Vocal Downloads: Frequently Asked Questions

VocalDownloads.com - A leading vocal sample content provider of downloadable clearance free & royalty-free acapella vocals

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Vocal Downloads offers
Acapella Vocal Samples
Tools for DJ, Remixer
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Royalty-Free, Hassle free

FAQs

General Questions

Our mission is to make your music creation hassle free, giving you peace of mind when selling and promoting your music. The low prices and easy and quick access keeps your project in line with your budget and schedule. Our samples are clearance-free, royalty-free & hassle free

Clearance free - you're automatically granted permission for unrestricted sample usage without the payment of any further fees.

Royalty-free - all fees are paid at the time of the purchase, instead of every time the item is used, thus, for budgeting purposes, the item is much cheaper

Hassle free - taking out the trouble or inconvenience when using our samples. One example is you don't have to give us credit on your music release. While it would be appreciated by the artists it is not required.

Release your music without paying future royalties to Vocal Downloads, even if your song is featured in film, game, etc.

When copywriting your music, list "Samples licensed for use" in section 6a of the US Copyright form. This is just a suggestion if your worried about covering all legal bases.

If outside the US contact your copyright office for instructions.

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What is a vocal sample?
A vocal sample is a brief a cappella vocal recording, usually between :01 and :30 seconds long.

What is a cappella?
"A capella" means singing without instrumental accompaniment.

What format or "recording specs" do you use?
All samples are recorded at a professional recording studio using Pro Tools and recorded at 24bit sample rate. Equipment and mics used varies from vocalist to vocalist. Some of our favorite microphones we tend to use are Neumann U87, Wunder CM7 with M7 capsule, and the Lawson L251 Tube mic. Samples for download are in CD quality .wav format (44.1kHz, 16-bit). All samples are "dry" (no effects). PANNING: Most of our vocals with harmonies are panned 100% wide. After speaking with many top producers/mix engineers the concensus was to pan wide giving the user more flexibility with regards to panning in or leaving wide.

Should I use the sample vocalist's name on my music releases?
No, vocal samples may not be attributed to the artists without advance written permission from both the artist and VocalDownloads.com. However, you can send us an mp3 of your music using our samples and we'll request permission from the artist.

Do we have to give VocalDownloads.com credit on our releases?
While it is not required, it would be appreciated by the artists and Vocal Downloads if you did.

May I use vocal samples on more than one computer?
You, the purchaser/licensee, may use the sample on any computers that you own.

May I resell VocalDownloads.com samples?
No, reselling our samples or allowing anyone else to resell them is prohibited. However, you may sell or license your original music productions that incorporate our samples.

May I post samples on my site or any other network for download?
No, offering our samples for download or allowing anyone else to offer them for download is prohibited and considered breaking the law. You cannot place our samples or make available on a torrent or file sharing network. However, you may offer for download your original music productions that incorporate our samples.

May I give away the samples I purchased to my friends?
No you cannot, the license agreement allows only the license purchaser to use the samples and is not transferrable. Think about it, you wouldn't want anyone to give your music away for free when it's available for purchase. The Vocal Downloads artist work very hard to bring you quality vocal samples at a super low price. Instead, send your friends our way.

Is it OK to release an acapella version as one of my remixes?
No, this is considered "resale," which is not covered under the License Agreement. Just because you add effects to the vocals does not constitute legal permission to release an acapella version. Vocals must be embedded in your music and not sold as a stand alone vocal. If you have further questions regarding this contact us at info@vocaldownloads.com.

Licensing & Royalties

May I release my music using the vocal samples I purchased without paying additional licensing fees or royalties?
Yes, you are free to sell your music incorporating our samples without paying additional licensing fees or royalties.

Is it OK to release an a cappella version as one of my remixes?
NO, this is considered "resale," which is not covered under the License Agreement. Just because you add effects to individual vocal samples or vocals in packs does not constitute legal permission to release an acapella version. Vocals must be embedded in your music and not sold as a stand alone vocal. If you have further questions regarding this contact us at info@vocaldownloads.com.

I sell beats to different artists. If I purchase samples from Vocal Downloads can I sell my beats using your samples?
YES, you may sell your beats using our samples as long as our samples are embedded in your beat and not sold separately. In other words, it must be a flat music file you are selling.

Do I have to pay Vocal Downloads royalties or fees from my beat sale?
NO, You keep all revenue generated from sales.

When copyrighting my song, where on the copyright form do I list the samples?
U.S. Copyright Form: File your works as a derivative of the original copyright. - In Space 6A, indicate "contains some samples licensed for use." - In Space 6B, indicate "all additional lyrics and music." This section indicates what material you are registering and claiming authorship for. If you are outside the U.S., contact your local copyright office for instructions on how to copyright musical compositions that incorporate licensed vocal samples.

Are your vocal samples and related products "copyright free"?
No, VocalDownloads.com retains copyright on all vocal samples and related products. When you purchase our products, you are buying a license to use the content within specific criteria. Please refer to the previous question on copyrighting your sound recordings using our vocal samples and related products.