Guide
Review of Audio Search Engines
This paper forms part of a series of Jisc Digital Media review papers which look at how a range of resources can be found on the Web using search engines. In particular, this paper will look at how search engines can be used to locate audio files.
May 2008
1. Introduction
Jisc Digital Media also provides a Review of image search engines and a Review of moving image search engines.
It should be noted that not all the content is made available free of charge. You will need to check the availability of free audio content and any pricing policy for each Web site you visit.
This review was undertaken during April and May 2008. If you are reading this some time after that those dates, you are advised to check the sites carefully and to ask the kinds of questions Jisc Digital Media has included in its evaluation criteria (below).
It should be stressed that an exhaustive review of all audio search engines was not carried out. The reviews were performed on a number of the most popular and widely used search engines. You should also be aware that the comments made in this paper are by their nature subjective. You will need to use your own judgement when selecting which search engines to use and in evaluating any returns that are made.
2. Evaluation criteria and test search terms
In reviewing audio search engines it is helpful to use an evaluation criteria and a standard set of search terms. Although the exercise is still subjective, these will offer some basis for comparison. Readers familiar with other Jisc Digital Media search engine reviews should note that different search terms were used for this review.
Evaluation CriteriaIn reviewing audio search engines, Jisc Digital Media asked the following questions: | |
|---|---|
| Search Options |
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| Performance |
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| Presentation |
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| Support |
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Overall evaluationIn the reviews that follow, Jisc Digital Media has used the phrases "Poor", "Average", "Good" and "Very good" to provide an overall evaluation for each of the criteria listed above. These are based on a comparison of all the engines being reviewed and mean the following: | |
|---|---|
| Very good | Among the best for this criteria |
| Good | Better than average, but not outstanding, for this criteria |
| Average | Mid-range for this criteria |
| Poor | Below average for this criteria |
Test Search TermsJisc Digital Media tested the audio search engines using the following terms: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Terms and phrases | Rationale |
| General search terms |
| General and unambiguous terms |
| Specific search terms |
| Scientific name to test the indexing and specific name of a piece of music with composers to test scope, relevancy using different expressions |
| Ambiguous search term |
| To test the weighting of the indexes |
| Specific audio content |
| To test the comprehensiveness and currency of coverage. |
3. Audio search engine reviews
Reviews are presented here in alphabetical order.
AlltheWeb Audio
The AlltheWeb index is owned and provided by Yahoo! Multimedia searches are made against millions of multimedia files.
| Criteria | Overall Evaluation | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Search Options | Poor | Offers a basic search only. That said, users are able to customise a wide range of preferences. Under basic preference settings users are able to activate an offensive material setting, change the number of returns per page and change the size of text. Under advanced preference settings users can change the default search index to web, news, pictures, video, or audio, set the number of integrated news returns that are included with a 'news' search and turn on or off the auto-complete search function undertaken by Internet Explorer and Mozilla. A preferred language can be selected from a list of 36 languages. 'Look and feel' allows the user to write their own cascading style sheets to 'skin' the search engine. The user is also able to alter a number of keyboard shortcuts to suit their preferences. |
| Performance | Poor | Search results were returned very quickly but were very low in number (e.g. 5, 6 or 8 returns). For one search term, Common Cuckoo, no results were returned. Moreover, the returns were not very relevant to the search terms used. Although the audio search engine option was used on AlltheWeb, the majority of returns were for text based resources. During testing it was not possible to open any audio files that were returned. Various explanations for this were given including file not found, unable to make the link and error during opening. Given the small number of returns it is not surprising that duplication did not occur. |
| Presentation | Poor | Results are returned in a list with the name of the resources on the left hand side. On the right hand side information about the size of the file and the date it was uploaded onto the originators web site is given. No other metadata is included. There is no obvious link to information about copyright but visitors can access a 'Terms of Use' document from the 'About Us' section of the web site. The web site is free of advertising. |
| Support | Poor | The Web site has a 'help' button which directs visitors to a new page which gives further information about FAQs and contact details. Visitors are able to provide general feedback, to report bugs, spam and offensive content, to report any relevancy problems, to make feature requests and to request paid inclusion to the Web site. If a visitors wishes to provide comment about spam, offensive content or relevancy problems then they are redirected to Yahoo! All other contact is made by completing and submitting a feedback form provided by Alltheweb. No telephone contact details are given. |
| Specific audio content | Poor | No returns using the URL. No specific results returned when using the search term. That said, the search did return a link to a related BBC news web page. |
AltaVista Audio
http://www.altavista.com/audio/
Altavista searches by crawling the web for audio files a number of which might be provided by paying partners. In addition, extended search links are provided by Overture Services (a subsidiary company of Yahoo!). This includes 'Sponsor Results' which are search results from sites that pay for placement.
| Criteria | Overall Evaluation | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Search Options | Poor | There is no advanced search option on this engine and no separate area to set preferences. That said users are able to choose the type of media file to be included in a search (MP3, WAV, WindowsMedia, Real, AIFF and Other) and to select the length of time the returns run (< 1 minute, > 1 minute or all durations). The user can filter content by way of the 'family filter preference'. Administrative access to the family filter can be password protected. |
| Performance | Poor | The search returns are made very quickly but the amount of resources returned for the search terms used was particularly low (for a number of search terms zero returns were made). The majority of purely 'audio' returns related to songs and other music tracks. Moreover, although the searches were made using audio search options there were a high number of returns that linked to news articles, videos, still images and blogs. Given the low amount of returns during the research we were able to access information about all of them. When trying to access specific returns a number of 'links not found' and 'error' messages were displayed. Moreover, before users are able to access content from a number of linked sites they must first subscribe to that particular site. |
| Presentation | Poor | Search returns are listed 10 to a page. Information about each return includes the file name, file information (type of file and duration), the page URL and a link to the original source of the file. Visitors have the option to open the file in a new window. Files are accessed from sites other than Altavista. The family filter option was used during testing which proved a useful tool in relation to Altavista. Problems arose when the returned files were accessed. Because users access returns from different Web sites the family filter is of no use. During testing a number of Web sites were accessed which included inappropriate material. Similarly, while Altavista is relatively free of advertising (there are sponsored links which provide access to commercial sites), a number of linked web sites included large amounts of advertising. Altavista includes a privacy policy but does not contain information about copyright. |
| Support | Average | Clicking the 'Help' button takes visitors to a list of help topics which are supported by AltaVista. Help is provided in relation to how to search for content, how to translate any returns, how to alter country and language settings, how to add or remove URLs (to undertake these actions visitors are redirected to Yahoo!) and information on how to contact AltaVista. Clicking the contact button allows visitors to provide feedback in two broad areas: 'Search' allows users to contact AltaVista in a number of areas including user interface, reporting spam and general search problems, 'Corporate' allows visitors to ask AltaVista about a range of corporate matters including advertising, the media and the law. This sections also allows includes information about how to advertise on AltaVista and how to submit a Web site for inclusion. No contact telephone number is given. |
| Specific audio content | Poor | No returns using the URL. No specific results returned when using the search term. That said, the search did return a link to a related BBC news web page. |
Dogpile
Dogpile is a metaseach engine that searches content from a number of other search engines including Google, Yahoo! Search, Live Search and Ask.com.
| Criteria | Overall Evaluation | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Search Options | Good | Dogpile provides an advanced search option which allows users to search using Boolean logic. Users are also able to choose to search for Realmedia, Windows, MP3 or All media files. There is also a preference section where users change settings in relation to how many returns are displayed on the screen, whether or not to track recent searches and the types of material they wish to filter out of searches. Users can also choose to have any results returned in a new window. Along with the returns are suggestions for further searches the visitor might like to make. For example when Jerusalem was entered as a search term Dogpile suggested that the visitor might like to search on Jerusalem history, Jerusalem maps and Mecca. Dogpile also presents a list of recent searches that have been undertaken. |
| Performance | Poor | Relatively few results were made accessible when search results were viewed using the 'relevance' setting. During testing this was never more than 40 results. More results were accessible when viewed using the 'source' option. When compared to other search engines tested the returns were made quite slowly. In terms of relevancy the results were very much a mixed bag. As well as large amounts of music files, the results included links to news stories, podcasts and sound files. There was minimal duplication however a small number of dead links were identified. |
| Presentation | Average | Results are returned as a list down the left hand side of the screen. Information about each file includes a name (e.g. song title), the file format (e.g. MP3), the file size in MBs and the duration of the file. Finally, there is a link to the required content. The site contains a 'terms of use' section which outlines how users may use any content returned. It contains explicit information about the copyright that is owned and controlled by Dogpile as well as giving warnings about possible copyright considerations that are related to sites that Dogpile links to.The Dogpile site itself is relatively free of advertising (there are a number of small banners for search engines that are used). |
| Support | Average | Dogpile provides a 'Tools and Tips' section which provides a list of FAQs. It also has a 'Contact Us' facility which allows visitors to contact Dogpile on any subject they wish. There is no contact telephone number provided. |
| Specific audio content | Poor | A number of related links were returned using the search term. The specific content was not returned. Lots of links could not be made. No returns using the URL. |
Excite
The Excite search engine is operated by IAC Search and Media. It is a 'multi-purpose service' which allows visitors to access search services as well as e-mail, chat rooms, bulletin boards, shopping services, news and financial information. Visitors can customise the Excite service by signing up for free Excite membership. Members are able to post content to the site which is then made available to other visitors. The content has a very strong USA bias.
| Criteria | Overall Evaluation | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Search Options | Good | The initial search page is quite cluttered. Visitors can edit the page but in order to so they must sign up to free membership. As members, visitors are able to change the page settings, alter the amount and types of content displayed on screen and change the layout, colours and themes. It should be noted that membership was not undertaken during testing. There is a 'search spy' option which allows visitors to use family friendly 'filtered' searches or unedited 'unfiltered' searches. There is also an advanced search option which allows the use of Boolean logic to qualify searches. The advanced search has a number of other features. It allows visitors to set the playtime of returns (less than a minute, more than a minute or both), the file format (Realmedia, Windows, MP3 or all) and how the results are displayed (by relevance or source). The adult material filter can also be set in advanced search. Visitors who apply the adult filter in advanced search should note that this applies to one search only. If they wish to set the adult filter for all searches then this can be done in the preferences page. |
| Performance | Average | An average amount of results were retuned for most searches. The results were also returned very quickly. Relevancy in terms of audio files was mixed. As well as a range of audio files (music files, podcasts, news reports etc) links to static web pages and video content were also returned. There was an element of duplication with the same audio files being returned from different websites. There was also a number of files that could not be opened because of missing links and other errors. |
| Presentation | Average | Results are returned in a list down the left hand side of the screen. Information about the files includes the file name (which also acts as a link to that specific sound file), the file format (e.g. MP3, Realaudio) the site URL (which also acts as a link to that particular website), the size file and its duration. Excite contains a Terms of Service document which outlines the rights and responsibilities of visitors and which provides information relating to copyright. Excite contains very little advertising meaning the user experience is unhampered. |
| Support | Average | To access the full range of support resources visitors need to register for an account with Excite. That said, there are a number of FAQs that are accessible without registering and which amongst other things are aimed at helping visitors to better use the search engine. |
| Specific audio content | Poor | A number of related links were returned using the search term. The specific content was not returned. Lots of links could not be made. No returns using the URL. |
FindSounds
Allows users to search for sound effects and musical instrument samples. This engine also offers visitors the choice of using FindSoundsPalette which is an audio player, recorder, editor, database, search engine, and Web browser. Using FindSoundsPalette allows visitors to search more than one million sounds on the Web and organise and search any sounds that are collected.
| Criteria | Overall Evaluation | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Search Options | Average | Visitors are not able to choose between basic and advanced searches. That said, visitors can set filters which allow a greater amount of control over searches. Choices can be made in relation to file formats (AIFF, AU, MP3, WAV or combinations), the number of channels (mono, stereo or both), minimum resolution (8-bit, 16-bit or both), minimum sample rate (8000Hz, 11025Hz, 22050Hz, 44100Hz or combinations) and maximum file size (ranging from 16K to 2MB or combinations). There is a 'help' button which provides information on each of the filters. There is also a 'need example' button which allows visitors to browse a wide variety of sound effects and recordings. |
| Performance | Average | A relatively small amount of results were returned very quickly. The returns were very relevant when searchers were made for sound files but not when searching for music files. The amount of duplication was minimal but a number of 'not found' messages were displayed when access to a number of the files was attempted. |
| Presentation | Good | Results are retuned in list form with 10 returns per page. Information about the files includes a waveform display, the URL of the site making the sound file available, the size of the file, whether it is a mono or stereo file, the resolution, the sample rate and the length of time the file will run. The files can be played either by clicking on the relevant URL or on a speaker icon (which is situated to the left of the URL). FindSounds includes a copyright policy which states 'you obtain links to audio files hosted by Web sites throughout the world. The sounds in these audio files may be copyrighted and their use governed by national and international copyright laws. We do not offer advice on the fair use of these files.' That said, FindSounds does comply with the United States Digital Millennium Copyright Act 1998 by removing links to copyrighted sounds at the request of the copyright holder. The search screen contains a number of advertisements at the top of the page which are supplied by Google. The advertisements are also present on the right hand side of the returns page. The advertisements are for related services and do not detract from the user experience. |
| Support | Poor | The search engine has a 'Help' button which gives visitors information on how best to use the search engine and a list of a FAQs. There is no obvious way of emailing an enquiry nor is a contact telephone number provided. |
| Specific audio content | Poor | No relevant returns made using the search term or the URL. This is not surprising given the scope of the audio files searched. |
MetaCrawler
MetaCrawler uses metasearch technology to search the Internet's top search engines, including Google, Yahoo! Search, MSN Search, Ask Jeeves, About and others
| Criteria | Overall Evaluation | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Search Options | Average | There are simple and advanced search options. The advanced search option allows the use of Boolean logic to qualify searches. The advanced search has a number of other features which echo those of the Excite search engine. Advanced search allows visitors to set the playtime of returns (less than a minute, more than a minute or both), the file format (Realmedia, Windows, MP3 or all) and how the results are displayed (by relevance or source). The adult material filter can also be set in advanced search. There are three levels of filter. The 'none' setting means that all search results will be returned including those that contain explicit material, 'moderate' which removes 'as much potentially explicit content as possible' and 'heavy' where all results are filtered for explicit content. Visitors who apply a level of adult filter in advanced search should note that this applies to one search only. If they wish to set the adult filter for all searches then this can be done in the preferences page. When results are returned MetaCrawler suggests other searches the visitor might like to make. For example when 'kettle' was entered as a search term MetaCrawler suggested that the visitor might like to search on mouth whistling, blow whistle and making a whistle. MetaCrawler also presents a list of recent popular searches that have been undertaken by different visitors on topics not related to the original search term. |
| Performance | Average | An average amount of results were returned very quickly. The formats of the results were very varied. As well as a number of sound files (including sound effects and music files) there were a lot of links to podcasts, video files and static web pages. There was a certain amount of duplication particularly with the same audio file being returned from different websites. There were number of files would not open for a variety of reasons. These included being timed out and a link not being able to be made. |
| Presentation | Good | The results are returned as a list on the left hand side of the screen. Information about each file includes a name (which also provides a link to the particular sound file), the file format (e.g.MP3), a URL (which links directly to a particular website), the size of the file and the length of the time it will play. Information on how the file was found is also provided (e.g. 'Found on Yahoo! search). A Terms of Use' document is clearly labelled and accessible and which contains information about copyright and how to make claims about copyright infringement. There is minimal 'intrusion' from advertising and this does not impact on the visitor experience. |
| Support | Average | MetaCrawler provides a 'Tools and Tips' index which provides help and advice aimed at improving user search skills. The 'Contact Us' button allows visitors to email MetaCrawler with feedback. That said, a disclaimer is included on the feedback form which reads 'We welcome your feedback. However, due to the volume of mail, not all messages will receive a response'. No contact telephone number is given. |
| Specific audio content | Average | A number of related links were returned using the search term. The specific content was not returned. Lots of links could not be made. No returns using the URL. |
Yahoo Audio
http://audio.search.yahoo.com/
The Yahoo search engine crawls Web sites for audio content in the usual way. It also offers Web 2.0 functionality allowing users to upload, tag and share their own videos with other users.
| Criteria | Overall Evaluation | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Search Options | Poor | There is no advanced search option included. Under preferences searchers are able to select individual databases for searching. These range from popular databases such as iTunes and Napster to less well know databases like KarmaDownload and AudioLunchbox. Users are also able to set preferences in relation to languages that are searched, the way in which returns are displayed and whether or not searches of subscribed resources should be undertaken. Moreover, users are able to set a content filter to block the return of adult material. Included on the search page is a list of popular audio searches that other visitors to the search engine have made. |
| Performance | Good | The search terms produced a large amount of song tracks very quickly. This is useful for visitors to the site searching for songs when they only have part of the song title. They are able to browse the returns for the required track. The visitor is not able to access all the returns and is limited to the first 1000 songs. This amount of returns would satisfy the majority of visitors. The search did not generate any returns for sounds or sound effects. The visitor is able to listen to a low-grade sample of a number of the returns (not all). To download a full version of a song the visitor must pay a fee which varies depending on the download provider. Songs can be downloaded in a number of formats including AAC, WMA, Real and MP3. No missing files or dead-links were identified but there was a substantial amount of duplication in relation to the song titles that were returned. |
| Presentation | Good | The results are returned in list format. Information provided includes the title of the track/ song, the name of the artist, the name of the album from which the song/ track comes and the number and names of the download locations. Clicking on the title takes the visitor to a new page which gives more information about the download locations. The individual download locations are listed and information about the cost of downloading is given along with whether a subscription service is available, the format by which the song/ track is available and the platforms and browsers that are supported. Visitors can also opt to burn the track to a CD or download to a hard drive. In order to buy the track/ song the visitor clicks on the download location of their choice and is diverted to that organisation's Web site. The site has a copyright and intellectual property policy which is clearly marked at the bottom of the page. While visitors make purchases from external Web sites the Yahoo! Audio search engine is free of advertising. Visitors decide which download location to pick from the menu of options previously listed. |
| Support | Poor | The site does provide a 'help' section but it is not in an obvious place. To access the help facility the user has to access a dropdown menu called 'More'. Having accessed the dropdown menu the user clicks on 'Answers' to access help options. Users are able to post questions (on any subject) and provide answers to questions (on any subject) that have been posted on the Answer blog. However, to post a question to the Yahoo! Ask service a user needs to open a Yahoo! Account |
| Specific audio content | Poor | No returns using the URL. When the searched term was used a number of links including one to the specific content related were returned. |
4. Conclusion
The Internet is an entity which is subject to innovation and change. Change is happening rapidly and there is some debate as to how it will be used in the future. It is acknowledged that a large number of returns from the searches made during this research included links to Web sites that provide access to popular music audio files. It is envisaged that the number of audio files that are made available for use by the academic community will increase over time.
This paper has reviewed the most popular search engines that are used today. It should be stressed that this list is not exhaustive and that the paper will undergo periodic review to ascertain developments in this area.
As was stated earlier, the views expressed in this paper are largely subjective. Those searching for content via search engines will need to make their own value judgements on the types of returns that they receive and the relevance they have to their research. They should be mindful that, in all probability, any search terms that are used are bound to produce returns that will bear very little or no relevance to the particular area research. Researchers will need to use their analytical skills to ascertain which audio files are of use to them and which are not.
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