SONIC DESIGN | TASK 1: EXERCISES
Sonic Design: Task 1
Loh Kai Xuan (0365780)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LECTURE
Week 1
We were given an introduction to Sonic Design and briefing on
our MIB. We were also shown examples of past senior
works.
Week 2
We were shown an example of how to use EQ parameter. And the
lecturer also demonstrated how to edit the parameters.
Week 3
We learnt more about EQ by using it for sound shaping. We
also learnt how to use reverb.
Week 4
We learnt about clip automation, attack, decay and
sustain.
Fig 1.1. Lecture Week 4
panning = Left and Right Stereo (white line)
Loudness/Volume = Yellow Line
Clip Automation: only affects the clip
Track Automation: affects the whole track, stays
even if clip is removed.
Week 5
We were given a lecture on basic editing in sound soft-wares.
1. layering
2. Time Stretching
stretch audio without changing pitch
3. Pitch Shifting
low pitch has more bass
4. Reversing
5. Mouth it!
this is not recommended to use for this module.
EX 1.
30/09/2025 We were given a set of files. 1 flat and 8 other
audio. We have to edit the EQ so all of it sounds the same as
flat.
Fig.1.1. Multitrack
We were told to wear headphones. And to play around with
the equalizer on the flat track.
Fig.1.2. Default EQ Parameter
Fig.1.3. EQ1 Parameter Window
Fig.1.4. EQ2 Parameter Window
Fig.1.5. EQ3 Parameter Window
Fig.1.6. EQ4 Parameter Window
Fig.1.7. EQ5 Parameter Window
Fig.1.8. EQ6 Parameter Window
Fig.1.9. Filter 1 Parameter
Window
Fig.1.10. Filter 2
Parameter Window
EX 2.
This time, we were also given a demonstration before being
tasked to do sound shaping with the downloaded audio.
We have to shape it into:
- Phone Call
- Closet
- Walkie Talkie
- Bathroom
- Indoor Stadium
- Airport
These are my edits:
Fig.2.1. Full window of all edits
Fig.2.2. Phone Call Shaping
Fig.2.3. Closet Shaping
Fig.2.4. Walkie Talkie Shaping
Fig.2.5. Bathroom Shaping
Fig.2.6. Stadium Shaping
Fig.2.7. Airport Shaping
EX 3.
We downloaded clip of a jet plane. After learning how to do
clip automation, we played around with the audio.
panning = Left and Right Stereo (white line)
Loudness/Volume = Yellow Line
Fig.3.1. clip automation
We also learned track automation, then we played around with it
as well.
Fig.3.2. Track Automation
Next, we used a sample voice from last week to practice
editing the audio to sound like the person is walking pass us
while talking. We also learned how to add EQ to the track
automation.
Fig.3.3. Person walking by
After that, we were tasked to try editting the audio in 1st
person POV. Where we will walk inside the cave and come back
out.
Fig.3.4. Person (1st POV) walking into and out of
cave
Fig.3.5. Environment 1 & 2
Environment 1
Fig.3.6. Environment 1
Identified Sounds
Main focus:
- Large tree experiment thing
- Gurgling Noises
- Water
- Machine humming
Left:
- Computers beeping
- Nature ambience from the skylight
- 2 guys talking
Right:
- More experiments (Smaller)
Background:
- Vents
- Static Noise
- Insect (cicadas maybe)
Process
I used freesound.org to find sound effects then
imported them in Audition. I used a fridge humming
for the large tube, and a person swallowing water
to make the huge water pipe gulp by lowering the
pitch. As well as bubble sounds for the water
tanks.
Fig.3.7. Environment 1 - Water Tank
I added reverb to parts like the pipe and people talking since it looks like large slightly empty place.
Fig.3.8. Environment 1 - Talking Reverb
I decided to add insects too since from the
skylight, it looks like the "lab" is in the woods.
Moreover I added beeping sounds of computers
from both left and right of the place.
Fig.3.9. Environment 1 - Final
Final Result :
Fig.3.10. Environment 1 - Result
Environment 2
Fig.3.11. Environment 2
Identified Sounds
Main focus:
- Laser
- Laser streaming
- Laser Impact
- Large Machinery
Left:
- Computers beeping
- Lights flickering
- Pipe
- Small Machine
Right:
- More Machine
- Pipes
Background:
- 2 more big machines
- Misc. Machines
- Stepping on water
- 2 Researchers talking
- 2 further away researchers
- Computer Beeping
- Vent
Process
I used freesound.org to find sound effects then imported
them in Audition.
It was difficult to find the exact audio for the laser so I instead used multiple audio to combine. As well as used panning to make it seem like the laser is shooting across the room before impact.
Fig.3.12. Environment 2 - laser
Fig.3.13. Environment 2 - machinery
Then, I layered several audio, like old fridges and factory machines to create the background ambience.
Lastly, I added footsteps and conversations of 2 people
walking pass + another 2 having a conversation standing
still.
Fig.3.14. Environment 2 - final
Final Result :
Fig.3.15. Environment 2 - Result
FEEDBACK
Week 2
Exercise 1 all good.
Week 3
Phone call can have more base. Walkie Talkie is too muffled,
can be louder.
Week 4
When going from left to right, the audio would be soft to loud then soft again.
REFLECTION
Week 2
As someone who is not familiar with sonic design, the first
exercise helped me identify the differences between different
tracks. I also learnt to use the Equalizer and what bass,
treble etc is.
Week 3
It was a really fun experience. It was a bit challenging
to sound shape something as how I imagined it to be. I had
to do many trial and errors to make it sound like how it
is in my head. Overall, I'm glad I found out how
eventually.
Week 4
This required a lot of thinking and analyzing. I was staring at the concept arts for so long thinking about what i would imagine hearing in those areas. I found the panning function very interesting as I did not know that's how audio can be split to left and right stereo. I feel like my environment ambience isn't very clean and hope to do better next time.
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