Samplebase Licensing FAQ

Be sure to read our Terms Of Use for detailed information about Licensing.

Q: Are Samplebase™ SoundBlocks royalty free?
A: Yes! All of them are royalty free.

Q: Do I have to pay additional licensing fees if my use of SoundBlocks ends up on a hit recording or other high-profile projects?
A: It depends. If you will be reselling or licensing your musical work, you are required to add at least ONE original piece of instrumentation to the final mix. Otherwise, you will need to contact us to obtain a separate license. In other words, as long as you are creative with the SoundBlocks, and use them as integrated elements in your derivative musical works, you will be covered under our standard Terms Of Use.

Q: Are Samplebase SoundBlocks "copyright clean"?
A: We make serious, sustained efforts to ensure that all of the sounds on Samplebase are original. All of our artists and producers are chosen by us, and they must sign agreements with us certifying that they are the sole owners of the copyrights in the sounds in their SoundBlocks. We prohibit "lifting" or stealing sounds from recordings published by others, even if they are "disguised" in an attempt to hide their source. We provide raw source material that is recorded by us in our studios, or studios we rent, to Samplebase producers for use in their SoundBlocks. However, without witnessing the recording of every single sample by every producer, there is no way Samplebase can be absolutely certain that every sound in every SoundBlock is original. While we are confident that the SoundBlocks on Samplebase are original to the producer, we cannot guarantee that all of the sounds are "copyright clean". Therefore, we suggest that if there is any doubt about the origin of a certain sound, or group of sounds, that you contact the producer through our User Forum for confirmation before using it in your music. For further information, see our Terms Of Use.

Q: Do I have to credit the Artist or Producer of the SoundBlock if I use it on a recording?
A: No. However, we encourage you to give credit as you see fit. Our artists and producers would appreciate the recognition.

Q: Can my writing partner, colleagues or friends use my SoundBlocks once I've purchased them? Can I form a group to buy and share SoundBlocks?
A: No, each person who uses the sounds must download their own copy of Satellite™ and SoundBlocks (which licenses them to use the sounds). Anyone other than the original purchaser of Satellite and SoundBlocks, who uses the sounds, is doing so illegally.

Q: Can I offer these sounds to clients as part of my recording studio or rental company services? Or, as a freelance sound designer, can I put custom compilation discs together which include your SoundBlocks or Satellite for my composer clients?
A: No. Each person who uses the sounds (the creative person) has to be a licensed user. Otherwise, this could cause tremendous legal problems for studio or rental clients. The only exception to this rule would be if a client came to you with Satellite and SoundBlocks to be used in a piece he/she was recording at your facility.

Q: Can I use SoundBlocks to make "Music Libraries?"
A: Yes, this is fully allowed with all of our SoundBlocks. The sounds have to be used within a musical context, however, and cannot be presented isolated or "solo'ed." You are required to include at least ONE additional piece of instrumentation in the final mix. Otherwise, you will need to contact us to obtain a license.

Q: Is it OK to sell my copy of Satellite or SoundBlocks to someone else if I'm finished with the project that I needed it for?
A: No. Unlike your musical gear, or music CDs, you cannot give away or sell your copy of Satellite or SoundBlocks to someone else. YOU DID NOT PURCHASE THEM. YOU PURCHASED A LICENSE TO USE SOUNDBLOCKS AND SATELLITE IN YOUR MUSIC. This license cannot be transferred by you.

Q: What if I still have questions?
A: Please contact us any time to discuss any particular licensing questions you may have. We want to help you!

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