Electronic music history, reimagined
For 40 years, the BBC Radiophonic Workshop was the place to go for the sound of the impossible – the unruly engine behind the music and effects of Doctor Who, the Goon Show, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and countless other BBC productions. It was a place of other worlds, and of other sounds. Reanimating this abundant legacy, the essence of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop is now available for the first time – with unprecedented access to its home: London’s Maida Vale studios.
Dive into an immaculately sampled collection of vintage synthesisers, tape loops, iconic archives and brand new performances from Workshop members. Revitalised with Spitfire’s Solar engine, this library passes the torch from the most forward-thinking minds of early electronic music on to the next generation of producers.
Now available through Rent-to-Own on Splice’s platform. Learn more
- You can buy now and download any time
Listen to BBC Radiophonic Workshop
The Top of the Stairs - Mark Ayres
Trailer Music - Paul Thomson
Doctor Who Theme - Callum McNeill
The DALeks Are Coming - Daniel Almeida-Linke
Secret Tunnel - James Malpas
Interview
Recreating the Iconic 1963 Doctor Who Theme
While there are instruments in this library that are created from sampling the archival tapes of the Workshop, the human connection has been maintained. The found sounds and early synths that were deployed by the Workshop are realised here with new performances and patches from remaining members of the Workshop including Peter Howell, Paddy Kingsland, Roger Limb, Glynis Jones and Dick Mills with Mark Ayres and new collaborators including Kieron Pepper (once live drummer for The Prodigy) and Bob Earland.
Preserving a unique period in the history of British electronic music (1958-1968), but offering an instrument for the future, BBC Radiophonic Workshop takes the early form of sampling pioneered by composers such as Delia Derbyshire, Desmond Briscoe, John Baker and Daphne Oram and brings it up to date with the cutting edge techniques of library creation Spitfire Audio is known for. Vintage synthesisers, treasure-trove tape archives, found objects and performances from Workshop members are now available under the hood of Spitfire Audio’s state-of-the-art Solar engine.
The Workshop was a place where tape loops ran around the block and solos were played on lampshades; a laboratory with a forest of wires, tape machines … and unique inspirations. Producers came for the sounds of “A halo of bees”, “An unbearable alien shriek”, “A machine singing to itself” or “The voice of a living planet” and left with some of the most original electronic sounds of the era. The Workshop gave Doctor Who’s TARDIS its engine, and terrified a gleeful generation of children who would hide behind the sofa while the voices of Daleks filled their living rooms. ”In another 20, 50 years, music that people have made with this collection might itself become a new onward tool,” says Mark.
We were guided through the labyrinthine archives of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop by composer, sound designer and Workshop archivist Mark Ayres – who has worked on Doctor Who and many other productions. Along with other members of the Workshop who are alive today and still gigging under the Workshop’s name, Mark has overseen a deeply sampled exploration of this other-worldy collection. New patches and performances on precious EMS VCS 3 synths, choirs of the lampshades Delia Derbyshire famously sampled and composed with, Skeleton Guitars, tape loops … And more.
The Workshop was a physical place, a space where you could get your hands – and your ears – dirty. The archive materials available in this new instrument, stored in Spitfire’s Solar engine, are your invitation to do the same. Solar allows these historic audio ingredients to find new expression through a variety of signal chains – some old, some new – and the modern techniques of bending, stretching and morphing provided for by the on-board effects.
Along with a variety of microphones, the EMT turntable and Rogers loudspeakers made especially for the BBC, there are the Maida Vale plate and spring reverbs, plus processing through modular synthesizers, tape machines, EMS Vocoder, Echo chamber, Roland Vocoder SVC-350 and Eventide H-3000. Choose from Archive Content, Found Sounds, Junk Percussion, Tape Loops, Synths and a Miscellany of other gems … And your time travel begins.
Merch Store
Show your appreciation for the pioneers of electronic music with limited edition BBC Radiophonic Workshop merch.
Our store features exclusive BBC and Spitfire Audio-branded hoodies and mugs, perfect for any sound enthusiast.
Stay tuned for new merch drops throughout the year!
What's Included
Archive Content
Decades of music and sound effects from the workshop, collated by Mark Ayres and chopped, warped and recombined by Spitfire Audio.
Maida Vale & Found Sounds
Exploring and sampling the building in the spirit of the Workshop.
Junk Percussion
A variety of bizarre percussion provided by drummer Kieron PepperLampshades, as inspired by Delia Derbyshire
Tape Loops
Long performances of textures, tonal or atonal, made by synths, found sounds, guitars and more
Synths
VCS3, Roland Sys100, EMS Vocoder, Arp Odyssey
Misc
Tuned Percussion, Skeleton Guitar and Warps.
Detailed Sounds
Archive
Arch - 01 Robot SearchingArch - 07 DaleksArch - 18 Galaxy FourArch - Aggedors TempleArch - Air ConditioningArch - Alien GunArch - Avons BraceletArch - BoardroomArch - Book ActivationArch - Brighton BeachArch - Cloning MiniaturisationArch - Computer Panel BleepsArch - Corridor BackgroundArch - CountdownArch - Cyberman StabArch - Dalek CapsuleArch - Dalek Control RoomArch - Dalek Truth MachineArch - Davros InterrogationArch - Dawn of EmptinessArch - DematerialisationArch - Dematerializer GunArch - Deons Take ControlArch - Devils TorpedoArch - Distillation ChamberArch - Dominator Saucer IntArch - Earthlings 02Arch - Electric StormArch - ElectromagneticsArch - Exxilon Control RoomArch - Federation LaserArch - Federation ShipArch - Force FieldArch - Generator ChildArch - Generator ScreenArch - Heavenly ChoirArch - Heavy VoltageArch - Hive Mena Fades LgArch - Hive Mena Fades StArch - Horns of NimonArch - Interior RocketArch - JB Reel 1 (Bell Hit) StArch - JB Reel 1 (ID 2) StArch - JB Reel 1 (ID 3) StArch - JB Reel 1 (ID) StArch - JB Reel 1 LgArch - JB Reel 3 StArch - JB Reel 4 LgArch - JB Reel 4 StArch - JB Reel 7 LgArch - Jo At The PrisonArch - Keller MachineArch - Liberator Black HoleArch - Liberator LaserArch - Liberator PlasmaArch - Liberator ShipArch - Macra TerrorArch - Macra Terror DropsArch - Macra Terror FifthArch - Macra Terror ToneArch - Magrathea AlarmArch - Mandragora HelixArch - MarshmanArch - Marshmen 41Arch - Marshmen 42Arch - Marshmen KitArch - Mechanical AutonArch - Meglos EarthlingArch - Meteorite Alert LgArch - Meteorite Alert StArch - Moon Homing BeamArch - Mr Walkers WarArch - Mysterious BeingArch - Ocean Reel FoghornArch - Ocean Reel SynthArch - Orac Switch OnArch - Orac WorkingArch - Ovoid AppearanceArch - Re-CreationArch - RematerialisationArch - Rock Bottom FifthArch - Rock Bottom StabArch - Rocket In SpaceArch - Rocket StabArch - Scorpio GunArch - Scorpio SpaceshipArch - Screens of Zolpha ThuraArch - Sea ChaseArch - Sea FortArch - Seen Too MuchArch - Sidrat ControlArch - Sisterhood Of KarnArch - Sonic ScrewdriverArch - Space BellsArch - StrandedArch - SubmarineArch - Sutekh Time TunnelArch - Tachyon TerrorArch - Tardis EntryArch - Tardis In FlightArch - Tardis Into Time SlipArch - Tardis Time SlipArch - Testing TimeArch - The Beach LgArch - The Beach StArch - The Masters PlanArch - The PrisonArch - Time Lord CourtArch - Time WindsArch - Transportation ReappearArch - War Lord ArrivalArch - White VoidArch - Zolpha Thura 1Arch - Zolpha Thura 2Arch - Force Field
Found Sounds & Maida Vale Sounds
FS - Animal Growl / (9 signal chains)FS - Fire Crackle / (9 signal chains)FS - Oven Shelf Hit / (9 signal chains)FS - Paper Rip / (9 signal chains)FS - Paper Rip Medium / (9 signal chains)FS - Paper Rip Quick / (9 signal chains)FS - Wine Glass Lg / (9 signal chains)FS - Wine Glass St / (9 signal chains)
Maida Vale Sounds
MVS - Barrier BeaterMVS - Barrier MalletMVS - Barrier WireMVS - BBC Sign HitMVS - CD Rack BeaterMVS - CD Rack FingersMVS - CD Rack Fingers QuickMVS - CD Rack MalletMVS - Chair HitMVS - Coffee Jar LidMVS - Computer Keys PressedMVS - Computer Keys SlidingMVS - Disinfectant SpraMVS - Door CloseMVS - Door CreakingMVS - DoorknobMVS - Dustpan & BrushMVS - Fire Extinguisher BeaterMVS - Fire Extinguisher MalletMVS - Foil ScrunchMVS - Garden ForkMVS - Hallway Door CloseMVS - Hardcase CloseMVS - Hole PunchMVS - KitMVS - Kitchen Sink KnifeMVS - Metal StoolMVS - Mouse ClicksMVS - Mouse ScrollMVS - Plastic Spoons 1MVS - Plastic Spoons 2MVS - Ribbons In BucketMVS - Saucepan HitMVS - Scissors Cut AirMVS - Stair BanisterMVS - StaplerMVS - TapeMVS - Thunder Sheet 1MVS - Thunder Sheet 2MVS - Thunder Sheet 3MVS - Thunder Sheet RollMVS - Trailer Hit BeaterMVS - Trailer Hit MalletMVS - Trolley PushMVS - Water Cooler 1MVS - Water Cooler 2MVS - Water Cooler 3MVS - Water Cooler 4MVS - Wine Bottle Cork
Junk Percussion
JP - Bike Spoke HitJP - Bike Spoke RollJP - Bike Wheel HitJP - Christmas Tree Stand HitJP - Death Val Triangle HitJP - Death Val Triangle Roll LgJP - Death Val Triangle Roll StJP - Dishwasher Bow MedJP - Dishwasher Bow StaccJP - Dishwasher Hammer HitJP - Dishwasher ScrapeJP - Dishwasher Soft Beater HitJP - Frying Pan HammerJP - Frying Pan RollJP - Frying Pan ScrapeJP - Immersion Tank BowJP - Immersion Tank HitJP - KitJP - Lampshade Bell HitJP - Lampshade Bell RollJP - Lampshade Bow MedJP - Lampshade Bow QuickJP - Lampshade Edge HitJP - Lampshade Edge RollJP - Lampshade Hard Stick HitJP - Radiator Hammer HitJP - Radiator Hammer ScrapeJP - Radiator Stick HitJP - School Bell Bow LgJP - School Bell Bow StJP - School Bell Hit StJP - Shell Bow MedJP - Shell Bow QuickJP - Shell Hammer HitJP - Shell RollJP - Shell Stick HitJP - Spring Hit 1JP - Spring Hit 2JP - Spring Roll LgJP - Spring Roll StJP - Spring Scrape
Synths
Modular - Pluck Dirty / (9 signal chains)Odyssey - Bass Drone 1 / (10 signal chains)Odyssey - Bass Drone 2 / (10 signal chains)Odyssey - Bass Growls / (9 signal chains)Odyssey - Blip / (10 signal chains)Odyssey - Filtered Wind / (9 signal chains)Odyssey - Pad / (9 signal chains)Odyssey - Plucks / (9 signal chains)Odyssey - Portamento / (9 signal chains)Odyssey - Wobble / (9 signal chains)Sys 100 - Filter Sweep / (10 signal chains)Sys 100 - Filtered Noise 1 / (10 signal chains)Sys 100 - Filtered Noise 2 / (10 signal chains)Sys 100 - Mod Noise / (10 signal chains)Sys 100 - Pad 1 / (10 signal chains)Sys 100 - Pad 2 / (10 signal chains)Sys 100 - Paraphonic Pad / (10 signal chains)Sys 100 - Pluck 1 / (10 signal chains)Sys 100 - Pluck 2 / (10 signal chains)Sys 100 - Rand Space 1 / (11 signal chains)Sys 100 - Rand Space 2 / (11 signal chains)Sys 100 - Sine Bass / (10 signal chains)Sys 100 - Sweep Bass / (10 signal chains)VCS 3 - Pad 1 Lg / (9 signal chains)VCS 3 - Pad 1 St / (9 signal chains)VCS 3 - Pad 2 Lg / (9 signal chains)VCS 3 - Pad 2 St / (9 signal chains)VCS 3 - Pad 3 St / (9 signal chainsVCS 3 - Pluck Clean / (11 signal chains)VCS 3 - Pluck Dirty 1 / (11 signal chains)VCS 3 - Pluck Dirty 2 / (11 signal chains)Vocoder - Ahhs Lg / (9 signal chains)Vocoder - Eehs LgVocoder - Ohhs Lg
Tape Loops
TL - Alarm Bell / (12 signal chains)TL - Chattery Noise 1 / (9 signal chains)TL - Chattery Noise 2 / (9 signal chains)TL - Cymbal Scratch 1 / (11 signal chains)TL - Cymbal Scratch 2 / (11 signal chains)TL - Ebow Guitar 1 / (12 signal chains)TL - Ebow Guitar 2 / (12 signal chains)TL - Guitar Plucks / (12 signal chains)TL - Mandolin Scrapes 1 / (8 signal chains)TL - Mandolin Scrapes 2 / (7 signal chains)TL - Mandolin Strum 1 / (9 signal chains)TL - Mandolin Strum 2 / (8 signal chains)TL - Mandolin Strum 3 / (7 signal chains)TL - Mandolin Strum 4 / (8 signal chains)TL - Mod Cylo Violin Bow / (11 signal chains)TL - Mod Cymbal Bow 1 / (11 signal chains)TL - Mod Cymbal Bow 2 / (11 signal chains)TL - Mod Cymbal Bow 3 / (11 signal chains)TL - Mod Cymbal Hit 1 / (10 signal chains)TL - Mod Cymbal Hit 2 / (11 signal chains)TL - Mod Cymbal Hit 3 / (11 signal chains)TL - Modular Autoharp 1 / (12 signal chains)TL - Modular Autoharp 2 / (12 signal chains)TL - Modular Autoharp 3 / (12 signal chains)TL - Modular Tape Bass 1 / (12 signal chains)TL - Modular Tape Bass 2 / (12 signal chains)TL - Modular Tape Bass 3 / (12 signal chains)TL - Theremin Stabs / (12 signal chains)TL - Tin Whistle / (7 signal chains)TL - Tin Whistle Stabs / (7 signal chains)TL - Tin Whistle Stacc / (6 signal chains)TL - Tonal Ohhs / (8 signal chains)TL - Vocal Gliss 1 / (8 signal chains)TL - Vocal Gliss 2 / (8 signal chains)TL - Vocal Percussion 1 / (8 signal chains)TL - Vocal Percussion 2 / (8 signal chains)TL - Whistling 1 / (10 signal chains)TL - Whistling 2 / (7 signal chains)
Tuned Percussion
TP - Marimba / (8 signal chains)TP - Vibraphone / (8 signal chains)TP - Vibraphone Harm / (8 signal chains)TP - Vibraphone Mallet / (8 signal chains)TP - Vibraphone Wash 1 / (8 signal chains)TP - Vibraphone Wash 2 / (8 signal chains)TP - Vibraphone Wash 3 / (8 signal chains)TP - Vibraphone Wash 4 / (8 signal chains)
Skeleton Guitar
SG - Harmonics / (8 signal chains)SG - Noises / (8 signal chains)SG - Plucks / (8 signal chains)
Warps
Warps - AfterburnerWarps - Air LockWarps - Alien VoicesWarps - Blurred VisionsWarps - CavesWarps - ChasmWarps - CometWarps - Cosmic RaysWarps - Echo GrowlsWarps - HyperdriveWarps - IgnitionWarps - Light BurstsWarps - Lost ChamberWarps - OrbitWarps - Our PlanetWarps - RadarWarps - Radiation BeltWarps - RefractionsWarps - Sinking DimensionsWarps - Solar WindsWarps - Sonic ResonatorWarps - Tape OrganWarps - Time FracturesWarps - Vortex EchoWarps - Wormhole