The platform is fun to explore, with a vast collection of unique and inspiring tracks. You can easily spend hours discovering new music and experimenting with different loops and beats. Additionally, Tracklib simplifies the process of clearing samples, which is a significant advantage for producers, as it eliminates the worry of copyright issues.Conclusion
In summary, Tracklib’s user interface is well-organized, easy to use, and highly engaging, making it an excellent resource for musicians and producers who regularly sample music. Tracklib - Key Features and Functionality
Tracklib Overview
Tracklib, a subscription service for music producers, integrates advanced AI-driven features to streamline and enhance the sampling process. Here are the key features and how they work:
Loop Function
Tracklib’s Loop feature uses artificial intelligence, specifically neural networks, to identify perfect loop points in any song. This allows users to find and play loops instantly, even in tracks with varying tempos, such as those recorded in the 60s and 70s. The loop function can create and play perfectly chopped loops in 1, 2, 4, or 8 bars, making it easier to sample specific parts of a song.
BEATS Feature
The BEATS feature adds a significant layer of creativity by allowing users to add beats to any loop they find. This feature includes a built-in drum machine that plays beats in sync with the loop, even with tempo changes. Users can choose from four beats based on popular genres: Classic Bap, Trap Essentials, Early House, and a Simple Kick. The tempo of the beat can be adjusted from half to double the original tempo, and a sidechaining feature called “ducking” lowers the sample volume when the kick drum hits.
Pitch Adjustment
In addition to looping and adding beats, Tracklib allows users to adjust the pitch of their samples. This feature enables producers to slow down or speed up their samples, providing more flexibility in how they can be used in new tracks.
Advanced Audio Analysis
Tracklib’s technology relies on advanced audio analysis using neural networks to find perfect loop points and ensure that the loops and beats align perfectly with the song’s tempo. This granular analysis helps in identifying subtle tempo changes and variations in the music, making it ideal for sampling older recordings.
Sample Clearance
One of the most significant benefits of Tracklib is its streamlined sample clearance process. Users can clear samples quickly and affordably, with unlimited sample clearance included in the Premium and Max subscription plans. This eliminates the need for individual clearances, making it easier for producers to release music with samples legally.
Royalty-Free Sounds
Tracklib also offers a library of royalty-free one-shots and loops that can be used in conjunction with sampled songs. These sounds are curated to work well with the sampled tracks and can be filtered by instrument, key, and BPM, providing a comprehensive resource for music production.
User Interface and Organization
The platform allows users to search, browse, and discover songs by genre, region, label, or artist. Users can favorite songs or loops and add them to their collections for quick access. This organized interface makes it easier for producers to find and manage their samples efficiently.
Conclusion
In summary, Tracklib’s AI-driven features simplify the process of finding, looping, and adding beats to samples, while also providing a seamless way to clear samples and access royalty-free sounds. These features are designed to enhance creativity and productivity for both professional and amateur music producers.
Tracklib - Performance and Accuracy
Performance of Tracklib
Tracklib stands out in the music tools category, particularly for music producers who rely heavily on sampling. Here are some key aspects of its performance:Ease of Use and Sample Clearance
Tracklib simplifies the process of sampling by providing a library of songs that are already cleared for use. This eliminates the hassle of obtaining clearance from record labels and publishers, making it faster and more legal for producers to incorporate samples into their work.Quality of Samples
The samples available on Tracklib are of high quality, typically in WAV format with a minimum of 44.1kHz / 16bit, ensuring that the audio fidelity is preserved without any compromise.Extensive Music Library
Tracklib boasts a significant catalog of over 80,000 original songs and multitracks, including a wide range of genres, regions, and labels. This extensive library helps producers find unique and diverse samples for their productions.Search and Looping Tools
The platform offers advanced searching tools that allow producers to filter tracks by various criteria such as genre, region, label, artist, years, song keys, and BPM. Additionally, the loop player feature makes it easy to find and loop specific sections of a song, which can be directly downloaded and imported into a DAW.Affordability and Pricing
Tracklib provides affordable pricing options, with songs available for purchase at $1.99 each. The subscription plans offer access to multiple original song downloads per month, which is beneficial for producers on a budget.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Limited Downloads
One of the main limitations is that none of the subscription plans allow for unlimited downloads. Even the most extensive plan limits users to 35 plus 2 featured tracks per month.Catalog Size
Although Tracklib is continuously adding new songs to its catalog (over a thousand songs a week), the overall size of the library is still smaller compared to some other sample services. However, this smaller size helps maintain the quality of the samples available.Potential Copyright Issues
Despite the samples being cleared, there can still be issues if the same sample has been used by another producer and registered with music recognition services. This can lead to copyright disputes, although Tracklib’s clearance process minimizes these risks.Accuracy
Tracklib ensures high accuracy in its sample clearance process, which is a critical aspect for music producers. The platform guarantees that the samples are legally cleared, reducing the risk of copyright infringement. This accuracy is backed by a dedicated team that ensures all samples are properly licensed and cleared before they are made available for use. In summary, Tracklib performs well in terms of ease of use, sample quality, and the breadth of its music library. However, it has limitations such as restricted download limits and the potential for copyright issues if samples are widely used. Overall, it is a valuable tool for producers looking to incorporate high-quality, legally cleared samples into their work. Tracklib - Pricing and Plans
Tracklib Pricing Overview
Tracklib offers a clear and structured pricing system with several subscription tiers, each designed to cater to different needs of music producers. Here’s a breakdown of their plans and features:Subscription Tiers
Lite Plan
- Price: $8.99 per month.
- Features: Access to Tracklib’s song catalog, but users need to pay for each sample they want to clear. This plan does not include unlimited sample clearance or access to the royalty-free Sounds library.
Premium Plan
- Price: $13.99 per month.
- Features: Includes all the benefits of the Lite plan, plus unlimited sample clearance and access to the royalty-free Sounds library, which contains loops and one-shots. Users can clear an unlimited number of samples without additional fees.
Max Plan
- Price: $19.99 per month.
- Features: This is the top-tier plan, offering everything included in the Premium plan. It provides unlimited sample clearance and full access to the royalty-free Sounds library, making it ideal for heavy users and professional music producers.
Additional Features and Options
- Annual Plans: Users can opt for annual subscriptions, which save two months’ worth of subscription fees compared to monthly payments.
- Free Trial: Tracklib offers a three-day free trial, allowing users to test the service before committing to a subscription.
- Royalty-Free Sounds: The Premium and Max plans include access to a library of royalty-free loops and one-shots, known as the “Sounds” feature.
- Sample Clearance: With the Premium and Max plans, users can clear an unlimited number of samples without any additional fees.
Catalog and Accessibility
- Song Catalog: Tracklib’s catalog includes over 100,000 songs from various genres and decades, along with multitracks such as acapellas.
- Global Coverage: The catalog spans music from around the world, including diverse genres like soul, rock, R&B, jazz, and more.
Tracklib - Integration and Compatibility
Integrating Tracklib with Music Production Tools
When it comes to integrating Tracklib with other music production tools and ensuring compatibility across various platforms, here are some key points to consider:
Integration with DAWs
Tracklib offers a newly launched Desktop App that seamlessly integrates with popular Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). This app allows you to sync your Tracklib samples directly into your DAW, making the workflow more efficient. You can preview loops, set loops quickly, and drag and drop them into your DAW without any manual adjustments, as the app handles metadata, beat markers, and tempo alignment automatically.
Platform Compatibility
The Tracklib Desktop App is available for both Mac and PC, ensuring broad compatibility. Specifically, it can be downloaded for MacOS and Windows, and there is even a version for Intel Macs.
Mobile and Web Access
In addition to the desktop app, Tracklib is also mobile-friendly, allowing you to access and use its features on various devices. This flexibility makes it easier to work on your music projects from anywhere.
Sample Management and Workflow
The app streamlines the sampling process by allowing you to explore the library, preview loops, pitch and extend loops, and save individual loops directly within the app. This improves your workflow by focusing on creativity rather than file management.
Licensing and Clearance
Tracklib’s samples are pre-cleared for licensing, which means you don’t have to worry about copyright infringement or clearance issues. This integration with licensing processes ensures that you can release your music on various platforms, including streaming services, vinyl, and videos, without any legal hurdles.
Partnerships and Accessibility
Tracklib has partnerships with other music platforms, such as UnitedMasters, which provides producers with access to quality samples through the Beat Exchange marketplace. This partnership extends the reach and accessibility of Tracklib’s samples to a broader community of music creators.
Conclusion
In summary, Tracklib’s integration with DAWs, its compatibility across Mac and PC platforms, and its mobile-friendly design make it a versatile and user-friendly tool for music producers. The app’s features and partnerships further enhance its utility and accessibility.
Tracklib - Customer Support and Resources
Contact Information
For direct support, you can reach out to Tracklib through various channels:
- Phone: You can contact their customer service at 4 673 236 9810.
- Email: You can email them at the customer service address, although the specific email is not provided in the sources, the general support email is
support@tracklib.comas mentioned in their privacy policy. - Corporate Office: If you need to contact them in person or via mail, their corporate office is located at Skeppsbron 38, Stockholm, 111 30, Sweden.
Help Center and Resources
Tracklib provides a comprehensive help center and several resources to assist users:
- How It Works Section: This section explains how to use the platform, including finding and downloading songs, using loops and beats, and clearing samples for release. It also details the different subscription plans and their benefits.
- Website and Support Pages: The website has dedicated sections for explaining the features, subscription plans, and how to clear samples. These resources help users understand the platform’s functionality without needing to contact support.
Email Support
For any specific queries or issues, you can contact Tracklib’s support team via email at support@tracklib.com. This is the primary email address for support-related inquiries and is mentioned in their privacy policy.
Additional Resources
- Privacy Policy and Data Protection: If you have questions about how your personal data is handled, you can refer to their detailed privacy policy and contact the data protection officer if needed.
- Subscription Plans and Clearing Samples: The website provides clear information on the different subscription plans, including the Lite, Premium, and Max plans, and how sample clearance works for each plan.
By utilizing these support options and resources, you can effectively manage your experience with Tracklib and address any questions or issues that arise.
Tracklib - Pros and Cons
Pros of Tracklib
Huge Music Library
Tracklib offers an extensive library of over 100,000 songs and multi-tracks from various genres and decades, including music from current artists and classic musicians like Mozart and Isaac Hayes.
Pre-Cleared Samples
One of the main benefits of Tracklib is that all the songs in its library are pre-cleared for legal use, eliminating the need to chase down rightsholders or negotiate clearance agreements. This makes the sampling process smooth and painless.
Easy to Use
The platform is user-friendly, with an easy-to-use interface and in-depth searching tools that make it simple to find the right samples. The loop player feature allows you to find and loop specific parts of a song easily.
Advanced Looping Feature
Tracklib uses artificial intelligence, specifically neural networks, to identify perfect loop points in songs, even in tracks with varying tempos. This feature, known as Tracklib Loops, makes it easier for producers to find suitable loops.
Affordable Pricing
While the pricing can be seen as expensive by some, Tracklib’s subscription plans are transparent and offer good value for serious musicians. The plans include a set number of track downloads per month, and some plans even include unlimited sample clearances.
Support for Creators
Tracklib ensures that original music creators receive ongoing royalties on the master side and a share of the new composition, supporting musicians and creators.
Cons of Tracklib
No Unlimited Downloads
None of the subscription plans offer unlimited downloads, which could be a limitation for some users. For example, the Professional plan allows 35 track downloads per month, plus two additional featured tracks.
Costly
The service can be expensive, especially for those who are not earning from music. The licensing fees and royalties can add up, making it less viable for hobbyists or those on a tight budget.
Limited Flexibility in Editing
Unlike some other services, Tracklib does not allow users to change the pitch or BPM of the samples directly on the platform. Users need to adjust these elements within their own DAW.
Confusing Pricing Model
Some users find the pricing model confusing, with different plans offering varying numbers of track downloads but similar features otherwise.
Overall, Tracklib is a valuable resource for serious musicians and producers who need access to a vast library of pre-cleared samples and advanced sampling tools, but it may not be the best fit for those on a tight budget or looking for more flexible editing options.
Tracklib - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Tracklib
- Pre-Cleared Samples and Multitracks: Tracklib offers a vast catalog of over 100,000 originally released records, library music, and exclusive multitracks, all with pre-cleared sample clearance contracts. This makes it easier for producers to legally sample music without the hassle of clearing rights.
- Advanced Audio Analysis: Tracklib uses neural networks and advanced audio analysis to identify perfect loop points, even in tracks with varying tempos, which is particularly useful for older recordings.
- Royalty-Fair and Royalty-Free Options: Tracklib provides both royalty-fair samples from original records and a fully royalty-free section called Tracklib Sounds, which includes sample packs, loops, one-shots, and FX. This dual offering sets it apart from competitors.
Alternatives and Comparisons
Splice
- Royalty-Free Focus: Splice is entirely focused on royalty-free samples, offering a huge library of sounds specifically created for sampling. Unlike Tracklib, Splice does not provide samples from original records.
- User Interface and Tools: Splice has a user-friendly interface and a mobile app, making it ideal for producers who want to browse and create on the go. However, it lacks the exclusive multitracks and pre-cleared samples that Tracklib offers.
Sample Focus
- User-Generated Content: Sample Focus is a platform for royalty-free, user-made sounds. It does not offer the same level of authenticity or the extensive catalog of original records that Tracklib provides.
Jamahook
- AI-Powered Plugin: Jamahook is a plugin that uses AI to find loops, samples, stems, or other audio elements that complement your song arrangements. While it offers real-time recommendations, it does not provide the pre-cleared samples or the extensive catalog of original music that Tracklib does.
LALAL.AI
- Stem Separation: LALAL.AI is an AI-powered tool for extracting vocal, accompaniment, and other instruments from audio files. It does not offer a sample library or pre-cleared samples but is useful for stem separation, which can be a complementary tool to Tracklib’s offerings.
Key Differences
- Authenticity and Originality: Tracklib stands out for its authentic, originally released music and multitracks, which are not available on platforms like Splice or Sample Focus.
- Sample Clearance: Tracklib’s pre-cleared sample clearance process is a significant advantage, especially for commercial use, as it simplifies the legal and ethical aspects of sampling.
- AI-Driven Features: Tracklib’s use of neural networks for loop point analysis is a unique feature that enhances the sampling process, particularly for older recordings.
In summary, Tracklib offers a unique combination of authentic, pre-cleared samples and royalty-free sounds, along with advanced AI-driven features for loop analysis. While alternatives like Splice, Sample Focus, and Jamahook have their own strengths, they do not match the comprehensive offering and legal ease provided by Tracklib.
Tracklib - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Tracklib
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 library of over 100,000 tracks from various labels, which users can browse, stream, download, license, and loop. Users can search for songs by genre, region, label, artist, and other filters to find the perfect samples for their music.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.
How do I download and use tracks from Tracklib?
To download tracks, you use credits: 5 credits for a song or 1 credit for a sound. You can download previously downloaded files as many times as you need, even if you stop your subscription. Tracks can be looped, and you can add beats or adjust the pitch to customize your samples. You can also favorite tracks or add them to your own collections for quick access.What is the process for clearing samples on Tracklib?
If you plan to release music that includes samples from Tracklib’s songs, you need to clear the samples. However, Tracklib’s Premium and Max plans now include unlimited sample clearance, eliminating the need for additional clearance fees. For other plans, you would need to clear the samples separately, but Tracklib makes this process easier through their platform.Are there any royalty-free options available on Tracklib?
Yes, Tracklib offers a section called “Sounds” which includes royalty-free one-shots and loops. These sounds are curated to work well with the songs available on the platform and do not require any clearance for use in your music projects.Can I use Tracklib if I’m just starting out with music sampling?
Absolutely! Tracklib is user-friendly and suitable for both beginners and professionals. The Essential Plan is particularly geared towards new users, offering an affordable entry point with enough credits to get started with sampling. The platform also provides easy-to-use features like looping and pitch adjustment to help you create your music.How do I search and find music on Tracklib?
You can search for music on Tracklib by browsing through their collections or by using filters such as genre, region, label, artist, release date, song key, and BPM. This makes it easy to find the specific type of music you’re looking for to sample.Can I register songs using Tracklib samples in my music publishing account?
Yes, you can register songs that use Tracklib samples in your music publishing account, such as Songtrust. The process is similar to registering any other recording, and Tracklib provides the necessary tools to make this process straightforward.What kind of support does Tracklib offer for its users?
Tracklib offers various resources to help users, including video tutorials, a user-friendly interface, and customer support. Additionally, there are community resources and reviews that can provide insights and tips on how to make the most out of the service.Is there a free trial available for Tracklib?
Yes, Tracklib offers a free trial, allowing you to try out the service before committing to a monthly subscription. This is a great way to get familiar with the platform and see if it meets your needs. Tracklib - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Tracklib
Tracklib is a music sampling service that stands out for its simplicity, extensive library, and legal clarity, making it an invaluable tool for music producers, songwriters, and artists.Key Benefits
- Pre-Cleared Samples: One of the most significant advantages of Tracklib is that all the songs in its library are pre-cleared for legal use. This eliminates the hassle and legal headaches associated with sample clearance, allowing producers to focus solely on creating music.
- Extensive Music Library: Tracklib boasts a vast library of over 100,000 songs and multi-tracks, spanning hundreds of genres and featuring music from both contemporary and classic artists. This diversity ensures that users can find the perfect samples to match their creative vision.
- User-Friendly Interface: The service is highly intuitive, with advanced searching tools that allow users to filter tracks by genre, region, label, artist, release date, song key, and BPM. The loop player feature is particularly useful, enabling users to easily identify and download perfect loops from any song.
- Affordable Pricing: Tracklib offers several subscription plans, starting from $5.99 per month, which is relatively affordable compared to other sampling services. The Professional plan, priced at $29.99 per month, is particularly popular among full-time musicians, offering 35 track downloads per month plus additional featured tracks.
Who Would Benefit Most
Tracklib is ideal for several types of music creators:- Professional Musicians and Producers: Those who rely heavily on sampling in their work will appreciate the ease of sample clearance and the extensive library of high-quality tracks.
- Independent Artists: Smaller artists and producers who may not have the resources to clear samples through traditional channels can benefit from Tracklib’s affordable and legally secure sampling solution.
- Songwriters: Songwriters looking to incorporate samples into their compositions will find Tracklib’s pre-cleared samples and advanced searching tools invaluable.