Sonniss
Manchester sound effects marketplace selling licences for independent publishers
Quick Overview
| Company | Sonniss Ltd |
|---|---|
| Category | Stock Music Libraries |
| Headquarters | Manchester, United Kingdom |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - United Kingdom |
| Data Location | not stated on the pages we read |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | Sound effects libraries, game audio bundles, ambience, vehicles, interfaces, weapons, sci-fi, studio licensing |
| Pricing | Not read |
| Best For | Game and film sound designers who need sound effects rather than music |
| Replaces | Pond5 |
Detailed Review
Sonniss Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 09377364, with its registered office at Colony, 5 Piccadilly Place, Manchester M1 3BR. The terms say the company has sold sound effects since 2014.
It is a sound effects service, not a music library, so it only covers the audio-effects part of what a stock media site offers.
Marketplace model
The terms explain that independent publishers record the libraries and Sonniss sells the licences in its own name, on commission. Sonniss is the company named on the invoice and the one that grants the licence.
The home page cites 4,986 libraries and 410 publishers, and describes everything as royalty-free.
Tax and legal
Businesses in the EU with a valid VAT number are zero-rated under reverse charge; an invalid number is treated as a consumer sale. A purchased licence stays under the version of terms in force on the purchase day.
Against Pond5
Sonniss covers only sound effects. Users who need music must combine it with a music service such as Music Vine.
Limitations to Consider
No music catalogue. Prices were not readable. Library quality depends on each independent publisher. Sound effects only.
Who Should Use Sonniss
Sound designers and game audio teams that license effects libraries.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- UK company number and registered office
- Clear statement of who sells the licence
- Large library count stated
- Studio licensing page
- Reverse charge for EU VAT numbers
Cons
- No music
- Prices not read
- Publisher-based quality variance
- Post-Brexit UK entity
Alternatives to Sonniss
Other European stock music libraries worth comparing before you decide:
See all European stock music libraries or compare them directly against Pond5 on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It describes itself as a sound effects marketplace.
Sonniss Ltd, per its terms, even though independent publishers made the libraries.
In England and Wales, with a Manchester registered office.