I don't torrent all my samples, but I've been noticing something and would just like to get peoples opinions on it.

All my VEC packs were torrented, but I have other sample packs that I've paid for as well. (a lot from vipzone cause I like their samples a lot better - just a preference) I've been noticing recently listening to my tracks, that when I use torrented sample loops, they sound like shit in the final mix.

But if I construct a loop from samples that weren't torrented, they do seem to be a lot cleaner in the end product. I know some people hate people who torrent, and I know other people don't care and do it themself. But I really ask that you answer w/out that bias involved (telling me the quality is worse just cause you don't like people who torrent).

But it really seems like torrented samples just do not hold up in a final mixdown. Am I wrong? Is it the quality you're getting as bought samples, or am I right? Cause I'll never torrent another sample pack again. I've noticed the VEC sample loops specifically always sound like they're missing a degree of clarity.

Oh and one thing, I really do notice this a lot more in loops then individual samples, so I'm not sure if this is a loops vs sample issue or a torrent vs purchases issue.

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Yeah samples loose a lot of quality from being torrented, going through the sharing processes etc.. so yeah you should definitely buy the samples to make sure you have the optimal quality.

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lol that's jokes

Samples are samples. It doesn't matter if you buy it or torrent it. You just need to check the quality of the samples. And the ones running on the net are originals that were uploaded. So technically, they are exactly the same.

The only reason you're hearing a difference is psychological. Either people told you this story or you just 'suppose' that because it's torrented it sounds worse. That's why psychologically you're hearing a difference when there isn't any.

I agree with SGL.

However if you are talking about loop quality it could pertain to a couple things.

#1) loops tend to be precompressed (epsecially from VEC) and also sometimes have effects on them already.

#2) the algorithm used by the DAW to warp loops to match tempo could also affect the quality.

Honestly, civilization as we know it is fucked.

quote:

But if I construct a loop from samples that weren't torrented, they do seem to be a lot cleaner in the end product.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ Robby Rox I don't torrent all my samples, but I've been noticing something and would just like to get peoples opinions on it. All my VEC packs were torrented, but I have other sample packs that I've paid for as well. (a lot from vipzone cause I like their samples a lot better - just a preference) I've been noticing recently listening to my tracks, that when I use torrented sample loops, they sound like shit in the final mix. But if I construct a loop from samples that weren't torrented, they do seem to be a lot cleaner in the end product. I know some people hate people who torrent, and I know other people don't care and do it themself. But I really ask that you answer w/out that bias involved (telling me the quality is worse just cause you don't like people who torrent). But it really seems like torrented samples just do not hold up in a final mixdown. Am I wrong? Is it the quality you're getting as bought samples, or am I right? Cause I'll never torrent another sample pack again. I've noticed the VEC sample loops specifically always sound like they're missing a degree of clarity. Oh and one thing, I really do notice this a lot more in loops then individual samples, so I'm not sure if this is a loops vs sample issue or a torrent vs purchases issue.

I am not a perfect saint, but I've never came across that problem, although most of my samples I have paid for because they can't be torrented (too rare) - I think the only "illegal" pack I have is the SOR top loops pack. I personally HATE the VEC packs. Over compressed, over used, and half of them are stolen. (So don't feel bad for torrenting their garbage)

It's possible that a big company like Vengeance is purposefully torrenting degraded quality samples so they spread and people think they have the real deal and they don't. I did this with my labels first release (I just inserted a huge, speaker blowing sound at 1 minute) and it seemed to boost my sales quite a bit.

quote:

Originally posted by DjStephenWiley It's possible that a big company like Vengeance is purposefully torrenting degraded quality samples so they spread and people think they have the real deal and they don't.

They dont do that, would give the samples a bad reputation if they did.

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quote:

Originally posted by Subtle They dont do that, would give the samples a bad reputation if they did.

That's debatable. I could see a company not caring what torrenters of their product think. Yes, their negative comments will spread to others, but if the samples are degraded just enough to where only professionals can hear it, and they cause problems in mix downs, then they're convincing people their legit, and at the same time likely screwing up their mix downs which would be a great feat for a product like that. It would be hard though to make samples sound "good" and then have them sound bad in a mix. I'm not an engineer so I wouldn't know where to begin or how they could that, but perhaps artifacts?

Samples can not be degraded in the files sharing process. Unless of course the person who upoads them has done so on purpose.

What you are hearing is probably the overcompression and crappy quality of the vengeance samples. They are ripped from songs and then probably compressed again. Some of their loops also sound like low res mp3 rips.

quote:

Originally posted by xphonix Samples can not be degraded in the files sharing process. Unless of course the person who upoads them has done so on purpose. What you are hearing is probably the overcompression and crappy quality of the vengeance samples. They are ripped from songs and then probably compressed again. Some of their loops also sound like low res mp3 rips.

yea - they are incredibly bad in my opinion. There are so many better sample CDs and packs out there but you can't be lazy, you have to look for them (and you can't torrent most of them either because they're not popular) - The VEC packs are not popular because they sound good, I can assure you that. They're popular for the wrong reasons.

quote:

Originally posted by Subtle Yeah samples loose a lot of quality from being torrented, going through the sharing processes etc.. so yeah you should definitely buy the samples to make sure you have the optimal quality.

LMAO

quote:

Originally posted by DjStephenWiley yea - they are incredibly bad in my opinion. There are so many better sample CDs and packs out there but you can't be lazy, you have to look for them (and you can't torrent most of them either because they're not popular) - The VEC packs are not popular because they sound good, I can assure you that. They're popular for the wrong reasons.

Because everyone wants to sound like their favorite producers, who write overcompressed music and use the Vengeance samples?