[Written by Ric Viers for Designing Sound] Recording sound effects on a stage is much like eating at a fine restaurant. You know the fancy kind with fresh baked bread and a different piece of silverware for each course. Recording sound effects in the field is more like hunting for food with a rock and then eating your kill in the middle of the woods raw with your bare hands. … [Read more...]
Opposite
"Sometimes in the creativity area like sound, my instincts tell me to do one thing, but I do exactly the opposite and see what happens. For example, if you're designing a scary weird creature, try putting in a high-pitched, low-level sound. Who knows, maybe that will be scarier." - Gary Rydstrom … [Read more...]
Exclusive Interview with Mark Mangini and Dave Whitehead of “The Rite”
The following is an exclusive interview with Supervising sound editor Mark A. Mangini and Sound Designer Dave Whitehead about their work on "The Rite". Designing Sound: What ideas did Director Mikael Hafstrom have about the sound design for the film? Did he reference any past exorcism movies for inspiration or homage? Mark A. Mangini: Mikael did not come to the film with any … [Read more...]
The School of Video Game Audio, Online Education by Game Audio Professionals
Perhaps many of you have wondered sometime if there's any kind of online school for learning how to create audio for video games. Well, the wait is over and the first online game audio school will be launched in the next summer. It's called "The School of Video Game Audio". Here are the official details: The Facts The games industry is changing and expanding every month as a … [Read more...]
Ric Viers Special: Exclusive Interview
I bet many of you have seen Ric Viers featured in this blog several times. But do you know how he get started? What are thier influences? Philosophy?Here's an interview I had with him, where we discussed all those things and more! Designing Sound: How did you get started and how has been the evolution of your career? Ric Viers: That’s a funny story. I started off as a … [Read more...]
Stefan Strandberg on the Sound of “Battlefield 3″
Game Informer has published a great video interview with audio director Stefan Strandberg talking about the sound of Battlefield 3. Among several things, he explains the approach on the sound design in Battlefield 3, talks about the new challenges on this title and also shares some footage from a very unique recording session the audio team had. The award-winning team behind … [Read more...]
McDSP User Profile: Harry Cohen
McDSP has published a new user profile, featuring sound designer Harry Cohen talking about his favorite McDSP plugins. In college, Cohen studied computer science. "Mostly, I spent time banging around with different bands as a keyboard player though. I suppose you could call familiarity with synths and samplers kind of an education for what I am doing now." He continues, "I … [Read more...]