Asbjoern Andersen


Welcome to an all-new series on cloud sound effects platform Soundly, written by field recordist & SFX guru Paul Virostek. In this 1st installment, Paul highlights what Soundly is all about, and presents some of its key features:
Written by Paul Virostek
Please share:
SoundMorph Halloween Sale 2025
 
Are you a video editor that wants to quickly add sound clips to your trailer timeline? Perhaps you’re a music composer that needs to add tracks to an ad segment. Maybe you’re a sound editor who needs to sort through thousands of sound effects and add them to feature films daily. Ever wonder how to organize a growing sound library?

Soundly was created to solve these problems. It is a sound library manager for MacOS and Windows that helps sound pros add and organize sound effect collections, then find and send clips to editing apps or anywhere else in the OS. It does this – and many more tasks – completely free of charge (get Soundly – for free – for Windows here, and Mac here).

Let’s learn more about Soundly, and how it helps creators add sound to their projects.

The Soundly How-To Series:

This is the first part in the Soundly series by SFX guru Paul Virostek – here are the other ones:

2. The Soundly Quick-Start Guide
3. How to Organize Sound Libraries with Soundly
4. How to Find and Use Sound FX Clips with Soundly
5. 5 Killer Features in Soundly


If you want to take Soundly 2 for a spin, download it for free for Windows here, and Mac here.

An Overview of Soundly

Soundly was originally released to sound creators in autumn, 2015. It has since been used by countless sound pros worldwide. Recently, version 2.0 of the app was released with new features and a fresh, attractive design.

Soundly (Windows (XP+) and MacOS (10.6.8+), free) was designed to manage samples ranging from sound effects to music clips. It helps pros add sound collections to the app, browse them, find highly detailed search results, then transfer audio into other apps.

In addition to these core tasks, Soundly offers dozens of other valuable, specialized features:

  • Multichannel support.
  • Spot to Pro Tools timeline and bin.
  • Sound library flexibility: 400 free cloud-based effects, access to the Freesound.org library, optional “Soundly Pro” subscription library, an in-app sound library store, sound library cloud storage.
  • Metadata: read, batch edit, and write metadata.
  • Propellerhead ReWire support for auditioning audio through custom hardware set ups.

There are many other cool features, too.

Let’s learn more.

Soundly Highlights

This article will focus on highlights of the software. Later posts will explore each of these in more detail.

  • Sound library management.
  • Cloud sound library.
  • Using sound libraries.
  • Sound library metadata.

 

Soundly Sound Library Management

Use Soundly to add and manage sound clip collections. Simply drag and drop local folders of files onto the main Soundly window to add them to the app. Soundly Pro accommodates an unlimited amount of sound files, with the free Soundly version allowing adding up to 2,500 clips.

Clips can be organized in playlists which can be shared with others in the cloud. Individual favourite tracks can marked and saved in a special “Starred” playlist.

Sound libraries can be shared across local networks and can even be uploaded to your private space in the Soundly cloud.

That helps multi-user accounts share collections between editors in game studios or editing facilities.
 

Cloud Sound Library Access

In addition to adding your own sound library, Soundly allows access to online cloud-based sound libraries. Free users can access 400 clips from the Soundly Pro library. A subscription plan of $9.99 (24-hour access) or $14.99 (monthly) unlocks the entire Soundly Pro library of 10,000+ tracks. The library has a well-recorded blend of Foley, sound design, household, ambience, and many other tracks. There are also specialized selections such as military vehicles, cars, technology, and much more. In addition, every user has online access to the massive Freesound.org sound library.

The online libraries are auditioned smoothy directly from the cloud. Downloading tracks to local storage is swift and effortless.

Finally, Soundly has its own online store which offers instant downloads of a growing amount of sound fx collections from community field recordists and sound designers.


Popular on A Sound Effect right now - article continues below:


Trending right now:

  • Bloody Nightmare is a modern horror cinematic library aimed at the most cutting edge bone chilling productions out there.

    Whether you work in sound design, as a composer, trailer editor or as an electronic musician, Bloody Nightmare is a valuable new wave of Horror sounds that will surely cause visceral moments of terror and dread!

    91 %
    OFF
  • Introducing MOTION GRAPHICS, a complete Motion Graphics sound effects library from SoundMorph!

    Motion Graphics focuses on all the elements you might need for sound design on a trailer, a cinematic scene or a visual that is heavy with motion graphics, whether it be abstract or straight forward, Motion Graphics has all the elements and textures you could think of. Motion Graphics are something all of us sound designers run into at one point or another, so this library is an excellent addition to your sound effects tool box.

    Motion Graphics was created by and in collaboration with sound designer Rostislav Trifonov (SoundMorph Elemental library contributor).

    Motion Graphics features 650 24bit/96 kHz .wav files, all meticulously embedded with Soundminer & Basehead metadata.

    The library features:

    • 450 + designed sound effects
    • 190 + source audio files
    • Whooshes
    • Impacts
    • Risers
    • Stingers
    • Low end and Sub Bass
    • Impulse Responses
    • Passbys
    • Textures – noise, grit, glitch
    • Ambiences
    • Buttons and Clicks
    • Mechanical Elements
    • Granular effects
    91 %
    OFF
  • Cute but Deadly Chihuahua is a Mini-Library consisting of barks, snarls, growls, yelps, whimpers, breaths and chuffs from my late dog Bellatrix. This library contains about 10 minutes worth of her vicious vocals and frustrated whimper yelps. This library really shines when you play with pitch and speed creating cute alien vocals or horrific monster growls. I’ve used these recordings in various feature films such as Piranha 3DD and The Devil Inside. She may be gone but her bark lives on!

  • Punchy Transients is an organized toolbox that serves as a reliable source of ”layers of impact” which many, many sounds do require to be in their best fit. It is also a trusty stash for designers who need to save some time to focus on something else.

    The library content was made by recording a collection of hits on a punching bag using many techniques. Also, a dry version of each sample and a folder of bonus thumps are included.

    58 %
    OFF

Latest releases:

  • São Miguel – Flows (supporter pack) is a collection that includes 14 looped files.
    The palette explores the sounds of the ocean, waterfalls, and hot springs. These recordings were captured in Moihnos (Cascata do Limbo, Praia dos Moihnos), Ribeira dos Caldeirões, Ponta do Arnel, and Furnas (Caldeira).
    Recorded in 96 kHz/24 bit, these sounds are easy to navigate and were captured using a Sony PCM D100.

  • ATTENTION: The audio preview only simulates gameplay to demo just a portion of the library’s content.


    Reward your players with the jackpot of 340 high-quality (170 original sounds), easy to use audio files that provide you with all the sports-themed audio your games will ever need!

    Create a casino masterpiece and a true immersion in your slots with this one-of-a-kind collection of royalty free sounds and music, expertly handcrafted to be a perfect fit for your games.

     

    ALL SLOT GAME ELEMENTS YOU WILL EVER NEED

    With numerous INTERFACE SOUNDS, such as REEL SPIN START BUTTONs, REEL SPINNING noises, REEL STOPs, BET INCREASE and DECREASE sounds, and all other interface buttons and TRANSITIONS, as well as WIN PAYOUT SOUNDs, such as short WIN TUNES, MUSICAL PAYOUT ROLLUP COUNTERs, SELECT and REVEAL jingles, various SYMBOL sounds, and FREE GAMES / FEATURE MUSIC LOOPs to fit any scene or situation (from strip-back relaxing background to upbeat catchy themes), this library is a perfect choice for your Online Video Slot, Mobile or even Land-based Casino Games!

     

    SPORTS-THEMED SOUNDS FOR YOUR FEATURE GAMES

    Need BASKETBALL game sounds, SOCCER / FOOTBALL, HOCKEY, BASEBALL, GOLF, TENNIS, TABLE TENNIS / PING PONG, SKIING / BOBSLED, SWIMMING or WATERPOLO, BOXING and even more? We got you covered!

    With all essential action and foley sounds for most common Oympic Sports that have been included in this pack, along with ambiences and miscellaneous sounds – such as AIR HORNS, ARENA AMBIENCES, CROWD CHEERING and CHANTING, JUDGE WHISTLE, and more – this sound effects library will leave nothing to be desired!

     

    ENGAGING SPORTS MUSIC IN ALL GENRES

    Immerse your players in gaming experience like no other with almost every music genre commonly found in sport events, games and tv program. We have also included multiple variations and edits to make your workflow as fast and easy as posible.

    From INDIE ROCK, HARD ROCK and METAL, to multiple sub-genres of ELECTRONIC Music, FUNK, ROCK BLUES and other genres, from SHORT STINGS, JINGLES and DROPS, to LOOPS, music mixes in VARIOUS INTENSITIES, included content here is a must have in your audio collection.

     

    With each audio file being drag-and-drop ready, presented in high quality MP3 and WAV formats with meticulously labelled keywords for your convienience, you will create the perfect gaming experience for your players in a matter of moments!


    So STEP UP YOUR SLOTS, GRAB ATTENTION and BUILD CONNECTION with YOUR PLAYERS! 

    DOWNLOAD NOW!


    SPORTS SLOTS at a Glance:

    • Symbol Sounds, Buttons and other Interface Sounds, Reel Spin and Stops, Trigger Sounds, Selection and Reveal sound effects, Music Loops for every scene and situation, Win Tunes and Rollups, Payouts and other short Celebration Tunes + much more!
    • Sports-Themed Feature Sounds: Basketball, Soccer / Football, Hockey, Baseball, Golf, Tennis, Table Tennis / Ping Pong, Skiing / Bobsled, Swimming, Waterpolo, Boxing and more
    • Numerous Variations and Edits of the assets, such as multiple lengths, intensities, looping and non-looping variants, and more;
    • Ready to use – requires no editing, labelling or splicing. Categorized, organized and individually labeled files for maximum use efficiency;
    • FREE Updates to higher versions, FOREVER!

    Enrich your slot IP in seconds with beautifully mixed, AAA quality sounds brought to you by our team of industry veterans, whose 1000+ slot games worth of experience have culminated in this extraordinary sound pack!



    DON’T DELAY any longer, you are only a step away from bringing your game to life. Take action and DOWNLOAD NOW!

    10 %
    OFF
  • Animal Sound Effects Pigs Play Track 33 sounds included $7.99

    A collection of close up recordings of large pigs making sounds such as grunts, oinks, and squeals!

     

    Features:

    • 33 audio files in 48kHz 24 bit WAV format
    • UCS compliant file naming and metadata
    • Available for commercial or non-commercial use, with no attribution required
    20 %
    OFF
  • This bundle includes THE ARCANE: ELECTRIC SPELLS and THE ARCANE: FIRE SPELLS.

    More than 1200 sound effects fully focused on electric and fire spells.

    THE ARCANE: ELECTRIC SPELLS

    622 meticulously processed stereo electric and lightning spells sound effects recorded in 96 khz and 24 bits for high audio definition.

    The collection comes with hundreds of variations, more than 1 hour of content and many different type of spells. It also includes raw files for more flexibility for your projects.

    This collection is perfect for any films, video games or trailers.

    The library is fully focused on electric, thunder and lightning spells. You will find simple one shot electric impacts, powerful high level thunder spells, magic weapon enchantments and so on. Spells such as lightning strike, electric blast, thunderbolt, magnetic field, thunder hammer, electric sword, lightning projectile, etc. are included in this library.

    Recorded assets: Thunder, big and small adhesive tapes, inflated balloon, styrofoam, cellophane, various clothes, baseball glove, winter gloves, metal objects, aluminum foil, oven door, etc. Analog/digital synths and ultrasonic/geophone usage for more variety.

    THE ARCANE ELECTRIC SPELLS

    THE ARCANE: FIRE SPELLS

    638 meticulously processed stereo fire spells sound effects recorded in 96 khz and 24 bits for high audio definition.

    The collection comes with hundreds of variations, more than 1 hour of content and many different type of fire spells. It also includes source sounds for more flexibility for your projects.

    This collection is perfect for any films, video games or trailers.

    The library is fully focused on fire spells. You will find simple one shot magic firebolt, powerful high level fire spells, fire sword, berserker enchantments and so on. Spells such as fireball,  firewall, rain of fire, meteor, fire nova, magma storm, pyroblast, sword of Avernus, etc. are included in this library.

    Recorded assets: blanket, rainproof trouser, ski gloves, wind breaker coat, paperboard, thin and thick paper, bubble wrap, tap water, water in hot pan, pine cone, wood branches, various synth, etc.

    THE ARCANE FIRE SPELLS
    17 %
    OFF
  • Woodpile Chaos is a gritty collection of 82 wooden hits, creaks, and scrapes — a wild mix of organic textures born from raw timber and controlled destruction.

    40 %
    OFF
    Ends 1761606000
Need specific sound effects? Try a search below:


Using Sound Libraries with Soundly

Soundly allows lightning-fast sound library searches. An auto-complete search field presents keywords to quickly find common sounds. Power users can use advanced search tools to locate precise clips. Results are displayed instantly with name and description as well as tech specs: duration, format and sound file resolution, and number of channels.

The sound waveform is displayed at the bottom of the app. The playback transport includes standard controls and duration stats, as well as bonus features: up to 8x faster or slower audition speed, reverse clip, invert stereo, normalize, and mono selection and conversion. Auditioning – even from the cloud – is silky smooth. Soundly also supports the ReWire audition standard to play audio through existing hardware set ups.

Portions of any clip can be chosen by dragging across the waveform. These selections can be transferred from Soundly to any other editing app, such as Reaper, Adobe Audition, Avid, and many more via simple drag-and-drop transfers. There’s a bonus for Pro Tools users, too: clips can be spotted to timeline directly to a cursor location or into the bin.
 

Sound Library Metadata

Soundly allows users to supercharge their existing collections with metadata. The app reads metadata in the ID3, BWAV, and iXML flavours of this bonus text. The extra fields of text accelerate searches with even more accurate results.

Want add metadata yourself? Soundly is designed to help sound librarians, too. It can edit BWAV metadata singly and in batches to enhance existing collections, then write metadata back to sound files to the common BWAV and iXML standards.
 

Sound Search Software for Pros

And there’s much more. Soundly packs dozens of other features into a tiny, easy-to-use app.

So, who can use Soundly?

Soundly’s free features allow new sound fx fans to start building, organizing, and using their collections in projects while avoiding the considerable investment paid apps demand. Its free cloud sound libraries give beginners a boost of popular clips to supplement their own collections.

The simplicity of Soundly’s interface helps professionals from related crafts find and use sound clips in multimedia projects with no learning curve. Video editors can use Soundly to sift through their sound libraries and drop clips into films, episodic television, ads, and trailers. Music supervisors and editors and musicians can use Soundly to organize songs, easily view track variations, and drop them swiftly into their projects.

Soundly allows career sound editors and sound designers to transfer sound fx into any professional editing software, including spot-to-bin and -timeline in Pro Tools. The 10,000+ clip Soundly Pro library will help fill the gaps in their existing sound collections. Even sound librarians will benefit from Soundly’s cataloging and metadata features.

Soundly offers unparalleled value and flexibility in managing and using sound collections. The cross-platform app works both as a powerful entry-level sound cataloging software and also advanced app of organizing sound libraries.

Try Soundly 2 for free:

If you want to take Soundly 2 for a spin, download it for free
for Windows here, and Mac here.
 

Please share this:


 



 
 
THE WORLD’S EASIEST WAY TO GET INDEPENDENT SOUND EFFECTS:
 
A Sound Effect gives you easy access to an absolutely huge sound effects catalog from a myriad of independent sound creators, all covered by one license agreement - a few highlights:

  • Bloody Nightmare is a modern horror cinematic library aimed at the most cutting edge bone chilling productions out there.

    Whether you work in sound design, as a composer, trailer editor or as an electronic musician, Bloody Nightmare is a valuable new wave of Horror sounds that will surely cause visceral moments of terror and dread!

    91 %
    OFF
  • Introducing MOTION GRAPHICS, a complete Motion Graphics sound effects library from SoundMorph!

    Motion Graphics focuses on all the elements you might need for sound design on a trailer, a cinematic scene or a visual that is heavy with motion graphics, whether it be abstract or straight forward, Motion Graphics has all the elements and textures you could think of. Motion Graphics are something all of us sound designers run into at one point or another, so this library is an excellent addition to your sound effects tool box.

    Motion Graphics was created by and in collaboration with sound designer Rostislav Trifonov (SoundMorph Elemental library contributor).

    Motion Graphics features 650 24bit/96 kHz .wav files, all meticulously embedded with Soundminer & Basehead metadata.

    The library features:

    • 450 + designed sound effects
    • 190 + source audio files
    • Whooshes
    • Impacts
    • Risers
    • Stingers
    • Low end and Sub Bass
    • Impulse Responses
    • Passbys
    • Textures – noise, grit, glitch
    • Ambiences
    • Buttons and Clicks
    • Mechanical Elements
    • Granular effects
    91 %
    OFF
  • Punchy Transients is an organized toolbox that serves as a reliable source of ”layers of impact” which many, many sounds do require to be in their best fit. It is also a trusty stash for designers who need to save some time to focus on something else.

    The library content was made by recording a collection of hits on a punching bag using many techniques. Also, a dry version of each sample and a folder of bonus thumps are included.

    58 %
    OFF
Explore the full, unique collection here

Latest sound effects libraries:
 
  • São Miguel – Flows (supporter pack) is a collection that includes 14 looped files.
    The palette explores the sounds of the ocean, waterfalls, and hot springs. These recordings were captured in Moihnos (Cascata do Limbo, Praia dos Moihnos), Ribeira dos Caldeirões, Ponta do Arnel, and Furnas (Caldeira).
    Recorded in 96 kHz/24 bit, these sounds are easy to navigate and were captured using a Sony PCM D100.

  • ATTENTION: The audio preview only simulates gameplay to demo just a portion of the library’s content.


    Reward your players with the jackpot of 340 high-quality (170 original sounds), easy to use audio files that provide you with all the sports-themed audio your games will ever need!

    Create a casino masterpiece and a true immersion in your slots with this one-of-a-kind collection of royalty free sounds and music, expertly handcrafted to be a perfect fit for your games.

     

    ALL SLOT GAME ELEMENTS YOU WILL EVER NEED

    With numerous INTERFACE SOUNDS, such as REEL SPIN START BUTTONs, REEL SPINNING noises, REEL STOPs, BET INCREASE and DECREASE sounds, and all other interface buttons and TRANSITIONS, as well as WIN PAYOUT SOUNDs, such as short WIN TUNES, MUSICAL PAYOUT ROLLUP COUNTERs, SELECT and REVEAL jingles, various SYMBOL sounds, and FREE GAMES / FEATURE MUSIC LOOPs to fit any scene or situation (from strip-back relaxing background to upbeat catchy themes), this library is a perfect choice for your Online Video Slot, Mobile or even Land-based Casino Games!

     

    SPORTS-THEMED SOUNDS FOR YOUR FEATURE GAMES

    Need BASKETBALL game sounds, SOCCER / FOOTBALL, HOCKEY, BASEBALL, GOLF, TENNIS, TABLE TENNIS / PING PONG, SKIING / BOBSLED, SWIMMING or WATERPOLO, BOXING and even more? We got you covered!

    With all essential action and foley sounds for most common Oympic Sports that have been included in this pack, along with ambiences and miscellaneous sounds – such as AIR HORNS, ARENA AMBIENCES, CROWD CHEERING and CHANTING, JUDGE WHISTLE, and more – this sound effects library will leave nothing to be desired!

     

    ENGAGING SPORTS MUSIC IN ALL GENRES

    Immerse your players in gaming experience like no other with almost every music genre commonly found in sport events, games and tv program. We have also included multiple variations and edits to make your workflow as fast and easy as posible.

    From INDIE ROCK, HARD ROCK and METAL, to multiple sub-genres of ELECTRONIC Music, FUNK, ROCK BLUES and other genres, from SHORT STINGS, JINGLES and DROPS, to LOOPS, music mixes in VARIOUS INTENSITIES, included content here is a must have in your audio collection.

     

    With each audio file being drag-and-drop ready, presented in high quality MP3 and WAV formats with meticulously labelled keywords for your convienience, you will create the perfect gaming experience for your players in a matter of moments!


    So STEP UP YOUR SLOTS, GRAB ATTENTION and BUILD CONNECTION with YOUR PLAYERS! 

    DOWNLOAD NOW!


    SPORTS SLOTS at a Glance:

    • Symbol Sounds, Buttons and other Interface Sounds, Reel Spin and Stops, Trigger Sounds, Selection and Reveal sound effects, Music Loops for every scene and situation, Win Tunes and Rollups, Payouts and other short Celebration Tunes + much more!
    • Sports-Themed Feature Sounds: Basketball, Soccer / Football, Hockey, Baseball, Golf, Tennis, Table Tennis / Ping Pong, Skiing / Bobsled, Swimming, Waterpolo, Boxing and more
    • Numerous Variations and Edits of the assets, such as multiple lengths, intensities, looping and non-looping variants, and more;
    • Ready to use – requires no editing, labelling or splicing. Categorized, organized and individually labeled files for maximum use efficiency;
    • FREE Updates to higher versions, FOREVER!

    Enrich your slot IP in seconds with beautifully mixed, AAA quality sounds brought to you by our team of industry veterans, whose 1000+ slot games worth of experience have culminated in this extraordinary sound pack!



    DON’T DELAY any longer, you are only a step away from bringing your game to life. Take action and DOWNLOAD NOW!

    10 %
    OFF
  • Animal Sound Effects Pigs Play Track 33 sounds included $7.99

    A collection of close up recordings of large pigs making sounds such as grunts, oinks, and squeals!

     

    Features:

    • 33 audio files in 48kHz 24 bit WAV format
    • UCS compliant file naming and metadata
    • Available for commercial or non-commercial use, with no attribution required
    20 %
    OFF
  • This bundle includes THE ARCANE: ELECTRIC SPELLS and THE ARCANE: FIRE SPELLS.

    More than 1200 sound effects fully focused on electric and fire spells.

    THE ARCANE: ELECTRIC SPELLS

    622 meticulously processed stereo electric and lightning spells sound effects recorded in 96 khz and 24 bits for high audio definition.

    The collection comes with hundreds of variations, more than 1 hour of content and many different type of spells. It also includes raw files for more flexibility for your projects.

    This collection is perfect for any films, video games or trailers.

    The library is fully focused on electric, thunder and lightning spells. You will find simple one shot electric impacts, powerful high level thunder spells, magic weapon enchantments and so on. Spells such as lightning strike, electric blast, thunderbolt, magnetic field, thunder hammer, electric sword, lightning projectile, etc. are included in this library.

    Recorded assets: Thunder, big and small adhesive tapes, inflated balloon, styrofoam, cellophane, various clothes, baseball glove, winter gloves, metal objects, aluminum foil, oven door, etc. Analog/digital synths and ultrasonic/geophone usage for more variety.

    THE ARCANE ELECTRIC SPELLS

    THE ARCANE: FIRE SPELLS

    638 meticulously processed stereo fire spells sound effects recorded in 96 khz and 24 bits for high audio definition.

    The collection comes with hundreds of variations, more than 1 hour of content and many different type of fire spells. It also includes source sounds for more flexibility for your projects.

    This collection is perfect for any films, video games or trailers.

    The library is fully focused on fire spells. You will find simple one shot magic firebolt, powerful high level fire spells, fire sword, berserker enchantments and so on. Spells such as fireball,  firewall, rain of fire, meteor, fire nova, magma storm, pyroblast, sword of Avernus, etc. are included in this library.

    Recorded assets: blanket, rainproof trouser, ski gloves, wind breaker coat, paperboard, thin and thick paper, bubble wrap, tap water, water in hot pan, pine cone, wood branches, various synth, etc.

    THE ARCANE FIRE SPELLS
    17 %
    OFF
  • Woodpile Chaos is a gritty collection of 82 wooden hits, creaks, and scrapes — a wild mix of organic textures born from raw timber and controlled destruction.

    40 %
    OFF
    Ends 1761606000

   

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