How To Use AI In Audio (without Making Yourself Redundant)

Posted February 11, 2025 by Asbjoern Andersen in Sound Opinions

What does AI mean for us in sound? Many are understandably worried that it might take our jobs away, but in this Sound Opinions piece, sound designer and recordist Ana Monte argues that AI offers plenty of ways we can use it creatively - without making ourselves redundant:

By Ana Monte, with additional research by Wieland Müller

Please share:

A Sound Effect Cloud - free sound effects and music

AI is not here to replace us. It’s a powerful tool that, when placed in the right hands, unlocks new creative possibilities

As a sound designer, I’ve been fascinated by the growing role AI is playing in the world of audio.
But here’s my 2 cents: AI is not here to replace us. It’s a powerful tool that, when placed in the right hands, unlocks new creative possibilities.

AI can assist in a variety of ways:

– Restoring damaged audio: AI can remove clicks, hums, and background noise automatically, saving you time on tedious manual fixes. (Examples of tools to explore: Accentize dxRevive, Supertone, iZotope RX)

– Generating sound sketches: AI can create sketches based on prompts, giving you a quick starting point for sound design. (Examples of tools to explore: Krotos Studio Pro, Sonic Alchemist)

– Smart EQ adjustments: AI can analyze your audio and suggest custom EQ settings, streamlining the mix process. (Examples of tools to explore: Soundtheory Gulfoss, Sonible Smart: EQ 3, Oeksound Bloom)

– Editing audio through text: AI lets you edit audio by editing text, making dialogue editing faster. (Examples of tools to explore: Descript, Spext)

– Finding similar sounds: AI can analyze your sound library and help you discover similar sounds quickly, saving time on browsing (Examples of tools to explore: Sononym, Waves COSMOS Sample Finder)

– Isolating stems from a mix: AI can separate individual stems from a full mix, allowing you to extract elements for remixing or editing. (Examples of tools to explore: audioshake.ai, Audionamix ADX TRAX, LALAL.AI)

– Simulating reverb environments: AI can recreate realistic reverb spaces, allowing you to apply different acoustic environments to your audio without complex manual adjustments. (Examples of tools to explore: Accentize Chameleon, Zynaptiq Adaptiverb)

– Processing voice recordings: AI can process voice recordings, refining clarity, adjusting tone, and improving intelligibility in real-time. It can also adapt to different voice profiles, creating personalized audio outputs. (Examples of tools to explore: Auphonic, SoundID VoiceAI, Supertone Shift)

But here’s the thing, AI doesn’t have the creative intuition or understanding of human emotion that we, as sound engineers and sound designers, bring to every project (for writing, editors have seen this as well). It’s our artistry, vision, and expertise that guide these tools to produce something special.

Let’s embrace these technologies, not fear them! This way we can focus on what really matters: creativity, storytelling, and emotional impact. If you have suggestions for AI audio tools that empower us, be sure to share them in the comments!

About Ana Monte:

Ana Monte, co-founder and sound designer at DELTA Soundworks, is a leading expert in spatial audio. She specialises in creating immersive content for Fulldome, XR, and Themed Attractions. Learn more about her here

Please share this:

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:

Door Sound Effects Doors Various Play Track 551 sounds included $59

In the quiet narrative of spaces, doors play a pivotal role, their sounds marking transitions and moments of privacy. The click of a lock on a wooden door, the gentle sweep of a corridor door opening and closing, and the tactile feedback of an entrance handle offer a sense of security and belonging. The unmistakable sound of a key turning in a lock, the soft thud of a closet door, and the distinctive clinks of lock mechanisms punctuate the silence with intention. The smooth hiss of a hydraulic door contrasts with the creak of an old wooden apartment door, each adding its own chapter to the story of daily comings and goings, encapsulating the essence of threshold moments in the fabric of everyday life.

Add to cart
Door Sound Effects Doors Metal Play Track 456 sounds included $59

In the realm of echoes and reverberations, metal doors and their components orchestrate a symphony of industrial sounds. The action of using a door handle, whether it’s the lighter click or the heavier clunk, sets the stage for the ensuing creaks and clangs of metal doors swinging open or slamming shut. The eerie screech of metal on metal, the clattering of a metal grid being opened, and the definitive shut of a metal locker add layers of depth to this auditory landscape. Knocking on a metal door introduces a rhythm, punctuated by the intricate movements of metal mechanisms at work. Each sound, from the subtle to the resounding, tells a story of passage, security, and the cold touch of metal in motion.

Add to cart
Magic & Fantasy Sound Effects Magic Elements Play Track 533 sounds included $59

Step into a realm where the mystical and the elemental converge, with this captivating collection of sounds. Experience the raw power of fire and water elements, the sharp sizzle of magic in the air, and the deep resonance of dark spells. Feel the rejuvenating essence of healing spells, the crackle of lightning, and the enchanting sounds of casting. From the crispness of ice to the lush whispers of plant magic, each sound is meticulously recorded, offering an immersive auditory experience for creators seeking to infuse their projects with the wonder and intrigue of magical realms.

Add to cart

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.

Add to cart
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.

Add to cart
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.

Add to cart
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.

Add to cart
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.

Add to cart