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Sound in Film: How to Create 6 Unique Sound Effects


How are sound effects created?

Sound effects are created using a range of techniques including sound recording, synthesis and sound processing. Sound designers work closely with filmmakers to identify the sound effects required for a film. They then capture or create the audio needed to create the effects, shape the effects using music software, and add the completed effects to the film.

All kinds of sound effects may be needed for a film, from the smallest detail (a creaking door or a moving curtain) to the most dramatic explosion. Some of these sound effects relate to the action taking place on screen, while others – like impacts and risers – exist outside of the “world” of the film, alongside the musical soundtrack.

How do people create sound effects?

Sound designers create sound effects using a combination of synthesizers, recorded sounds or samples and shaping the sound with audio effects and other tools. Some sound designers may record audio on the set of the film or in their own studios, while many obtain sounds from professional sample libraries or create sound effects from scratch using synthesizers. Regardless of how a sound designer obtains their audio, they will then need to shape it to achieve the final effect using editing, arrangement, and audio effects such as EQ and distortion.

How to generate sound effects

You can generate sound effects using easy-to-use tools: You don’t need to be a professional sound designer to create great sound effects.

You can start by recording your own sounds using a microphone and audio recorder. If you don’t have this equipment, Sound Libraries offer a wealth of great sounds for creating sound effects. Professional sound libraries charge a subscription, but there are also free libraries such as Freesound and Free Sounds Library.

Native Instruments also offers thousands of professional-quality samples, ranging from evocative atmospherics to cutting-edge sound design and orchestral instruments. Explore Native Instruments’ cinematic sound libraries.

You may even want to create your own sounds from scratch using a synthesizer.

Once you have your sounds, they need to be turned into sound effects. For this, you will need music software such as a DAW and audio effects like equalizer, reverb and distortion.

Komplete Start gives you seven audio effects perfect for creating sound effects, plus samples, synthesizers, Kontakt instruments and more – and it’s completely free. This is a great place to start your sound effects journey.

With a box of audio tools at your disposal, you’ll be able to start shaping your sounds into compelling effects. We’ll see exactly how to do this in the examples below.

1. Impact

In modern cinema, impacts – or hits – are used as punctuation marks. These dramatic booms and clanks can accentuate shocks, climaxes and transitions on screen. You’ll find them in action and horror movies, and they’re everywhere in Hollywood trailers.

The trick to creating impact is layering. One percussion sound alone can be quite a boring hit, but four or five complementary samples can deliver a complex impact with weight, personality and drama. Here’s how to do it.



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