Wiltshire & Swindon Learning Resources

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BBC Sound Effects Introduction

NB: These recordings are not issued on loan. We supply copies on request, for you to use and keep in school. Please see below for How to access ‘Sound Effects’ recordings.

About 'Sound Effects'

This resource comprises the complete 60-CD two-series set of the BBC Sound Effects Library -- an enormous and diverse collection, recorded and produced by the BBC’s top engineers, that you can incorporate into or use to complement your school project or production.

The original 40-CD series contains a full range of effects covering outdoor environments, household sounds, interior backgrounds, comedy, fantasy, humour, communications, water, industry, cars, hospitals, equestrian events, livestock, agricultural machinery, horses, dogs, schools and crowds.

The second series of 20 CDs offers an astonishing variety of professional quality sound effects and ambiences from across society and from around the UK and the rest of the world. Included in this collection are: trains, steam transport and steam engines, "do it yourself" handyman and construction sounds, domestic cats, British birds, emergency services, burglar alarms, crowds and an impressive and sometimes surprising collection of everyday effects ranging from sounds of the suburbs to a variety of footsteps; plus international sounds and ambiences from countries throughout Europe, Asia & South America.

How to access ‘Sound Effects’

We cannot lend you our original CDs but, upon request, we will gladly supply a professional quality copy of the item(s) you wish to use. This copy will be yours to keep.

First, click here to go to the Sound Effects listings. Click on the subject Reference Number in the first column to display all the available tracks; then make a note of the Track Reference Numbers and titles of suitable items.

Go to ‘View Your Basket’ from the WSLR home page and use the message box to send us an email, via ‘Checkout’, detailing your selection and telling us briefly how you plan to use the recordings.

Then, at your convenience, call us to discuss your exact needs more fully. The WSLR A-V team will then be able to produce a high quality cassette tape or CD with your choice of effects, specifically tailored to your project or production.

All recordings supplied in this way are held copyright free by WSLR, and are supplied at no charge to WSLR member schools for use in accordance with the conditions set out in the next paragraph.

Important - please note: under the terms of our ERA recording licence, your cassette tape or CD may only be used at your school in connection with teaching, research, or for your project or production, and must not be copied, altered, or loaned to or used by any third party.

For more information please telephone us at the WSLR Edit Suite on 01225 713747