If you just want to listen to some interesting sounds, you can stream or download WAV files of sounds ranging from “‘Pystyll Rhadn’ falls, North Wales, with birdsong” to lorries, and, this being England, lots of exotic sounds from the far reaches of the former British Empire and a bunch of business to do with ships. I know this, because I used what I believe is the edition of this that was once released on a big series of CDs. There’s both synthetic sound design and field recording work – sometimes not really identified as such. This is a sound effects library culled from the archives of the BBC and its Radiophonic Workshop, a selection of sounds dug up from broadcast sound work. The BBC Sound Effects site offering has gotten plenty of online sharing.

Whatever the reason, BBC’s 16,000 sound effects are available to download – but with strings attached.

'Remember the Force will be with you, always.Maybe it’s time for the idea of a “commons” to get a new boost. 'I want to learn the ways of the Force and become a Jedi like my father.' 'Everything's under control, situation normal.' 'I think you just can't bear to let a gorgeous guy like me out of your sight.' Now, I am the master.' 'Only a master of evil Darth.' 'Don't get too proud of this technological terror you're constructed.' 'The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the force.' 'If you only knew the power of the dark side.' 'The Emperor does not share your optimistic appraisal of the situation.' 'We would be honored if you would join us.' 'I don't know what all this trouble is about but I'm sure it must be your fault.' 'All systems have been alerted to your presence, sir.' To download, right-click the link to the file you want, then select 'Save Link As.' (or whatever wording your browser uses).All files are free to download and use, although a donation is always appreciated.

Sound effects free download wav files