With the Search with Sound feature in the Splice Sounds Plugin, you can find samples that match audio directly from your DAW using the Splice Sounds Listener.
Install the Splice Sounds Listener
To use Search with Sound, you’ll need the latest version of the Splice Sounds Plugin.
Open the Splice Desktop App
Download or update to version 0.3.4 or higher of the Splice Sounds Plugin
The Splice Sounds Listener will be installed automatically as a separate plugin in:
AU format (macOS)
VST3 format (macOS and Windows)
How to Use Search with Sound
1. Open the Splice Sounds Plugin
Add the Splice Sounds Plugin to a MIDI or software instrument track in your DAW
The Splice Sounds Plugin is an instrument plugin, while the Splice Sounds Listener is an audio effect plugin, so they may appear in different plugin menus
For example, in Logic Pro, Splice Sounds appears under the Instrument slot, while Splice Sounds Listener appears under Audio Effects
If you can find Splice Sounds Listener but not Splice Sounds, check your DAW’s instrument or software instrument plugin list
You’ll see a prompt to add the Splice Sounds Listener.
2. Add the Splice Sounds Listener
Load the Splice Sounds Listener plugin onto:
An individual track
A group/bus
Or your master bus
Choose the source that contains the audio you want to analyze.
You can also capture audio from multiple tracks at once, or route audio to multiple Splice Sounds plugins simultaneously using the multi-to-multi Listener workflow.
3. Capture Audio
Press play in your DAW
The Listener will capture 8 bars of audio automatically
4. Browse Recommended Samples
After capturing audio:
Splice will analyze your track
You’ll get recommended samples that match your project’s tempo and key
You can:
Preview samples in sync with your project
Quickly audition ideas without manual searching
5. Refine Your Results
Use filters in the plugin to narrow down results, such as:
Instrument type (e.g. drums, percussion)
Sound characteristics (e.g. tops, loops)
The recommendations will continue to match your captured audio while applying your filters.
Tips
Use the master bus to capture your full mix for broader recommendations
Use individual tracks to find sounds that complement a specific element
Try different sections of your song to get varied results