Splice is a subscription-based platform that offers royalty-free audio samples for music production. Users have access to more than 500,000 samples, as well as a huge collection of plugins and presets. But since its release in 2013, producers from around the world have boarded the Splice bandwagon, leaving new customers wondering if it’s still worth it.
Have Splice samples become outdated and overused? Is a subscription to Splice still worth the money? Hi, I’m Ben from Live Aspects and today, we’ll be discussing the pros and cons of a Splice membership in 2023.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
| 2021 Major Update
Splice’s 2021 major update kept things fresh and interesting for active Splice members. It introduced a new bridge plugin that integrates Splice with all major DAWs. This allows users to trial samples in the context of their DAW projects before committing to using credits. Samples can be played back in time and in key with projects open in a DAW.
Splice also brought in a new soft synth and drum machine for the Creator and Creator+ plans. These plans also grants you access to the Skills tab which offers lessons, tutorials and educational videos on a number of music production topics. The new content in this update alone is well worth the monthly cost.
| Frequently Updated Library
The leading reason why producers continue to subscribe to Splice is to maintain access to the frequently updated library of audio content. Electronic music is always changing and with the EDM scene as competitive as ever, Splice can give you the advantage you need to get your music recognised. Listed under the ‘What’s New’ heading, the latest sample packs are the first things you see when you open the Splice application. Here is where producers can dig into the most recent samples released on Splice.
| Overused Samples
Perhaps the only downside of a Splice subscription in 2023 is the risk of Splice samples being overused. With over 2.5 million users recorded in March of 2019, Splice users are faced with the high possibility that samples they have selected have also been used by someone else. When scrolling through Splice’s library, it’s not uncommon to identify a loop or sample that has already been utilised in an existing track.
At the end of the day, this is not a concern for the people that listen to your music. Although Splice users share the same sample library, a large majority of the audiences that listen to electronic music are unfamiliar with Splice’s library of sounds.
| Used By Professionals
A subscription to Splice gives musicians of any skill level access to the same sample library used by professionals. From snare one-shots to full guitar loops, successful artists have been utilising Splice samples since its launch. Artists like Dua Lipa, Demi Lovato and Marshmello and have implemented original Splice samples into their productions, generating millions of streams online.
A number of producers such as KSHMR, Dazz and KRNE have released original sample packs onto the platform. Get instant access to samples and presets made directly in the studios of some of the biggest EDM artists today.
| Value For Money
If you’ve been creating music for a long time, you know how costly sample packs can be. Traditional sample packs can cost up to three times the cost of a single month with Splice. A lot of the time, a sample pack only contains a handful of samples you might actually use. From only $9.99/month, you can download individual samples from Splice that you know you are going to use. It also gives you access to instrument plugins, effect plugins, presets, templates and more.
| So, Is Splice Still Worth It?
I believe that no matter how many producers take advantage of Splice’s extensive sample library, it will continue to be worth it. An ever-growing library of samples leaves room for more creative resampling and smarter implementation of loops into your projects. For just a fraction of the price of a single sample pack, you can access a library of half a million samples every month. Backup projects, collaborate with ease and acquire all the tools you need with a Splice subscription.
If you’re still unsure, Splice offers a free 14-day trial so you can decide for yourself. To start your free trial, click here.
Want To Know More?
Here at Live Aspects, we have dozens of useful lessons and tutorials created to enhance your music production skills and help speed up the learning process. You can access our huge range of music theory lessons and production tips and tricks here.
