I didn't run into any issues with SFP5. It was stable and, for the most time, very fast. The only time it got sluggish was during the rendering process involved in utilizing the tempo/pitch changing option. Considering the software has to time/pitch shift every single piece of audio in a given theme in order to do this, I would expect it to take a little while. I assume SmartSound takes the rendering approach because the algorithms involved are too CPU intensive to run in real time. I took a listen to the processed theme and the results sounded quite good, although the pitch of the snare drum changed, which I thought was odd because transient sounds like drums are some of the easier ones to time stretch. It sounded good though.
Let's see... free for the Express Track version and less than 100 bucks for the full-blown version. I'd say that's pretty good. FYI, music libraries range from $49.95 to $199 and individually downloaded themes are $19.95 each (but the previews are free and automatically download when a theme you don't own is selected in the search process).
As “on fire” as I am about original music being used in video and film projects, I must admit that SFP5 offers a compelling alternative in cases when you need music fast and cheap and still want to have some input into the arrangement. The majority of the music in the libraries doesn't sound "canned" like most music libraries I've heard, and the customization options would only be surpassed by having access to the original multitrack masters, a fully-blown audio production suite, and the abilities to use it. (In other words, if you’re a video person who does not have a fully trained score composer or the access to one, do not pass go. Go directly and buy Sonicfire Pro 5.)
If you have any questions of whether this will work for you in your filmmaking endeavors download a copy of the demo and check it out before you buy!
