What is iGoons?
A unique search engine which allows you to locate and download mp3 files via your web browser. This alleviates the need to install any third party fileshare/download client on your machine.
What is its purpose?
- iGoons finds mp3s undiscovered by other search engines.
- iGoons allows access to mp3 files in circumstances in which you are not permitted to upload third party fileshare applications / commercial download stores to your machine (eg. in the workplace).
Who is it for?
Broadcast professionals who need to urgently access a recording for inclusion in a programme or report and who have exhausted other means of locating the track.
What are the advantages?
You do not need to install a download/fileshare client onto your PC. Such software can place high demands and limitations on your PC. Some freely available applications are known to have been tampered with to contain 'spyware' - or worse - threatening the security of your machine.
How do I search?
Simply enter the name of an artist OR a title in the search box. You are advised NOT to input both.
How does iGoons search?
It refers through its (cached) catalogue to find the locations of matching tracks on the internet. This catalogue is being researched and compiled twenty four hours a day.
What is shown in the resulting listing?
The locations of the mp3 files which seem to most closely match your request. The locations near the top of the list are most likely to yield your mp3 file.
Are the files free to download?
Yes. Whilst iGoons is designed only to index free files, the odd pay-to-download link may slip through. There is no question of you accidentally being charged!
Why do I get an error when I click on a link produced by iGoons?
Though the mp3 file was present when iGoons last checked (and cached) the files, the file is not currently accessible. This is because either (a) the server on which the file is stored is experiencing problems or (b) the owner of the file has removed it.
Does iGoons 'learn' from error messages?
Yes. Files which are unreliable get demoted on the listing and are, ultimately, removed altogether.
How can I get the best results from my search?
Ensure that you spell search terms correctly.
Try alternative spellings (eg. using "&" instead of "and")
If an artist's name is short or ambiguous, use the title instead.
Does iGoons store mp3 files?
No. We merely index them. Our servers contain no music files.
How do I know which is the best (highest quality) version?
As a rule of thumb the bigger files will be of a higher quality (though they could simply be longer versions). Our analysis tool (available soon) will help you verify bit rates. But in the meantime...
• a 128 kbps mp3 is just below CD quality. A 4 minute song is about 3.5 MB in size.
• a 192 kbps mp3 is approximately CD quality. A 4 minute song is about 5 MB to 6 MB
• a 256 kbps is above CD quality. A 4 minute song is about 8 MB
How do I download the mp3 files?
RIGHT click on the filename and follow the prompts given, remembering whereabouts on your PC you have stored it! You can then drag the file into your editing / playout software.
Can mp3 files introduce viruses onto a system?
Not if simply opened in (or dragged into) an editor or player.
It is best to launch them in this way rather than 'double clicking' on the downloaded files though even this will present no risk on a machine containing an mp3 player.
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Are there any safety procedures I should follow? |
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Is it legally / morally acceptable to download mp3s?
Downloading mp3s may breach copyright legislation in some countries and you should check the status of your country in this regard before doing so.
Even in countries where the practice falls within legislation, we urge you to ensure that all parties (artists, composers and labels) receive appropriate remuneration by purchasing a formal download or 'hard copy' of the track when in a position to do so. The mp3s discovered using this service can then be deleted. Of course, where used in a broadcast, all performing right / mechanical copyright details should be declared to the appropriate body.