Guest Contribution by: Michael Theiler The creation of sound is a very specific area of production requiring unique skills that can take time to learn through practise. Some people like myself take part in University courses to help get the skills and knowledge required to perform to the exacting standards required of the industry. I have a … [Read more...]
Considerations for Creative Field Recording
On developing your ear... I purchased my first field recorder in 2010. Ever since it’s become a vital tool in my sound design process. As a result, I now hear the world in a completely different context. I hear a palette of colors, textures, and techniques with which I can capture many weird and wonderful things. Sometimes I record for the sheer joy of it, out of … [Read more...]
Field Recording and Music
Guest Contribution by Dan Lyth The story of the 'bedroom producer' recording music at home has been told often and I myself have happily been that character for many years. But recently, a love of field recording (and my day job as a sound designer) tempted me towards doing something a bit different. What would it be like to leave the studio and record an entire album … [Read more...]
Small Room Acoustics – Absorption and Diffusion
The recording for today's webinar is now available. A big thanks to Dennis Foley and Acoustic Fields for putting on both this, and our previous acoustics webinar. Keep an eye out for future Designing Sound Discussion Groups for free presentations on topics you might be interested in. Check out some of our previous ones while you're at it...you might just find something … [Read more...]
Recording FX In 5, 6, 8, Or More Channels?
Guest Contriubtion by Randy Thom Acoustic Authenticity Versus Entertainment Value When designing a set for a film, the art director tries to use what is good about the real world place where the scene will be shot, but also tries to avoid being straight jacketed by what is there. The cinematographer usually has a similar approach in deciding what to shoot and how to shoot … [Read more...]
Interview with Raymond Usher
Guest Contribution by Neil Cullen Raymond Usher started work in the games industry in 1992 as a sound designer at DMA Design, working on a number of titles, most notably the original Grand Theft Auto games. He became the company's senior audio programmer and through the release of GTA III, was part of the metamorphosis into Rockstar North. Raymond stayed at Rockstar until … [Read more...]
Spectral Analysis: Interview with Saki Kaskamanidis
Many thanks to Brad Dyck for contributing this interview. You can follow Brad on Twitter @Brad_Dyck BD: How did you get involved in game audio? SK: It all started back in 1995. I was in a band and our keyboard/synth player, Jeff Van Dyck, was working for EA. He was working on the soundtrack for NHL 96 and needed a guitarist to lay down all the riffs, so he hired me. … [Read more...]