PURCHASING SOUNDS
Q. Are the sounds free?
A. The sounds are free for evaluation purposes.  Right click on the preview icon and 'Save Target As' or 'Download Link to Disk'.

Q. Why do the previews sound gritty?
A. The previews are low resolution so they will stream to your computer faster. Every sound is available up to professional quality (48 kHz).

Q. The preview is very short. May I get a longer version?
A.  Please and we will send you a longer preview.

Q. Can I have a sample of your best effects in top quality? I want to hear how good they are.
A.  Of course, you can listen to a sample of our favorite effects here.

Q. How much are sounds?
A. Price is based on length, quality, channels, and supplier. Please see our Rate Chart for examples.

Sample Rates less than 44.1 kHz, and bit rates less than 16, are non-professional, and have less sound quality.

For pro quality, prices ranges from $1.00 and up. Semi-pro (22-32k) quality is 50% and consumer (11k) quality is 25% of the pro rate.

To find the price of a sound, add it to your basket and click on the 'Checkout' link on the left side of the page. This will give you a quote (at CD quality resolution) with no obligation to buy.

Q. How do I pay for sounds?
A. Credit Card, PayPal.com or prepaid account.

Q. How do I pay with PayPal.com?
A. Instructions to pay via PayPal.com are on this page.

Q. Do you accept Purchase Orders?
A. At the moment we only accept credit card, PayPal.com or prepaid account.

Q. How do I setup a prepaid account?
A. Instructions on purchasing prepaid accounts via PayPal.com are here. You may also , or call 877-315-3647.

Q. What is Sound Dogs refund policy?
A. 100% Money Back Guarantee.

Q. Do you offer a discount on large purchases?
A. Yes, please for details.

Q. What file formats do you offer?
A. We offer AIFF (Mac), WAV (PC), MP3 (compressed), WMA (Windows Media), AU (Sun).  You can select which type you desire at the second checkout page.

Q. Each time I try to select a sound I am told I have to log in again. What is causing this?
A. You must turn cookies on in your browser.  This is usually under the Tools menu bar, Security Tab (PC) or within the preferences box, at the 'Advanced' or 'Cookies' selection (Mac).

Q. How do I add sounds?  Each time I click on the 'Checkout' link my basket is empty.
A. Please make sure you click the checkbox to the left of the sound's description AND also click on the 'Order Selected' image at the top of the sound file chart.

Q.  How can I save my search to review before purchasing?
A.  You can add items to your basket and log out.  Your sounds will be there when you log on again.

Q.  Can you create a CD with different sounds?
A. The sounds under the heading "Downloadable Sounds" are available for an easy and instant download; we do not ship these items on CD.

Buying Guide For Sound Effects and Production Music - Sounddogs.com

What are sound effects and production music?
Sound effects (also known as SFX, sound FX, or audio effects) and production Music (background music) are sounds created to enhance your production. Your 'production' may be for tv, radio, film, podcasts, viral videos, new media, ringtones, toys, computer presentations, etc.

How are these sounds made?
The best sound effects are recorded from an original sound and original source. For example you can buy the sound of a door being slammed because a professional sound-effects recording artist has recorded an actual door being slammed in isolation (for a fascinating sound effects recording blog check out myspace.com/sounddogs) They have used a top quality microphone and have mastered the sound afterwards to make it sound perfectly clean. Production music is recorded by a musician or band and made available for use.

Why do I need them?
Sound effects and production music are used to give information without the use of dialogue. For example, in a movie, we see a couple inside a cabin but we HEAR a winter storm sound effect coming from outside. Additionally, we HEAR tension-filled background music to create a real atmosphere.
Professional, cleanly recorded sound effects / production music highlight or punctuate an idea or emotion in your production. It is very noticeable when it is omitted or a poor quality sound has been used - an excellent sound effect should blend in seamlessly.

What kind of formats do sound effects come in?
If you need several sound effects consider buying a CD that includes a range of well-recorded sounds. If you need just one sound, enter your terms (e.g. dog barking) in the Quick Search area and press GO. Downloadable sounds come in: MP3, WAV or AIFF.

I'm not sure what sound I need!
If you have any questions before you make your purchase, Sounddogs.com offers a toll free number and online support. Listen to the free preview before you make your purchase but realize it is in a low-resolution format - when you make your purchase you will receive the sound / music in its highest resolution format. If you have made a purchase in error Sounddogs.com offers a money-back guaranty.

How do you price sounds?
Sounddogs.com prides itself on having the cleanest, top quality, professionally edited sound effects and production music. The sounds have been recorded by a top sound editor and professionally mastered to truly enhance your production. To record a sound in isolation is extremely difficult - we do it for you. To record unusual sounds such as foreign instruments, sea lions, or a crowd of thousands, Sounddogs.com actually travels the world to record the sound for authenticity. We also distribute sounds with our content partners in which there is a fixed price. Remember you are buying the rights to use your sound to create a project not just listen to it. Certain sounds require cue sheets and/or additional fees - if you are ever in question please just ask support@sounddogs.com.  Finally, we are part of your industry and know the importance of a budget - our prices aim to give you the most for your production dollar.

Remember if you have a great idea and want a professionally finished product, make sure you use top-quality sound effects.