Mod Archive Forums

Music Production => Sampling => Topic started by: wabe on July 08, 2011, 01:26:06

Title: Question about using samples in commercial products
Post by: wabe on July 08, 2011, 01:26:06
So lets say I have IPhone game which plays tracker tunes in the background of my game. However, these tracker songs uses ST-XX samples. Am I legally allowed to use these samples without saying a word to anybody? I believe not, and that is why I am here to ask this: Are there any completely free samples available, even for commercial use? I would really prefer small tracker samples like ST-XX. Thank you so much in advance!
Title: Re: Question about using samples in commercial products
Post by: Alpha C on July 10, 2011, 14:15:35
I doubt you'll get in trouble for using ST-xx samples. I think they're pretty much public domain now, be it officially or de facto :). I believe the Ultimate SoundTracker also went PD at some point.
Title: Re: Question about using samples in commercial products
Post by: wabe on July 11, 2011, 16:22:39
Thank you for posting. I still would not like to take the risk if it is not 100% sure. Do you happen to know any samples close to tracking that are free to use for every purpose?
Title: Re: Question about using samples in commercial products
Post by: Saga Musix on July 11, 2011, 19:10:06
How about creating some own samples with some (soft)synths?
Title: Re: Question about using samples in commercial products
Post by: wabe on July 11, 2011, 21:08:41
How about creating some own samples with some (soft)synths?

I have been thinking of that, but then again, it is another time consuming learning process. I suppose I am free to use samples I create with freeware softsynths the way I want, no? Also, I have always loved the old school feeling of those samples you hear in amiga music. Can you suggest me any freeware softsynths for windows, or even better, tell me something about this process of making your own samples? It would be greatly appreciated :)
Title: Re: Question about using samples in commercial products
Post by: Saga Musix on July 12, 2011, 07:31:10
My main toy is Synth1, there are a lot of free banks for it, so you could give it a try. Just downsample your samples to 8-16KHz, convert them to 8-Bit and they will instantly sound like Amiga samples. :P
Title: Re: Question about using samples in commercial products
Post by: wabe on July 13, 2011, 14:54:24
Thanks for the information! I played around with Synth1 a little bit and it seems to be pretty neat. Do you happen to know any freeware recording/editing software that supports vsti plugins? It would be cool if you could record your samples straight into some program and convert them to sample files.
Title: Re: Question about using samples in commercial products
Post by: Saga Musix on July 13, 2011, 19:42:43
There is some host specifically designed for exporting VSTis to samples (with automatic loop points and everything), but I forgot its name and I can't check before the weekend (so Google might be faster than me). Other than that, you can simply export samples of VSTis in any tracker or sequencer, by simply placing one note in the pattern which lasts for a while.
Title: Re: Question about using samples in commercial products
Post by: wabe on July 14, 2011, 00:42:51
There is some host specifically designed for exporting VSTis to samples (with automatic loop points and everything), but I forgot its name and I can't check before the weekend (so Google might be faster than me).

That is exactly the kind of thing I am looking for! Can you remember is it freeware?

Other than that, you can simply export samples of VSTis in any tracker or sequencer, by simply placing one note in the pattern which lasts for a while.

Yes, I tested this method to get my samples into tracker, but if there is a program designed just for converting vsti to samples, I would really like to get my hands on it ;D No hurries with the name, I will try google too.

Thanks again for replying!
Title: Re: Question about using samples in commercial products
Post by: Saga Musix on July 14, 2011, 07:45:35
That is exactly the kind of thing I am looking for! Can you remember is it freeware?
Yes it is, it was listed in the Computer Music Freeware Special (which I don't have here).
Title: Re: Question about using samples in commercial products
Post by: Saga Musix on July 15, 2011, 21:51:43
Ok, so the tool you are looking for is called VDumper (http://www.vdumper.com/). :)
Title: Re: Question about using samples in commercial products
Post by: wabe on July 18, 2011, 08:12:03
Thank you! I have been trying to figure out how to get this thing working. However, couple days ago the software stopped working completely, it crashes right away when I open it? I tried downloading it again but with no luck? Any similar experiences?
Title: Re: Question about using samples in commercial products
Post by: wabe on August 01, 2011, 23:33:54
vDumper refuses to convert samples to wav without crash. I am still looking for public domain samples. If someone knows more about them and is kind enough to share, I would be glad to take a look.
Title: Re: Question about using samples in commercial products
Post by: Saga Musix on August 02, 2011, 00:03:19
You could simply write a mail to the VDumper author. Software is not static and can be fixed, and if you tell the author about a possible bug, it will not only help you but other users as well.