Soundly is a comprehensive and innovative sound design platform that streamlines the process of searching, managing, and integrating sound effects into various audio and video projects. Here’s an overview of what Soundly does and its key features:
Core Functionality
Soundly serves as a centralized hub for managing both local and cloud-based sound libraries. It allows users to search, index, and organize their entire sound collection, whether the files are stored locally, on external drives, or in the cloud. This integration eliminates the need to hunt through multiple locations, making the workflow faster and more efficient.
Key Features
Extensive Sound Libraries
Soundly offers access to a vast cloud library, with options ranging from over 300 sound effects in the free version to more than 7,500 sound effects with the Pro subscription. Additionally, users can upload and manage their own sound libraries, making them accessible from any location with an internet connection.
Advanced Search and Metadata
The platform features a powerful search engine enhanced by AI-powered related searches, auto-complete, and a sound effect thesaurus. It also includes a metadata editor that supports popular formats like iXML, BWAV, and MP3, allowing users to embed and manage metadata efficiently.
Seamless Integration with DAWs and NLEs
Soundly integrates seamlessly with popular digital audio workstations (DAWs) and non-linear editors (NLEs) such as Pro Tools, Logic, Premiere, Nuendo, Cubase, Reaper, and After Effects. Users can drag and drop sound effects directly into their projects, adjusting in/out points and applying effects like pitch shift, speed, and reverse in real-time.
Cloud Collaboration
The platform facilitates easy collaboration through cloud storage, allowing users to share sound libraries and playlists with colleagues. This feature enables teams to work together efficiently, even when members are in different locations.
Customizable Workflows
Soundly offers various tools to customize workflows, including the ability to create playlists, mark favorite sounds, and use search tabs to organize searches. The application also supports portable mode, allowing users to run Soundly from a USB stick, and an offline cloud bridge for working without an internet connection.
Additional Tools and Features
- Audio Processing: Users can apply effects like pitch shift, speed adjustment, and reverse directly within the application.
- Channel Select: Extract specific channels from multichannel files.
- Place It and Shape It: Tools for placing sounds in different environments and using a specialized equalizer tailored for sound designers.
- Integration with External Services: Connect to services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Amazon S3 for expanded cloud storage options.
User Benefits
Soundly is designed to enhance the creativity and efficiency of sound designers. It simplifies the process of finding and integrating sound effects, reduces the time spent on searching and organizing, and provides a robust set of tools for modifying and applying sound effects directly within the workflow. This makes it an essential tool for professionals in the audio and video production industry, from Hollywood to independent creators.