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I finished an application and the users want to "sex up the interaction feeling" by adding some sound samples that should be played when some specified acitons occur. For the programming point of view that isn't too difficult, but how do I get some good audio samples?

How do you solve this problem? Create your own sound files? How? Which software should I use? Or is there a big database in the Internet that offers free sound samples (I did a google search but almost all results are just useless sites). Or do you convince your customers that sound is overrated?

Do you even think that sound is necessary in an well-done application?

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    Sound is a total turn-off (not a sex-up) in anything other than a media application, or for spontaneous notification (e.g. new email). Please don't! – Oliver Charlesworth Nov 11 '10 at 22:45
  • Yes thats my oppinion too, however the customers want sound. It is a cite from a customer. –  Nov 11 '10 at 22:46
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    Then tell them they're idiots (in the nicest possible way, of course). Arbitrary sound is right up there with flashing banner adverts and `` on the List Of Things That Are Shit. – Oliver Charlesworth Nov 11 '10 at 22:49
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    @Oli Charlesworth: We probably all know these annoying applications with terrible sounds. However, being used modestly and thoughtful, a sound can really improve user experience. I'm thinking about key clicks on a touch device (iPhone), shutter sound on a digital camera, click sound for the turn signal in cars, etc. – Dirk Vollmar Nov 11 '10 at 23:04
  • @0xA3: Agreed; replicating "legacy" sounds is vital for a transparent user experience. But these instances are few and far between. – Oliver Charlesworth Nov 11 '10 at 23:06

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You can get some decent sounds from flashkit - there is also some on findsounds and freesounds. Use these in conjunction with a simple audio editing program. I use audacity (its for mac only).

Zevan
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What kind of sound samples are you looking to find? Like individual instruments, like a drum kit, or sound effects?

As far as editing goes, Reaper is the best free sound editor you can find.

Cam Gillette
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We used a site called spinboom for some buttons and powerup sounds for an indie game with some friends. Not free though.. https://www.spinboom.com/index.php/sound

210 Studios
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  • While this link may answer the question you should add some more details about the solution since the link may become invalid – abarisone Apr 05 '15 at 08:43