Sound Cloud

I found a blog earlier this week detailing the growing rate of users taking part in the Sound Cloud. One of the more difficult details with working on audio projects is the amount of space audio files take up, making it difficult to email files to clients. Most facilities will use an FTP site/server, giving their clients a login to access their specific projects. 

In my own personal experience, I've used FTP servers, iDisk, Dropbox and A-Drive to upload files for projects. Unfortunately, with the more common applications like Dropbox, it can take hours and even days to upload files depending on size and quantity.Trying to share entire ProTools session is a completely different story. My suggestion there is to use an FTP server. 

The sound cloud works with any audio format but you can also record straight to the site. You can see the waveform and those you share it with can insert comments at specific locations of the waveform. It seems to be the ultimate collaboration tool for music and audio files, as well as a means of receiving feedback with an unbiased opinion. I would not be surprised to see this expand even further to allow session sharing with comment capabilities. There are some great groups on the site that allow you to connect with other members. I joined the sound effects group, where I can listen to and comment on other members recordings, but can also share my own sound effects. 

The sound cloud now gives the client and other users the ability to make comments, receiving almost instant feedback, so that they can update the audio file to reflect the expectations of the client, leaving everyone in the project satisfied. It will be interesting to see how this site continues to develop.