FM:Samples

FM:Samples

Building blocks for music production.

FM:Samples is for creative building blocks — the raw materials that producers use to build tracks. One-shots, loops, snippets, and any reusable audio. Free to use in new compositions, always at 0% royalty.

What’s Allowed

• Use in new compositions without restriction
• Commercial use of the resulting work
• No royalties — ever

The Zero-Royalty Principle

FM:Samples carries a 0% royalty rate — no exceptions. Samples are building blocks. The creative value is in what the user builds with them, not in the sample itself. A kick drum is a kick drum — the art is in the track that uses it.

Sample Categories

One-Shot

A single audio hit with no rhythmic or melodic content over time. Typically under 2 seconds.

Examples: A kick drum, a clap, a synth stab, a vocal chop, a cymbal hit.

Loop

A repeating musical phrase, typically 2–30 seconds.

Examples: A drum loop, a bass line, a chord progression, a hi-hat pattern, an arpeggiated synth.

Snippet

A longer musical excerpt, typically 10–60 seconds.

Examples: A vocal phrase, an atmospheric texture, a melodic passage, an ambient pad.

Mixed

A combination of different sample types — one-shots, loops, and/or snippets in one collection. Use this if you’re uploading a variety of sample types together, or if you’re not sure which category fits best.

Modifier Availability

Modifier	Available?	Notes
Credit	Yes	You can require attribution
Mix	Yes	—
Royalty	Limited	Not available for one-shots. Capped at 15% for loops and snippets (vs. 50% for tracks/stems)
ShareAlike	Yes	Derivatives must carry a FreeMix license
NoAI	Yes	Protect against AI training

When to Use FM:Samples

• You’re sharing drum hits, synth sounds, vocal chops, or other production building blocks
• You want maximum usability — producers shouldn’t have to worry about royalties on individual sounds
• You’re building a sample pack for the community
• You’re releasing loops or construction kits designed to be used in other people’s music

Tip

For a sample pack with zero friction, use FM:Samples alone. If you want credit, use FM:Samples · Credit. Keep it simple — the whole point of samples is that they’re easy to use.