Sound Design
Sound design is the art and practice of creating sounds for various needs such as sound recording, filmmaking, products, apps, video game development, radio, and post-production. It involves a sound designer who specifies, acquires, or creates auditory elements using audio production tools and techniques.
The sound design process usually entails manipulating previously recorded or composed sound. Still, in some instances, the process involves the composition of recording audio to create a specific tone or effect.
What does the sound designer do?
The sound design process usually entails manipulating previously recorded or composed sound. In some instances, the process also involves the composition of recording audio to create a specific tone or effect.
A sound designer is responsible for creating a project’s aural world, covering a broad range of activities such as creating sound effects, atmospheres, sonic textures, and movie ambiances as well as choose, edit and remix music.
Sound design in film and for moving images
Sound design is how producers use the audible world of a film and video to enhance the mood, atmosphere, and tone. It is used to enhance visual storytelling and give life and dimension to the images.
The combination of elements such as dialogue, sound effects, and atmospheres help to support the story the filmmaker is telling. For example, sound design informs viewers where a scene is taking place and what is happening in it, and it informs them of how they should be feeling while watching that scene.
Ben Burtt – The Sound Designer of Star Wars
The American sound designer, Ben Burtt, is perhaps one of the most well-known in his field, having created many of the iconic sound effects heard in the Star Wars films WALL-E, Indiana Jones, and Star Trek. He has also been recognized for popularizing the famous Wilhelm Scream.
Why is sound design important?
Sound design makes for an effective storytelling device, and poor sound can ruin an otherwise incredible production. Understanding the importance of quality sounds in movies, games, and songs is crucial to understanding what it means to be a successful – and memorable – filmmaker, music producer, and game designer.
Overall, sound design is important because it engages audiences:
- It helps deliver information.
- It increases the production value.
- It evokes emotional responses.
- It emphasizes what’s on the screen and is used to indicate mood.
Read more about sound design for apps and products.