Battle of the Soundboards: Summoning Stone vs. Syrinscape vs. Pocket Bard

In the realm of tabletop RPGs, audio plays a pivotal role in creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. Today, we’re pitting Summoning Stone against two popular competitors: Syrinscape and Pocket Bard. Let’s dive into what each brings to the table and why Summoning Stone might just be your new go-to app.

Summoning Stone

Features:

  • Extensive Sound Library: Includes a vast collection of high-quality music, sound effects, and ambient sounds for various RPG settings.
  • Apple Music Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Apple Music, allowing you to use your own playlists.
  • Access to Licensed Music: Offers access to licensed music from video games and movie soundtracks, adding a rich layer of authenticity and excitement.
  • Customizable Soundboard: Trigger specific sound effects at critical moments.
  • Visual Enhancements: Project campaign maps and artwork with weather effects onto a big screen.
  • User-Friendly Organization: Organize sounds into scenes and categorize them by campaign type.

Pros:

  • Intuitive interface
  • Versatile sound options
  • Access to licensed music from game soundtracks to movies you know and love
  • Visual projection capabilities
  • High-quality sound effects

Cons:

  • Currently no Spotify integration (but it’s coming soon)
  • Smaller library for sound effects, but with superior quality

Syrinscape

Features:

  • Dynamic Soundscapes: Offers customizable soundscapes with dynamic elements that change based on the game’s progression.
  • Massive Library: Extensive collection of sound sets covering fantasy, sci-fi, and board games.
  • Cross-Platform: Available on multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
  • SoundSet Creator: Allows users to create and modify their own sound sets.

Pros:

  • Highly customizable
  • Broad range of sound sets
  • Cross-platform compatibility

Cons:

  • Uses only its own music library with non licensed content
  • Steeper learning curve for new users
  • Subscription model can be pricey

Pocket Bard

Features:

  • Narrative-Focused: Designed to enhance the storytelling aspect of RPGs with tailored soundscapes.
  • Pre-Made Scenarios: Offers pre-made audio scenarios that align with common RPG tropes.
  • Easy to Use: Simplified interface aimed at quick and easy sound selection.
  • Mobile-Friendly: Optimized for use on mobile devices, making it easy to bring to any gaming session.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Focuses on enhancing storytelling
  • Mobile-friendly

Cons:

  • Uses only its own music library with non licensed content
  • Limited customization compared to competitors
  • Smaller sound library