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.
• Babies, toddlers, kids
• 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
Ideas marked with an * are from the comments on this post.
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.
