LABS+ Sneak Peek!

[@jimrogers7425]

I LOATHE subscription services!

[@TFT-bp8zk]

Another company that wants to grind you for $10 a month, deliver ho-hum scraps, and hope you’ll forget to unsubscribe for a year or two. Pass.

[@mybiggrin]

@@TFT-bp8zk I think Christian was the one spearheading free stuff. He's gone now. So is the sentiment of giving. They stopped doing raffles too since he's been gone. All I've seen lately is insane pricing for newer libraries. Haven't seen the innovation since his leaving either. My favorite company has been veering off.

[@Camolismo]

Subscription services are only suitable for those who make commercial productions (that is, not me). If Spitfire will still keep the perpetual licenses, good; Otherwise we will turn to the free software.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

That’s ok Jim! We’re still making new perpetual products. In fact - this year is one of the busiest in our history.. this coming week we’re dropping an absolute corker…

[@euansmithmusic]

Hi Paul, will this be a separate app or will these be accessible in through the same Spitfire App? Will all of the new patches be available at launch or all of these be drip-fed through out the year?

[@MePeterNicholls]

Sorry. Subscription service is not for me. And I’ve bought £000’s from spitfire.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

That’s ok Peter - it’s not for everyone. Just offering the choice

[@coolvibesradio3267]

Please give us a choice between the subscription and a one time fee for pack.

[@Songwrighta]

I’m happy to pay subscriptions, like Amazon Prime: if I stop paying I’ll get a reduced service. Okay. But when access to my personal artistic creations is dependent upon the continued goodwill and existence of a company over which I have no control - I’m out. I’ll continue to buy plugins outright. X

[@soundsgoodtome]

Seems you didn't watch the video.

[@Songwrighta]

Your assumption is wrong, @soundsgoodtomeYT. If I don’t keep up my sub, I lose the ability to alter settings in the plugins. So I’ve lost creaative control of my pieces of music. If you’re happy with that situation, great. I’m not. X

[@MarioTorre]

@@Songwrightabut it still work (assuming the plugin does, which mostly means spitfire must be in good health to update things). This is sort of how izotope runs their subscription, it’s not too bad, except that subscription services suck, they rarely are good value for money

[@Songwrighta]

Thanks, Mario. We agree. I like your ‘Song For Ukraine’ ( - couldn’t watch the video). X

[@shannonia81]

I'm totally ok with paying for quality products. But I want to own them, not rent them.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

That’s cool - it’s not for everyone but good to offer the choice. We’re still full steam ahead on perpetual license products that’s not going anywhere.

[@MrBitterman75]

I’m with you 100%, just a reminder - you do not own vast majority of software and sample libraries anyway. In either case, subs don’t work for me, thank you.

[@AlonsoJoaquinComposer]

LAB$ is going subscription? What kind of alternate dystopian reality are we living in???

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Nope - still free. Just added an option that people have asked for!

[@SeanMarsh]

@@PaulThomsonMusic we asked to pay for something that's been marketed as 'always free'? 🤔

[@rhettmoir]

Would prefer it called spitfire+. Keep labs the free beautiful thing it is separate, but i understand the marketing reasons for it. Looks cool

[@FLH3official]

Just a quick observation. Beware when you upgrade the LABS plugin. At the time I write this when you open it it has to log in your account. It means you can't use your LABS when you're not connected to the internet. ☹ I think this is a bug (a serious one) and I hope Spitfire will fix this in a short time. In the meantime I've reinstaled the old plugin version 1.5.1

[@bououdenahmed779]

Bruh i just fallen for this, it’s so frustrating

[@bououdenahmed779]

Also can u send me the old install? I would like to reinstall the old one as m not sure they would really fix it

[@FLH3official]

@@bououdenahmed779 I would love to do that for you but unfortunately I'm not sure I'm legaly allowed to do that. 😟 Maybe you can find on an old backup of your own computer?

[@bououdenahmed779]

@@FLH3official if the "old back up" is the old installation then m pretty sure i deleted it if theres another way you found the old back up I would appreciate you telling me about it

[@FLH3official]

@@bououdenahmed779 Actualy no need of the full install, the only thing you need is the plugin itself, the .vst , the .vst3 or the .component, just that, not the whole installation package. Furthermore I've only kept the .component (I'm on logic with an Intel machine). If you're an a mac with time machine you'll find it in the backuped plugin folders

[@JohnJeevasingham]

Just wanted to put it out there that as as someone who uses these tools for work, I don’t mind the subscription model at all as it allows for more flexibility and less sunk cost in what I invest in. If the subscription model makes it sustainable for Spitfire to continue releasing new packs every month to feed my creativity, I’m all for it. Especially if the plugin continues to play with the existing settings and only blocks tweaks when the subscription is inactive, that’s great. Beats having to pull my wallet out every time I want to try a new sound.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks John! You’ll see that as we progress there are a ton of really exciting packs coming every month. Glad you’re enjoying it so far!

[@Superdelphinus]

Don’t really have anything against subscription or rental services per se, but I really wish they’d started a new product line for this or something and not brought it out under the labs moniker. The original labs was/ is such a great thing for many people just starting out, or young or poor, to have all of those great sounding instruments to mess around with. Just feels like it’s been sullied a bit by being the thing that’s being used to help sell testing a subscription model :(. Will there still be new things released from the free version of labs or is that basically frozen now? Apologies if it’s answered in the video, I’m only part way through.

[@steph1918]

Thanks for the explanation Paul. Now like others here below I'm not a fan of the subscription model. But the Intimate Woodwinds library you demoed here sounds fab. So my question is, are you planning to release this library (or any other from the Labs+ series) in the 'normal' non-subscription format as well?

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks! No plan at the moment, but its an interesting question. We'll see how things develop!

[@steph1918]

@@PaulThomsonMusic Cheers Paul.

[@lonelyseaproductions2337]

Please consider a one time fee like MUSIO did. Paying a continuous fee to be able to create art is difficult for some folks. If we have the money one day we'll be happy to pay a higher price, but there's no guarantee we'll be able to pay in perpetuity.

[@JeanLoupRSmith]

I'm confused, it sounds as if this includes some of the Originals libraries (Epic choir?). Are you merging LABS with Originals and turning it into a monthly subscription? Will I need to update the UI in order to keep using all the LABS libraries I have? What impact will this have if I don't subscribe? How much is the subscription anyway? Not that I like subscriptions for libraries. I get that's how other companies are doing it such as EastWest or Musio but I can't tell whether this includes access to the bigger libraries as some of the examples you showed were branded BBCSO but it didn't look like there were any Albion or any of the bigger packs... So many questions

[@torley]

Is there any word on whether more pricey Spitfire plugins will adopt a LABS-esque approach of having a unified loader plugin, instead of a separate plugin for each instrument? It's neat that more continues to be available under the LABS+ name, but that only divides the divergence of why there isn't a "One plugin to load them all" despite there being a shared core engine.

[@JayTheLane]

@torley I see you here 💜 yo need to do videos again 😎

[@CarlitoProductions]

Would be cool if some of the products in the subscription could be purchased individually with perpetual license. So we can use what we want or opt into the full thing

[@Justin.Franks]

Most can be, as they are largely pulled from existing Spitfire libraries.

[@HewWagner]

Hi Paul - the new plugin looks great - and fast! I’ll look forward to trying it out. Love being able to download sounds right from the plugin, too. 3 questions, if you have time: With the packs like Epic Choir and Studio Winds that are from pre-exiting Spitfire products, are these “lite” versions in terms of articulations and mic positions, or will these eventually be the same as the “full” versions. Will it be possible to load multiple articulations per instrument and switch between them with key switches? (Musio took a while to bring in multis and keyswitching - it was a big boost to its usability when they did). And will we still see new free Labs packs from time to time? Could I suggest that sometimes one articulation from a pack would be free (as a “taster”) and then the rest would require Labs+ I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes!

[@leefs62]

A like, mainly for Question #3, exactly my question too. It's clear that Labs+ is a new layer on top that will get developed, but will the free bottom layer get developed as well?

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks Hew! Answers - These are 'lite' in that sense - just essentials - and close mic only, the idea being a 'super rompler' of sounds from across the whole spectrum, super simple to use but super high quality sounds. Keyswitches are a great suggestion, I'll pass that on. Yes we'll still be dropping free LABS from time to time so there will be something there as well. Nice idea on the taster! I'll add that suggestion! - We're open to all suggestions.

[@HewWagner]

@@PaulThomsonMusic thanks Paul! That all sounds fantastic :D

[@gerwaeld]

Let's say I want to make music one day when my internet is out, or I'm away somewhere in the field. Can I have access to the free LABS instruments I already downloaded ?

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Yes offline mode went live just over a week ago - applies to both subs and free.

[@JayTheLane]

It's good the old stuff is available. I've come away from Subscription models.

[@BluemountScore]

5:56 me falling down the stairs

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Hope you didn;t hurt yourself! lol

[@desoconnor7445]

I have no problem giving fair exchange for something usefull which in this case appears such and will evidently be an evolving tool with a a great front end . Can’t wait 👍🎶🎶🙏🏿🙏

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thank you!!

[@VEXUS920]

Hey just downloaded the new labs. I am very disappointed in the functionality of the plugin and app. Though it is nice to know I can download more sounds I can no longer just click through the instruments and presets to land on one. What was once a one-click matter and exploratory is now a three-step process of clicking the menu clicking the instrument (which could at this step just be a load button) and then loading a preset from the instrument with no way of getting to other instruments beyond doing this process again. This makes this VST a hassle to use in comparison to its previous versions. LABS is a great tool for exploration this new update has made that more difficult. You also can't set the content path separate form the application in the LABS application.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks for your feedback - passed it on!

[@salofilm]

Exciting concept Paul! Those intimate woods sound terrific as well ❤ looking forward to check it out! Will it be possible to preview sounds before downloading a full pack?

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks! Yes you can - currently on the website, pack demos and preset demos, we will likely add this to the plugin as well.

[@salofilm]

@@PaulThomsonMusic Thanks Paul!

[@franciscoaragao5398]

I think this was the end of free Spitfire LABS dream

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

er... no its still free

[@henrytaylorcomposer]

Hey, so I think it would be much wiser to make this a rent-to-own subscription service for a larger chunk of your current catalogue while also having access to the new LABS+ stuff. Current by Minimal Audio is now rent to own but you subscribe to their in-house patches and other content. I think a model like that would be a lot more enticing for someone like me and provide access to creative tools like, say, Hammers or the new Abbey Road strings series, that otherwise I would have to part with a large chunk of change all at once.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Interesting idea thank you. There will be a lot of benefits to subscribers coming - watch this space!

[@JohnSk82]

The fact that the sessions after sub ends will be 100% functional makes this such a cool tool to use it whenever A)You have the money and B) Worries free regarding recall.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Absolutely.

[@matthijshebly]

Yeah, well, many LABS users do NOT have the money...

[@JohnSk82]

@@matthijshebly Yeah ,well many people moan like you do.Just for the sake of it

[@saalasruokangas4206]

​@@matthijshebly they can keep on using the basic Labs then. It's not going anywhere.

[@jhallcomposer]

Thanks for the sneak peek! Hoping to get early access soon! Also, I'm really looking forward to see what you have in store for us next week!

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks! Thursday is the big day! It’s been so hard keeping it quiet…!

[@DaveNelsonMusic]

Good to hear the existing LABS is still free. Cool the hear the SA is working on new stuff! But, just the idea of subscription feels like a move towards the Adobe and Avid models.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Although - we're still very much full steam on the perpetual license products. So thats a big difference. We're making both options for people so theres something for everyone.

[@prohine7060]

Is it still possible to reinstall the old LABS Packs if i need them for an old project?

[@CirTap]

I installed the whole lot last month on a new computer so my answer would be "yes".

[@joost3783]

we probably have to keep using that shitty UI

[@Po-vk3mv]

@@CirTap How did you return the old player ???

[@CirTap]

@@Po-vk3mv it was still there and I kept the old installer. Then installed the new App. However it eventually messed up the database and sample location settings and I had some launch errors. The samples are all identical but the content locations changed slightly so I moved files around and fixed their .settings files -- I had no interest to re-download 14gig all over again. So meanwhile I moved to the new version.

[@Po-vk3mv]

@@CirTap The old is on another PC (Windows 7, VST). Can I install the old Labs on the new PC (Windows 10)? Thank you!

[@MusicalWizardryMarcoIannello]

Glad to hear the + version is backwards compatible, and also that the team sorted out a few issues, am looking forawrd to getting my mitts on it! LABS has always given me lots of mileage, I use it basically all the time, ending up in tunes that have been used on TV (including the BBC)

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks Marco! There’s a track on Beyoncé’s lion king album that’s almost entirely labs!!

[@MusicalWizardryMarcoIannello]

@@PaulThomsonMusic yw! That is not surprising at all, the LABS instruments are brilliant and sound absolutely great, a clear demonstration that "free" truly does not equate to "bad"

[@DC_Rom]

Will there be some legatos ? I didn't see any in this video...

[@MrBitterman75]

You’re too late to the game, Spitfire, I’ve just renewed my BMW heated seats subscription😂

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Maybe if we included a nice cushion?

[@derzerspahner5180]

My Labs is now broken error after error....had to uninstall some newer free presets i loaded from the new labs and the new app folders which where installed in the data to get the old player back...I would come back to the new one if it will works offline and if it wont mess up with the old files.

[@Po-vk3mv]

How did you return the old player ???

[@sparky6319]

I've been bit scared of losing everything - I've been working on a project for a number of years that includes many LABS products - I presume I'm OK? Also, have you thought about producing your own midi controller suitable for all your products?

[@Mark_Nowa_Taylor_Composer]

You'll be okay, they are keeping all legacy LABS free, and from what I can tell you based on comments on Instagram from the official LABS Instagram, they are still going to be free, and from my understanding, this subscription based thing is likely for early access to the new libraries. They are still releasing free monthly instruments even for the free tier and they have confirmed that on Instagram, so in short, you don't need to worry. Best not to read the negative comments either, because people are automatically assuming it's all going to go away, it's not.

[@sparky6319]

@@Mark_Nowa_Taylor_Composer Thanks. I'm half way through recording an album using various sound sources, including some Spitfire paid for, some free Labs, and not at the point of wanting to print anything! I'm not particularly organised ATM,l either lol, and this change could potentially affect years of sessions. Hoping that the new interface doesn't mess things up! Depending on the details, a subscription might interest me, although not usually a fan of such things. I like to 'own', and therefore avoid changes to terms. Although I shouldn't moan as the free content is amazing from Spitfire.

[@crispydingman]

Like some others here I’ve already invested in and prefer to stay with the perpetual licenses, but I’ll also counter the criticisms about a lack of Spitfire innovation/generosity by pointing to the free update us Symphonic Series users got this year which added a great new UI, a ton of well-programmed performance patches, and the best missing mic signal from the non-pro versions of those libraries, the outriggers. I would love to see the Solo Strings and possibly even Chamber Strings wrapped into the update at some point, and maybe even the remaining mics and mixes from the Professional versions, but even just Solo Strings brought into the fold with full performance patches would be a phenomenal way to round out Symphony Orchestra. It’s also worth mentioning that SSO is also now a ridiculously good deal for someone who’s starting out with orchestral libraries and writing as it’s both cheaper and better than it was (and it was already quite good).

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks for this!

[@crispydingman]

⁠​⁠@@PaulThomsonMusicThanks for what you do for the community, Paul! The surprise Total Performance patches for Brass and Woodwinds were a treat - I knew there was more coming after, but the rest of the update ended up being more than I’d expected! It’s nice to know you still value SSO even with BBC and ARO being the flashy new kids on the block. Even as a Pro owner I don’t too much mind missing the other mic signals, but I am looking forward to seeing what else may be in store for the new Symphony Orchestra - I’d always hoped to see the other instruments in Solo Strings with their own Total Performance patches since the cello and virtuoso violin are so useful, so that’s my own selfish hope for the future. Wherever it goes, I’ll be following along.

[@andrewmusician]

I understand subscriptions aren't for everyone. I've gotten quite a lot of good mileage out of East West, however, and I really prefer the sound of Spitfire's samples so I see this as a positive option, especially if I can eventually replace the instruments I'm using from EW without having to buy a thousand different expensive ethnic and world libraries just to get the 1 sound I'm looking for. In my mind it's much easier to subscribe for a month when I need it rather than buy a ton of libraries I'm not going to be using on every project. To each their own 🤷‍♂️

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Absolutely. Thanks for the feedback - one of the fun things about LABS+ is beyond having a 70GB collection from the Spitfire catalogue to start, is the new packs every month and fresh inspiration continually landing in the plugin.

[@gabrielcollinsmusic]

One of the tag-lines for the original Labs was 'Lets all become something'. I loved that, it was so unifying. I think my issue with Labs+ as a subscription service is that the 'all' gets split into two parts, maybe more... The people who can afford to or want to subscribe and the people who can't afford to or don't want to subscribe. So for me it becomes a bit 'us and them' and the name Labs, which stood for something very egalitarian, at least in my mind, gets somehow sullied, so if it was me I would have chosen another name for the subscription thing. I can appreciate it from a marketing/business perspective though, even from a creative one and I'm sure the intent is good and does mean well but I just feel a little put off somehow, maybe I'm just jaded cos I can't afford it (currently)- Lots of folks will love it though I'm sure, as there is a lot of value and great sounds in there if you can afford it, but I however shall continue to save up and to buy perpetual licences from Spitfire as they are dear to my heart.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thank you for your feedback - we're reading everything and appreciate your support on the perpetual side - lots of fun stuff coming for you over the next year there.

[@gabrielcollinsmusic]

@@PaulThomsonMusic Glad to hear it thanks Paul. Intrigued by the new arrival on Thursday- can I guess is it Mica Levi Composer Toolkit or Howard Shore Composer Toolkit, that would be good! Kind regards

[@twwify]

Subscription stuff really seems to be divisive. What’s that about?

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Yeah I'm not sure! I could understand if we were removing perpetual licenses but this is a totally different thing. More choice is good imo!

[@twwify]

@@PaulThomsonMusic yeah! Wasn’t goin to subscribe cos I’m already subscribed to east west etc but since u replied, take my money.

[@mrknockknock1]

@@PaulThomsonMusic If more choice is good, why not add the choice to have a perpetual license over here too? These sounds and samples are unique from your other perpetual libraries. Your move Paul. Reply with caution.

[@jocriss9210]

I understand the new model, but all future labs launch will be restricted to a subscription paywall? uillean pipes will be the last of free labs from now on?

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

No - there will still be free LABS packs from time to time!

[@wyshwood]

If this means I have to be signed in all the time, like with Roland, I'm out. I deliberately don't have internet access in the studio. If I can download and keep without faffing about, so be it. Please keep the option to own outright as well, maybe instalments? I don't want to lose all my content if or when Spitfire changes direction again.

[@FLH3official]

I confirm this: at the time I write this you have to be logged to internet in order to open the plugin. I've reinstalled the old plugin.

[@wyshwood]

@@FLH3official Further to my comment, I recently was hacked and had accounts violated etc. Everywhere was affected except in the studio where internet is not allowed.

[@Po-vk3mv]

@@FLH3official How did you return the old player ???

[@Mikas_Emil]

Can we still just use the normal LABS?

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

You can just carry on using the old plugin but we will stop support for it once we’re fully launched with the new plugin in September, as it offers the same free content and removes some of the install problems of the old one.

[@jenstornell]

​@@PaulThomsonMusic I like that you still keeping the original content free. Else you would get a storm of angry users. No one can really dislike this new approach, best of both worlds. A clever way going into subscription as well.

[@joecantdance494]

Hi chaps, just downloaded LABS+ and subscribed to get the full shebang so to speak. A couple of observations right off the bat. The GUI is too big for my laptop which is my primary screen so a resizable GUI would be nice. I can't get to the bottom corner so I don't know if I can resize it that way, so a menu option would be nice. I'm using FL Studio by the way, Secondly, the Downloadable and Downloaded buttons are both too similar. A simple change of colour, or a switch to only show downloadable content would work well. I think a smaller list option for all packs would be good too, similar to the older LABS GUI, so that you don't have to go back to the graphic interface all the time. Perhaps a favourite star button too. Other than that, it is an improvement visually in general but does need a little more of the options I have mentioned above

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thank you for the feedback - noted and passed on to the team!

[@Morteza_Jahan]

Now Spitfire comes up with plans to make money out of free stuff? As if putting same sounds in different libraries and selling them wasn't enough.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

? Watch the video. Still free.

[@MealsBeast]

I'm a little confused by the name, labs is free stuff not to the best quality, but just enough to be usable, labs+ sounds like a little bit better, but charging a monthly fee. just doesn't sit well with me, unless they will be much better quality. I know its not for everyone, and I'm definitely one of those people, and I'm an unashamed spitfire fan boy.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

thats right - LABS stuff was initially just a bit of fun, but these LABS+ are initially some from the main Spitfire catalogue and some specially recorded - but all super high quality same as we record for Spitfire.

[@DavidAGates]

Theres a fair amount of beef here, although zi agree with them in principal, for people like me who are starting out, this is a much more affordable option. If you could keep a library after a year, a bit like the plugin alliance, then that would be good. I certainly hope that Spitfire is going to give people the option between subscription and purchase, though.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thats the idea - make an affordable and ever expanding sound world.

[@derzerspahner5180]

I think its ok to have a subscription for people who want it. I rather buy my plugins. I also have many spitfire plugins. I would love to see also frequently free ones in the new labs player. Its not easy to not mess up with a subscription modell. Wish you all the best. Listen to the community is the best advice i could give. By the way i think the new player looks fresh, but i dont like the load button. Just let it load when i click the preset!

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks for your feedback and supportive words! We are still fully committed to detailed perpetual license products. Labs plus is a way to solve three wants: 1 - great quality free sounds 2 - requests for a simple way to access high quality spitfire catalogue sounds at a low cost 3 - an ongoing and constantly growing catalogue of inspiring new sounds growing every month.

[@S.Theodore]

Please add a harpsichord, every single harpsichord is for Kontakt full version… 😢

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Nice idea - added to the list!

[@PeterJensen7]

You absolutely need keyswitching. Instance-per-instrument is survivable but instance-per-articulation is an archaic way about things I think. Best way is babylonwaves. You have keyswitching in eg BBCSO so it can be done in your custom player. Who is going to pay for instance-per-articulation-only? Really?

[@mrknockknock1]

I will never subscribe for software, ever, in my whole life, and neither will anyone else in my social circles or professional circles. Ideally, LABS+ should've had two options. The first one being the way they're doing it right now, subscribe for a small price for limited access. And the second one should've been an outright purchase for a much higher price, in case you'd rather pay a large one-time fee and own it for life. It sucks that Spitfire and Paul both said "we just want to give people the option", and yet they're not giving people that option here. Either way, I'll continue to buy perpetual libraries and support Paul and Spitfire for the good work they do, but this right here isn't good work, and will be called out as such. Until they're willing to sell perpetual licenses of this product, LABS+ will be denounced by me, and hopefully many others.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks for the feedback - we're listening to everything. Its all subjective of course, I subscribe for a lot of the software I use, everything from Protools and Sibelius to Backblaze and Adobe, its a way that many people prefer as a way of spreading out the cost. But I totally understand that its not for everyone.

[@mrknockknock1]

@@PaulThomsonMusic Much as I like and respect you Paul, saying "it's all about options" is a corporate answer, and a lie. This isn't about options. I'd much prefer if you stayed honest. Nothing wrong with making a subscription thing, as long as you're honest about it. I'd still not be into them, but at least you'd be honest, and that matters so much more. Regardless of that, even though you gave a corporate response, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. The only part of you that I feel isn't corporate anymore is your music, and the book you released a year ago. And it's a darn good book if I say so myself.

[@fcmas]

Denounced 😂😂 you don't speak for the rest of us, and Spitfire obviously isn't losing sleep of your opinion.

[@mrknockknock1]

@@fcmas Never said I'm speaking for "the rest of you", so you can pipe down there troll. There will be people who agree with me, and people who disagree with me. Do you know what that's called? I'll give you a hint, it starts with an L, and ends with I-F-E, and it's something you clearly don't have. 😂😂😂😂

[@ayushpaul-rk5sp]

Please add a dark theme/skin of the plugin for poor eyesight problem people like me! 😊 It will be more relaxing for my eye to see the plugin for a longer time while working. ❤

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Great suggestion thank you! I'll pass this on tothe dev team.

[@xflow-fc8eq]

Cool. Every business needs to be sustainable to survive. Now, would you please consider opening up the LABS platform in a way that independent creators could keep feeding it with free content that takes advantage of the LABS VST engine, while Spitfire focus on more curated paid content? That could be a win-win situation. All the best.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks! Our first steps are working with artists on artist packs - but we'll be developing the platform and we want to empower independent creators. Step by step!

[@leighrandle2736]

So without a subscription you can playback all previous sessions but not create new midi. Does that also mean we will no longer be able to make new midi for the Free Labs legacy samples as well? Or will free Labs remain open to create midi and remain totally free to use as before?

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

No they remain free and accessible it’s only the paid content that you can’t create new with when you unsubscribe

[@leighrandle2736]

@@PaulThomsonMusic That’s great, best of both worlds and not losing anything we had before👍😎

[@skirmantasstankevicius458]

Finally! For someone who is not willing to pay thousands of euros for stuff that would be used occasionally on project basis, this is fantastic. I do understand someone who composes and uses libraries everyday and earns money from doing that, then yes, paying hundreds or thousands euros for libraries could be justified, but for someone who does this occasionally and rather for personal use, subscription that gives an access to those expensive libraries is amazing. Like you said, Paul, it's not for everyone, but it's a given choice. I up for options. Thank You and Your team for giving a chance to lay hands down on those prime libraries. Joined the waitlist!

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks! Thats absolutely the plan. And it will keep growing month on month as we add new content. Its gonna be a fun journey!

[@stephenalexandarmusic]

Libraries like plugin subscriptions are a nightmare as you need to pay forever to open old sessions. Would never subscribe something which kills compatibility for the rest of my life. I would prefer to know what will happen with Abbey Road libraries, which I paid for and is fully incomplete, not even the percussion is finished, what kind of strategy is there behind leaving us alone with unfinished libraries while spending energy to other stuff instead ???

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Hi Stephen - You will never need to pay to open old sessions. If you unsubscribe, old sessions will still open just fine. We've been working hard on Abbey Road and you'll be pleased mid June when we release the next few libraries in that series!

[@GrimmusiKRecords]

Not a fan of subscriptions, but demo sounds great, looks like good workflow

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thank you!

[@joost3783]

can you at least give us the plugin, without the new drops, so that we finally might have a decent UI to use with the older labs instruments?

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thats exactly what you have - the same older labs work in the new plugin still

[@joost3783]

@@PaulThomsonMusic that is very nice! looking forward to check out the new UI. I would try the others but honestly I just don't ever do any subscriptions period

[@joost3783]

@@PaulThomsonMusic I am kinda confused though. You drop a new version of spitfire symph strings in KONTAKT, now you do a new browser for labs, again different than the other standalone you have, and will start phasing the quality sounds into the sub. To me this all looks like you plan to go sub only long term, or at least try to make people get the sub, because it will probably feature the best framework built around it.

[@kkrotobeatz]

i really like the idea i will try it later on, what i really would like to see and it also helps a lot to scroll down sounds is to have it like many other vsts where all the sounds/presets are there from the start(like zenology) it would be much easier and faster to pick sounds, i like the colors cant wait to try it🫡🫡🫡

[@kkrotobeatz]

I Would like to add an update, I downloaded the app and subscribe for the 14 day trial, sounds sound great, is just a few of them, you might want do drop a lot of more sounds because to be honest for that subscription is just not enough, I might just cancel the subscription because like I said it doesn't have that many sounds

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Hi there! Its currently around 100GB of content - but we release packs every month usually twice a month and theres a lot of very exciting and unique stuff coming!

[@mosstet]

Request: please update Studio Orchestra Pro

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Noted! Its in the queue!

[@mosstet]

@@PaulThomsonMusic thanks Paul!!

[@Po-vk3mv]

How to remove this unnecessary ugly "update"? Is it possible to return to the former type?

[@CMOpatrick]

(fyi, your Uillean Pipes has the wrong pic, it is NOT highland pipes, but parlor pipes). So far, I haven't heard anything I want that I don't already have a license for. I'll keep an eye on it, but I see no reason to subscribe to it at this point.

[@chrisrodenmusic]

It's the way the market is going. It'd be a folly of Spitfire to NOT offer a subscription service. I've subscribed to NI and UAD and it's opened up a world of access to things I would have never been able to afford otherwise and ultimately I'm far more creative for it!

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thank you! Yes me too actually - I'm also subbed to UAD, Protools, Sibelius, Adobe, its the tools you use for creativity as you say.

[@TheSimonCarlile]

Oh dear - what a dissapointment. Are the acountants and the CFOs running SA now - what happened to the vision. Come on guys, you are not short of a quid and you have quite a few of mine. I'd much more like to hear about the recording and release Paul 🙂

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Haha! Don’t worry - still me and the team with a bunch of insane ideas. Check out our release on Thursday…… no one has guessed yet. ..

[@jimsanger]

I'll admit I'm hesitant. I've avoided subscriptions in the past, it all depends on the pricing

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

A couple of coffees a month equivalent!

[@tdesercey]

jesus. Just five seconds in and my pants are tighter.

[@MarioTorre]

So, labs was a community thing free for all, then it was devoured by pianobook (free until it wasn’t) and now it’s a subscription service? Great

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

No - please watch the video. Still free.

[@MarioTorre]

Hi Paul, thanks for your reply. I did watch the video, I appreciate the fact that the old labs libraries are still free, and I also understand that there’s a cost involved in maintaining and producing these tools. As I commented in another reply I think the fact the library still works (with limitations) if you stop the subscription is great. If this was a new product line, I would not have anything to argue, but it’s sad to see labs turning from a community project (in fact, even before that it was a charity effort, I remember to contribute money to it when buying spitfire products) into a fully commercialized endeavor.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Hi Mario, thanks for your thoughts. Just to reassure you, when we switched the charity donations off a few years back, so that people could access this free, we replaced it with a lot of other ways to support our charity partners. We've donated many £100s of thousands, as one example my Originals Media Toolkit has raised over £250k for Blueprint for All. LABS still exists as free. We'll add to it as well. LABS+ is simply another layer for those who want access to more sounds with more details and from across the spectrum, for the cost of a couple of coffees every month.

[@MarioTorre]

@@PaulThomsonMusic hi Paul, thanks for taking the time to answer and address these concerns. I think one thing that really sets apart Spitfire is this level of engagement and openness, even on controversial topics. I really appreciate that.

[@cherrysound]

Interesting

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks!

[@StefaanHimpe]

A new and better tech stack... hopefully you took into account linux as well (it has risen to 4% of market share in 2024 after all and people do not really enjoy systematically being ignored :) ). Existing legacy stuff will remain free but all the new things will be subscription only? Something tells me a subscription service will not be met with applause, but we'll see. Good luck!

[@dafingaz]

I get it. 😊 I won’t be subscribing. But…I get it. Lol. Will the proceeds go to charity?

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Good question! No the proceeds won't be going to charity. However we have donated many hundreds of thousands of pounds to charity over the last few years. As an example, my Originals Media Toolkit has raised over £250k for Blueprint For All. We probably don't talk about that enough, or about how many millions go to the musicians and studios that sales of our products support, as its a vital part of our business in my opinion, and something that I'm not aware of any other music tech company doing. But back to the subject - totally understand, subscriptions not for everyone, but its a great solution for many.

[@dafingaz]

@@PaulThomsonMusic Yep. Thats dope. We all know the person who did speak about the charity efforts. And while sharing those charitable efforts will still get some opinions, it wouldn’t hurt to share more about those efforts with the community. Happy to beta test and provide demos. 🥹

[@brianwellscomposer]

What is the name of this red fader controller that you and Hans Zimmer have?

[@haukekasten]

Choi Sauce Designs

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Love my Choi Sauce!

[@daveburns549]

Were the new graphics generated using AI?

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Haha! No, drawn by a professional illustrator. That’s why they’re not all uploaded yet!

[@dogukanseren]

I liked the new interface, but the indicator panel with expressions and dynamics could have been larger; it seems a bit small. The membership system is quite normal and appropriate for a plugin that contains so many instruments. After all, you'll continue to develop new instruments here, and there should be some compensation for that. Maybe you could consider special pricing for different countries to solve the pricing issue. Good job, Paul. Thank you.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thank you for this feedback! Noted and we'll be developing the UI further over the coming months.

[@DaveG207]

So, you’ve waited until the current economic position where people do not have as much money to re-launch a free service as subscription?

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

The exact opposite if you actually watch the video. Labs is still free but we’ve introduced a low cost way to access 70GB of the spitfire catalogue and more sounds added every month.

[@FLH3official]

No subscribtions for me, sorry, Paul, I've too much of them in my life. And why calling that "Labs"? Labs are free, in origins and essence. I understand you want to capitalize on this brand but "Spitfire Plus" or "Spitfire Subscribtion" would have been far more appropriate in my opinion.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thats fine! It works for some and not for others. BTW - the Spitfire catalogue is nearly 10TB so offering that as a subscription would be impractical. This is just a new extra layer on LABS for those who want it. You'd be amazed at how many people have asked for this!

[@peteratkinson8957]

Subscriptions = pay us now and maybe we'll give you something later.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

or to be mathematically correct, Subscription to LABS+ = 70GB of premium soundware now, and more added every month ;-)

[@stevedendera]

This is so exciting Paul. Labs literally fuelled my ability create different music. It's just magic. Cannot wait!!!

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Thanks Steve!

[@matthijshebly]

It also used to be FREE

[@stevedendera]

​@@matthijsheblyLegacy labs instruments are still free. Nothing has changed for you there.

[@brianwellscomposer]

Might as well brand it Spitfire+

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

We’ve been recording a ton of new content specifically for LABS+

[@JeffreyBoggie]

I just received the email for early access to LABS+. Looking at the plus packs, it appears to be a lot of recycled/re-used samples from their older libraries. I see some of the Originals set, BBCSO, perhaps others that I'm not recognizing right away. Is there anything new, specifically designed for Labs+ or is this all repurposed material? Well I own BBCSO Pro, all of the Originals libs and a ton of other Spitfire product. So I'm likely not the target market for this "product" and won't be subscribing.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

There are some new packs in there (intimate woods and intimate brass) but the main additions will start over the next month or two, with 3 new packs a month from September. the core content, you are right, is from the main SF catalog, imagine it as a really great 'workstation' of sounds that are very high quality, but that continues to grow month on month.

[@vincentfn]

No subscription for me

[@blackorangegraphite]

NKS?

[@matthijshebly]

So, it won't be FREE anymore?!? Thank you, NOT. I am an admin, in a very large (170k people, and growing) Facebook group, dedicated to FREE plugins and sounds. Our members are from ALL AROUND THE GLOBE, including many nations where people simply do NOT have the funds to pay for quality instruments. Labs was a BEAUTIFUL option for those people. Finally, every person on this planet could have access to a quality piano (e.g. Autograph Grand), to quality strings (e.g. Long Strings), without having to die of starvation. Did you just kill that option? Will I no longer be able to recommend your fantastic, "forever free", Labs solution to them?!? To people in some of the poorest countries on earth? What even are you doing?

[@eliseypermyakov]

Legacy LABS will still remain free, please actually watch the video before writing negative comments!

[@zaharishtonov]

The original 59 LABS packs will remain free, the video says. Paul Thomson was really clear about it.

[@MePeterNicholls]

Only the legacy will be forever free. No more new free labs products tho. Subscription only access sucks in my opinion.

[@PaulThomsonMusic]

Sigh… watch the video!!!!

[@matthijshebly]

@@PaulThomsonMusic I did: No new free content, ever again.

[@minder01]

This is totally the right direction for current day.

[@FLH3official]

I'm not sure to like the direction of the current days...

[@minder01]

@@FLH3official The direction being the optional offering of subscription based services- what is there to dislike? Yes, a complete forceful push into a subscription based service isn't good, especially in an industry where people are as dependant on their tools as we are. An overnight push into a subscription model on everything would be moronic and I think lots of people would rightfully be angry about that, as a certain plugin-developing company that shall remain unnamed but rhymes with Lathes found out in 2023. That's not what Spitfire are doing with LABS+ though... like at all. In fact the big sample companies with subscription services available still also support either perpetual licenses or the option to buy a library as normal. These services are for people who don't necessarily want to fork out £500 just to get started. You're not losing out on old LABS. Spitfire aren't going to pull the rug out under you. With the direction other companies are taking, this is very much the right thing to do. I'm surprised they didn't do it sooner. The subscription model can work as long as they don't steer akin to a streaming service, I:e, they still offer libraries in their full versions for people to own. If the service is optional, that's great. If the service has exclusives, then that's fine too. Subscription is being thrown around like a buzzword at the moment and when it's bad, it's bad but if it's on good grounds, then it's good. LABS+ is a good idea.