So, this is the end of the Erik Aadahl Special. Hope you've enjoyed it. Here are the answers to all the questions made by the readers on comments, email, twitter, etc. Thanks for participating! Designing Sound Reader: Hi Erik, I see you're using the 191 for most of your SFX gathering. Do you ever record in other stereo formats like XY or ORTF? Erik Aadahl: Some people find … [Read more...]
Erik Aadahl Special: Editing for the Mix
When it comes to preparing sound effects for a mix, there are lots of ways to approach things; I don't claim this to be the end-all methodology. For this article, I'll be slanting discussion towards sound effects, regretfully leaving out music and dialogue. I'll be covering two avenues of mixing: traditional mixes and Icon mixes. OVERVIEW The art of mixing is the art of … [Read more...]
Erik Aadahl Special: The Sound Design of "Transformers" [Exclusive Interview]
Unfortunately, the Erik Aadahl Special is coming to the end. Here's the last interview I had with Erik, this time talking about the sound design on the two Transformers films. We talk about everything, from the initial aspects to the creation of the robots sounds, the mix, and more. Designing Sound: Let's start with the beginning... what were your initial thoughts about the … [Read more...]
Erik Aadahl Special: Recording Sounds for "Transformers" and "Kung Fu Panda"
Here are some esxclusive videos of Erik Aadahl and his friends recording sounds for "Transformers" and "Kung Fu Panda". … [Read more...]
Erik Aadahl Special: Working with Filmmakers
Different filmmakers work differently, with unique approaches to the sound design process. For some, there's intense interest and scrutiny, for others there might not be any interest until the end. I prefer having an actively engaged filmmaker. It makes it much easier to work together and evolve the track over time to make it right for everyone. It doesn't matter if I think … [Read more...]
Erik Aadahl Special: Animation Sound Design [Exclusive Interview]
Erik Aadahl has worked in animated films such as "Kung Fu Panda", "Monsters vs Aliens", and currently in "Shrek: Forever After". Here is an interview I had with him, talking about his work on that kind of films. DS: Animation is not a genre and the way to deal with sound in animation films is different from the way you work with sound in a typical film, but there's one thing: … [Read more...]
Erik Aadahl Special: Sound Recording and Design
GETTING THE RECORDINGS Recording is one of the most fun parts of the sound experience for me, yielding fresh material to work with and inevitably leading to unexpected ideas. I consider it central to the sound design process. Part of the fun is the stories you're left with. While recording, I've: Caught a microphone zeppelin on fire while doing stovetop ignition bursts … [Read more...]