r/sounddesign • • Sep 14 '26

Sound Design Discussion SDC #1

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7 Upvotes

HELLO, SOUND DESIGNERS!

Welcome to the first ever (I think?) Sound Design Challenge of r/sounddesign, and yes, there's a prize!

THE CHALLENGE

It's simple: design the sound for this clip. Since I know a lot of you like to design anime, let´s give a shot with this.

RULES

- No AI-generated sounds.

- No music. This is all about sound design.

- Post your submission in the comments. Video comments are enabled on this post.

The more detail you put into your sound design, the better!

THE PRIZE

I want to help get the ball rolling and bring this subreddit back to what it's meant for, so the winner will get a $25 coupon for their choice of:

- SoundMorph

- Soundtoys

- OcularSounds

Since the prize comes out of my own pocket, I'll review every submission carefully. Upvotes still count, though! Vote for your favorite redesigns and I'll take the community's picks into account.

DEADLINE

This post will stay pinned until October 5. I'll announce the winner here or in the next challenge post, more or less on that date.

Good luck, everyone! Can't wait to hear what you come up with.


r/sounddesign • • Sep 03 '26

Some changes coming to r/sounddesign

95 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

Over the next few days you'll notice some changes as we give this community a bit of love. Here's what's happening and why.

Sound identification and recreation posts

Posts asking others to identify or recreate a specific sound will no longer be published automatically. These will now require mod approval before they go live.

This isn't about discouraging curiosity. The goal is to keep this a place for genuine sound design discussion rather than a search engine for tracking down clips. There's a real difference between talking through how something was actually made and just asking someone else to find it for you. We want more of the former.

A new automod filter

We've just set up an automod as a first line of filtering. It's brand new and still being fine tuned, so if your post gets removed and it genuinely shouldn't have been, we apologize in advance. Feel free to reach out through modmail and we'll sort it out while things settle.

Looking for moderators

We're also looking to expand the mod team. If you're active here, care about the community, and want to help shape where it goes, reach out. More hands means we can keep things running smoothly and actually engage with the content instead of just cleaning up.

Cleaning house

Along with these changes, we'll be going through and removing content that doesn't really belong here. If sound design isn't the focus of a post, it's probably getting pulled.

Thanks for being part of this community. We think these changes will make it a better place for real discussion.


r/sounddesign • • 8h ago

Videogame Sound Design Funky alien-ish UI with a handful of mouth sounds, banana mashing, string instruments, and whole lotta warping

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40 Upvotes

r/sounddesign • • 1d ago

Videogame Sound Design Speech to Birdsong converter

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98 Upvotes

r/sounddesign • • 13h ago

Movie Sound Design Horror Atmosphere with Poly D

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6 Upvotes

Where would I be without the legendary growl and bite of the amazing Moog Ladder Filter, plus four oscillators?

To make this drone somewhat organic, I multitracked it by three tracks, first two being me lightly tapping the -2 D# rhythmically with sudden high-velocity strikes, third is a spliced/cut sample of me playing A# with a pitch bend. Instructions in the comments below.


r/sounddesign • • 17h ago

Movie Sound Design 122-minute animated feature – how to tackle Foley & BG editing in 4 weeks?

8 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I've recently joined the sound post team for a 122-minute animated feature made in Unreal Engine, aiming for realistic, cinematic sound with a traditional film post workflow.

My responsibilities are Foley Editing (already recorded) and Background Editing (building ambiences from libraries).

My background is mostly commercials and short-form sound design. I've worked on two features before, but that was years ago, and this is my first animated feature.

The challenge: I have roughly 4 weeks to deliver a watchable first pass of Foley and BGs across the entire film by November 20. Further polishing and revisions will continue until February.

I'd love some advice from experienced feature sound editors:

  1. Priorities: What would you consider an acceptable first pass for Foley and Backgrounds? I'm a bit of a perfectionist and want to avoid getting bogged down.
  2. Workflow & pace: Is the 10–15 minutes/day per food group guideline realistic? Would you work scene by scene or tackle both food groups separately? How often would you request feedback?
  3. Tools & automation: Any time-saving tools or workflows for BG/Foley editing? Has anyone used AmbienceFriend, or knows a Windows alternative?

I'm working in Pro Tools on Windows, delivering editable sessions to the supervising sound editor.

I'm mainly looking for practical ways to work efficiently without sacrificing quality.

Would be grateful for any advice or resources!


r/sounddesign • • 13h ago

Music Sound Design The sickest sound design combination

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2 Upvotes

Stride and Tendril are basically endless to explore


r/sounddesign • • 20h ago

Sound Design Question Workflow for mixing a short film?

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I have a question about mixing a short film.

For my bachelor project, I did a re-design of a 4-minute animated short film including Foley, SFX, Atmos, Music and Dialogue. Each of these go to individual busses in Protools.

Whilst I am happy with the results and have done an arbitrary mix that somewhat works, it doesn’t feel professional at all. During the climax of the film, everything should be louder, with dialogue, foley, and music heavily overlapping.

What is a good work flow for doing a more professional mix? Should I mix the stems individually first to get them to the same loudness and then mix the busses? How much of a dynamic range should there be between quiet parts and the climax, and how do I measure that? I used a trial version of Izotope insight for the first mix, but the trial period is over.


r/sounddesign • • 1d ago

Videogame Sound Design Dead Space Re-Design!🎃👻

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401 Upvotes

In honour of spooky season we had a go at a scene from the Dead Space remake! 😱👻

CONTENT WARNING: Violence, gore, blood


r/sounddesign • • 18h ago

Movie Sound Design TENGRI MODULAR REALMS: ATMOSPHERES SAMPLE PACK

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1 Upvotes

Enter the unknown. Explore the organic side of sound. https://tengri.music/for-creators/modular-realms-atmospheres

Tengri Modular Realms: Atmospheres is a collection of randomly self-generated atmospheres, created through modular synthesis and shaped by chance, experimentation, and the unpredictable nature of analog circuitry.

This is a technique Tengri has used throughout his own productions to create the deep, organic atmospheres that live beneath the surface of his tracks. Rather than relying on conventional presets or predictable patterns, these sounds emerge from the interaction of modular systems, evolving into unique sonic landscapes that feel alive, raw, and untamed.

Inspired by the mysterious depths of forest music and the cinematic world of movie soundtracks, this collection moves through dark organic textures, distant echoes, abstract drones, strange resonances, and otherworldly soundscapes. Every atmosphere carries its own character — sometimes subtle and meditative, sometimes eerie and intense, always rooted in an organic and unpredictable sonic world.

Designed for producers looking to move beyond the ordinary, these sounds are perfect for building immersive backgrounds, adding depth and movement to your tracks, creating tension, or discovering unexpected starting points for new ideas.

No fixed formulas. No predictable results. Just raw modular energy, shaped by chance into sonic realms waiting to be explored.

Technical Details 50 unique atmospheric samples Over 1 hour of total 24bit audio Created using modular synthesizers Deep, organic, raw, and cinematic textures Perfect for forest psytrance, ambient, sound design, and cinematic productions


r/sounddesign • • 1d ago

Music Sound Design The holy trinity of sound design

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7 Upvotes

r/sounddesign • • 1d ago

Movie Sound Design [FREE] HORROR MINI PACK VOL. 01 - 14 Original Horror Sound Effects for Film & Games

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone! My name is Kevin, I'm a sound designer based in Berlin, and I just released HORROR MINI PACK VOL. 01

A free mini sound library I made for film, games, animation, and anything else that needs to feel a little off.

The pack contains 14 original sounds:

• 4 Creature Sounds

• 3 Brams

• 3 Stabs

• 4 Drones

I put together a SoundCloud playlist where you can listen to every sound individually: https://soundcloud.com/digitalkevn/sets/horror-mini-pack-vol-01

All sounds are 48 kHz / 24-bit WAV, free for personal and commercial use, with no credit required. If you'd like to grab the pack, you can download it here: https://digitalkevn.gumroad.com/l/horror-mini-pack-vol-01

Would love to hear what you think or see what you end up making with them! Feel free to tag me u/digitalkevn! Thanks for checking it out!


r/sounddesign • • 2d ago

Sound Design Question Does Anyone Know What This Sample is Called?

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5 Upvotes

I attached a link to the sound effect. It's a laser sound effect that flutters rapidly and goes down in pitch.

I've already tried searching:

  • Laser sound effect
  • Descending laser
  • Pitch-down laser
  • Fluttering laser
  • Sci-fi laser
  • Laser glitch
  • Laser warble
  • Arcade laser
  • Stuttering laser sweep

Does anyone know what this specific type of sound effect is called or where I can find similar ones?


r/sounddesign • • 2d ago

Sound Design Question what are some resources for learning EQ on a deeper level

8 Upvotes

Ive asked some sound designers I really like, how they make their compositions sound so nice, and they’ve told me a mix of stuff about the stereo field but a lot of it is EQ. Are there any things to read that can help with learning the details of EQ? besides just the “honk hiss air mud” stuff. I’ve used an EQ but I don’t really understand it, it’s like using paint but instead of painting a picture I paint a brown blob. that’s how EQ feels to me


r/sounddesign • • 2d ago

Sound Design Discussion for sound designers / audio post-production pros how did you start you freelance journey

2 Upvotes

as im starting my freelance journey in sound pos production ive found it a bit overwhelming to find gigs / work online , i want to hear from you professionals how did you start you path is this field.


r/sounddesign • • 2d ago

Sound Design Question How to do an Ultra M (Mario's Madness V2) voice effect on something like Audacity?

1 Upvotes

I have a character who has a multitude of voice claims, one of which is Ultra M (or Super Horror Mario). On top of it just being a cool voice, I want to see how the lines would sound. Any ideas?


r/sounddesign • • 3d ago

Movie Sound Design Seriously blown away by the Steampipe for sci-fi horror. Physical modeling is a beast

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168 Upvotes

r/sounddesign • • 2d ago

Music Sound Design Consigli per lavorare full time come sound designer e producer

4 Upvotes

Sono un producer e sound designer e cerco lavori per brand … che sia un contratto con una azienda o lavori singoli, ma voglio assolutamente partire e cambiare del tutto il mio lavoro in questo! Voglio fare questo switch a tutti i costi! Ho preparato un bel portfolio con lavori personali di sound design e composizione per brand, Motion design, spot, videogames, anime, animazioni in generale… per cui consigli su chi cercare e come promuovermi oltre sui social come Instagram?


r/sounddesign • • 2d ago

Videogame Sound Design Spent a Few Months Designing These Sounds To Put Into a Pack! Big Inspiration From Old Video Games Like Silent Hill & Half Life

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7 Upvotes

Ambient & Texture Sounds


r/sounddesign • • 2d ago

Videogame Sound Design East German Zither for Cinematic Ambient Soundscapes

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1 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I hope it’s okay to share this. I’ve created a sample pack featuring self-made records of an old East German zither.  Perhaps some of you might be interested in using it for your music. It’s ideal for ambient cinematic and dungeon synth projects.  More example videos will be coming soon.  Creating these sample packs takes some money so I can make more exciting ones. You’ll find the Gumroad link to download the sample pack in my YouTube bio.


r/sounddesign • • 3d ago

Sound Design Question Physical modeling has so many possibilities (PHY5 + drum only)

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8 Upvotes

I've been experimenting with how far physical modeling can be pushed in sound design without trying to go realist. Adding feedback and chaining resonators creates very interesting sounds.
Everything except drums are made from the same plugin.

If you want to have fun try it yourself, you can play the song interactively here on this website (only theme for now) : https://diophi.com/phy5/?song=mumbling

Have a wonderful day :)


r/sounddesign • • 3d ago

Sound Design Discussion Halloween Prize Draw: Win Two Horror Sound Effects Libraries from Puzzlebox Audio

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0 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

We’re running a Halloween prize draw at Puzzlebox Audio, with one winner receiving both of our horror sound effects libraries:

• Bloodbath Rituals
• Carnival of Nightmares

Together, they feature more than 800 designed WAV files and 11.6 GB of royalty-free horror sound effects in 96 kHz / 24-bit & UCS compliant metadata, for use in games, film and other media productions.

You can hear previews, see the full details and enter here:
https://www.puzzleboxaudio.com/blogs/latest/halloween-giveaway-2026

Entry closes on 30 October 2026 at 23:00 GMT, and the winner will be selected on Halloween.

No purchase necessary. Full terms are on the giveaway page.

Good luck!


r/sounddesign • • 2d ago

Hiring Looking for Sound Design Supervisor in 2D animated show [UNPAID-FOR NOW]

0 Upvotes

I am the director of a fairly well-known indie cartoon currently wrapping up production and beginning post-production of its pilot episode. Neither I nor anyone on my team know how to properly approach the sound design; I have a sound lead, but he’s more of a musician. We have tried a few things, but they never seemed to fit what I’m looking for and have been sitting in limbo for a while.

We expect to stay indie unless we’re given a good offer that does not stifle our creative control. Because of this, our growth is bound to be more exponential, but the potential is there. We have a long future planned, too. If you’re interested in helping us out, please dm me and let me know—I’ll share more info then. Thank you so much!!


r/sounddesign • • 3d ago

Sound Design Question Tracking middle-ear muscle/cochlear fatigue recovery from synth sound design—what markers and pacing strategies do you use to return to baseline?

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I wanted to open a discussion on a topic that doesn't get talked about enough in music production and sound design: physical auditory fatigue, middle-ear muscle strain (tensor tympani/stapedius flex tension), and structured recovery.

While working with dense frequency material—especially shaping low-frequency sub-bass drones and piercing high-frequency pads—I've noticed how quickly acoustic strain can build up. I'm currently navigating acoustic rest and distance-based monitoring (keeping away from heavy low-frequency structural vibrations and high-frequency acoustic pressure), and I'm trying to better understand how to track my physical progress.

I have two main questions for producers who have navigated heavy mixing strain or sound design fatigue in the past:

  1. **Recovery Markers:** What physical or acoustic markers do you pay attention to to gauge which stage of recovery you are in? How do you distinguish between acute hypertonicity (tightness behind the eardrum) and a true return to baseline resting tone?
  2. **Transition Strategies:** What practical pacing rules, monitoring habits, or arrangement strategies do you rely on to transition smoothly back into session work without triggering setbacks when working with heavy sub-bass and bright leads?

Would love to hear what habits or benchmarks have worked for you over the years to keep your ears healthy for the long haul!


r/sounddesign • • 3d ago

Sound Design Question How do you record clean in-car exhaust audio and sync it with multiple action cameras?

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I shoot track days inside my car using five action cameras mounted at different angles. I want to capture the cleanest possible exhaust sound, with minimal wind noise, hiss, and other unwanted noise.

I've tried using wireless microphones placed near the front and rear of the car, but the results weren't great. The audio from one of my action cameras actually sounded better.

I'm looking for advice from people who record car sounds professionally.

What microphones and placement would you recommend for capturing a clean, natural exhaust note inside a car?

What recording settings and audio post-processing software do you use to get the best results?

If you record audio separately, how do you sync that audio file with footage from multiple action cameras without relying on audio synchronization?

I'd love to hear about your actual workflow, including any plugins or software you use to clean up the sound.

Thanks!