How to SOUND DESIGN a Video | Step-By-Step Tutorial

Introduction to Sound Design

In this section, the speaker introduces the importance of sound in video production and explains how sound design can give footage character.

Three Steps to Awesome Sound Design

• There are three steps to making your edit sound awesome:

• Score

• Add temp music to help you design your sound effects in context and help others understand your vision.

• Ambience and Foley

• Ensure that everything we see has a corresponding sound effect or ambient noise.

• Creative Sound Design

• Reinforce moments with creative sound design. Not everything needs to sound the way it looks.

Initial Pass of "Overtime" Sequence

• The speaker introduces a short film called "Overtime" by Craig D. Foster that they will be editing for this tutorial.

• The initial pass of the sequence is played, which includes stock libraries for score, sound effects, and sound design.

Critique of Initial Pass

• The speaker critiques the initial pass and identifies several issues:

• Inconsistent score elements

• Lack of ambience during quiet moments

• Limited variety in sound effects

• Missing opportunities for creative non-literal use of sounds

Improving the Score

• The speaker discusses how to improve the score by cutting up existing music cues to match specific moments in the edit.

Treatment and Effects on Audio

• The speaker discusses how recording assets in a studio environment can result in audio lacking reverberation present in real-life environments.

Final Thoughts on Sound Design

• The speaker concludes the tutorial by emphasizing the importance of sound design in video production and encouraging viewers to experiment with creative sound design.

Sound Design for Film

In this video, the speaker discusses the importance of sound design in film and provides tips on how to improve it. The speaker covers topics such as ambience, repetitive sound effects, thoroughness in sound design, and creativity.

Ambience

• Every location in a movie should have ambient sound.

• Use simple sounds like an air conditioner hum for empty offices.

• Add sounds for specific actions like blinds or knocks on doors.

• Add environmental reverb to foley tracks through a sub mix.

Repetitive Sound Effects

• Avoid using the same stock asset repeatedly.

• Use longer clips with multiple variations of the same sound effect.

• Separate individual keystrokes by placing cuts and line them up.

Thoroughness in Sound Design

• Edit with waveforms visible when lining up apex of a sound effect to your edit.

• Be thorough with your sound design because missing sections become obvious once you start adding sounds.

Creativity

• Use sound design to communicate emotions and feelings that the audience cannot see.

• Add chimes and drones to opening credits to set tone.

• Add reverse impact to de-stapling moment to make it more sinister.

Sound Design Techniques

In this section, the speaker discusses sound design techniques and how they can be used to enhance a film's audio.

Adding Whooshes and Hits

• The speaker explains that adding whooshes to quick movements and camera moves can make them more dramatic.

• Hits can also be used to add drama to otherwise mundane actions, such as placing a box of files on a desk.

• Layering sounds is an effective way of making your soundscape richer.

Emphasizing Parts of the Score

• The speaker demonstrates how adding an impact to the first musical stab can emphasize parts of the score.

• Bone crunching sound effects are added to the staple remover, which helps integrate them into the mix.

Recognizing Key Moments

• Visual movement and lighting changes should clue you into moments worthy of sound accenting.

• Not every moment needs to be accented, and not every accented moment needs maximum intensity. You need balance.

Mixing Audio Levels

• When mixing audio levels, ensure that nothing peaks by using your audio meters as a rough guide.

Sound Design Overview

The speaker discusses the importance of sound design and how it is an iterative process that involves building layers of sound to create a sophisticated audio bed.

Building Blocks of Sound Design

• Good sound design is made up of many small touches, including score, ambience, and foley.

• Well-built layers add sophistication and interest to the entire audio bed.

• Follow a consistent workflow but try to think outside the box creatively.

Conclusion

• These techniques are applicable no matter what software you work in.

• Go sound design something!