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How to Create Original Audio Sound Effects
by Alex Cosper
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Overview
Sound effects are used in recordings for many purposes, including background ambience and foreground dramatic or thematic effects. One of the costs of audio and video production involves purchasing sound effects, but you can avoid this expense by creating the sounds yourself. You can easily create appropriate sound effects with modern digital recording gear using a microphone with or without additional musical instruments. Microphone placement is a key factor in determining the best possible recorded sound.
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Step 1
Listen to the sound you want to record through headphones or monitors. Use the volume controls to find a steady sound that does not distort. Never record distorted sounds that bother you from the beginning, as it is better to discard unwanted tracks early on. Listen for the difference between foreground sounds and background sounds. Spend a little time experimenting with the microphone and volume, because it always takes a certain amount of time to find the right sound.
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Step 2
Adjust the background noise via strategic microphone placement and volume control. Some recording software and hardware come with compression, which limits certain sounds. Even without a compressor, you can limit unwanted background noise by turning the volume down and by increasing the volume of the source or by moving the mic a little closer to the source. Whatever sounds the best on monitor speakers will likely be the best results. Be sure background noise is not bleeding into the intended foreground. If the intended sound is environmental, such as birds, try to get the clearest sound with the highest volume possible.
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Step 3
Adjust the foreground sound also using microphone placement and volume controls. A standard for audio has been to place the microphone 6 inches from the source. As long as the foreground sound does not sound distorted, try to get the highest volume possible. Getting an authentic dry sound without effects is important, because you can always add effects later. If you are the source and you are doing special effects with your voice, place the microphone wherever it is appropriate. For example, for ocean and engine sound effects, put the mic close to your lips, and make sounds that blow air into the microphone. To get a room sound, position the microphone farther away from the source.
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Step 4
Record the desired foreground sound by pressing "Record" and "Play," or whatever your device demands. As you record, listen to everything as it unfolds, and listen for any unwanted sounds. Once you hear unwanted sounds in the recording, it is best to start again unless you are on a time limit or are recording a specific live event. When unwanted noise becomes difficult to filter out, turn down the input volume. Keep recording until you get the desired sound. The less editing you have to do, the more you can concentrate on more creative endeavors.
How to Create Original Audio Sound Effects
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Step 5
Add effects to the sound, and mix down to a finished product. Modern portable digital recording units made by Roland include several hundred audio effects. Turn a dial or click a button to change the audio sound within the effects package. Some of the main effects used in popular recordings include various levels of reverb, delay, chorus, flange and distortion. Effects can often enhance sounds when they are used sparingly.
How to Create Original Audio Sound Effects
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- Digital recording device
Sound system
Microphone
CD or other storage for final audio product
- Digital recording device
- Sound system
- Microphone
- CD or other storage for final audio product
- Create sounds that resemble musical instruments with the human voice if you are an accomplished singer or have a natural sense for replicating sounds. Whole notes, which are musical sounds held for a length of time, when combined with effects can produce high-quality artistic results. For bass sounds, use low tones sung to the sound of letter "B"; for percussive sounds, concentrate on the letter "T."
- Create sounds that resemble musical instruments with the human voice if you are an accomplished singer or have a natural sense for replicating sounds. Whole notes, which are musical sounds held for a length of time, when combined with effects can produce high-quality artistic results. For bass sounds, use low tones sung to the sound of letter "B"; for percussive sounds, concentrate on the letter "T."
- Get permission when using other people's sound effects.
- Get permission when using other people's sound effects.
Alex tests audio
Audio assistant
Roland digital mixer
Guitar as a sound source
