Using RF Commercial Sample Loops In Library Productions

[hubcat]

I was wondering if anybody had any thoughts in general about using RF loops in library productions. I know some companies don’t like them but the practice is so prevalent in popular music in general that I was curious if that was changing. I recently came across a package of solo trumpet loops at Loopmasters that could be very useful but I don’t want to waste my time if they are still widely frowned upon.

[Art Munson]

I recently came across a package of solo trumpet loops at Loopmasters.

I recently used some great harmonica licks, from Loopmasters, in a track.

Just make sure they are not in the clear and use judiciously.

[hubcat]

Hi Art, thanks for your input. One more question. When you say “make sure they are not in the clear” do you mean a passage where just the loop is playing by itself so it could be reused on it’s own?

[bigdrawwz]

I’d like clarity on “not in the clear also”? And what about changing the key and slowing the loop down? Thanks

[Art Munson]

When you say “make sure they are not in the clear” do you mean a passage where just the loop is playing by itself so it could be reused on it’s own?

Yes.

[Art Munson]

I’d like clarity on “not in the clear also”? And what about changing the key and slowing the loop down?

You could change the key and/or slow it down but it would still be against their EULA (End User License Agreement) to leave in the clear.

[hubcat]

Thanks Art

[maxpower]

I use pre-cleared RF samples and loops all the time, but sparingly. Using them extensively or using ‘construction kits’ in the age of digital fingerprinting can and will lead to copyright infringement issues, as too many people are using the same kits which essentially makes their tracks identical.

[Michael Nickolas]

Yeah, loops are great to add an authentic sound to an original composition. Like an instrument difficult to own and learn like a pedal steel guitar, or traditional instruments from another country. The first thing I do after purchasing a loop product is print out the license agreement and store the hard copy in a file so I can find it quickly if I have any question about how they can be used!

[busterhemphill1]

Hi All – this thread seems to have been dormant but has been a good source of info. I’m gonna dive a little deeper with a question and maybe one of you will have a comment.
I’ve signed some pieces to an exclusive library, there is significant use of samples and loops, though always with at least two other musical elements. The EULA from the sample pack states that “you are allowed to use these for commercial recordings” without addition fees or attribution. In most cases, the samples have been extensively chopped, reconfg’d, diffent keys, tempos, etc. I am not using melodic elements without significant alteration. The loops are a slightly different story: the product contains a player that plays back your chord changes but with a rhythmic signature that is fairly unique to the product. Again, these are not in the clear but…

The exclusive library of course wants stems and is taking ownership of the master. The two questions are: am i at risk, either due to the potential for one of these stems to be used by itself, OR from the fact that in doing so, i have permitted someone else to use sounds for which I am the licensed user, not them? I think the case would really only apply to use of a stem where the sample was the only thing on the stem; if we are talking about the full mix, i think the EULA makes it pretty clear that there’s no problem there.
Anyone have thoughts?

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