A Great Read: A Field Recordist's Take On How A Sound Effect Works

Posted September 5, 2013 by Asbjoern Andersen in A Sound Effect

Be sure to check out Paul Virostek’s feature about A Sound Effect – it provides some valuable insights on how the site works:

Q: Is A Sound Effect a “web store?” Are you selling the sound effects, or taking a commission? In other words, is it a commercial enterprise, a community service, or a “portal?”

A: A Sound Effect is a free service – there are no fees, no commissions to be paid, and I’m not selling the sound effects. I essentially provide a catalog of what’s out there – and the actual hosting and sales is done on each sound designer’s own site, on their own terms, from their own store.

The site is a side-project to my normal composing work in Epic Sound, and if it takes off on a big scale down the line, I’ll logically have to devote more time to it then. If that happens, I’ll have to think of some sort of balance between what everyone’s getting out of it, and the hours, energy and resources I’m pouring into it.

But there are no concrete plans in that regard. Right now, I’m just excited by the positive reception to the site – and if it indeed becomes too much to run as a side-project, I’ll of course talk to the sound designers involved to hear their views on what the best way is to proceed.

Read Paul’s feature, where he also shares his experiences adding his own libraries to the site.

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THE WORLD’S EASIEST WAY TO GET INDEPENDENT SOUND EFFECTS:

A Sound Effect gives you easy access to an absolutely huge sound effects catalog from a myriad of independent sound creators, all covered by one license agreement - a few highlights:

Destruction & Impact Sounds Cataclysm Play Track 1482 sounds included
Rated 5.00 out of 5
$195

Cataclysm is a vast collection of recorded, synthesized and designed sounds created to support important destructive moments and add a stronger sense of extreme consequence to any sound.

The recorded section of library features elements such as flash powder explosions, propane cannon blasts and artillery cannons recorded in unique natural environments with violent transients and lush, long and varied tails. It also features falling trees, forge burners, large trebuchet wood groans, rock smashes as well as more ordinary items recorded and designed to feel like an over the top version of themselves such as vacuum cleaner suctions, metal vase holders, ground pounders and more.

The synthesized section of the library features equally rich textures in the form of explosion sweeteners, other-worldly environmental reflections, scorching energy risers and more.

Finally, recorded and synthesized content was employed to develop the designed section, where the hyperrealism of the recordings meets the clean yet aggressive textures of the synthesized section in catastrophic assets themed around the library’s title.

Bonus: Two extra libraries included for free: This library also includes two additional releases from Mattia Cellotto - for free: Crunch Mode delivers 230 crunchy sounds made with a variety of vegetables, fresh bread, pizza crust and a selection of frozen goods. The Borax Experiment gets you 158 squishy, gory, slimy and gooey sounds.

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Cinematic & Trailer Sound Effects Cinematic Metal – Titan Play Track 4600 sounds included From: $135

CINEMATIC METAL – TITAN pushes big screen sound design beyond its comfort zone. New and unheard HITS, BRAAMS, BOOMS, IMPACTS, STINGERS and much more await you in the comprehensive Construction Kit and devastating Designed edition. Get over 12GB worth of clean, dazzling sound effects – available as individual components as well as layered, processed and ready to use.

The library is available in two versions & a special bundle:

CINEMATIC METAL – TITAN CONSTRUCTION KIT
CINEMATIC METAL – TITAN sounds massive from start to finish. This Construction Kit in particular starts off with an unusual amount of kick. While foley and other, more meticulous applications are certainly possible, the main purpose here is to bring out the big guns and stomp any hint of moderation into the ground.

LOCK AND LOAD
Supplement your designs with detailed, high-end metallic sounds. The Construction Kit allows you to build unique, multi-accent effects that not only impress in scale, but also in fidelity, rhythm and character. This library particularly shines in situations, where the visible picture doesn’t necessarily produce the envisioned sound, but warrants its own supernatural emphasis.

Files: 700 • Sounds: 4200 • Size: 10.9 GB

CINEMATIC METAL – TITAN DESIGNED:
Optimized for trailers, action scenes, in-game cinematics and special effects, the Designed edition brings fresh and exciting sounds to the table.

Discover the force of aggressive, low, soft, processed, clean and tonal HITS, BRAAMS, IMPACTS, SCREECHES, STINGERS and SLAMS.

DARK AND POWERFUL
Paint a sense of dread and awe – CINEMATIC METAL – TITAN Designed can evoke fear of the unknown but just as easily kick into rampage mode: Empowered, ready for battle and thirsty for revenge. Find your perfect blend of haunting thriller and jacked, gritty anti-hero.
Files: 100 • Sounds: 400 • Size: 1.5 GB

CINEMATIC METAL – TITAN BUNDLE:
THE BUNDLE – The best of both worlds at a discounted price.
The Bundle gives you the full sound design power as it contains both – the DESIGNED and the CONSTRUCTION KIT edition at a discounted price.

Files: 800 • Sounds: 4600 • Size: 12.4 GB

Included sounds – keywords:
Braam, impact, rattle, squeak, rumble, clang, crunch, bell, groan, squeak, creak, cymbal, stinger, rusty, gate, container, flam, click, chain, dragging, thwack, bolt, door, train, metallic, iron, sliding, pole, oil drum, scrap, nail, gutter, break, steel, rim, scaffold, crowbar, swell, brass, hook, grate

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Explore the full, unique collection here

Latest sound effects libraries:

Household Sound Effects Home Storage Play Track 550 sounds included $59

Welcome to the world of HOME STORAGE, where every nook and cranny holds the promise of organization and order. From the smooth glide of drawers to the sturdy click of cupboards and cabinets, each sound speaks of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s the practicality of a bathroom cabinet, the functionality of a toolbox, or the versatility of cases and containers, this collection encapsulates the essence of HOME STORAGE, offering a symphony of sounds to accompany your daily routines.

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Foley Sound Effects Gastronomy Objects Play Track 649 sounds included $59

Step into the world of gastronomy with this eclectic collection of sounds that capture the essence of culinary experiences. From the gentle clink of a small drink bottle to the indulgent drop of chocolates, each sound evokes the pleasures of indulgence. Hear the refreshing shake of water, the enticing pour of syrup, and the distinct pop of a cork opening, adding depth to your auditory landscape. The rattle of a garbage can, the subtle click of a spice jar opening and closing, and the crisp fizz of a soda being opened complete this diverse array of gastronomic delights, offering a rich tapestry of sounds for any culinary-themed project.

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Gore Sound Effects Gore Play Track 1450 sounds included $79

Plunge into the chilling depths of auditory horror with this meticulously crafted collection. From the harrowing snap of bone breaks to the precise sound of blades dissecting, each element has been captured to evoke a visceral reaction. The unsettling crunch of insect crush, the sharpness of knife stabs, and the organic tear of celery mimic the sounds of flesh and bone with disturbing accuracy. Innovative techniques, such as cereal crunched within leather and the crack of walnuts, alongside the thud of gore impacts, create a rich palette of macabre sounds. Ideal for creators seeking to imbue their projects with a sense of dread and realism, these sounds offer an unparalleled journey into the heart of horror. This expansive library offers both raw, unaltered sound recordings for ultimate creative control and expertly designed sounds ready to elevate any project.

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Foley Sound Effects Food Foley Play Track 546 sounds included $59

Indulge in the sensory delights of culinary exploration with this collection of food foley sounds that evoke the essence of gastronomic experiences. From the gentle rustle of rice grains to the satisfying squish of flesh, each sound transports listeners to the heart of culinary creation. Experience the playful shake of cereal and the rhythmic scrape of salad ingredients, accompanied by the crisp texture of onions, cucumbers, grapefruits, and oranges. Delve into a world of culinary creativity as these sounds come together, inviting audiences to savor the richness of food and the joy of shared meals.

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Foley Sound Effects Footsteps 2 Play Track 406 sounds included $59

Step into a world of immersive sound with FOOTSTEPS 02, our sequal diverse collection that captures the essence of movement across various terrains. From the disciplined rhythm of military marches to the squelching of mud and the soft shuffle of crowds walking, each sound transports listeners to different environments. Experience the solid echo of footsteps on stone, the rustling of leaves in a forest, the creak of wood underfoot, and the crisp crunch of footsteps on ice, offering a versatile palette of sounds to enhance any project requiring lifelike footstep effects.

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