Sound effects libraries are the essential toolkit of every sound designer: they are convenient and practical. Furthermore, in a time where deadlines seem to get shorter and shorter, why would one bother to hike their way into field recording when we have all the tools we need within a click from our reach? As with every overindulgence, relying on sound effects libraries for too … [Read more...]
Sunday Sound Thought 74 – The Evolving Lexicon
I’ve actually spent some time this month thinking about terminology and lingo since it was the monthly theme. And in that odd phenomenon that is synchronicity, it seemed to follow me around. When I was thinking about terminology and lingo I was drawn to the unique language we have as sound professionals and the barriers we often face when trying to communicate with non-audio … [Read more...]
The Sound of the Rapture – Interview with Audio Designer Adam Hay
Following on from last month's interview with The Chinese Room's Director and Composer Jessica Curry I was lucky enough to grab some time to chat with the studio's Audio Designer Adam Hay. Designing Sound: Thanks for taking the time to speak to me Adam. So, looking back through your credit list the first games you worked on were at Traveller’s Tales? Adam Hay: That’s … [Read more...]
LA Underground – An Interview with Charles Maynes
I recently had a chance to sit down with sound designer and sound FX recordist Charles Maynes and chat about his new “LA Underground” sound library, available from Rabbit Ears Audio. Inspired by the gritty and seedy Los Angeles shown in countless films, “LA Underground” is a 10 GB collection of ambiences from all over the city, from the industrial centers near the LA River to … [Read more...]
Review: Twisted Tools METAMORPH
METAMORPH is the latest sample library from Twisted Tools, makers of the designed sample libraries as well as some fun and unique Reaktor ensembles. With sounds designed by BJM Mario Bajardi and Komplex (Iter-Research), METAMORPH "takes heavily processed violins, pianos and acoustic instruments and morphs them into impacts, sci-fi atmospheres, user interface elements and … [Read more...]
A Second Look at the Hybrid Library
Earlier this year, I reviewed the Hybrid Library from Pro Sound Effects. Overall, it was a fairly positive review. While I was impressed with the library, I also pointed out some of its rough edges. The primary focus of the review was on the library's metadata and how it would affect work-flow. I won't go into heavy detail on the process here, as you can simply lick on the link … [Read more...]
SFX Roundup August 2013
August has come and gone, and we didn't want to get to September without mentioning another handful of great sound libraries released this past month. Travel figures prominently in this month's roundup. New Sound Lab - L.A. Freeways A comprehensive collection of freeway traffic sounds, recorded in Los Angeles along the US-101, I-405, I-5, I-10, I-110, SR-134, … [Read more...]