If you are like me, you want to continually improve and get better at creating video game sound design. When I got started, I had no experience or knowledge of sound design or where to get started. I found my own way to improve and distilled it down to 3 key elements that have helped me get better over the past 3 years. These are by no means the only ways to get better at sound design, but they are things I have done and still do to this day.
So, how do you get better at video game sound design? Here are 3 tips that have helped me:
- Use a reference sound effect
- Study as many sound designers as possible and apply what you learn
- Record and create your own sound effects
Use A Reference Sound Effect
Just as a sound mixer would use a reference track to balance out the bass with the treble, balance the volume between the instruments, and make sure the track sounds good, punchy, and clean, use a reference sound effect in your work. Balance out the layers, contain the bass and make it centered, and make sure the sound effect you are creating sounds good, punchy, and clean. Go back and forth between your sound and the reference sound to compare the two.
Having a reference sound effect offers a few other advantages as well. First, it gives your ear a refresh every time you play the reference sound. I know from experience, that it is too easy to work on your sound effect for a long time thinking that it sounds good, to only be disappointed when you refresh your ‘mind’s ear’ by playing the reference sound.
Second, having a reference sound elevates your playing field. It raises your standard for sound design that is acceptable and sound design that isn’t. You quickly learn if your sound design is good or not and over time, you learn what it takes to make it professional.
Finally, having a reference sound gives you the opportunity to replicate or recreate your favorite professionally produced sound design. This is a great way to learn and improve your skills.
Note: Make sure to volume match your sound effect with the reference sound effect so that the change in volume does not mask your perception of the quality of the sound.
Where To Find A Reference Sound Effect?
You can find reference sound effects pretty much anywhere – a movie, game, youtube video. Just download it, and import it into your DAW. If you prefer, find your favorite sound effects from your favorite games or movies and use those. This may seem obvious, but use sound design in the same category of sound you are working in. For example, if you are creating sword sounds, use a sword SFX reference sound. If you are creating a monster sound, use a monster SFX reference sound.
Here are a few suggestions of places you can go to find amazing sound design:
- BoomLibrary.com (also join their email list to get free SFX each month)
- Soundmorph.com
- Sonniss.com
Study As Many Sound Designers As Possible
Study, learn, and apply what you’ve learned from as many sound designers as possible. Take note of the concepts and techniques that they use. Notice how they think and how they process their sounds. See if they have any unique tricks for obtaining certain effects or results that you could also use in your work.
Here is a list of awesome sound designers on YouTube I like to learn from:
Record And Create Your Own SFX
Use whatever gear or equipment you have and record your own sound effects. Bring them into your DAW and mangle them up. See what you can create. It will probably sound horrible at first, especially if you have never done this before. Don’t worry though, that’s normal. You will keep getting better and better as you improve and do this over and over again.
What Other Ways Can I Get Better At Sound Design?
If you want some more suggestions for improving your sound design, here are some more actions you can take.
ONLINE COURSES
Take some online courses on sound design. There are many out there that focus on different perspectives and take different approaches to creating sound design. Here are a few places you can start looking for online courses:
TAKING LESSONS
If you are serious about sound design, you may want to consider getting lessons from a private teacher. Set up a weekly lesson schedule for 30 minutes to an hour. Having a mentor and teacher is an excellent way to fast track your results.
WORKING ON PROJECTS
There is nothing like getting hands-on experience to improve your skills. Working with others, dealing with deadlines, and having some pressure can be enough to push an individual to figure out what it takes to create excellent sound design. This is not always the case for everyone, but it is a great way to learn.
Conclusion
Getting better at any skill inevitably takes time and effort, but placing that time and effort in the right direction can help you move faster. Hopefully, these tips for getting better at video game sound design prove useful and benefit you in your life and career!
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What else have you done to get better at video game sound design?
Comment below!
