Searching for sound files online?

[nohayo]

While I have no problem finding images online, I really don't know how or where to search for sound files...just googling their names isn't enough... anyone has any tips?

Thanks 

[Deneen]

Hi Nohayo,

Are you looking for sounds like "vroom" "ring" "birds singing" or just voice recordings?

I'd be happy to provide some voice recordings for word files.  Just let me know.

I couldn't find much else on web, but I did run across this site with animal sounds...

http://www.wavsource.com/animals/animals.htm

I haven't used that site personally, so be sure your antivirus software is uptodate...just in case.   

[KL]

another tip is to use the onboard text-to-speech program.  In XP, it sounds quite robotic, but I'm pleased to note that in Vista, the onboard text-to-speech system sounds pretty decent.

You can use this and record it down as an individual file, and you can even test other people to see if they can tell it's actually a machine's voice!

If I have time I'll post more details on how to use text-to-speech editors.

[nohayo]

Thanks Deneen for the link No I don't mean pronounciation but thanks for offering I mean the sound effects like the one you sent

As for text-t-speech, I'm afraid I have XP Kl But I'll try it anyway when you post the how-to and see !!

Thanks ! And if anyone else has more sound effects links please share , they'll be a great help !

[akgard]

Could you please explain how to do the text to speech program for sound files.  I am currently using Vista.

[Lappy]

Hi Nohayo!

I found a couple of good resource sites with free sound effects that you can download.  They have sound files under different categories (animals, vehicles, etc.) which I think may be very useful. 

Here are the links:
http://www.stonewashed.net/sfx.html
http://www.a1freesoundeffects.com/

[akgard]

I'm looking for pronunciation rather than sound effects.  Any suggestions?

[nhockaday]

You can request that other members help you with pronunciations.

[akgard]

I'm able to make my own sound files, I was just hoping for something that sounded better than what I have.  KL mentioned the text to speech program and I was hoping maybe that would be better than what I've created, but I don't know how to use it or even locate it on the computer....

[nhockaday]

Hmm, I guess that's something KL or Lappy will have to help you with. They also may be able to help you with adjusting your settings on your computer so that recordings sound better. I know I had to play around with a bunch of stuff on my new computer to get the recordings to sound right.

[akgard]

Okay, so that is you on your recordings.  I thought maybe you had found a sight that had sound files of words.  They sound so good.  Mine sound like I'm back in 1980 recording on a tape recorder.  I'm using a microphone that is attached to a headset.  I'd really like to share my creations, but the sound I have right now is just so bad that I don't think people will like them.  My kid enjoy's it because he recognizes my voice, but I just don't think they are good enough that others will like it.

[KL]

Why don't you attach a voice sample here and let us be the judge?   People here might be able to give you tips and advice too once they hear it.

Make sure you have the house really really quiet - turn off air conditioning, fan, etc. etc. when you record.
Do you have a sound editor? If you do, make sure you adjust the loudness (amplitude) to make it loud enough cos typically the recordings will be very soft.  (we will have an easy-to-use yet powerful enough "Easy Sound Recorder" application that will come with Little Reader very soon, btw!).

Looking forward to hearing your sample!

[akgard]

Okay, here's the files I made.  Let me know what you think.

[Lappy]

Hi Akgard!

I've actually written a tip to help you record your own voice for Little Reader.  The tip may be found by clicking here.

In the post, I also suggested a software (Audacity) that you can use to help make your recordings sound better.  You will be able to "chop" your recordings and edit out the silence that comes before and after you pronounce the word.  You can also use Audacity to make your sound files increase in volume.

The recording samples you gave us were fine. There wasn't much noise going on in the background.  Apart from increasing the volume and editing out the "dead air" (silence), here are a few tips for you:

   •   Using a standalone PC mic vs. a headset microphone will produce recordings of better quality.
   •   When recording, do not position your microphone directly in front of your mouth.  The optimum position is to have it on the side, so popping consonants such as "T", "P" and "B" won't pop out so much.

I hope this helps.

[akgard]

Thanks, this really helped.  I'm using Audacity now and the quality is much better.  Now I just have to find time to record all the words I've got!

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