All About Our Sounds

Soundrangers sounds are all 100% original, created by Soundrangers for Soundrangers. We do not resell, redistribute or re-purpose other sound effect libraries or music. Our sounds are the highest of quality, made using only the latest techniques and technologies.

All of our sounds are ready to 'plug and play'. Just drop the sounds into your production and they will work. Silence and unessential material has been edited out of the sound effects. Background sounds and ambiances loop seamlessly without editing and without clicks and pops at the loop point.

The demo files you hear on the site are lo-fi because they've been compressed for ease of page loading and auditioning. In some cases this makes the demo files sound slightly different than the full bandwidth version. In all cases the demo files, both sound effects and music are a lo-fi version of the original file. Meaning, the demo files are the exact same length and content as the real sound file and the looping demo files are the same as the original sounds, just looped.

In interactive media it's often necessary to lower the file size (downsample), by reducing the sample rate and bit depth of the file, or by saving the file using a compression codec such as MP3 or Ogg Vorbis. Downsampling does adversely affect sound quality, however, our sound files are designed for this so they retain much of their quality even when downsampled.

Some applications, such as Macromedia's Flash, allow you to downsample audio files when exporting. Starting with full bandwidth sound files will give you the best results. Check the Flash help docs for more information.

The beeps in the music cuts are watermarks for security and not present in the purchased sound files.

The audio used on this site is digitally watermarked and its uses are tracked on the web.

Quality of the Downloaded Sounds

The quality of the sounds you download is dependent on the settings you choose in the download window. We offer both aif and wav format, with selectable sample rates of 48k, 44.1k, 22k, 11k and bit rates of 16 and 8 bit. All sounds are originally 44k/16 bit. If you need the sounds compressed into MP3’s, you’ll need to use iTunes or another free/commercial application for this.

File Size of Downloaded Sounds

The file size of our sounds are entirely dependent on length and channel configuration. (stereo files are twice as large as mono files). Size can also be radically reduced through sample and bit rate reduction, summing the file to mono, as well as using a compression codec such as MP3. A 44k/16bit :60 second stereo file will cost you 10 megs. Compressing this down to a 128kbs MP3 file will reduce the file size to roughly 1 meg. A 1 second 44k/16bit stereo file uncompressed is 172k- after compression to a 48kbs MP3 the size goes down to 7k.

Main Features and Functions

1. Preview sounds in the shopping cart - You can audition your order before final purchase.

2. Save your shopping cart - Simply select 'save cart' then choose a cart specific username and password to recall it later - you can also add an email address and send the cart to your client for approval.

3. File format, sample rate and bit rate are chosen after checkout - If you don't like the selection you've made, simply re-download your order using a different combination of file format or sample rate. You do this by logging into your account and selecting the ‘redownload’ link.

4. Pre-paid account - Multiple users can access the library without the hassle of tracking company credit cards or multiple POs. You make one payment and your account is debited with each purchase. It also helps you speed through the checkout process.

5. Super fast and smooth checkout - We've re-engineered the checkout process making it quicker and easier while at the same time more stable and secure.

6. View your order history and re-download your sounds anytime in selectable file formats. Lost your invoice? Lost your sounds? Or just want to try them in a different file format? Log into your account.

Comp File Download

The "comp" file is a low resolution mp3 useful for playing the music to your clients or testing it in your production without the obligation to buy. Please note: the annoying beeps are simply a watermark to prevent theft- they are removed in the purchased version.

Downloading Your Order, Using FTP and HTTP

During the checkout process, after your credit card clears and after you choose the file type, you will be given a choice of download methods: FTP or HTTP.

FTP: Allows you to download all of your sounds at once or individually. Select the files and drag them to your desktop or other location on your computer.

HTTP: Allows you to download your sounds individually. Select and save the files to your computer. Windows users- select the files, right click, and choose "Save Target As..", save the files to your computer. Mac user- select the files, hold down the mouse, and choose "Save" from the menu, save the files to your computer.

If you have trouble or your computer doesn't like one of these methods, you can immediately try the other. Hit the 'Download' button again or you can return to the Customer Area, login and redownload your order. Firefox users should use HTTP.

Save Cart

You can save your cart for later recall by selecting ‘save cart’ in the view cart window. Select this link either at the bottom of the page or from the top navigation bar. You’ll be asked to create a cart ID and password which you’ll use to recall your cart. There is also an email field you can use to send your cart to your client for approval of the sounds. You can also send it to them if they have an admin that needs to approve or complete the purchase. Please note that once you’ve purchased a recalled cart, it is gone forever.

Shipping (CDs Only)

All CDs are shipped via US Postal Priority mail. Shipping charges are affected by a variety of factors, especially when shipping to a non-US destination. Soundrangers.com is always working to improve the quality and cost of shipping for both our US and non-US customers. For this reason, shipping rates and policies are subject to change without notice.

An additional shipping charge will be applied if we have to re-ship an item because of an address error.

US shipping: Allow 2-3 working days for delivery. Cost is $5-6 dollars. Please note: On US holidays, order processing and/or shipping may be slightly delayed. US carriers do not ship or deliver on holidays.

Non-US shipping: Allow 4-7 working days. Please Note: Delivery times for destinations outside of the United States are approximate and cannot be guaranteed. Additional import duties, fees, and/or taxes may apply to international shipments.

Music Icons Explained (lo-tech site)

(:60) LENGTH: This indicates the actual length of the file you download in seconds.

LOOP: The loop box indicates whether the file is authored to loop, or authored as a "one-shot" piece of music. When the box is checked, the file is authored to loop seamlessly in whatever application you're using it in. If the box is not checked, the file has been authored with a top and tail and is not intended to loop. NOTE: The demo button automatically loops the music file so you can get an idea of what it sounds like when looped. Please note that because of this, the demo file will play for a longer period of time than what is indicated in the length column.

COMP: The "comp" file is a "preview" file available for download and use in your production before you buy. It's also a way for you to demo our music for your clients without having to commit to a purchase. It's available as a 128kbs MP3 file. The beep is simply a watermark to prevent theft of our material and will be removed upon purchase. If the icon does not appear, no comp file is available. Click the icon to download. If you’re using our new hi-tech store, look for the comp file link in the lower right ‘info’ field after clicking on the desired music track.

CUESHEET: The cue sheet icon links to the cue sheet designated for each music track. It also indicates the composer and publisher information for each piece of music. If you're using our music in a broadcast medium, this form MUST be completed and returned to us within seven (7) days of your production air date to ensure proper tracking of our music with the performing rights societies. (BMI, ASCAP, PRS, SOCAN etc.) There are no additional fees involved with this! The broadcaster is responsible for paying performance fees to the performing rights societies when a PRS administered piece of music is broadcast- these fees are then payable to the composer and publisher and cannot be processed accurately without the composer and publisher information correctly being logged alongside your air date information. Each cue sheet contains the appropriate composer and publisher information needed to be correctly processed by BMI, ASCAP and so forth. This is an industry standard process and there are NO exceptions. By the way, it's illegal to broadcast our music and not report it. For additional information, please see our licensing page.
Look in the lower right side INFO box while previewing the music cuts (Hi-Tech Store) to view the composer and publisher info. Click the cue sheet link to open the cue sheet form and complete it with the necessary information.

Music Licensing

Below are the primary license types for our royalty free music. Please determine what kind of usage you're interested in, and select the appropriate license type from the drop down box.

IMPORTANT: Please remember that because we are the exclusive rights holders for all of our music, once you have selected your license type we can legally guarantee and grant to you the rights to use the music exactly as described in each license tier without any hidden restrictions, additional license fees or 3rd party negotiations! An asterisk (*) requires you to fill out and submit a usage cue sheet to us using our online form. If you don't see what you’re looking for or have any questions or suggestions please contact us. Click here for licensing and usage information.

IMPORTANT: Each license gives you the non-exclusive worldwide rights for the lifetime of the product.

General: This is our general usage license which covers: non-commercial and commercial websites, single use DVD/CD-ROM/video, Kiosks, virtual business cards, internal business presentations, PowerPoint, personal use, theater, educational use, events, conventions, weddings.

Game, Web: This license covers usage in web based games, where the game is hosted on or as a website and not installed locally on a user's computer.

Game, Download: This license covers usage in downloadable casual games, both commercial and free. A downloadable game is defined as a game that is downloaded and installed locally onto your computer or PDA. It covers up to 500 downloads. This license gives you the non-exclusive, worldwide rights for the lifetime of the game in up to 500 downloads without any further license fees due. If you require more downloads than this, please purchase the "Game, Download Unlimited" license.

Game, Download Unlimited: This license covers usage in downloadable casual games, both commercial and free. A downloadable game is defined as a game that is downloaded and installed locally onto your computer or PDA. This license gives you the non-exclusive, worldwide rights for the lifetime of the game in an unlimited number of downloads without any further license fees due.

Resale/Production: If you plan on using our music in products made commercially available for sale to the public or OEMs, and/or are manufacturing multiple units of product which include our music, you'll need this license. It is both a sync and mechanical license and covers: software (downloadable and boxed), DVD, CD-ROM, video, Kiosks, virtual business cards, tradeshow promo discs etc. This license also covers usage in non-downloadable Console, PC and Handheld GAME titles. (For web and downloadable games, please see associated license above) There are several different pricing tiers based on the quantity of product you need. You can view these price points in the licensing drop down box next to each track of music.

So for example, if you've created a piece of software that requires up to 500 units manufactured, you're covered under the "Resale/Production 500" license. If you plan to manufacture more, you'll need to purchase the license that corresponds to the quantity you need. I.E. If you've created a DVD documentary that will be sold to the public and need up to 5000 units manufactured, you're covered under the "Resale/Production 5k" license. Shipping 100k units of your PC game? Select the "Resale/Production 100k" license. We don't require credits, but would love to be credited in your credit roll if one exists. As always, please ask if you have any questions. Again, each license tier gives you the non-exclusive, worldwide rights to use the music for the lifetime of the product without any further license fees due.

Radio: broadcast productions available to the public on local, regional and/or national radio and webcasts. Usage types include commercials, jingles, promos, PSA's
*Requires cue sheet submission.

TV/Cable: broadcast productions available to the public on local, regional, national and/or international TV, free TV, cable, webcasts and pay per view. Usage types include network/channel programming, commercials, infomercials, jingles, promos, PSA's. Please note: We do not break out different license fees depending on territory, type of broadcast or length of run. The one license fee covers you for usage in all territories, types of broadcast and length of run- we try and make the licensing easy for you! *Requires cue sheet submission.

Podcast: Use this license for music usage in podcasts. License covers an unlimited number of downloads for the lifetime of the podcast..

Film, Feature: usage in commercial feature films and trailers.
*Requires cue sheet submission.

Film, Indie/Short: This license covers you for sync usage in your indie or short film/animation and covers you up to 500 copies manufactured. You will need to purchase an additional "Resale/Production" license if you plan on manufacturing more than 500 copies. See above. If your indie/short is broadcast, you'll need to fill our cue sheet and return it to us. Also, we don't require that you put us in your credits, but it'd be most appreciated! You can gather the writer information by clicking the "cue sheet" icon next to each track of music on our music pages. *Requires cue sheet submission.

Broadcast, Other: On Hold Music, Music Services, Sporting Events etc.
*Requires cue sheet submission.

See the Licensing Page for more information.

Sound Effects Licensing

All of our sound effects are 'royalty-free', meaning the purchase price includes all licensing and usage fees. The purchaser of Soundrangers sound effects is licensed to use them as many times as they desire, for as long as they desire, in as many productions as they desire so as the sound effects are 'synchronized' in your audio/video production. This includes personal web design, commercial web design, software applications, Flash animations, games, video, podcasts, webcasts, radio, TV, DVD, film and so on. Our license does NOT reselling our sounds in anyway as standalone elements, cover usage as ringtones or other hardware devices that "play" sounds as standalone elements, template services or audio-centric software (I.E. IM type apps). We have several license packages available for this sort of usage- please contact us using our 'sales and licensing' form for more info.

See the Licensing Page for more information.

Privacy

Rest assured that we will not sell, give, or trade your personal information with any other party. We never have and never will. We get far too much junk mail to ever do that to anyone else. We are strongly committed to protecting your privacy, and providing a safe and secure online experience.

See the Privacy Page for more information.

Security

Shopping online at Soundrangers.com is statistically safer than using your credit card at a restaurant or department store. We have taken every known safeguard, insuring that your personal information will be secure.

*If you are still uncomfortable with using your credit card online contact us and we will arrange other means of payment that are almost as fast and easy, such as PayPal.

See the Security Page for more information.

Warranty

Soundrangers' products are guaranteed against corruption and damage. If you have received a corrupted file or damaged CD, contact us and we will promptly regenerate your purchase. Soundrangers is not responsible for the loss of your sounds, so please, please back them up! All sales are final. By purchasing the sounds on this site, you agree to all terms in our licensing agreement.

Preferred

Mac: works best with OS 9 or X and with a current version of Safari, FireFox or Netscape.

Windows: works best with XP or Vista and with all popular browsers (IE, FireFox, Netscape, Opera, etc.).

Macromedia Flash version 9 (or newer) works best.

Click to get the latest internet software:
Flash Player 9, Firefox 1.5, IE 6, Netscape 8.1, Safari 1.2, Opera 9.01

Crashing or Freezing

Many crashing or freezing problems are due to either connection speed or browser versions or security software (pop-up, firewall. etc.).

If you are having trouble, start by quitting your browser (completely closing all windows), restart the browser and try again. If problems persist, try a different browser. You will have the best results using a current version of one of the major browsers. For Windows, IE or Firefox work best. For Mac, Safari or Firefox work best. Also make sure you are using the latest Flash plug-in.

If this doesn’t solve your problem, check with your internet service provider or IP support. The problem may be slow connection speed due to, port settings or firewall settings on the provider side.

All users: Due to the nature of the Internet, you may occasionally experience "browser freeze" or dropped connections. If you ever have any continued problems, contact us, we'll make sure your transaction is completed and your experience pleasant.

Add A Soundrangers Button To Your Browser

Internet Explorer: Make sure that the Links toolbar is visible (right click on toolbar and make sure that ‘Links’ is checked.) then drag this Soundrangers link onto it. Once you see a black vertical line, drop the link where you want and a Soundrangers icon should appear.

Netscape: Make sure that the Personal Toolbar is visible (click on the ‘View’ menu item and select ‘Show Personal Toolbar’ if it is not visible.) then drag this Soundrangers link onto it. Once you reach the Toolbar a Soundrangers link should appear with a Netscape icon.

Desktop: If you really feel the need, you can drag this Soundrangers link onto your desktop or onto your Windows Quick launch Taskbar (the lower bar next to the Start button).

Sounds Used In Our Website Navigation

Just for fun we periodically change out the navigation used on the site. If you're interested they will be listed here. The current sounds used in the upper navigation buttons on our site are...

the rollover sound is smooth rollover 13
the button sounds is organic whoosh 04

We started out with stereo, full bandwidth (44k/16 bit) wav files and compressed them down to mono, 48kbps, mp3's using Flash. The compressed sounds used on the site will sound slightly different than the compressed versions used on the site. Try different compression settlings to achieve the desired results.

Tips for Using Music Loops and Full Cuts

Soundrangers royalty free production music is designed as building blocks. The music loops are re-mixed sections of the full music cuts. This enables you to create your own unique compositions and make them any length you want.

Try varying how many times each loop repeats, rearrange the order, try blending full cuts and loops together, add sound effects and pads; use your imagination!