Music Library Recommendations

Scott Pollak

Okay, I KNOW we've covered this elsewhere before, but I could NOT find it on the forums here.

I've worked with pretty much all of the 'big' production music libraries over the years from Network Music to Omni to Liquidtrax and on and on. I've never actually made the plunge and purchased any for my own use here at my home studio, though, and am edging ever closer. Give me your thoughts and recommendations. I do NOT want to spend $500 for a library. I checked out Digital Juice and while I've heard a lot of good things about them, they're still a little pricey.

Thanks.

Robert Jadah · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007, 03:42 (GMT) Post subject: Music Musing

Between Christmas and New Year, I paid a $99 special for Digital's BackTraxx.
We're talking 20 CD's with enough music to take me into the 24th century.
By which time I hope I can dance.

Todd Ellis · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007, 03:50 (GMT) Post subject:

I'm with Bobby, Scott. Digital Juice is hard to beat for the price. Heck, that's only 1/2 a year or 3,461 auditions with V123!

Scott Pollak · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007, 04:05 (GMT) Post subject:

If I could still get it for that price, yeah. But I can't find ANYTHING on their site now for under several hundred dollars, with the exception of their "JumpBacks" Traxx and I don't want those.

Keith D. Milby · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007, 04:08 (GMT) Post subject:

I just checked and

Todd Ellis · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007, 04:12 (GMT) Post subject:

Scott - subscribe to their newsletter & be patient. The run special offers all the time.

http://www.digitaljuice.com/

Lynne Alston · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007, 04:37 (GMT) Post subject:

Scott, hold off, I recently purchased backtraxx library 1 and 2 (61 cds) for $198.00
They are sure to run a special again, just sign up for their newsletter.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007, 04:56 (GMT) Post subject:

Allen Scofield · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007, 05:12 (GMT) Post subject:

I also have both BackTraxx sets and one of the Mix broadcast sets from Sound Ideas. All good stuff and I got 'em all on sale last year Very Happy

Digital Juice runs a daily deal special and it'll come 'round again.

Keith D. Milby · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007, 05:22 (GMT) Post subject:

George Karnes · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007, 05:52 (GMT) Post subject:

Is Digital Juice pretty much "the" way to go? or are there good alternatives?

John M. Thomas · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007, 13:27 (GMT) Post subject:

Scott,

Have you tried: www.radio-mall.com? I have purchased some radio imaging discs from them and they were excellent.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007, 14:32 (GMT) Post subject:

Allen Brown · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007, 15:51 (GMT) Post subject:

I have gladly paid a monthly blanket license to Manhattan Production Music for many, many years. I've tried a few of the cheap houses and use some of it to supplement the library when quality isn't an issue. If all you're using your library for is on-hold or the occassional commercial, the cheap guys are fine. If, however, you are asked to provide music for a documentary or other long-form piece, quality, variety and other aesthetics really start to matter.

Like the VO biz, the production music biz has had to re-invent itself because of technology. You have a lot of "artists" throwing stuff out there just trying to compete. I'm not a musician, but I'm even scoring some of my own productions now using Sony's Cinescore program. It's very cool, but just can't stand up against world class musicians, arrangers and studios.

Some of the libraries you guys mention here are really good. Some of them are...well...a guy with a keyboard and limited imagination. I don't mean to sound snooty about this - I'm just stirring the pot a little about quality.

I'm never against saving a buck or two, but if quality, effectiveness, and emotion matter, you're going to have to spend some bucks. And, if you can't hear the difference, as some of the producers who hire talent from this site think the $50 a pop folks are just fine, then find a musician friend with a golden ear to help you hear the difference.

If you've ever been in the position of auditioning library music for a client and seen them wrinkle up their nose like you've just served them cheap wine, you know what I'm saying. If you don't have clients who can hear the difference, it really doesn't matter - open the cheap stuff. Smile

Anthony Williams · Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007, 21:28 (GMT) Post subject: Music

Hi Scott,

Although i produce a lot of my own Music. I enjoy this library as well

THE IMPACT MUSIC LIBRARY

COMPLETE 10 CD Set

You can't afford to miss this new 10 CD set from the IMPACT Music Library. Add a lot of IMPACT to your productions with 100 themes (338 tracks!) in the complete 10 CD set.

Bid now on the 10 CD Set that includes:

four IMPACT "Style" CDs

five IMPACT "Compilation" CDs

one "Variety #1 CD.

IMPACT "Style" CDs

Uptempo/Light #1

Mellow/Reflective #1

Business/Industry #1

Christmas

IMPACT "Compilation" CDs

Hi-Energy

Ballads/Slow Songs

World/Contemporary

Jazz/Medium Tempo

Rock/Industrial

plus Variety #1

Need fresh music for your multimedia productions? Sick of traditional music library sounds and stereotyped styles? Add IMPACT to your productions with the NEW 10 CD buyout music set from IMPACT Music. The tracks on this new 10 CD set are select pieces from the original IMPACT Music Library (extended themes volumes 1-7 and Short Takes volumes 1-4) and the IMPACT "Style" CDs. The older volumes are sold out and will not be reordered. Now, only on Ebay, you can get a complete 10 CD collection that includes the best of those IMPACT tracks with additional improvements:

-----Easy to use The original IMPACT Library had a variety of different styles on each CD-the new 10 CD set is organized by style/tempo for quicker selection!

-----More themes per CD 12 theme packages per CD instead of 9. Each extended theme contains multiple contrasting sections so you have lots of variation to work with (not 3-5 minutes of a drum loop or rhythm section vamp.) The sections in each IMPACT theme all work well together to give your production a sense of form and unity.

-----Excellent quality No half-produced synthetic "filler" tracks-every piece is excellent quality, digitally mastered on Pro Tools, and produced by live musicians with REAL instruments.

-----Original tracks We like to blend different styles of music to get a unique sound. These tracks have real emotional impact and a creative approach that will support and enhance your ideas.

-----Extended themes for less editing! Many tracks range from 3:30-5:00 in length, so you won't run out at 2-3 minutes. Plus you have a variety of ideas to work with in each theme.

-----Broadcast edits Almost all themes include :60 and :30 edits for broadcast use.

-----Unbelievable new price only on Ebay!

Add IMPACT to your productions! At IMPACT Music, we've been creating original tracks for broadcast and multimedia producers since 1985. Each CD is a buyout for broadcast and non-broadcast worldwide. No more skyrocketing needle-drop or annual renewal fees. You can use the music as many times as you like for a one time charge. IMPACT CDs also make a great addition to your existing music resources, and you will find the CDs pay for themselves many times over. You are bidding on brand new CDs directly from IMPACT Music-not a secondhand source. Listen to EVERYTHING you will be getting! These are Quick Time clips and the first clip may take a few seconds to load, but it is quick after that. CLICK HERE TO HEAR SAMPLES The winning bidder will receive a license agreement with the shipment. The music is fresh, contemporary and usable. No dated or recycled tracks , no "canned" mono-dimensional synth stuff- the IMPACT Music Library is created by live musicians with real acoustic instruments. Check out some customer feedback (more in listing):

"Excellent, High Quality Music.The best value for royalty free music hands down!"

"I love this music! Also the license useage policy is very clearly documented."

"Excellent product. The best royalty-free product I have used. AAAAAAAA++++++++"

"VERY HAPPY - great music, fast shipping a great ebayer. Many thanks A+++++++++++"

"Thank you for the super fast delivery! Great Job! Great Product!"

"QUICK DELIVERY! 30's and 60's as well, comparable sets up to $400! A++ Service!"

"I'm a TV producer. CDs are Real, Original & Fresh Studio Recordings! BEST VALUE!"

"Great product worth many times the price. Fast and secure shipping. Thanks!"

"NEVER BEEN MORE PLEASED!! PLAN TO BUY MORE!!! A++++"

"A+++JUST BUY IT! Excellent Value. Very Professional. Safe/Fast Shipping. Thanks!"

Try before you buy! Hear every cut you will be getting before you bid-click below to listen to each CD in the complete 10 CD set . If you bid with the "Buy It Now" feature, you will get a FREE "Variety #2" CD (37 cuts) to give you productions even more IMPACT! (11 CDs total) CLICK HERE TO HEAR SAMPLES

100 themes-over 338 cuts! Retail price for the 10 IMPACT BUYOUT CDs would be at least $449. Get excellent quality, top of the line buyout music for a LOT less. PayPal orders are usually shipped within a day your payment is received. If you have questions or need more information, please email sales@studioland.com