How To Create A Sound Effect Library: Step One, Recording Sound Effects
- Date: 2008-06-17 - Word Count: 762
Share This!
In order to record sound effects for a personal or professional sound effect library one needs two things: sound itself and an object with which to record sound. The former should not be a problem finding as sound permeates existence. The later is easily available in a variety of formats and forms, though a basic handheld digital unit with a T shaped stereo microphone is the simplest and most efficient. Personally I've tried all sorts of pricey gear and mics throughout my sonic adventures only to discover that a solid $150 to $400 handheld digital recorder no larger than an old-school cassette tape box suffices to create sounds good enough for placement in any film, tv, and media project. In addition, these units run on battery power and the recorded files can generally be dragged onto your desktop via USB.
Be aware, however, that any device you use must record up to at least a 48k sample rate. Always record at the highest bit and sample rate possible because video uses audio with a 48k sample rate, not 44.1k. Any 44.1k samples you have will have to be upconverted to be used in a video production and this process always runs the risk of audio damage. Because of these potential problems with lower quality files, 48k sound effects are generally valued more by video editors and thus command a higher sale price should you choose to sell your sounds online.
There are two basic types of sound effects that you will be recording: "hits" and "ambiences." Hits are single short sonic events such as a slap, gun-shot, or dog bark. Ambiences are longer background elements such as ocean waves, restaurant environments, or playground noises. In creating a library it is most valuable to have many of both types as they are both used in sound design. You will find that ambiences are the easiest to obtain as you merely have to go to a new location such as a supermarket or post office and just stand there and record. Hits need a little more forethought and preparation such as collecting the items you'd like to record or stalking the neighbor's dog for that perfect dog bark.
The basics of recording a sound effect is literally as simple as hitting the record button. However, there are several tips to keep in mind in order to get the best recordings possible. First, make sure that you record as "hot" as possible, meaning with the loudest signal that does not clip or overload the microphone. If you notice a red LED light blinking when recording it means that your incoming signal is too hot and you will want to pull back your mic a bit from the source. You want the loudest signal without distortion. Related to this, it would also be wise to purchase a 10dB pad that fits between your mic and digital recorder will enable you to record sounds with high decibel levels, such as jet engines or weapons. The pad lowers the incoming signal by 10dB and can be found online for $20.
Second, try to keep background noises at a minimum. However, don't be too obsessive over a "pure" recording because these background sounds can often afford surprising results such as an unexpected car honk, bird call or human noise. Also, much of the background noise can be filtered out when editing your recordings to create the sound effect product. The point here is to keep unwanted noise to a minimum but not so much that you might lose the opportunity for some unique recordings and slow yourself down being overly strict about the "perfect" recording environment.
Third, wind will ruin any recording so protect the mic with a windscreen or simply keep your recorder out of the wind by using physical barriers such as trees, walls, or even your jacket. Sometimes wind noise can be cut out during editing with a high pass filter and cutting frequencies below 200-500 khz but for the most part wind will destroy your recording efforts. Finally, your efforts can also be compromised if you have inadvertently recorded music in the background, such as the music played in a restaurant. This music is copyrighted and if it appears in your ambience recordings you will be violating copyright law and such recordings are essentially unusable.
These tips are simple and meant to point an aspiring sound effect artist in the right direction toward the creation of a sound effect library for use or for sale online. Future articles will discuss the process of editing, categorizing, and marketing these raw recordings.
Be aware, however, that any device you use must record up to at least a 48k sample rate. Always record at the highest bit and sample rate possible because video uses audio with a 48k sample rate, not 44.1k. Any 44.1k samples you have will have to be upconverted to be used in a video production and this process always runs the risk of audio damage. Because of these potential problems with lower quality files, 48k sound effects are generally valued more by video editors and thus command a higher sale price should you choose to sell your sounds online.
There are two basic types of sound effects that you will be recording: "hits" and "ambiences." Hits are single short sonic events such as a slap, gun-shot, or dog bark. Ambiences are longer background elements such as ocean waves, restaurant environments, or playground noises. In creating a library it is most valuable to have many of both types as they are both used in sound design. You will find that ambiences are the easiest to obtain as you merely have to go to a new location such as a supermarket or post office and just stand there and record. Hits need a little more forethought and preparation such as collecting the items you'd like to record or stalking the neighbor's dog for that perfect dog bark.
The basics of recording a sound effect is literally as simple as hitting the record button. However, there are several tips to keep in mind in order to get the best recordings possible. First, make sure that you record as "hot" as possible, meaning with the loudest signal that does not clip or overload the microphone. If you notice a red LED light blinking when recording it means that your incoming signal is too hot and you will want to pull back your mic a bit from the source. You want the loudest signal without distortion. Related to this, it would also be wise to purchase a 10dB pad that fits between your mic and digital recorder will enable you to record sounds with high decibel levels, such as jet engines or weapons. The pad lowers the incoming signal by 10dB and can be found online for $20.
Second, try to keep background noises at a minimum. However, don't be too obsessive over a "pure" recording because these background sounds can often afford surprising results such as an unexpected car honk, bird call or human noise. Also, much of the background noise can be filtered out when editing your recordings to create the sound effect product. The point here is to keep unwanted noise to a minimum but not so much that you might lose the opportunity for some unique recordings and slow yourself down being overly strict about the "perfect" recording environment.
Third, wind will ruin any recording so protect the mic with a windscreen or simply keep your recorder out of the wind by using physical barriers such as trees, walls, or even your jacket. Sometimes wind noise can be cut out during editing with a high pass filter and cutting frequencies below 200-500 khz but for the most part wind will destroy your recording efforts. Finally, your efforts can also be compromised if you have inadvertently recorded music in the background, such as the music played in a restaurant. This music is copyrighted and if it appears in your ambience recordings you will be violating copyright law and such recordings are essentially unusable.
These tips are simple and meant to point an aspiring sound effect artist in the right direction toward the creation of a sound effect library for use or for sale online. Future articles will discuss the process of editing, categorizing, and marketing these raw recordings.
Related Tags: mp3, audio, mp3s, record, wav, loops, recording, sample, samples, sfx, sounds, loop, sound effects, sound effect, ambience sounds, wavs
Music composer and sound designer Adam A. Johnson owns music company Architect of Sound at www.architectofsound.com , online sound effect and production music library www.sfxsource.com , and offers free sfx and music loops at www.freesoundeffectsandloops.com Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Kids Halloween Party Ideas
Hard to believe Halloween is just around the corner already. This is a very popular holiday especial - Inexpensive Party Favor Ideas For Party Guests
The cost of a gift is not the most important, but rather the thought behind it. There are different - The Major Benefits of Watching Funny Videos
Funny videos have gained a wide audience all over the world. This is due to the impact it has made i - Handy Things to Know About Concert Tickets
There are a lot of people that spend time and money going to concerts. This makes knowing the facts - Travel Magazine And How To Pick Up A Good Copy
Many people enjoy reading magazines. They are a quick read and can be picked up in many locations. M - Planning the Infamous Holiday Office Party
Ok, so you're in charge of planning the infamous holiday office party. If you've ever seen the TV sh - How to Choose Songs That Are Suited to Your Voice - So You Always Sound Fantastic!
Hello singers! In this article, you'll learn how to choose songs that compliment your voice… so you - Host a Professional Halloween Quiz This Halloween
If you are having a bunch of friends around for Halloween, why not give them a Halloween Quiz? If yo - Discovering How Popular Horror Movies Can Enhance Halloween Fun
Throwing a Halloween party? Why not make it a night with themes from popular horror movies? For, wit - The Art Of The French Revolution
The art of pre-revolutionary France was decidedly frivolous in its subject matter and deliciously de
Most viewed articles in this category:
- The Complete Defenition of the 3D
3D computer graphics as seen on FaceYourArt.comA 3D rendering with raytracing and ambient occlusion - Unlimited Movie Downloads Tips - Pick the Best, Dump the Rest
Unlimited movie downloads have made it much easier for busy folks like us to watch our favorite movi - Get Your Alliance Character To 60 In A Week
You may have looked around on the internet for WoW power leveling guides and come up empty-handed or - Why Do We Gamble?
Why do People Gamble? Gambling is a past-time activity enjoyed by many people. Some play at hom - Video Poker (jacks or Better) Tips
Video poker made its entry in the 1970s. It has proven to be a popular form of gaming. Video poker o - Top 7 Video Games For Children Ages 5 - 8
Many parents worry about the video games available to children today with all the violence. However - Why I Love Strategy Games
A strategy game is one in which the skills of the play and his decision making combine to influence - Prison Break's Wentworth Miller: I'm not Gay
In an attempt to put a stop to the lingering gossip and to clarify his name once and for all, Wenthw - Guys, Valentine's Day will be Heaven or Hell for you...
Guys, I know it's not fashionable to get ahead of yourself for holidays. I don't buy Christmas gift - Comparing 6 String And 12 String Guitars
6-string or 12-string Acoustic guitar, which should you get? Both have pros and cons, and both are e