Can I use plug-ins I've bought for commercial purposes?

Johan Hessel

Hi, I'm a music producer that starts up a small company for music business. I've recorded all single parts of a drum set and I aim to sell an own library that uses Kontakt.

It's obvious that I can't use audio from digital instruments bought from NI (https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/17216/can-i-use-the-products-i-bought-for-commercial-purposes-at-the-company), but can I use plug-ins for my own audio tracks and sell them? Say Raum reverb for cymbals and Solid Dynamics as a compressor?

Surely this question seems dumb, but I want to make sure I don't break the law!

JesterMgee

Just think logically with this one as it is the same rule for basically any plugin.

If you are using it as part of a composition where you make an arrangement then yes, the license allows you to use it commercially.

If you are not making a composition and simply sampling notes and re-packaging as a new instrument / library, then no you cannot.

Effects are pretty much always fine as you can't really copyright the sound of an effect alone.