Modern sound design

The squeak of a microwave, the surround sound of waves in a movie or an advertising screensaver – everything we hear in media, toys and household appliances is the work of a sound designer. It imperceptibly complements reality and immerses the viewer in what is happening on the screen.

Sound can relax, scare, create an image or set the atmosphere. Today, the average person listens to music for several hours a day, and in modern media, special emphasis is placed on sounds: some mobile and computer games even recommend playing with headphones for better perception.

What is sound design?

Sound design is the process of creating sound design for various media projects: films, television programs, video games, commercials, etc.

Sound designers create sound effects and background music to enhance the overall perception and impact of the project on the viewer. They combine the soundtracks of the project to achieve the desired effect and convey the right mood.

A well-chosen audio track adorns any product of any genre, and sometimes it can even become its business card. For example, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim game released in 2011 is still popular among fans not only because of its plot and mechanics, but also the music. It perfectly complements the gaming experience in its various aspects: from a simple walk through the forest to a harsh battle with the main boss.

Players still make atmospheric playlists from in-game tracks.

Sound also means a lot to the horror genre: it can be harsh, inflate the atmosphere, or it can disappear completely – this is also a kind of design decision. Such techniques make the viewer even more nervous than what is happening on the screen.

A scene from the movie "Astral" (2010). The music fades just before the climax, forcing the viewer to relax and then fall for the bait of a sudden screamer.

In general, sound is an integral part of any media product, and the job of a sound designer is to produce it efficiently, whether it's a children's game, a science film about the future or an advertisement on TV.

Why are sound designers and sound engineers different professions?

Because sound design is a narrower direction of sound engineering. Both are working on the sound content of the product, but while the sound engineer is involved in recording, adjusts the sound equipment, controls its quality and composes an audio track from ready–made sounds, the sound designer creates new ones.

Frame from the movie “Star Wars".

The sound designer experiments and voices things that are not voiced by nature: for example, fictional monsters or ships of the future. But both specialists have a common goal – a composer or a designer, their task is high–quality sound accompaniment of the visual.

Where and with what does the sound designer work?

The sound designer creates in special computer programs. They are called DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and have options for recording and editing sounds.

Professionals work in Pro Tools, a multifunctional sound recording program. Sound engineers and sound designers of movies and TV series work with it, because it allows you to work with video and audio at the same time, not to mention the sound quality and a wide range of possibilities for creating and editing it.

Most major film companies from Disney to Mosfilm create their own sounds here, so it will be difficult for a beginner to start with it.

Of the simpler programs, FL Studio is popular with musicians. For large-scale projects, its functionality will be small, but it is perfect for mastering sound design. It is simple and versatile, and many professional performers even write their music here.

We show you how to record a soundtrack in FL Studio from scratch in 15 minutes.

Where to take the sounds from?

• Sound libraries are ready–made sets of sounds from all notes on all possible instruments to recording nature and the human voice. Libraries are easy to find on the Internet, and some DAWs have them initially – take them and create them.
• "Field" recording is when the designer himself records what he needs. Sometimes it's the knock of a teaspoon on a wooden table, which can be recorded on a dictaphone at home, and sometimes the departure of a recording team with special equipment.
  

Recording team is having a hard time.

If a sound designer is working on a movie, he usually records the sound on location and edits it. For example, it enhances or adds effects – the movie does not always sound good in a "raw" recording

Sound Designer skills

In order to come up with and correctly adjust something that does not exist in the project, you need to have good listening skills and, at least, own a sound recording program. But in the work of a sound specialist, much more knowledge and skills are needed, or rather:

• Knowledge of music theory and sound physics;
• Musical ear and taste;
  
• Soft skills such as creativity, teamwork and quick learning;
  
• Knowledge of trends: modern genres and styles.
  

Musical education and the ability to play instruments are optional, but it will help: This way it will be much easier to understand the theory and come up with compositions. Even if you have already started your journey into sound design, it will not be superfluous to master a musical instrument.

How do I become a sound designer?

You can start your career on your own with the help of educational videos in the public domain, the help of friends or free courses, but we recommend that you get a higher education or take paid courses in this profile. This will save time and guarantee feedback from professionals.

Where to study:

Higher education

• Faculty of Sound Design at the Higher School of Economics. Bachelor's and master's degrees, which provide all the necessary professional knowledge from leading specialists. There is also additional education and a Children's Design School with short career guidance courses;
• The Faculty of Sound Engineering at St. Petersburg University of Trade Unions is a specialist with 100% employment. Teachers and graduates are leading sound engineers and sound designers;
  
• Faculty of Sound Engineering at St. Petersburg University of Cinema and Television. The specialty trains sound specialists for film and TV programs of various genres. Everything you need for the profession of a sound designer and even more;
  
• The Faculty of Sound Engineering at Synergy University is a specialist in employment assistance. Everything a sound designer needs is studied: sound recording in the studio, audio editing and various aspects of musical acoustics.
  

Courses

• Synthesis and sound design from Tramplin.Pro – short course on sound theory and music creation;
• Sound design and creation of digital music from CODDY school – the basics of FL Studio and creating your own music project for schoolchildren;
  
• Sound Design from scratch to PRO from Skillbox – the basics of music theory, mixing and mastering. The result is the first works for the portfolio;
  
• Sound design from Netology is a great course -mastering the tools of a sound designer and preparing your own projects.
  

How much does a sound designer earn?

According to the website HeadHunter.ru – one of the leading job search sites in Russia, the average salary of a sound designer ranges from 30 thousand rubles for beginners and up to 180 thousand rubles for experienced professionals.

Conclusion

Sound design surrounds us in all spheres of life: from the media content that we consume daily to the household appliances that we use regularly. The job of a sound designer is to create this experience for people through sound recording, editing and tuning melodies.

Our sound design course will help you start your journey into sound design. Create music and build your future together with CODDY!