Sound effects suggestions requested

2012-03-16T15:31:46Z

Hi,

I am currently developping a sample foley/sound effects library for Kontakt, EXS24 and Structure and I'm looking for suggestions.

From your point of view, what would be useful and complementary to conventional sound effects libraries.

Thanks

Live micing mare! 2 performers, ina tight booth, outdoors, 2ft from speakers, no engineer

2012-05-11T20:25:10Z

Ive been asked to spec mics and sound for a outdoor mini theatre production. Involving 2 performers in a booth (think punch & judy lifeseze). Theywant to mic voices and add incidental underscore to speakers fixed to side or top of 2.5m x 1m booth (audiences 50-250). without an enginner on the mix or FOH... ahhh!

Any suggesttions greatly appreciated. I'm thinking: - Belt pack radios with either slim hedset mics or cardiod lavaliers, fitted into their masks (2 peice mask with clear mouth area). Problem is they duck up/down in the booth, ruff around play fight etc, hang in/out of booth.

Fixed mics seem impossible as the gain b4 feedback gunna be a constant issue so close to speakers, would have to be concealed aestheticallY and they twist and wrestle about alot so on/off axis..

Any suggestions?? and or recomended mics?

How to connect Sound Devices MM1 Mic Pre with Zoom H4n

2012-02-24T22:08:35Z

Hello Audio Pros,

I have a Zoom H4n & a NTG2 & the levels are low - i have previously asked for help regarding this & someone suggested to go with Dan McComb way with the SD mix pre.

I have been thinking of getting an SD MM1 mic pre to use with my zoom h4n - im not an electronics guy & noob when it comes to field recording.

Would the connectivity be complicated with this set up? or can i directly connect these two?

Please give me your opinion.

Best Regards,

Car tyre & surface recording without engine sound.

2012-05-25T21:03:39Z

Car tyre & surfaces recording without engine sound. I want to record different surfaces in average speed (Gravel, tarmac, mud, water, sand, etc...). Any ideas ?

How do you make BWF(metadata) originator info what you want?

2010-12-08T19:43:20Z

Im using waveagent to deal with metadata and on the originator section it is labeled as either Fostex FR2-LE (my recorder) or Pro Tools (my DAW). How do I make this say what I want like my name (ShaunKellyFX: category). Also the originator reference has a crazy name like xy7eu5thuji? How can I make this say something like 01, 02.....

On waveagent it says the originator info is generated when converting a standard WAV to a BWF when is this happening so I can name it properly?

Awesome things to record that you would not normally think about.

2012-05-25T18:10:33Z

Hey everyone!

I think it would be cool to hear about some foley sessions that people have done that involved recording very odd things to get a desired sounds.

For example, I did a foley session with a friend of mine a few years ago when I was working on sound for my mobile game Aries Revenge. We took 2 plastic bags and wrapped them tight around the end of a stick. We then lit the bags on fire. If you hold your mic about half way between the bags of fire and the ground you will hear a "Zipppp" sound from the melted bits of plastic falling off the stick to the ground. I ended up using that sound as the foundation for the main laser weapons fire sound for Aries Revenge.

www.AriesRevenge.com

DX Stems - Mono or Stereo?

2012-05-25T04:02:46Z

So I have a post template I work with all the time. Some DX tracks (all mono), some FX tracks (half mono and half stereo) some FO tracks (all mono), and some MX tracks (all stereo).

Through complicated bussing, I have each track going into a submix bus, which then outputs to an audio print track for bouncing stems (along with the main comp).

Thing is, my DX stems are mono through and through. Is this right? When you deliver stems, you typically deliver them as [DX, FX, MX, M&E]. FX, MX, M&E are all stereo stems...but should the DX stem be stereo as well?

I've always been told to bounce the DX stem mono, but then how does it play out if you add reverb to the dialogue to match the scene? Doesn't work, right? So I need stereo DX stems?

Thanks for the help in advance!

Combining two balanced mono outputs to seperate channels of a single stereo jack.

2012-05-25T05:01:01Z

I have two balanced outs of an interface I want to use as L and R channels on a pair of headphones. I know the single stereo jack won't carry a balanced signal to the headphones, but I want to make sure I don't damage any of the equipment or get weird effects; I am a bit paranoid after reading about monoing stereo signals: http://www.rane.com/note109.html

Can I just wire sig+ and sig- from each channel to respective lead on the headphone jack? Do I need any resistors anywhere?

Thanks for your help!

Sound Design on Tribes: Ascend - Part 2

2011-08-12T21:02:51Z

Hey Everyone,

Here are some updated gameplay videos from QuakeCon2011. I would love any and all feedback that you guys have on my sound design for this game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlEJESgTEZE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8w9XggeRD4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Nj1J3YOfnw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnXAJN_jY0k

Thanks,

Benjie Freund

Stock Audio, Audio Micro

2011-09-27T01:28:01Z

Does anyone use stock audio websites to either buy or sell sound effects? I was checking out Audio Micro and they at least give you 50% of net profits for being 'non exclusive' (60% for 'exclusive')

When I was searching sfx under most popular the most downloaded sound I could find was 18 downloads. On the other hand, some of the effects have THOUSANDS OF PLAYS with only 5 downloads What is wrong with that picture?!

Yet, on Audio Micro, blastwavefx, hollywoodedge, sounddogs, and other reputable libraries are represented.

Is anyone out there making money from this?

Does anyone buy stock sfx?

Frequency of the Ringing Ear

2012-05-24T16:47:11Z

I think the phenomenon is called "tinnitus", when your ear is ringing because of an exceptionally loud sound, or imbedded ear damage. Where can I get that sound? Is it different for each person? I've heard it before, when a flashbang grenade is used in a first person shooter, the flash is accompanied with a ringing that I want to emulate...

Metering levels for sound effects

2012-05-19T12:06:32Z

Hi guys, what would the typical levels of SFX be in a say, an action movie that involves hand-to-hand combat? I'm currently doing the sound effects in cubase and i'm a little confused on the subject of metering. I've two kinds of metering, one is Waves's Dorrough and the other is PAZ metering. SO besides the obvious notion that my sound should not clip, i would like to know what your thoughts are on what the levels should be for the following:

Dialogue
Environmental Sounds / Ambience
Foley (Clothes rustling)
Footsteps
Impact sounds (punches, kicks)

Much thanks guys.

Feedback for portfolio

2012-05-24T23:21:56Z

Hi!

I am a recent college graduate in electrical engineering with a concentration in audio engineering. I have been sound designing and composing for a while now and thus ready to apply for internships. I already applied for 30+ firms but barely got answers. Knowing that those firms get swamped with applications I thought having a strong portfolio might put me in a better position. My portfolio page shows some of my recent work but I cannot objectively judge it anymore. I therefore wanted ask you if you guys could provide me with some feedback:

Portfolio

Thanks, Fabian

Anyone here using anything from the API 500 series

2012-03-15T14:13:29Z

Been really interested in trying out the 500 series lunchbox and several of the 3rd party modules, seems like a nice adaptable and compact unit.

Anyone have any love or hate stories? Or better yet, recommended modules or unheard of ones etc

thanks C

Hypothetical Question: In-Car Hands Free Microphone - Unlimited Budget - What Would You Do?

2012-05-22T13:11:12Z

Hello,

Totally hypothetical question:

A wealthy man approaches asks you to design the optimal microphone solution for an in-car hands-free calling system.

He has three goals: A: eliminate background noise B: eliminate feedback C: optimize voice quality

He has only three constraints: A: the solution must use fewer than two microphones B: it must plug into the 'mic-in' on the hands-free system using a 3.5 MM male connector C: you can not adjust the audio-out C: the solution must not be visually intrusive (he welcomes your interpretation of 'intrusive')

The wealthy man provides you with all the money, time, expertise, and equipment you require?

What would you build?

Particle Swarm performance

2012-05-24T11:07:27Z

I have to do a 2 minute piece putting audio to a constant evolving particle swarm that moves from small to large and rotates. I believe the best way forward is to perform this via some form of synth/sampler i.e. Kontakt/Alchemy

Does anyone have some tips or advice?

Regards,

Who is using the W735EQ plugin?

2011-12-06T17:39:11Z

hi guys,

i downloaded the demo and need to say, it's special but very nice!

there are so many choices out there, what kind of equalizer do you prefer for sound-design?

Frame rate issue-pro tools

2012-05-23T20:02:05Z

Unsure about a frame rate issue. I’m working in Europe using PAL. I get a lot of quicktime video files (inc guide track) that have a frame rate of 29.97. This is not NTSC. I don’t use an external monitor. I set the frame rate to 29.97 in the setup page in Protools. It will show red if I don’t match to the same rate. I have a few questions. If I don’t use an external firewire monitor does it matter whether I change this frame rate rate or not. When I send the bounced master track back to the video editor does he not have to play the final video for broadcast at 25fps. Would this not cause a mis match. I’m confused as my audio matches the omf that the video editor sent but she says that it is out of sync with their picture. Anyone have any ideas?

Which lav mic would work best on a hidden camera project?

2012-05-24T04:21:47Z

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone can help me to choose a lavalier mic that will work the best in a hidden camera indie project.

Basically the project is to record the genuine reaction of a girl that is approached by a possible suitor.

The man will be micd up and the mic will be hidden. Does anyone have any recommendations as to which kind of lavalier style mic to use to capture the woman's voice as clearly as possible from his mic? The interactions will be happening outside, in bars and restaurants, indoors, basically everywhere.

The sound quality does not have to be anything of production quality. This is a non income generating indie project.

I will be using the zoom H1 to record the audio and am hoping to accomplish this on a tight budget.

Thank you all, I look forward to your advice.

What's the origin of the word "Stem"?

2010-09-18T00:52:39Z

I got in a bit of a discussion today about the origin of the word STEM.

I personally believe it comes from a combination of STEREO MASTER = STEreo Master = STEM.

My coworker thinks that's bunk because 5.1 Stems are still called Stems, and they're 5.1. So, it's just a different use of the word Stem which means branching off from something.

Does anyone know the actual origin of the word "Stem" as we use it in mixing?

I googled and I googled and I googled and now I'm all googled out. I couldn't find it.

Thanks!

Ryan

Permissions in Windows 7 With SFX Libraries

2012-05-07T14:54:45Z

Hey all,

I have been having trouble when backing up and copy my SFX Libraries that I have purchased from 1 drive to another. The error I get is that I need permission to perform this action, You require permission from Administrators to make changes to this file.

I have administrative permissions on my system and am just kind of lost now.

Edit Changes for a Feature-Length

2012-05-22T22:26:12Z

Hey guys, so this is my first question on here ever. I was curious what some people's workflows are for dealing with an changing cut on a movie when you have already nearly completed the sound track. Is there a well-known best method? Thanks

Loop and release sections on Wavs

2012-05-14T12:51:40Z

Hi All

I was wondering what, or if, there is a programme on osx I can use (free would be a plus) that will let me export audio files with looping sections.

I.e. A wav that will end at one point if it is repeatedly triggered and will end at another point when it is left to play out.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks so much

Free-services.. Un-paid creative work

2012-05-07T16:21:49Z

Good Afternoon,

Just signed up as I'm on a quest to start being more active in the sound design community. I am looking for indy/mod teams to work with on film/animation/games. I am wondering whether you know any websites where communities hang out or work may be going? I have signed up to vimeo and contacted some animators and makers directly but if anyone knows of any 'message board' type websites where adverts may be that would be really helpful.

Glad to be part of the site.

Thank you

Danny

need a location for warehouse or dilapidated building footstep recording

2012-02-28T20:13:36Z

I need to record a bunch of footsteps in a dilapidated building. Ideally with both tile and unfinished hardwood surfaces, and also with a layer of dust and dirt (but not overly dirty or crunchy). I am located in NYC, but can travel if need be (locally in NY/NJ would be preferred...). If anyone has any ideas or leads, please let me know.

the scene is too long and too exposed to get away with it being done in a foley studio.

thanks!

greg at eastwestaudio dot com

Project Management Software

2012-05-16T00:46:01Z

So I'm on a mac. And I love Bento. But then I thought, "Wouldn't it be great if there was software for project management specific to film?!"

Then I thought of coming here. So...is there any film-specific project management software a la Bento?

Would love feedback on my latest project

2011-11-07T17:48:10Z

Hey everyone, I'd love to get some feedback here for this short 27 second clip that I sound designed.

It is a piece I made for fun and then turned into a more serious work. It is a redesign of a section of a trailer for a game called Child of Eden which this game originally is an interactive music game that you play with XBox motion sensor.

The graphics are so stunning and at times overwhelming that I had a hard time filling it in with my own sounds and having it fit.

It would be great if I could get some feedback on it because I want to finish it up and have it sound right and nice. Almost all the sounds were made by me minus 3 or 4 whooshes that I added last minute from a stock library.

I also tried to keep the game somewhat musical and and aurally beautiful.

Still though I feel something may be missing or some parts may not be arranged the way they should be but I don't know why yet...the music is not my making and maybe I should take it out but it's only there for a few seconds..

http://vimeo.com/31659476

Thanks in advance for taking a listen/look

Looking for Web Series With Sound Staff

2012-05-18T18:31:30Z

Hey folks. I'm trying to compile a list of videos/series that are produced exclusively for the web that actually have staff dedicated to sound. They don't necessarily have to be fictional or narrative.

Here are some examples:

Soundworks Collection
The recent Prometheus viral videos
Old Spice web shorts

I'm not really looking for one-offs, I'd prefer "series" videos. If you can think of any, I'd appreciate it. [I'd doubly appreciate it if you know the names of any sound staffers associated with them too.]

Thanks.

How many cores in your processor? Clock speed? i5-i7?

2012-04-23T00:39:12Z

This is related to "Mac Users: What Type Do You Use", but I am going deeper in details about your cpu. I am looking at buying a new computer, probably a mac mini or an iMac, but I've been going around about the cpu, so it would be nice to know which are you using and how does it run :).

For Pro Tools users: Do you guys think that pro tools would benefit more from a faster clock speed processor, or more cores? Cause that's a thing I don't decide on yet.. would you take a faster speed dual core -say... 2.7, i7-, or a lower speed but more cores - 2.0, quad core i7- ??

I am curious about mac users, but anyone can answer no matter your OS, since it could help other's in our community.

To kick off, I currently have a MacBook 2009 (white one), 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo. 2GB Ram. It doesn't run that well with pro tools, sometimes recording for example 2 tracks, an audio and a midi one, it will stop recording like at 6 minutes of continuos recording.

EDIT

-I just finished setting up my new computer 2 days ago, its working amazingly well. Its a mac mini server, quad-core i7 2.0, with 2 500GB HDrives-7200rpm, 4Ram. I had a tough time though; I currently use Pro tools 9, don't have the chance of moving to 10 yet, but Lion OS doesn't support it, so I had to perform a "downgrade" to snow leopard, which was very stressful but it all worked out pretty good. Cheers!

Automation Stops reading properly in Pro Tools LE.

2012-05-22T16:24:43Z

I'm working on a feature film in Pro Tools 8 LE on my Macbook. There's a scene in where I'm automating a reverb plug-in on my dialog aux, due to the characters going in different rooms down a long hallway, in one single take. About halfway, my automation stops reading correctly and when I go back earlier in the scene after it stops reading, all of the parameters for the plug are all wonky. It's only until I go to a different point in the timeline or just relaunch the session, where everything is okay until it gets to the same point. What is causing this and what should I do?

Top Questions - Social Sound Design