Loopcloud 3.0

Www.loopcloud.net

Loopcloud is a service for accessing Loopmasters content via the free Loopcloud 3.0 app for PC and Mac. Unlike the other options in our roundup, there’s no monthly fee to pay – instead, you buy credits as you need ’em. As well as a search function to find sounds, Loopcloud’s app integrates with your DAW via a companion plugin – audition imported samples in sync and in key with your project in a similar vein to your host’s browser. Plus, Loopcloud not only gives you easy access to any Loopmasters packs you’ve already purchased, but also enables you to buy from their entire back catalogue.

PROS

> DAW integration works well – audition samples in sync and in key with your project. > v3.0 allows you to import your own sample content. Loopcloud automatically tags your imported sounds by key, tempo, instrument and type – and you can manually add/remove your own tags, too. > Audition one-shot samples in context using a range of rhythmic auto-triggering options – for example, hear your chosen clap sample play on beats 2 and 4 of the bar. > Quiet birdsong layered under auditioned sounds is reasonably unobtrusive.

CONS

> Loopcloud demands a fast, reliable internet connection to perform seamlessly in the studio. If you’re on a poor connection, the lagginess gets annoying after a while. >

While Loopcloud’s key- and BPM-synced previews are highly useful, the sample reverts to its default pitch and tempo when dropped into the DAW, meaning you have to go in and transpose the sample manually – fiddly indeed. It’d be far better if Loopcloud could repitch and warp your sound automatically. > MIDI playback via some sort of demonstrative playback instrument would be a plus. > The interface is intuitive, but quite busy. We’d love to see a more streamlined ‘lite’ version of the app for quicker tasks.

Price/tiers

Free to join Free 1GB sample pack upon joining, plus 150 free samples monthly Buy credits to purchase individual sounds. New users get 500 free (worth £5)