r/sounddesign • • Sep 14 '26

Sound Design Discussion SDC #1

8 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

90 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 • • 9h ago

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

55 Upvotes

r/sounddesign • • 14h ago

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

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6 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 • • 5h 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 • • 6h ago

Sound Design Question Is there a noise synth vst like this?

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1 Upvotes

Is there a noise synth vst that can be controlled similar to this??


r/sounddesign • • 17h 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?

6 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 • • 18h ago

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

4 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!


r/sounddesign • • 1d ago

Movie Sound Design Looking for a sound designer to collaborate on my 3D animation!

23 Upvotes

Looking for a sound designer to collaborate on my 3D animation!

Hey everyone! I'm a 3D animation student, and I recently finished this short animation. I'm really happy with how it turned out, but I feel like adding some sound effects and background audio would make it much more engaging.

Unfortunately, I can't afford to hire a sound designer right now, so I was wondering if anyone who's learning sound design, music production, or audio editing would be interested in collaborating on it!

I'd be happy to credit you and feature your name and links in the final video. You'd also be welcome to use the finished piece in your portfolio or showreel.

I'm open to creative ideas, whether it's a full sound design pass or just a few sound effects to bring the animation to life.

If you're interested, feel free to leave a comment or send me a DM! I'd love to work together and help each other grow as artists.

And last, no pressure at all! If it's not something you're interested in, that's completely fine. I just thought it could be a fun opportunity for two artists to create something together.

Thanks for reading! :)


r/sounddesign • • 1d ago

Feedback I need a second pair of ears: Drop your brutal feedback below - Don't hold back!

3 Upvotes

https://soundcloud.com/alberto-180064102/alberto-whatever-this-is?si=19c51e7a90ef496b82f236b463600d14&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Hey guys,

Alberto here!

19 yo producer based in Sweden here. Just finished up a brand new project and I’m looking for some fresh perspectives before I take it any further.

I’d love to hear from both everyday listeners and fellow producers.

Let me know what kind of vibe you get from the track, how the overall energy feels, and if the main melody actually stays in your head. For anyone with an ear for the technical side, I’d also appreciate your thoughts on the mixdown and if there is anything you would change or tweak in the arrangement.

I really want to grow and improve as a producer, so I’m looking for your brutallist and most honest feedback. Don't hold back!

Thanks for taking the time to listen.


r/sounddesign • • 1d ago

Sound Design Question can 2 sounds with the exact same spectrogram sound different?

1 Upvotes

just wondering because im trying to recreate sounds using the spectrogram and i dont really want to waste time if 2 sounds can sound different with the same spectrogram


r/sounddesign • • 1d ago

Sound Design Question Looking for a high-quality sound effect library (underwater sounds)

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for underwater sounds for a game. I'm aware of boom and Hiss and Roar, but I have trouble to really find underwater sounds.

Do you have libraries, creators or pack to recommend? I'm fine with free and paid packs.


r/sounddesign • • 1d ago

Sound Design Discussion Colin Stetson - Score to Screen with Colin Stetson (Color Out of Space)

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1 Upvotes

r/sounddesign • • 2d ago

Sound Design Question Cool project i did music and Sounddesign for

41 Upvotes

Hey guys,

Did Sounddesign and music for this spec commercial.

What do you think, what could I improve in the future?

Animation was done by Luis Cuevas (Instagram:
by.luiscue) check him out!


r/sounddesign • • 2d ago

Sound Design Question My first attempt at sound designing

16 Upvotes

Guys this is my first time doing sound design, im trying to learn more and more about this world, i study music, cinema and audiovisual so i js started practicing. I'm mainly looking for tips to improve.

or possibly some indie director looking for someone to work together without spending a dollar :)

PLEASE LET ME KNOW!


r/sounddesign • • 2d ago

Videogame Sound Design Celebrating Kilohearts Game Audio week: Free engine synthesis tutorial + 50% off Revvolution (Phase Plant engine synthesis suite)

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15 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

Kilohearts (not affiliated) just kicked off their Game Audio Week! To celebrate, Revvolution, my engine synthesis suite for Phase Plant, is 50% off for the remainder of the week. Aside from 18 pre-made engines (including mic position simulation) and convolution tones, it also features a comprehensive guide on engine synthesis in and on itself.

If you're not interested in Revvolution but would still learn about vehicle engine synthesis, I put together a free 20min crash course from start to finish! :)

Hope either of these will be of use (and delight) for some.

Cheers!


r/sounddesign • • 2d ago

Movie Sound Design first time tips

2 Upvotes

i’m making a short film for the first time and it looks like i’m gonna have to do a lot of post-production by myself. does anyone have any audio editing and mixing tips? what software should i use? what should be prioritized and what should be saved for last?


r/sounddesign • • 2d ago

Hiring Crew Call - Sound Designer

18 Upvotes

Hi all!

I’m looking for a sound designer to come onboard my short film.

It’s a short dark comedy, currently in post, and we’re looking for someone to handle the sound design. Pay is negotiable, but just to flag that this isn’t a big-budget project, so completely understand if that isn’t for you.

If you’re interested, please DM me with your portfolio/reel and your rate, and I can send over more information about the film and what we’re looking for.
Thanks!


r/sounddesign • • 2d ago

Sound Design Discussion Halloween Sucks!

1 Upvotes

HorrorSound’s Halloween deals are here, with special prices on bundles and individual releases.

Load up your sound arsenal with cinematic horror sound libraries packed with tension, dissonance, and unsettling textures, now at a special price!

CAPSULE Bundle  - $69
7 sound packs | 2,600+ sounds | 10 GB of audio 
Morphing horns, e-bow resonances, impacts, stutters, fractured hits, and abstract textures, organized for fast, flexible scoring.

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9 sound packs | 2,200+ sounds | 8 GB of audio
Built from organic sources, featuring vibrating strings, degraded pianos, metallic resonances, deep lows, eerie voices, and raw textures.

Plus, enjoy 30% OFF the Abyss Bundle, Strings Bundle, and all individual releases!

Use code HALLOWEEN26 at checkout to unlock your discounts.

Offer ends October 31!

https://www.horrorsound.org/


r/sounddesign • • 3d ago

Feedback [The Eminence In Shadow] I am Atomic Sound Redesign

0 Upvotes

there's my improved version of that scene alone.


r/sounddesign • • 4d ago

Hiring Still looking for a sound designer for a queer audio drama (paid, remote

29 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

First-time audio drama producer here, back with an update. I'm moving into production on my debut series, Molly & Her Fantasies: eight episodes, narrator-driven, a queer love story about two men who meet at a music festival. The script is done and the cast is coming together.

If you've already reached out, thank you. Please note you'll get a message from me shortly.

I'm still looking for a sound designer. A quick content note: it's a mature story with drug use, sexual content, and intimate scenes, and the sound is a big part of how those moments are told.

What the role is: the music is already handled through a licensed catalog, so no composing. The job is placing music so it serves the story, shaping it around the dialogue, and building the sound world between the music moments. I'll give you an emotional direction for each scene and trust you to find the sound.

For a sense of what I'm after: the club and music-led energy of Blade II, the subjective sound of Black Swan, and the quiet, aching restraint of Moonlight.

It's paid and fully remote. If you're interested, send me a DM with a few samples and a bit about your background. I'm happy to share two episodes and a rough narration track so you can see the work before we talk rates.

Thanks for reading.


r/sounddesign • • 4d ago

Hiring Looking for someone who can sound design my 56 second sci-fi personal game concept video. It's a Stellaris related thing. So if you know and like that game it's a big plus. [paid]

16 Upvotes

I'm happy to pay you for it too, but it's non-commercial and i am just a guy. So i was thinking 100 bucks. feel free to DM me for details


r/sounddesign • • 5d ago

Music Sound Design My webcam turned out to be the best MIDI controller I own

437 Upvotes

About 7 months ago I saw those videos where people wave their hands at a camera and the music reacts, all of them built in TouchDesigner. Then I opened TD, stared at the node graph for a while, and closed it.

So, being a C++ dev, I did the obviously more reasonable thing and spent months writing a plugin that does it inside Ableton instead. It tracks your hand through the PC webcam, and you can use it in two ways: play MIDI notes or map it to any effect parameter in any DAW.

Honestly, I started making this plugin for myself, but then decided I could publish it as Hand Link, there’s a free demo version and a full version right now..

So I’m curious, would something like this actually be interesting or useful? or you treat it more as tool for fun?


r/sounddesign • • 4d ago

Music Sound Design Make music sound like a specific pair of headphones?

1 Upvotes

I have a pair of Koss Porta Pros with the YAXI pads that I absolutely adore the sound of, and have written a track to work with their specific character and sound. Does anyone know how to make a mix sound like it is being played on a certain pair of headphones? Is it as simple as putting the reverse of the frequency response graph into an EQ? How do I get the right audio quality (or lack thereof)? Any tips (including "dont do this. why are you doing this?") are appreciated!


r/sounddesign • • 5d ago

Feedback Animation Redesign 2

3 Upvotes

Second go at learning sound design for an animation I am working on by redesigning the sound from animation scenes I like.

On my first post I received feedback about not having soundscape and there being a lot of empty space. So for this I picked a shorter clip and added a lot more sound . I also tried to align the "vibes" of the sound to the cyberpunk vibe of the animation.

Let me know what you think. Original clip in comments.