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MP3 Search Review
- MP3search is a pay per download service offering music at the following prices
- Individual songs - $0.19
- Albums - $1.71 (avg) prices vary according to title
- Download tracks for as little as $0.19
- Preview any track unlimited times
- Compatible only with any web browser
- Music discussion forum
- Over 1.3 million tracks in the music library
- Music from bands on major labels
- All downloads are MP3 format
- MP3s are encoded at 192 kbps or higher
- Download tracks DRM free
- Burn to an unlimited number of CDs
- Copy to an unlimited number of portable devices
- Submit user star ratings of every track
- Music news section
- RSS feed of new additions to the library
MP3search is a Russian based music download web site offering ridiculously cheap prices for all the latest releases and artists' back catalogues. It operates in a slightly grey area of the law, but of all the Russian based sites MP3search seems to make a real effort to prove its legitimacy.
MP3search operates under Russian copyright and royalty law. This means it has been granted permission by Russian authorities to sell music through its web site, but the Russian system is very different to anywhere else. Artists are only paid a tiny fee as royalties, and there are rumours that regulation is perhaps not very strict so sites like this may be able to get away without paying anything at all. Although we should point out that this is just speculation and the official word on the web site is that all artists are paid their appropriate royalties.
That said, MP3search goes to great length to justify its existence and legitimacy. There is a whole section of the site dedicated to the company history and business practices. According to the blurb, at least 50% of all profits from track purchases go to the FAIR organisation which represents copyright holders in Russia. This supposedly ensures that original artists are paid their fair share of the money. However, even if they see the whole 50% of one track, it's still only about $0.10. Compared to US or UK based music services, which are reported to pay around $0.60 per track, this doesn't seem like a great deal for the artist.
The site itself is surprisingly well designed and, rare for a Russian based site, the English is pretty good. It definitely feels more trustworthy than some of its counterparts. Whether this is just clever packaging or evidence of a legitimate business we aren't sure.
Regarding Digital Rights Management (DRM):
all the tracks you download from MP3fiesta are in MP3 format and DRM (or DMR as the site likes to call it.) free. This means you can burn to CDs and copy to portable players to your heart's content.
What about value for money?
You will find some of the cheapest prices on the web at MP3search, but think about how much, if any is actually going to the artist. Individual songs are $0.19 and most full albums are about $1.71, which can't leave much going into the artist's pocket.
If you are going to try any Russian based, slightly grey are of the law, music download service this is probably one of your best bets. However, we would recommend sticking to some of the more reputable services on offer. Take a look at our top ten list for some ideas.
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