Update: I’ve done a new survey – and here are (at least) 29 ideas for new sound effect libraries.
Last week, I did a small survey to see what sounds you just couldn’t find in the SFX libraries that are currently out there. And now, the results are in (+ a few of my own) – hope this proves inspiring to all the indie SFX creators out there. And if you’ve got further ideas to add, leave a comment and I’ll update the list.
• Blustery wind
• Boring cars, like Fiestas, Golfs and Prii (officially the multiple for Priuses, apparently) *
• Christmas Sound Effects
• Convolution Reverb: Forests – and outdoor reverbs in general *
• Crowds trying to be quiet
• Distant dog barking
• Exercise sounds (gym, running, biking, skipping, etc.)
• Flags flapping
• Forests being quiet (see details in the comments)
• Grains (everything starting from fine sand, to debris)
• Ice – the echoing sound when you stomp on it (free from other sounds) *
• Modern elevators
• Modern trams and metros *
• Natural disasters
• Presentation / Corporate Event sound packs
• Scooters
• Sound packs that tie in with current and upcoming global events (Olympics, World Cup, Tour De France etc)
• Small “fire” (candle, lighter, old lamps)
• Sea gulls
• Sports packs
• Spring/summer/autumn sound packs – with typical sounds for the given season
• Tank sound effects / military vehicles
• Theme park rides/sounds
• Themed libraries (birthdays, parties, holidays)
• Tiny gears, cranks, mechanisms etc
• Various cars and motorcycles with the choice of mic placement (Interior, Motor, Exhaust, Maneuvering etc) and sufficient durations
A Sound Effect reader Torley also offered his thoughts on what’s next in sound effects:
Thus, as we head into the future, it’s right to consider more flexibility to move the field forward. A powerful transition from the toolmakers to the sound designers/musician’s personalization whims, such as:
(1) More effect plugins/apps that include quality raw SFX, but let you customize. SoundMorph’s Wave Warper is a good one. I know there are some others focused on editing transition sounds.
(2) More packs of exceptional “natural” and “creative” impulse responses for convolution reverbs. Diego Stocco’s Rhythmic Convolutions is one example.
(3) Perhaps related to #1 but a distinct pillar in its own right, more procedural-generation audio tools, where we can make gestures using an iPad or Leap Motion. This is less painful and has huge implications for casual/incidental sounds like foley which must be synced to onscreen action.
Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts! Hope this list proves inspiring for everyone doing sound effects. And as mentioned, if you’ve got ideas or comments to add, do leave a note below.
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Just a further comment on the idea of ‘cars, motorcycles etc…’, there is always the need for more of these, but especially boring cars! We need Fiestas, Golfs and Prii (officially the multiple for Priuses, apparently) more than exotic sports cars.
Hey Mark, thanks for the input – your idea has its own entry on the list now :)
Best,
– Asbjoern
Hi,
great suggestions here!
I want to work out a concept for the ‘Forests being quiet’, but would like to have a bit more details, on how the ‘being quiet’ should be interpreted.
Maybe, the person who suggested this theme could respond here(?)
thanks!
regards,
Chris
PS: I submitted the suggestions for the themes ‘Natural Disasters’ and ‘Grains’, just in case anyone has questions.
Hi Chris
Glad you’re finding them useful, and thanks again for sharing your ideas! I’ve asked the person who submitted that ‘Forests being quiet’ idea to give some more details on what he had in mind.
Best,
– Asbjoern
as to the quiet forests-
things which would be nice-
little wind-
different seasons- which will have different forest floor and leaves dropping conditions-
different flora – ie tree types- tropical and northern vegetation would be ideal
Fantastic article. I’ve been searching for a while on what sample packs are ‘missing’ out there. Thank you very much for your hard work!
That’s great to hear – glad to help!
Convolution Reverb: Forest! Some of the most beautiful reverbs can be heard in forests, much more open lush than the best cathedrals and concerthalls.
There are too little ‘outside’ reverbs available anyway; it’s hard to make something sound far.
Other suggestion: modern trams and metro’s.
One more: the echoing sound of ice when you stomp on it. One of natures most beautiful sounds, I never managed to capture it or find it in a library. There is always wind, skating children etc…
Thanks for the ideas, Jasper – they’re now on the list :)