Our Sound Libraries Get a Major Update: Full UCS Compliance and More
We’re excited to share a significant update to all our existing sound libraries: they are now fully compliant with the Universal Category System (UCS). This update is the result of months of careful work, incorporating guidance from Tim Nielsen, the creator of UCS, to bring our libraries in line with the latest industry standards.
In addition to UCS compliance, we’ve made a host of other improvements to ensure our libraries are more powerful and versatile tools for sound designers worldwide.
What We’ve Improved
This update represents more than just a switch to UCS-compliant filenames. Here’s what you can expect:
- Almost Double the Metadata: We’ve nearly doubled the amount of embedded metadata in each file. From detailed descriptions to precise categorizations, every sound now includes more information to help you find what you need quickly and efficiently.
- UCS-Compliant Filenames: All files now follow UCS naming conventions, making them compatible with a wide range of tools and workflows. This change ensures easier sorting and faster identification of sounds.
- Timeline Markers: For longer sounds, we’ve added timeline markers to highlight key moments. These markers make navigation within sound files faster and more intuitive.
- Small but Meaningful Fixes: In addition to big changes, we’ve taken the time to correct typos, refine descriptions, and improve overall metadata consistency across all files.
- 29-Language Metadata Support: To make our libraries accessible to sound designers around the globe, metadata is now available in 29 languages. This enables creators to search for and identify sounds using terms in their native language.
How to Get the Update
We’ve made it easy for existing customers to access the updated files:
- Re-Download Your Purchases: Simply log into your account to download the updated libraries. This ensures you’ll have the latest versions of all your files, complete with expanded metadata and UCS filenames.
- Soundminer Integration: For Soundminer users, the “lookup metadata from cloud” feature allows you to update your files automatically, saving you time and effort.
- Google Sheet Option: For users of other library tools, we’ve created a detailed Google Sheet containing the updated metadata and original filenames. This allows for manual updates if needed.
Why UCS Compliance Matters
The Universal Category System is more than a standard—it’s a tool for simplifying sound workflows. UCS-compliant libraries make it easier to sort, search, and manage sound effects across different platforms. By aligning our libraries with UCS, we’re ensuring they integrate seamlessly into the workflows of sound designers everywhere.
A Step Forward for Sound Libraries
We’re thrilled to take this step forward in enhancing the usability of our sound libraries. These updates represent our ongoing commitment to making your workflows smoother and more intuitive. With richer metadata, multilingual support, and UCS compliance, we aim to provide tools that not only meet but exceed the expectations of modern sound designers. Your feedback is invaluable to us—let us know how these changes impact your work and what else you’d like to see in the future.