Cinesamples vs ProjectSAM
Cinesamples
cinesamples.comProjectSAM
projectsam.comSide by side
| Figure | Cinesamples | ProjectSAM |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 15 |
| Spec score · Music Sample Libraries | 8.0 (#15) | 8.6 (#4) |
| Audience | CineSymphony LITE is described as a sketch or travel kit and learning kit for beginners, while the broader catalog serves composers and music makers. | The company describes its libraries as tools for professional musicians, composers, and production studios, with a focus on film, television, and game scoring. |
| Founded | 2007 | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California, United States | Utrecht, Netherlands |
| Installation | Products can be installed using Native Access or Continuata Connect, depending on the product. | Installation uses Native Access: users install Kontakt Player, enter a ProjectSAM serial number, then download and activate the library. |
| License limit | A license code can be installed and activated on up to two computers simultaneously using the same Native Instruments account. | A paid library license permits one user to install and activate it on up to three computer systems or samplers. |
| Support | Support is provided by email or ticket; the company says it does not offer phone support or live chat and typically responds within 24 hours excluding weekends and holidays. | ProjectSAM says it provides support by email and aims to respond within 24 hours on business days; it does not offer phone support. |
| What it does | Cinesamples makes virtual instruments and sample libraries for film, television, games, and trailers. | ProjectSAM develops cinematic orchestral sample libraries for professional musicians, composers and production studios, aimed at film, television and game scoring. |
Plans
ProjectSAM
- The Free OrchestraFree
- Colours: Animator$119, paid once
- Colours: Orchestrator$119, paid once
- Colours: Adaptive Runs$179, paid once
- Pandora Core$199, paid once
- Symphobia$299, paid once
- Symphobia 2$299, paid once
- Lineage Percussion$349, paid once
- Lineage Percussion$349, paid once
- Lineage Strings$349, paid once
In their own words
Cinesamples
Cinesamples makes virtual instruments and sample libraries for film, television, games, and trailer music. Its catalog includes orchestral instruments, ensembles, soloists, world instruments, sound-design libraries, choir, percussion, keyboard, and other virtual instruments. The company says CineSymphony libraries were recorded at the MGM Scoring Stage at Sony Pictures, while Industry Brass was recorded at Fox’s Alfred Newman Scoring Stage. Libraries run in Native Instruments Kontakt, with requirements varying by product; some need the full Kontakt version. Cinesamples says its libraries load in any DAW. Installation uses Native Access or Continuata Connect, depending on the product. The free Create Series - Kalimba product runs in Kontakt Player. Cinesamples is freemium, with paid products from $99, and supports macOS and Windows. Licenses can be active on two computers simultaneously under one Native Instruments account.
ProjectSAM
ProjectSAM makes cinematic orchestral sample libraries for musicians, composers, and production studios scoring film, television, and games. Its Symphobia series combines pre-orchestrated ensembles, articulations, and orchestral effects. The collection covers full orchestra, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, keyboards and harp, choir, sound design, and multis; vocal content is included. ProjectSAM describes recording instruments in a concert hall with an ambient multi-microphone setup. Libraries use 44.1 kHz, 24-bit samples and Kontakt Player instruments. Most titles work in the free Kontakt Player, and Adaptive Sync matches sampled crescendos, rolls, and risers to project tempo. The Free Orchestra includes 14 instruments and 1.8 GB at free. Listed paid libraries include Lineage Strings and Lineage Percussion at $349, paid once, Swing More! at $449, paid once, and Symphobia 4: Pandora at $499, paid once. The pricing note says paid options start at €199. Libraries run on macOS and Windows.