Sonic Design/Final Project & E-portfolio

-SPETEMBER 26, 2024

1/12/2024 - 5/1/2024 (Week 09 – Week 14)

Wang YIfan / 0368363

Sonic Design / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylors University

Final Project: Game Audio 

INTRODUCTION

LECTURES 

Week 12

Film Sound Design

Starting from the Video Storyboard

• Includes visual effects, descriptions, music, sound effects, and audio descriptions.

Linear Production

• Determine when, what kind, and how loud/soft the sounds should be.
• A process designed for linear media.

Game Sound Design

Nonlinear Characteristics

• Games are nonlinear; sounds change based on the player’s state, choices, and actions.
• Anticipate potential scenarios.
• Visual effects can serve as a reference for the desired sound style.

Event (Triggers/Prompts) Mapping

1. Analyze the game flow and visual effects.
2. List all events that might need sound or affect the sound state, and categorize them.
3. Define sound or music references and concepts, ensuring clear guidance.

Production Steps
A. Research Phase

• Identify the direction of sound design.
  B. Production Phase
• Simulate mixing: create sound effects based on the video.

Sound Creation Techniques

• The same type of sound can be used in different parts by adjusting the pitch.
• Study the components of the sound.
• Experiment with various effects during editing.
• Try different variations during recording.

Sound Design Workflow

• Effect Generation > Pitch Adjustment > Final Optimization

Final Project: Game Audio

Task

For this project, our task is to select one of the five provided game videos and create original sound effects to synchronize with the video. Every interaction and background element visible in the video must have corresponding sounds. All sounds must be self-produced and cannot be sourced from elsewhere.

Gameplay Video

Fig 1.1 Chosen video - Child of Light Edited

Audio List

I identified all the audio assets that should be appeared in the 1-minute gameplay video. I categorized the sound effects for different characters and the items in the environment. 

Fig 1.2 Audio list

Audio Storyboard

From the audio list, I identified the presence of the particular sound effects based on the timeline. I applied color coding so that I could easily identify which sound effects should be appeared at which seconds. It also helped me to check if I missed out any sound effects when doing the audio syncing. 

Fig 1.3 Audio storyboard (Color coding)

Sound Recording

The tools I use are common items that we can find everywhere in our lives.

rice，white noise，wind，shoes，cup，plastic bag，drawer，knife，rod，rod handrail，foam cushion，water faucet，bean pocket，water，cloth，comb，coin.

Fig 2.1 cloth

Fig 2.2 plastic bag

Fig 2.3 shoes

Fig 2.4 comb

Fig 2.5 coin

Fig 2.6 water faucet

Fig 2.7 knife

Fig 2.8 wind

Fig 2.9 rice

Fig 2.10 cup

Fig 2.11 drawer

Fig 2.12 rod

Fig 2.13 rod handrail

Fig 2.14 foam cushion

Fig 2.15 water

Audio processing 

I use the Magnification Tool to fine-tune the details of the waveform.

Smooth transitions, apply a "fade in and fade out" effect

Fig 3.1 Waveform editing

Adjust the track's volume envelope (adjust the yellow line on the track).

Select Reverb and Delay in the Effects panel.

Fig 3.2 multitrack session

Select Noise and apply noise reduction.Extract noise samples and then apply noise reduction to the entire audio.

Fig 3.3 Spectrum Editor

I added reverb to make the sound sound more like in an empty room; I also adjusted the timbre using an equalizer to balance the sound volume and prevent it from being extremely quiet sometimes and suddenly louder sometimes.

Fig 3.4 effects stack

Fig 3.5 Time stretching and pitch shifting

I boosted the high frequencies (to make the sound brighter) and lowered the low frequencies (to reduce the dull buzz).

Fig 3.6 EQ (equalizer) adjustment

I adjusted the volume of each track and added balance between the left and right channels: making some sounds sound more three-dimensional.

Fig 3.7 multi-track mix

Fig 3.8 multi-track mix

I wrote down the entire detailed audio editing and processing log in the document below. Here I present some of the thinking behind the process.

Audio journal

Fig 4.1 Audio Editing and Manipulation Journal

Final Game Audio

Fig 5.1 Final Project 4 Game Audio

Final Project: link

REFLECTION

Experiences

The Sonic Design course provided a deep dive into crafting and applying sound for various media projects. Using tools like Adobe Audition allowed me to explore the technical aspects of audio editing, such as layering, mixing, and applying effects, while creating an audio storyboard enhanced my ability to organize and document the workflow. The practical approach of the course helped refine my technical and creative skills, as I navigated the challenges of balancing realism with creativity in sound design.

Observations
Throughout the course, I observed how essential preparation and organization are in sound production. The audio storyboard acted as a roadmap, ensuring that every sound element was purposeful and aligned with the project’s vision. I also noticed how minor adjustments, like tweaking reverb, delay, or equalization, could profoundly impact the mood and authenticity of a soundscape. Collaboration and constructive feedback from peers played a significant role in improving the final output, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives.

Findings
One key realization was how sound design can shape storytelling and enhance emotional engagement. Thoughtfully designed audio not only supports visuals but also conveys mood, setting, and character dynamics, creating a more immersive experience. Incorporating and fine-tuning sound effects like footsteps, ambient noise, and foley sounds added layers of realism and intrigue to the projects. I also learned that finding the right balance between precision and creativity is crucial for achieving impactful sound design outcomes.