Blastwave FX FAQ

Support & FAQ

The Support and FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Page is your resource for more information on all aspects of Blastwave FX sound effects libraries.

SUPPORT:

If you have questions or need help, we recommend you first take a look at our comprehensive FAQ for the quickest answers. If you can't find the answers you are looking for in our FAQ, then please email us with your question at:

info@blastwavefx.com

A member of our Support Team will get back to you as soon as possible.

If you would like to speak to a member of our Support Team via phone regarding an order, our services, or any other issue, please email info@blastwavefx.com. You will be called shortly after receiving your request. Please remember to include your telephone number, the reason for your inquiry and the best time to reach you.

Customer Service hours are 9AM-5PM Eastern Standard Time. Our Customer Service number is
+1 313 887 0370

FAQ (Frequency Asked Questions)

USE OF BLASTWAVE FX LIBRARIES:

DEFINITIONS & GLOSSARY:

ORDERS, SHIPPING & SUPPORT:

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS:

BUSINESS INQUIRIES & CUSTOM LICENSING:

USE OF BLASTWAVE FX LIBRARIES

What are my rights when I buy a Blastwave FX royalty-free sound libraries?

Blastwave FX royalty-free sound effects libraries are sold with their synchronization rights, as described in the Blastwave FX End User License Agreement. Performing rights do not apply to sound effects. Except as specifically identified in the End User License Agreement, you are not authorized to copy or re-distribute our sound effects, unless they are synchronized in timed relation with your production.

How am I allowed to use the sound I buy? What are Synchronization and Synchronization Rights?

When you buy a Blastwave FX product, you get a synchronization license. With a synchronization license, you gain permission to reproduce a composition within an audio-visual media form (like films, TV programs, commercial announcements, music videos, video games, multimedia or other visual presentations). The sound effects are generally synchronized and/or recorded in timed relation with the visual images, graphic design or voice over.

Synchronization is the term that describes the way Blastwave FX sound effects can be used in productions that you create. A sound can be synchronized with a visual presentation (e.g. the sound of a glass smashing timed perfectly to be heard when the glass hits the floor), or with other audio material such as a voice over - as in the case of a radio commercial. A sound can be synchronized for use in many media: television, radio, film, multimedia and audio-visual presentations, Web sites, computer games and music. Blastwave FX royalty free products are sold with their synchronization rights as described in the Blastwave FX User License Agreement (http://www.blastwavefx.com/i12/End-User-License/information.html).

The rights to re-sell, re-publish or otherwise distribute Blastwave FX sound effects and production elements are not obtained with your acquisition of synchronization rights to our products. When you use our sound effects and music, they must be synchronized within a multimedia presentation, film, Web site, game, audio-visual production or broadcast.

Do you have a Licence Agreement for your sound effects libraries?

Yes, Blastwave FX libraries are sold under the terms and conditions contained in the Blastwave FX End User License Agreement.

Can I use the sound effects on my website?

Yes, but with the following limitations - you personally can synchronize our sound effects for playback only on your Web site, so that mouse over or click events trigger the sound. You, however, are not allowed to distribute our sound effects in any way - whether you intend to give, trade, loan or sell them. You are not permitted to present our sound effects in any way that allows or intimates allowing access to the sound effects or sounds as downloads This would be a violation of our proprietary property rights and is therefore unauthorized without express written permission from Blastwave FX.

Can I use the sound effects in my music?

Yes, this qualifies under your synchronization rights as dictated by the Blastwave FX End User License Agreement.

Can I use these sound effects in my computer game?

Yes you can, provided that the sounds are embedded in the code of your game and are not available for an end-user to access or download. If your application allows the end-user to access or download unsynchronized sounds, you should contact Blastwave FX to arrange supplemental authorization for the use of the sound effects.

Do I have to pay more if I include your sound effects in a production that will be broadcast?

Blastwave FX sound effects libraries are sold as royalty free products. This means that you do not need to pay any additional money to Blastwave FX if a production is going to be broadcast or performed publicly.

Can I use your sound effects for live theatre productions?

Yes, theatre playback falls under synchronization and therefore fall within the rights granted under our End User License Agreement.

What media do you deliver your products on?

We currently deliver our products on DVD, hard drive and via download. All of our products contain broadcast. wav files and/or mp3 reference files with embedded metadata.

Do you offer the ability to purchase and download individual sounds like on iTunes?

We currently do not, however, we offer the ability to purchase and download many libraries as full collections such as:

Can I transfer the libraries I buy on DVD to a hard drive?

Yes, provided that you own the Blastwave FX products that you want to transfer. If you are setting up a multi-user audio production environment, you need a license from Blastwave FX. Please contact us if at info@blastwavefx.com if you are setting up a multi-user audio production environment with 2 or more users.

If you decide to sell your hard drive at a later date, however, ALL Blastwave FX's audio files MUST be removed from the disc before you transfer ownership. You are not authorized to sell copied versions of our audio files under any circumstances - this practice is an infringement of Blastwave FX's copyright.

Can I transfer libraries I buy on hard drive to a computer server or another hard drive?

Yes, provided that you own the Blastwave FX products that you want to transfer. If you are setting up a multi-user audio production environment, you need a multi-user license from Blastwave FX. Please contact us if at info@blastwavefx.com if you are setting up a multi-user audio production environment with 2 or more users.

If you decide to sell your hard drive at a later date, however, ALL Blastwave FX's audio files MUST be removed from the disc before you transfer ownership. You are not authorized to sell copied versions of our audio files under any circumstances - this practice is an infringement of Blastwave FX's copyright.

Can I copy sound effects or music on to my computer hard drive in order to create a production?

Yes you can. The synchronization license that you obtain with your purchase of Blastwave FX's royalty free sound effects libraries allows you to copy the files on to your computer hard drive for the purposes of creating audio and/or visual productions or applications. Your license does not permit the sale, lease, loan or gift of any unsynchronized Blastwave FX audio content. This means that if, for example, you decide to sell a computer hard drive that has Blastwave FX's copyrighted audio content copied on to it, you must delete that content before the hard drive is delivered to its new owner.

I purchased Blastwave FX libraries for my organization/company. How many people are allowed to access without any additional licensing fees required? Are there any licensing fees if I want to give multiple people networked access to the sounds?

Short answer: two (2) people maximum. Without proper licensing from Blastwave FX, YOU CANNOT ALLOW TWO (2) or more people in the same location and/or different locations to access the Blastwave FX products, whether the products have been copied to a computer server or hard drive, without prior multi-user licensing and consent from Blastwave FX. This is reflected in the Blastwave FX User License Agreement. and Multi-User Licensing Overview & Fee Structures . For more information on various multi-user configurations and licensing fee structures click here .

Please contact us at info@blastwavefx.com or call +1 313 887 0370 if you are setting up a multi-user audio production environment with 2 or more users. Please be prepared to describe the number of users, number of servers or hard driver, and number of locations with you desire to be licensed for multi-user networked access. Our desire is to facilitate the way you work - we understand computers and we are here to help facilitate your workflow!

Does Blastwave FX have sound available Custom Licensing needs (e.g. ring tones, toys, web applications)?

Yes, we have over 40,000 royalty free sounds and add new libraries monthly. Please click here for more information on Custom Licensing.

What are examples of Custom Licensing applications?

Please click here for more information on Custom Licensing.

What are Comprehensive Lifetime Sound Design Solutions? Which Blastwave FX libraries are considered Comprehensive Lifetime Sound Design Solutions?

Please see the Comprehensive Lifetime Sound Design Solutions section of our website for detailed information and links.

DEFINITIONS & GLOSSARY:

Who is Blastwave FX?

Blastwave FX develops next-generation HD sound effects libraries for professional audio production. Our design and engineering teams push the sound envelope with innovative product formats, rich metadata, multi-channel libraries and the highest resolution audio that technology allows. Blastwave FX libraries, including our flagship Sonopedia, serve as royalty-free creative resources for audio professionals worldwide in post, broadcast, film, television, video games, animation, radio, new media and beyond. Blastwave FX is based in Detroit, MI and is headed by Ric Viers, author of The Sound Effects Bible (MWP). Blastwave FX's exclusive worldwide master distributor is Pro Sound Effects.

For more information on Blastwave FX, including video, please visit About Us>Blastwave FX.

What are Sound Effects?

Blastwave FX records, design and publishes hundreds of thousands of different single isolated sounds, special effects and background ambiences - all are considered sound effects. These include everyday sounds like doorbells, car horns and telephone rings, specialty sounds like comedy, fantasy and science fiction FX and musical accents, and longer background ambience tracks to make the listener really feel like they are in places like a courtroom, a church, a train station, a thunderstorm a jungle or even on a fictitious planet in outer space.

What are Production Elements?

Production Elements - also called Imaging Elements- are sounds used to sweeten and add heightened sensory context to a recorded production, usually for radio broadcast intros, promos, transitions and attention grabbers. Examples include whooshes, stingers, hits, ascends, descends, sweepers and beyond. Blastwave FX publishes a large selection of HD Production Elements.

What is Foley?

Foley recording is a specialty technique, designed to produce simulated everyday and extreme sounds for synchronization and audio sound replacement usage in motion pictures. Without the magic of Foley, you would never hear some one's footsteps in a film - these and many other sounds must be dubbed in again on the film's soundtrack in order to be heard by the audience.

What is 5.1 Surround Sound Effects?

5.1 Surround Sound Effects are multi-channel audio files. A Surround Sound track is made up of six individual audio channels.

Left channel
Right channel
Center channel
Sub Bass channel
Left Surround channel
Right Surround channel

What is Metadata?

Metadata is "information about information" and it is one of the really useful features of digital audio files. When audio went from analogue to digital, it became possible to label or encode audio files with more information than could be contained in just the file name. That identifying information is called "metadata".

Metadata can be used to name, describe, catalogue and indicate ownership or copyright for a digital audio file, and its presence makes it much easier to locate a specific audio file within a group - through use of a search engine that accesses the metadata. As different digital audio formats were developed, it was agreed that a standardized and specific location would be set aside within the digital files where this information could be stored.

As a result, almost all digital audio formats, including mp3, broadcast wav and AIFF files, have similar standardized locations that can be populated with metadata. This "information about information" has become one of the great advantages of working with digital audio files - since the catalogue and descriptive information that makes up the metadata is built right into the audio file itself, ready for easy access and use. You no longer need to consult a paper catalogue or product packaging to find out more about a particular file.

What are the differences between 5.1 Surround Sound Effects and stereo tracks?

Basically, there are two kinds of sound effects: sound effects that reproduce a single sound (e.g. a car horn, a door slamming shut, the neighing of a horse) and so-called ambient tracks that reproduce the atmosphere of a particular location (e.g. a crowded square, natural environments like woods, mountains, steppes, deserts, coasts, beaches, etc.).

The difference between the two is obvious: a single sound effect occurs in a specific, clearly defined location. For example, a car horn will sound from the hood of a car (i.e. a specific location). Hence, it is a single sound and can therefore be accurately reproduced in mono or stereo.

Ambient tracks, on the other hand, are atmospheric. Imagine being in the woods: you hear the wind in the trees, the chirping of birds, the sounds envelop you from all sides. This is what we call an ambient atmosphere. And it is best reproduced in 5.1 Surround Sound.

What does Royalty-Free mean?

All Blastwave FX sound effects libraries are sold as royalty free (or buyout) products and are governed by our End User License Agreement. Royalty Free means that there are no additional fees owed for commercial use of a sound file as it is incorporated into any audio or multimedia production. Once you have purchased a sound, you have the license to use that sound as often as you like, in as many projects as you like and you will never be required to pay another fee of any kind. Sounds cannot be copied, resold or distributed as individual files. They can only be resold and distributed as incorporated into a complete production.

What is Synchronization?

Synchronization is the term that describes the way Blastwave FX sound effects can be used in productions that you create. A sound can be synchronized with a visual presentation (e.g. the sound of a glass smashing timed perfectly to be heard when the glass hits the floor), or with other audio material such as a voice over - as in the case of a radio commercial. A sound can be synchronized for use in many media: television, radio, film, multimedia and audio-visual presentations, Web sites, computer games and music. Blastwave FX royalty free products are sold with their synchronization rights as described in the Blastwave FX End User License Agreement.

The rights to re-sell, re-publish or otherwise distribute Blastwave FX sound effects and production elements are not obtained with your acquisition of synchronization rights to our products. When you use our sound effects and music, they must be synchronized within a multimedia presentation, film, Web site, game, audio-visual production or broadcast.

What are Synchronization Rights?

When you buy a Blastwave FX product, you get a synchronization license. With a synchronization license, you gain permission to reproduce a composition within an audio-visual media form (like films, TV programs, commercial announcements, music videos, video gamesmultimedia or other visual presentations). The sound effects are generally synchronized and/or recorded in timed relation with the visual images, graphic design or voiceover.

What is Copyright?

A simple definition of Copyright is the "right to copy, publish or perform". It is a way of expressing the legal exclusive right of ownership. Blastwave FX is the registered copyright owner of 100% of its sound effects and production elements.

ORDERS, SHIPPING & SUPPORT

What methods of payment do you accept?

Blastwave FX accepts the most credit cards and online payment accounts for orders through our website, including the following: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diner's Club, Google Checkout and PayPal. All sales on the Pro Sound Effects website are made in U.S. currency. We also do accept purchase orders from qualified entities, as well as payment by check and wire tranfer. We supply all necessary documentation to deal with purchasing department requirements.

Please email info@blastwavefx.com if you would like to place a purchase order or arrange payment via check or wire transfer.

Do you accept Purchase Orders (PO's)?

We accept purchase orders from qualified entities and supply all necessary documentation to facilitate purchasing department requirements.

Please email info@blastwavefx.com if you would like to place a purchase order and indicate the items you wish to purchase. We facilitate your purchase order accordingly.

Are your transactions secure? What do you do to insure security of my personal and financial information?

All online transactions are processed through a secure server. We use Authorize.net to incorporate Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology with 128-bit encryption to ensure the security of your personal and financial data. Authorize.Net is committed to providing its merchant customers with the highest level of transaction processing security, safeguarding customer information and combating fraud. Authorize.net implements and maintain compliance with industry leading security initiatives such as the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard. More than 185,000 businesses use Authorize.Net to process Internet transactions securely.

Where do I redeem my coupon, promotional code or discount offer?

To redeem any discount or promotional offer, please add the product you want to your cart first and then proceed to checkout. You can redeem any offer for discount by entering the code in the field provided on the checkout page. This field will be on the same page where you enter your payment/credit card information.

Do you provide discounts for educational institutions such as training centers, high schools, colleges, universities and libraries?

Yes, we work with many educational institutions to deliver customized, cost effective packages designed to meet any requirement. If you represent an educational institution interested in purchasing sound libraries, email info@blastwavefx.com with your telephone number, a description of your needs, and the best time to reach you.

Can I place orders via telephone?

Yes, please call +1 313 887 0370. Customer Service hours are 9AM-5PM Eastern Standard Time. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message with your telephone number, email address, a description of your needs, and the best time to reach you.

What are your shipping policies?

All orders over $200 are shipped via ground delivery FOR FREE to the United States and Canada. Your order will be ground shipped by courier. Delivery is within one week. We aim to ship your order on the day that it is received and processed with the following exceptions: orders received during weekends or holidays may be slightly delayed. Please note that our shipping policy may change from time to time - should our shipping policy change, we will prominently post notice on this website.

Can you do overnight/rush-shipping?

Yes - if you need your order rushed to you, we can ship it via overnight courier if we receive it by 10 AM Eastern Standard Time. We will add the cost of Rush service to your order and charge the amount directly to your credit card. For Rush Shipping please email info@blastwavefx.com with your order number and delivery requirements and we will get you your order as fast as possible.

Do you ship anywhere in the world?

Yes we ship anywhere in the world. Charges can be estimated on our shipping table and will be precisely calculated during the checkout process

Can I track my shipment?

Yes, if you do not automatically recieve tracking information via email after you place an order, please email info@blastwavefx.com with your order number.

What is your Return Policy?

All of the products sold directly on the Blastwave FX website are 30 days money back guaranteed only in the case the product is defective (broken, unplayable, otherwise physically defective). In other cases Blastwave FX shall not be obligated to accept the return of any product.

Do you sell libraries on hard drive?

Yes we have a variety of products on hard drive, including our flagship SONOPEDIA library, the BlastDrive, TitleWave and .wavFX. Please browse these products for specifications, pdf track listings, audio and video demos.

Does Blastwave FX have dealers in my area? Does Blastwave FX have international distribution?

Yes, we have resellers, dealers and distributors worldwide. Contact us at info@blastwavefx.com to inquire about finding one in your area. Many are also listed in the About Us>Partners section.

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS:

Do you sell "computer ready" audio files, e.g. .wav or MP3? What formats are your libraries available in?

Yes, we do. All Blastwave FX products are delivered as data files for easy transfer to your workstation. We deliver broadcast .wav file format and mp3 format. Both formats are fully supported on Mac, PC and Linux computers and operating systems.

Do you have a search engine? What is the Blastwave FX Search Engine?

Yes, we have a simple search engine for both MAC and PC that features:

SEARCH: Google-style boolean full text search
AUDITION: rapid-fire playback with keyboard controls
DRAG N' DROP: into most applications on Mac and PC (e.g. Pro Tools, Final Cut, AVID, SoundTrack Pro etc.)

Please see the About> Blastwave FX Search Engine section for more information.

Our master licensor, Pro Sound Effects , can set you up with a multi-user sound effects library search and/or sound library server system.Please contact Pro Sound Effects at support@prosoundeffects.com to learn about your options.

Are your files compatible with sound library search engines such as Soundminer and NetMix?

Yes our files are fully compatible and searchable with SoundMiner, NetMix and most other sound library search engines. All of our MP3 files have ID3 metadata that can be ready by iTunes as well. We strive to maintain compatibility with all formats.

Is metadata available in excel format or as ASCII files for your libraries?

Yes, each product contains a tracklisting with all metadata that can be downloaded from it's page. All files contain embedded metadata as well. If you require a specific format not currently available through our website, please email info@blastwavefx.com with your request.

Do you have a Technology Partner program?

Yes, please see our Partner Section in the About Menu.

How do Free Updates work? How do I update my sound effects library?

Product Updates are available for Comprehensive Lifetime Sound Design Solutions only. Updates may take form of new sound effects, metadata updates and search engine software updates. If you have purchased a Comprehensive Lifetime Sound Design Solution, make sure you either have an account or create an account on our website in order to receive free updates. You will be emailed instructions for updating periodically. Please see our Free Updates for more detailed information on related policies and procedures.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES & CUSTOM LICENSING:

I am interested in distributing/reselling Blastwave FX product? What do I do?

Please contact info@blastwavefx.com with your name, company name, telephone number, location, email address, website and a brief description of your business and market. We will then have the appropriate person get back to you.

Who handles Blastwave FX's master distribution?

Pro Sound Effects is the exclusive worldwide master distributor for Blastwave FX. Please contact info@blastwavefx.com for any related inquiries.

What are examples of custom licensing and special audio applications of Blastwave FX content that require special licensing?

ringtones and various electronic cues
in cellular telephone games
as multimedia content in wireless devices
in mobile communications or entertainment applications
in computer games
in Web applications
as samples in software packages
in retail toys
in electronic sampling equipment or program chips
in other promotional items

I have a question about custom licensing and specialty audio applications. Where can I get more information and who do I contact?

For inquiries on custom licensing and specialty audio applications, please contact info@blastwavefx.com with your name, company name, telephone number, location, email address, website and a brief description of your needs.

Who do I contact to discuss business development opportunities?

Does Blastwave FX have a Security and Privacy Policy?

Yes, please click here for our Privacy Policy.

To view our Security Policy, please click here.

Can I make a suggestion for a sound effect or new product?

Yes, please email info@blastwavefx.com.

How can I contact Blastwave with a question or my feedback?

Please email info@blastwavefx.com.

Do you provide links to any other useful Web resources?

Check out the Blastwave Labs blog - it is the official blog of Blastwave FX and contains a lot of useful information, videos and links.

Does Blastwave buy sound effects?

We are interest in only the highest quality and most unique sound effects. Most of our material is produced in-house and through our global private network of recordists and sound designers. If you are interested in submitting a demo, please send in .wav format to:

Blastwave FX
Worldwide Production Headquarters:
23358 Angel Park
Macomb, MI 48042
+1 313 887 0370