This is the first of a series of "Mini-reviews" of Sonic Foundry's ACID Loop Libraries.
There are 66 loop libraries in all (as of the time of this writing) - Under "Product Info" - There are ALSO 36 folders of demos for other loop libraries, containing an additional 196 "hidden" audio files. These files can also be found online, but it's nice to know you don't have to download them because the same examples for each CD-ROM are included on every CD.
Included on these CD's are Sample ACID projects. These examples can be used to get a feel for the library and possibly give you some ideas to begin with. Another great thing about the sample projects is you can actually see how the composer fit all the pieces together to make a great music bed, including all volume and pan envelopes.
All three of these CD's are part of the "Producer's Pack", which is a 5-CD set comprised of elements specially designed for a multitude of purposes. The Producers Pack set sells for $199, which will save you $40 on buying them individually. The five CD's in the set are: "Universal Groove Elements, Ambient Realms, World Pop, Textures & Soundscapes, and Ambient Atmospheres & Rhythms: Robert Rich's Liquid Planet."
"Universal Groove Elements"
This CD contains all the essentials needed to create tracks in many styles and genres.
There's hip-hop, techno, bass n' drums, and all the elements you need to make a moving and groovin music bed. Also of note on this CD is the inclusion of Dialog, Movie Bits and Effects. These tidbits are snippets of movie dialog and sound effects. Some are instantly recognizeable and some are just way out of left field. Although there are quite a number of basic building blocks for a variety of purposes, I feel this particular CD might be best suited for creating dance tracks and such. The movie bits and and dialog could be used for a comic treatment in any number of productions.
Sample Project Files Included: Four
The Bottom Line:
DRUMS (303 files)
"Ambient Atmospheres & Rhythms: Robert Rich's Liquid Planet"
This volume was created by Robert Rich, one of the world's most respected composers of deep experimental music. These loops are more lush and flowing than many of the loop libraries. It is filled with long passages of strings and other ambient sounding soundscapes. There are many rhythms, melodies, and moods to draw from here. It would be a good "starter kit" for creating soundtracks for certain types of video projects like sports and recreational projects, underwater dive videos, skateboarding, rain forest footage, canoeing icy waters, segments on parasailing and the like. It can be used on anything that depicts a large spacey environment or a grand scale. Wedding Event videographers could also use elements found on this volume.
Sample Project Files Included: Two
The Bottom Line:
CLEAN FLUTES (26 files)
"Textures & Soundscapes: Robin Storey's Rapoon"
After more than twenty continuous years of work as a founding member of the prolific art music ensemble :zoviet-france: and the artistic genius behind more than a dozen critically-acclaimed solo releases as Rapoon, Robin Storey's unique and fresh approach to sound design is a welcome addition to the Producer Pack Set. His post-industrial loops can be utilized for many different types of projects and would lend themselves well to
videos on modern and ancient civilazations. Combinations of other samples conjure up exotic locations and even alien landscapes. Sonic textures found on this volume can be used to create eerie and unsettling backgrounds as well as serene and relaxing music beds.
Sample Project Files Included: Seven
The Bottom Line:
ATMOSPHERICA (236 files)
(CDROM #886)
536MB of original, license-free loops.
List Price: $59.95
Packaged: $47.96
Genres: Dance, Electronica, Groove
Instruments: Drum Machines, Keyboards, Synths, Vocals, Sound Effects, Movie bits.
BASS (114 files)
AMBIENT EFFECTS (47 files)
DIALOG (47 files)
FX (50 files)
GUITARS (15 files)
KEYBOARDS (181 files)
MOVIE BITS (32 files)
Flexibility: 4
Value: 3
(CDROM #482)
569MB of original, license-free loops.
List Price: $59.95
Packaged: $47.96
Genres: Ambient, Soundscapes
Instruments: Drones, Flutes, FX, Percussion, Synths
DRONES & ABSTRACT (38 files)
ETHNIC PERCUSSION (105 files)
MELODIC (149 files)
METAL (57 files)
SYNTHETIC PULSES (68 files)
TWINKLES (38 files)
Flexibility: 3
Value: 4
(CDROM #590)
486MB of original, license-free loops.
List Price: $59.95
Packaged: $47.96
Genres: Ambient, Post-Industrial, Soundscapes
Instruments: Bells, Percussion, Strings, Synths, Voices, Sound Effects
BELLS (4 files)
ETHNIC INSTRUMENTS (121 files)
PERCUSSIVE (103 files)
STRING THINGS (22 files)
SYNTHIA (18 files)
VOICES (86 files)
Flexibility: 3
Value: 3
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