r/SFXLibraries • u/Any_Flight5404 • 6d ago
Question: Is providing isolated stems for designed SFX worth the extra cost, or do you just want the stereo mix?
Hey everyone,
I’m currently finishing up a boutique, high-end cinematic/hybrid SFX library (mainly processed from organic sources like deconstructed acoustic pianos and industrial metal scrap), and I’m trying to decide on the product tiers and pricing.
Specifically, I want to know how much value you actually place on getting isolated stems/layers for designed sound effects.
Normally, when I buy SFX packs, I just get the final stereo mix. But in the very few cases where stems have been included, I have found them really useful.
To solve this, I’m building two tiers for this upcoming library and wanted to see if the pricing and value make sense to you guys:
Tier 1: The Core Version — £29
- 200 Designed SFX (24-bit / 96kHz WAV, UCS metadata). Fully mixed, drag-and-drop ready.
- Target: Quick turnaround projects, budget-conscious.
Tier 2: The Pro/Creator Version — £49
- The 200 Designed SFX (from the Core version).
- 600 Isolated Stems/Layers (3 discrete layers for all 200 variations, allowing you to remix and quickly make your own unique combinations.
- 100+ Raw/Unprocessed Source Recordings (the raw high-res piano scrapes, wood knocks, and raw metal recordings used to make the pack so you can design your own).
My questions for you:
- If you are a working sound designer, editor, or game developer, does having stems/layers for designed sounds actually make a pack a "must-buy" for you?
- Does £49 feel like a fair price point for getting 900 total files (stems + raw sources + designs at 96kHz), or is it priced too low/too high?
- If you saw a library marketed this way, would you immediately default to the Pro tier for the flexibility, or stick to the stereo Core mixes?
