20 Tips And Tricks For Creating Sound Effects

1. Use Layering

Layering is key to filling out the frequency spectrum of a sound. Humans are naturally drawn to sounds that encompass a fuller range of frequencies. For instance, when creating a woosh sound, you can combine low, bassy sounds with high-frequency elements. The result? A sound that feels much more complete and engaging.

When layering, don’t hesitate to mix real sounds with synthesized ones. This approach can yield fascinating results. Additionally, incorporating noise can help fill out the frequency spectrum effectively, as it can be shaped and filtered to fit your needs.

2. Use Resampling

Resampling involves reusing sounds you’ve already created. This not only prevents waste but also allows for creativity. For example, take a sound you’ve made, render it in place, and then manipulate it further. You can stretch, chop, or add effects to it, or even save it to your personal sound library for future use.

3. Sampling Sound Design

This experimental technique allows you to generate sounds in a fun way. Start with a patch in your synthesizer and modulate it randomly. Then, add various effects to see what unique sounds you can create. Once you have a sound you like, export it and use it in your projects.

Experiment with plugins in unconventional ways. Stacking multiple plugins can lead to unexpected and interesting results. This kind of playful experimentation can yield surprising and delightful sounds.

4. Reuse Custom Effects Chains

If you create an effects chain that works well, save it as a preset. This allows for quick application on future projects, saving you time and effort. You can apply the same effects chain to different sounds, creating a cohesive sound palette across your projects.

5. Blend Your Layers Together

When layering sounds, ensure they blend well. Use compression to unify the layers. Multiband compression, like OTT, can help lift and process the sounds together, making them feel like one cohesive sound.

Additionally, EQ can help cut resonant frequencies that may clash between layers, while saturation or distortion can give them a similar tonal quality, enhancing the overall blend.

6. Create Variations

For sounds that will repeat—like footsteps or gunshots—create variations to keep them fresh and engaging. Use tools that randomize parameters like pitch, volume, and position. This ensures that the same sound doesn’t become monotonous.

7. Control Key Aspects of Your Sound

Maintain control over four key aspects: volume, pitch, frequency, and position. Use automation or dynamic EQ for volume control to prevent peaks. Pitch can be adjusted with plugins, and ensure you manage resonant frequencies with EQ.

8. Vocalize Your Sound

Before designing, try vocalizing the sound you want to create. This can help clarify your vision, allowing you to focus on the important elements in your final design. It’s a great way to ensure your sound captures the essence of what you want.

9. Use Pitch Shifting and Time Stretching

Pitch shifting changes the pitch without altering the duration, while time stretching changes the sound’s duration without changing the pitch. Both techniques can add unique qualities to your sounds, allowing for creative manipulation.

10. Add Punch and Weight

To add punch to your sounds, avoid simply boosting low frequencies, as this can make them muddy. Instead, use plugins designed to enhance subharmonics or layer in kick samples to achieve a fuller sound with more impact.

11. Use Fades

Implementing fades can smooth out sounds, particularly at the beginning and end. This prevents harsh clicks and makes transitions more natural. Pay attention to how different sounds fade in and out, especially when layering multiple sounds.

12. The One Sound Technique

Focus on creating one sound at a time, ideally no longer than one second. This technique is particularly beneficial for beginners, allowing you to hone in on specific sounds without becoming overwhelmed.

13. Work on Recreations and Redesigns

Recreation is when you aim to recreate sounds as close as possible to the original source while redesigns is doing your own version of the sounds. 

Recreating sounds from existing media can help you learn and refine your skills. Once comfortable, try redesigning sounds creatively, which allows for personal expression and innovation in your work.

14. Use References

Referencing sounds from various sources can help ensure your work meets high standards. Analyze sounds from different games, identify what makes them effective, and incorporate those elements into your own designs.

15. Swap Styles

Challenge yourself to recreate a sound in different styles. This exercise promotes creativity and helps you understand how different sound design approaches can affect the final product.

16. Always Create More Than One Version

Create multiple versions of your sound effects. The first version is rarely the best, so iterating on your designs allows for refinement and improvement over time.

17. Record Your Own Sound Effects

Recording your own sounds can significantly enhance your sound design skills. This practice helps you understand the process of going from raw sound to a polished, usable effect.

18. Learn Synthesis

Understanding synthesis is crucial for sound designers. With numerous free synthesizers available, learning how to create your own sounds can greatly expand your toolkit.

19. Use a Library Manager

A library manager can streamline your workflow by organizing your sounds efficiently. This prevents time wasted searching through folders and allows you to focus on creativity.

20. Find Ways to Perform Your Sounds

Explore methods to perform your sounds dynamically. Whether using software like Kontakt or plugins that trigger sounds based on your input, this can lead to more expressive sound design.

Bonus Tip: Experiment and Have Fun

Lastly, don’t forget to experiment! Sound design has no strict rules. Enjoy the process, create freely, and you might discover sounds you never imagined possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to start creating sound effects?

Begin by focusing on one sound at a time and experimenting with layering and manipulation techniques.

How important is it to record your own sounds?

Super important. I once asked Jason Cushing (co-founder of Soundmorph) what 1 skill should I focus on to become a better sound designer and he suggested recording my own sounds and designing them from scratch. 

What tools can help with sound design?

Using a combination of effects plugins, synthesizers, and library management software can streamline your workflow and enhance your creativity.

Can I use synthesized sounds along with real sounds?

Absolutely! Combining synthesized sounds with real recordings can create unique and compelling effects. I do this all the time.

How can I keep track of my sound library?

Using a library manager can help organize your sounds efficiently, making it easier to find what you need when working on projects. Industry-standard library managers include Soundminer and Basehead. If you use Reaper, you can use the built-in media explorer.