When I think lo-fi, I think lo-fi sci-fi. I think of games like Alien Isolation, Bioshock, SOMA. Films like Alien and Blade Runner. I think of gritty, chunky sounds. Interfaces or devices that click and clatter and that have been through the ringer more than once. I think what makes lo-fi sci-fi so great is how everything seems to be grounded in some sort of … [Read more...]
FACT Magazine: Bratislava’s LOM is bringing affordable field recording to the masses
Photo courtesy of FACT In this article, John Twells explores the work of Jonáš Gruska in providing relatively low-cost equipment for field recordists. Gruska, the founder of LOM and creator of the Elektrosluch, also explains his motivation for creating his recording devices. I was an experimental musician and a field recordist on a budget and I had to improvise with my gear … [Read more...]
An Ensemble of Instruments by Fedde ten Berge: “Of Nature and Things”
Of Nature and Things is a series of sound art installations by Dutch sound designer Fedde ten Berge, where he collaborated with ceramicist Frank van Os. Three ceramic pieces were built that cause the audience to investigate their sonic, visual and sculptural properties. The audience can explore and interact with the objects, which get more sonically interesting as the audience … [Read more...]
Character Space: Defining Characters with Sound
In games we have a chance to bring characters to life unlike film and television. They can occupy their own space and exist within a more fleshed out and breathing world. Sound enhances that experience both providing key game play information and enriching the overall experience. Here I'll go into how to begin the process of creating unique character sounds that … [Read more...]
Building Character With Foley
“Sound is 50 percent of the movie-going experience...” - George Lucas The Star Wars series is the perfect example to Mr. Lucas’ statement. From the sound design of the fictional spacecrafts to the lightsaber, the soundtrack of these films enhances the experience and draws audiences to the cinema. One of the most famous sounds in these films is the often-mimicked voice of Darth … [Read more...]
postPerspective: The Meg: What does a giant shark sound like?
Image from postPerspective In this article, Jennifer Walden explores the work of Erik Aadahl, Ethan Van der Ryn, Jason Jennings and the E² Sound team on Warner Bros. Pictures’ The Meg. The music is very sparse, just a little bit of violins to give you that shiver up your spine. Then, WHAM!, the sound of the attack just shakes the whole facility. Read the full article on … [Read more...]
Recording Fluids: Foley Magic
Some of the most challenging, rewarding, and fun sounds to record are those within the vast spectrum of fluids. Wet, sticky, viscous, mushy; the tactful use of fluid sounds can reinforce the realism and impact of a scene, or just be the punchline of a joke. In order to effectively communicate an idea to an audience, there are a few challenges in recording fluids to … [Read more...]