Audio Samples FAQs

Q1. What are samples?
A1. Samples are sound bites ranging the complete musical spectrum (vocals, drums, synths ...). There is no length limitation of a sample, this is determined by the owner of the material or by the license supplied with the samples.

Q2. What is Sampling?
Q2. Sampling originally got its name from the act of taking a part or piece, known as a "Sample", of one recording and then using that sound, as an instrument in a new recording. Today, modern technology allows us to sample anything not limited to just a recording, for example you could sample a sound of nature using a microphone.

Q3. What is a sample CD?
Q3. A sample CD is either a standard audio CD or data CD-ROM containing a large collection of samples such as musical instruments, drum loops, vocal phrases, sound effects or other sounds which can be used in a sampler. Standard audio CDs can be played in any CD player and can be "sampled" from using any CD ripping software.

Q4. What can i use samples for?
A4. Because of the mass library of samples available today, you could create, from a collection of samples, a music composition. Think of a synth or keyword - when you strike the key a sound is produced. Some keyboards have very limited sounds where as samples come in all shapes, sizes, flavors, colors and genres. Samples are available in many formats the most popular being audio CDs and data CDs, some audio cds having a data section where the samples are stored, normally in .WAV format. You can then either rip the CD or import the .WAV files into a sampler or software sequencer ready for use.

Q5. Can i make my own samples?
A5. Yes! you can sample anything with the right gear. If you plan to sample copyrighted material then you can not use the samples for commercial use. Doing so without clearance will get you in BIG trouble! However, if you create the sounds yourself, say with general items around you, you become the copyright owner as you created the samples from scratch. Obviously if you then use these sounds to re-create an existing copyrighted material you will be sued!

Q6. Why should i buy a sample CD when i can find samples on the net?
Q6. You can search the net for free samples but be very careful if you plan to use them for commercial use. You must be 100% sure that you have permission to use any samples! So if you find some on the net that say they are free this just means they are free to download. READ THE SMALL PRINT! get into the habit of reading the small print, specially if you are serious about your music and trying to get a record deal. Many sites we have visited state FREE SAMPLES but you can not always use them for commercial use!
Here's a good example from the BBC Radio 1 Site. (Don't get excited when you hear them, scroll down the page and read the small print!)
When you buy a sample CD from a reputable supplier you are licensed to use the samples for your own musical compositions including commercial use.

Q7. I purchased a sample CD, can i sell them on my own sample CD
A7. NO! this is a breach of copyright. You are only licensed to use the samples within your own musical compositions.

Q8. Do I own the samples now i have purchased a sample CD?
A8. No. The sound samples included on the CD remain the property the company listed on the CD and are licensed, not sold, to you for use on your sampling software or equipment.

Q9. What is a 'royalty free' sample CD?
A9. A 'Royalty Free' sample cd means that you do not have to obtain permission to use the samples contained on it as clearance has already been granted. You or who ever has the CD owns the license for the use of the sounds on it. However, this does not mean you can use the samples on another sample CD.

Q10. I purchased a second hand sample CD, am I licensed to use it?
A10. NO! the license is not transferable! whether you buy them from a car boot sale or Ebay you are not licensed to use the samples for commercial use.

We asked a leading distributor of sample CDs; "If someone purchases a cd from yourselves then later sells it on ebay (Second Hand), will the end user (bidder) be licensed to use the samples"

They replied - "No, the license is not transferable. The purchaser buys the right to use the sounds in their music, but not the right to sell them to another user. Ebay bidders who purchase discs that carry content licensed to others, are not themselves licensed to use the content. They may only become licensed by purchasing an original unopened unit of the product.".

Q11. I found some free samples on a web site, can i use them?
A11. This depends on a number of factors. Trying not to answer this question with a question, these are all important issues to resolve.
Does the website in question grant the use of the samples for commercial use?
Does the website in question in fact own the rights of the said samples themselves, to be giving them away so freely? As we stated in Q5, read the small print. If you are unsure, contact the website direct and get it in writing and even push them into giving you a licensing agreement. Remember, if you use the samples for commercial use and get caught YOU will be prosecuted not the website.