Handpicked links to quality sound effects, music and audio software. SoundAudio.net sheds light on the free or low cost solutions available in an online world where so many low quality, automatically generated sites are demanding your attention.
Free Sound Effects
FreeSound.org
FreeSound.org is a great resource for sound effects released under the Creative Commons family of licenses. Make sure to check the individual license requirements before using any of the audio files in your production. I've found most of the licenses require that you credit the creator and FreeSound.org. You'll need to create an account before downloading anything. Your account helps you keep track of what you downloaded and when in order to help keep track of who you need to credit and how.
Royalty Free Music
ccMixter.org
ccMixter.org is another Creative Commons based sound resource. The site is comprised of samples, original tracks, and re-mixes. Again, since there is more than one Creative Commons license, make sure you understand the license for the particular track you want to use.
Jamendo.com
Jamendo offers free music downloads from independent artists with the ability to filter your results to music allowed in commercial productions. Just make sure you understand exactly what you need to do in order to use the music (link to the authors site, credit the musician etc.).
Audio Creation Software
Audacity.org
Audacity is free, open source, audio editing and recording software. You can record multiple tracks, but it seems to only take the selected inputs as stereo pairs and you can't assign a new input outside of the selected pair to each new track. This means you can't record more than two tracks at one time. It's best used for manipulating and editing existing audio files or recording from a stereo source. Audacity has many audio effects, filters and options and can be a great tool in the belt of any audio enthusiast.
Reaper.fm
This multi-track audio recording platform is obviously built by a community that understands the needs of audio professionals. The way Reaper handles multiple takes on the same track, the ease of creating loops, and the way it indiscriminately allows you to integrate midi are just a few of the jewels you'll come to appreciate as you use it. Is it a changeable property? You can make an envelop for it. Although Reaper isn't free, you can download a completely un-crippled, never expiring demonstration version. It is also extremely affordable since it allows a huge discount for home users or very small businesses.
Updates
Like to keep up to date with SoundAudio.net? Just send us your email address and feel free to include any audio related questions or suggestions. This will help us improve the site as it develops.
NOTE: Our strict and simple "No Spam" policy is as follows:
I
make conscious effort to ensure your provided email address is safe. I
will not sell or rent your personal information. By submitting your
email address you agree that we may send you periodic updates specifically
about SoundAudio.net