The BBC effects library has long been regarded as the standard library, and the commercially released section was released on compact disc. Everything from cars to aeroplanes, ships to trains. Sounds domestic, urban, rural and international. Over 90% of the effects were recorded direct to digital stereo – many of them using binaural techniques. The rest have been transferred from analogue to digital. Each compact disc is accompanied by a booklet with a comprehensive index for the instant identification of effects.
The BBC Conditions of Sale allow virtually unlimited use of the discs in commercial, audio, video and film productions in perpetuity, and the subsequent broadcast, sale, hire and public exhibition of productions incorporating these effects without further charge.
A full contents track listing by disc is available: Track Listings - BBC Sound Effects Discs 1 to 60. The library is now discontinued, but discs are available whilst stocks last.