As part of our continuing goal of promoting greater cross-discipline learning with media editing site Art of the Guillotine (Aotg.com), we'd like to bring your attention to their recent article Audio Levels and Metering: Pt. 1. While the article is largely focused at educating editors on good level and metering practices in non-linear editors, there's some valuable information … [Read more...]
A Sound Effect: The Key to Outstanding Animation Sound Design
In a recent post on the blog over at A Sound Effect, Asbjoern Andersen interviews long-time animation sound pro Jeff Shiffman of Boom Box Post. They discuss Jeff's workflow and approach to sound design, as well as the specific challenges and successes he had working on numerous animated shows. Take a look at the interview here. … [Read more...]
Creative Field Recording: Book Recommendation Round-Up
Looking for some good sound-centric reading this summer? Paul Virostek of Creative Field Recording has collected a number of must-read lists, reviews, and resources on some of the best books focused on creative recording and sound design in a recent blog post. Included in Paul's list are some of Designing Sound's own recommendations, found here and here, but be sure to check … [Read more...]
Rev. Dr. Brad Meyer on the PS4 controller speaker
Ever considered using the built-in speaker in the PS4 controller in a sound design? Or are you just curious about some creative approaches to special-case speakers for games? Check out this post by the Rev. Dr. Brad Meyer on the subject over at his blog for some quick info on effective approaches to controller speakers. … [Read more...]
Synthesis Tips for the Non-Synthesist
Guest Contribution from Steven Smith Introduction In some ways it seems quite strange to find myself authoring a post on synthesis that has as its main topic: “Not everyone needs to be a synthesist”. But from another angle of practicality, it makes a great deal of sense. Many of us already have found ourselves naturally diving into certain areas of synthesis from within the … [Read more...]
Practical Exercises for Critical Listening
Sound designers by nature have an inherent curiosity towards sound. We explore the way sounds work every time we approach a project. With each new opportunity to design a sound, we ask ourselves questions such as: What object/event produced the sound(s)? Where is the sound source located in relation to the listener, and just as importantly, how does (or how will) the sound … [Read more...]
Film Sound Tips by Glenn Kiser, Director of the Dolby Institute
Indiewire has published a guest post by Dolby Institute's director Glenn Kiser in which he talks to filmmakers about the importance of sound design from the beginning of production. Making a movie is a never-ending series of compromises, and nothing is as good as the original concept you had in mind. But if you're really lucky, there's a moment of alchemy that can happen in … [Read more...]