Brand Portraits Featured Stories

Brand Portrait: Infinite Samples

Infinite Samples, a UK-based provider of cinematic sound effects, has recently introduced a groundbreaking subscription model that transforms how users access and utilize the brand’s ever-growing library of samples. Following the success of their flagship Kontakt library, Pangea, and various highly-praised sound packs, the company now offers a customizable subscription service that caters to the specific needs of audio professionals. This review delves into the key features of Infinite Samples’ new subscription model and explores its potential impact on the industry.

Vimeo

By loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.
Learn more

Load video

Infinite Samples – Forged Trailer

DISCLAIMER: Infinite Samples kindly provided us with access to their subscription service for this review. However, they did not influence or have any say in the content or opinions expressed in this article. All views are entirely our own and reflect an unbiased assessment of the service.

OVERVIEW

Infinite Samples’ new artist-led subscription model, accessible through the company’s website, is designed to provide maximum flexibility and cost efficiency for audio professionals. Their sample browser, called Samples Arena, offers advanced filtering options, customizable sound selection, and access to exclusive industry-grade sounds. The subscription service emphasizes artistic integrity and collaboration with top-tier artists, ensuring curated, high-quality content. Additionally, it incorporates cutting-edge technology like a new watermarking system and integrates with The Abyss, a powerful Kontakt FX sampler that drastically enhances sound manipulation capabilities for users. This model aims to set a new standard in the cinematic sound library industry, making premium audio assets more accessible and adaptable to various creative needs.

Infinite Samples offers 3 different pricing plans for their subscription model based on the size of your business. We will look at the various pricing models in detail a little further down the line.

SAMPLE PACKS VS. SUBSCRIPTION MODEL

As we all know, premium sample libraries can cost a fortune, especially if they feature complex and specialized sounds or if a famous artist is involved in production and marketing. Infinite Samples’ subscription model offers a cost-effective alternative. Traditional sample pack bundles can be prohibitively expensive, especially for individual composers and smaller studios. The subscription service allows users to access a vast collection of high-quality sounds designed by well-known artists without the hefty upfront cost, making professional-grade sound effects much more accessible.

Unlike traditional sound packs that often come with a mix of samples you might not fully utilize, the subscription model from Infinite Samples allows users to pick and choose only the sounds they need. In a real-life music production scenario, it’s not untypical to end up using just a fraction of the samples you paid for in sample packs. Infinite Samples’ a la carte approach ensures that every sound in a user’s collection is purposefully chosen and directly relevant to their specific projects, optimizing both budget and workflow efficiency.

KEY FEATURES

One of the standout features of the new subscription model apart from the vast collection of sounds is the advanced filtering system. Users can now sort sounds by key, tempo, instrument type, and artist. This functionality significantly speeds up the browsing workflow, which allows music producers and editors to quickly find the exact sounds they need without sifting through countless folders. This streamlined process enhances productivity and creativity, enabling users to focus more on their projects rather than searching for the right sound.

The sound packs included in the subscription model are designed with a strong emphasis on artistic integrity. Unlike some services that might be seen as offering disposable content, Infinite Samples ensures that all aspects of their library are highly curated. According to Infinite Samples, the project stems from a place of art, ensuring that every sound is crafted with care and purpose. Infinite Samples’ goal is that this dedication to quality is evident in every sample, making their library a valuable resource for serious audio professionals.

COLLABORATION WITH TOP-TIER ARTISTS

Infinite Samples’ subscription model boasts contributions from an impressive roster of artists, including co-writers with Hans Zimmer like Adam Lukas, Jacob Shea, ‘Death Beats’-artist Snakes of Russia, Sally Herbert (known for strings on tracks by The xx and London Grammar), Walter Mair (composer for Call of Duty), Dean Valentine, Annaca (with 25 million streams), and Rick Cox, Thomas Newman‘s right-hand man on films like Meet Joe Black, 1917, and American Beauty. This diverse array of contributors ensures a rich and varied sound library, suitable for a wide range of cinematic projects.

Also, for the first time, renowned sound designer Robert Dudzic has made some of his sounds available in 6 sample packs as of date. Previously, his work could exclusively be found in industry-only SFX libraries and virtual instruments. This inclusion adds significant value to the subscription service, as users can now access Dudzic’s expertly crafted, unique sounds directly within their projects.

AUDIO DEMOS

Infinite Samples handpicked a few sounds from across their wide range of sample packs so we can showcase them for you here:

Click on the button to load the content from soundcloud.com.

Load content

THE ABYSS

Designed to work alongside their sample packs, Infinite Samples created The Abyss, a cutting-edge Kontakt FX sampler that transforms single samples into pseudo-multi-sampled, playable patches. Designed to be a perfect companion to the subscription service, The Abyss enables users to play sounds via MIDI and process and manipulate them with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.

Subscribers of the Infinite Samples subscription plan benefit from a 20% discount on The Abyss sampler (regular price: £90), making this powerful sound design tool even more accessible.

The Abyss – User Interface

The Abyss – Key Features

The Abyss is loosely based on the interface and engine of Pangea, Infinite Samples’ first sample library for Native Instruments’ Kontakt. It stands out with its unique modulation properties and advanced features, making it an invaluable tool for sound designers and composers. Here are some key highlights:

  • Advanced Modulation: Combining LFOs, a Motion Engine, and Multi FX, The Abyss allows for the creation of complex cinematic sounds and effects. These processes, which would be time-consuming and intricate to set up in a DAW, are made simple and accessible.
  • Multi-Sampling Capabilities: The Abyss turns single samples into instruments that sound as though they were multi-sampled, thanks to its use of Kontakt’s advanced processing algorithms.
  • Instant Playability: With sample pitch detection, volume compensation, and automatic or manual root note selection, users can drag a sample in and have it ready for recording almost instantly.
  • Loop and Spread Features: The Abyss includes a loop feature with crossfade smoothing and voice spread options, allowing users to turn single samples into wide stereo patches.
  • Sample Manipulation: Users can reverse samples, time-stretch to maintain speed across different keys, and create new sounds with the morphing Multi FX.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The Abyss boasts an XL-size graphical user interface (GUI) that is visually stunning and immediately intuitive, making sound manipulation a breeze.
  • Import Flexibility: Users can import not only Infinite Samples sounds but also sounds from their personal collections, offering limitless creative possibilities.
Vimeo

By loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.
Learn more

Load video

The Abyss – Walkthrough

The Abyss is designed to enhance the Infinite Samples subscription experience by allowing users to expand and customize the sounds they purchased. This integration ensures that every sound can be adapted to meet the specific needs of a project, providing virtually infinite possibilities for sound design. Notably, The Abyss works seamlessly with sounds from both Infinite Samples and your personal collection of sound files.

The Abyss requires Kontakt 7.10.1 or higher and is compatible with both macOS (including Apple Silicon Macs via Rosetta 2) and Windows. It features an extra-large GUI and includes artist presets for rhythmic sounds, leads & distorted samples, atmospheres, pulses, one-shots, hits, and other SFX.

CUTTING-EDGE WATERMARKING SYSTEM

For their entire catalog of sounds, Infinite Samples has implemented a new and possibly soon-to-be industry-standard watermarking system. This technology ensures the security and integrity of the sounds, protecting them from unauthorized use without affecting the sound quality. For professionals concerned with maintaining the exclusivity of their audio assets, this feature provides a great security measurement.

In a conversation with the team behind Infinite Samples, I learned that there are plans to make this sound watermarking system accessible to other sample producers in the future, which is great news for everyone who produces and sells their own sound packs online.

PRICING PLANS

Infinite Samples offers three distinct pricing plans, each available with both monthly and yearly payment options, with the yearly option being more cost-effective. Infinite Samples uses a credit system, where credits allow users to license sounds – 1 credit equating to 1 sound download.

Freelancer Plan

Priced at £25 paid monthly or £250 paid yearly (saving £50), the Freelancer Plan provides access to a growing library of high-end, artist-led sounds. Users receive 25 credits per month, which roll over to the next month if unused, and lifetime usage for all downloaded sounds. This plan is ideal for freelancers not employed by a company, offering a personal login, the ability to use the sounds for client work, and a 20% discount on Pangea & The Abyss. Subscribers can cancel anytime.

Company Plan

For £80 per month or £760 per year (saving £200), the Company Plan caters to small to medium-sized companies with revenue below £10M per annum. It includes 60 credits per month with rollover and lifetime usage rights for all downloaded sounds. The plan supports up to 5 simultaneous logins, making it suitable for collaborative work. It also offers a 20% discount on Pangea & The Abyss and allows for cancellation at any time.

Corporate Plan

The Corporate Plan is designed for large organizations with revenue over £10M per annum. It offers custom pricing and tailored access features. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Infinite Samples directly for more details. This plan ensures comprehensive access and support for extensive professional needs.

All plans ensure access to an ever-growing library of high-end sounds empowering users with the tools needed to create professional-grade audio. The yearly payment option provides a significant discount compared to monthly payments, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term users.

DARK MATTER

Infinite Samples has recently launched Dark Matter, a custom music division specifically tailored for Film, Advertising, and TV. Working in collaboration with Colourbox Music, a leading music supervision company known for projects like Civil War, Love Lies Bleeding, Sharper, and Big Little Lies, Dark Matter offers bespoke music solutions. Colourbox Music is part of the renowned Beggars Group, ensuring a high level of expertise and industry presence. For access to their catalog or custom music inquiries, clients are encouraged to reach out directly.

CONCLUSION

Infinite Samples’ new subscription service is just remarkable. It represents a significant advancement in the world of cinematic sound effects. With an impressive catalog of 60 sound packs to date, users have access to a vast and varied selection of sounds. The advanced browsing features and a la carte sound selection ensure that every user can find precisely what they need, optimizing both their budget and workflow.

The service goes beyond offering simple one-shot samples by providing complex sounds and atmospheres that can be soundbeds in their own right, catering to a wide range of creative needs. It’s a diverse melting pot of composers, musicians, producers, sound designers ranging from cellists on scores like The Batman to leading industry sound designers like Robert Dudzic, Hans Zimmer co-writers – Jacob Shea and Adam Lukas, Call of Duty composer Walter Mair and platinum-selling artist Annaca.

While the pricing is aimed at professionals, the value offered through this subscription model is unmatched, making it an essential resource for serious audio professionals. Looking to the future, Infinite Samples plans to expand their library with many more sound packs, continually evolving to meet the demands of the industry and setting new standards for cinematic sound libraries.

For more information and to subscribe, visit the Infinite Samples Pricing Plans. To learn more about The Abyss sampler, visit The Abyss Kontakt FX Sampler.

Would you like to have your company featured in one of our future brand portraits? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through our contact form!