Helpful Links
Helpful audio links for beginning sound designers to build a sound library, buy high-quality equipment, find jobs, and learn more about the industry.
Recommended Free Sound Libraries
- https://sonniss.com/gameaudiogdc
- https://www.andrewvscott.com/Building-A-Large-SFX-Library-for-Free
- https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UEY8T8ClI2XHDnALzWf_x4MZGKoHPNYHlf2CqStSGWQ/edit#gid=419359356
- https://www.zapsplat.com/
- https://sonniss.com/sound-effects/free-download-game-audio/
- http://freetousesounds.com/
- https://www.asoundeffect.com/ambisonic-sound-effects-giveaway/
- https://www.shapingwaves.com/downloads/free-sampler/
- http://soundbible.com/
- http://www.xeno-canto.org/
- https://www.macaulaylibrary.org/
- http://trekcore.com/audio/
- http://www.workwithsounds.eu/
- https://therecordist.com/free-crazy-sounds/
- https://www.world-sounds.org/
- https://lo-fields.blogspot.com.es/
- https://blipsounds.com/community-library/
- https://www.adobe.com/products/audition/offers/AdobeAuditionDLCSFX.html
- https://www.boomlibrary.com/blog/category/free/
Recommended Professional Sound Libraries
- https://pole.se/shop/
- https://www.shapingwaves.com/
- https://quietplanet.com
- https://thomasrexbeverly.com/
- https://www.sound-ideas.com/
UCS - Universal Category System
The Sound Design community has created a system to try to standardize sound effect naming conventions.
- https://universalcategorysystem.com/
- Latest list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1b2UhKpcOAE-jd1edOsxCJALqttyL761h/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=112999643290119414128&rtpof=true&sd=true
Free Sound Effect Search Programs
- SoundQ - https://www.prosoundeffects.com/soundq/
- ADSR Sample Manager - https://www.adsrsounds.com/product/software/adsr-sample-manager/
- Resonic - https://resonic.at/home
- Audio Finder (OSX) - http://www.icedaudio.com/site/
- SampleSort - https://www.jamsoft.co.uk/samplesort/
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MetaDigger - https://www.sound-ideas.com/Page/meta...
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Mutant - http://sonicwire.com/mutant?lang=en
-
SearchEverything - https://www.voidtools.com/
- Snapper (OSX) - https://www.audioease.com/snapper/
- Everything - https://www.voidtools.com/
http://www.creativefieldrecording.com/2017/08/16/metadata-app-roundup-updated/
Pro (Paid) Sound Effect Search Programs
-
SoundMiner - http://store.soundminer.com/
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BaseHead - http://www.baseheadinc.com/
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Soundly - http://www.getsoundly.com/
- Cosmos - https://www.waves.com/plugins/cosmos-sample-finder#introducing-cosmos-sample-finder
- Synonym - https://www.sononym.net/
Figuring out project/hourly rates:
- https://www.gamesoundcon.com/game-audio-survey-2017
- https://www.editorsguild.com/Wages-and-Contracts
- http://blog.creativelive.com/how-to-calculate-freelance-hourly-rate-infographic/
Cool Free Plugins
- http://sonic.supermaailma.net/plugins
- http://www.tokyodawn.net/proximity/
- http://www.pro-tools-expert.com/home-page/2015/6/5/pt-prefs-helper-updated-again-now-v1610
Royalty-Free Music
- http://betterwithmusic.com/
- https://incompetech.com/
- http://freemusicarchive.org/
- https://www.hooksounds.com/
- http://audionautix.com/
- https://www.bensound.com
Ear Training Games
- https://theproaudiofiles.com/quiztones/
- http://plasticity.szynalski.com/
- http://www.szynalski.com/tone-generator/
- https://www.mediacollege.com/media-guru/audio/frequency-trainer.html
- https://www.soundgym.co/
Recommended Inexpensive Headphones
- AKG K240 - https://www.amazon.com/AKG-K240STUDIO-Semi-Open-Professional-Headphones/dp/B0001ARCFA
- Sony MDR 7506 - https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E/
- Sony MDR 7510 - https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-7510-Professional-Studio-Headphones/dp/B00EMAJ17C/
- Sennheiser HD280 Pro - https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD280PRO-Headphone-new-model/dp/B00IT0IHOY
Recommended Expensive Headphones
- Massdrop HD6XX - https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennheiser-hd6xx
- Sennheiser HD 650 - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HD650--sennheiser-hd-650-open-back-audiophile-and-reference-headphones
- Beyerdynamic DT 1990 - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DT1990Pro--beyerdynamic-dt-1990-pro-open-back-studio-reference-headphones
Recommended Inexpensive Audio Interface
- Audient iD4 - https://www.amazon.com/Audient-2-out-Performance-Audio-Interface/dp/B0107YJU8Q
- Audient iD14 - https://www.amazon.com/Audient-iD14-Performance-Audio-Interface/dp/B00UALWPCA
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 - https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B07QR73T66
Recommended Inexpensive Vocal Microphones
- Audio-Technica AT4033
- Shure SM7B
- Sontronics STC-2
- Lauten Audio LA-220
- sE Electronics sE2200
- Warm Audio WA-87
Recommended Expensive Vocal Microphones
- Slate Digital VMS ML-1 - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VMSML1--slate-digital-vms-ml-1-large-diaphragm-modeling-microphone-matte-black
- Neumann TLM 103 - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TLM103--neumann-tlm-103-large-diaphragm-condenser-microphone-nickel
- Neumann U87 - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/U87SetZ--neumann-u-87-ai-set-large-diaphragm-condenser-microphone-nickel
- Warm Audio WA-8000 - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/WA8000--warm-audio-wa-8000-large-diaphragm-tube-condenser-microphone
- Sony C800 - https://www.sweetwater.com//store/detail/C800G--sony-c-800g-large-diaphragm-condenser-microphone
Recommended Expensive Pro Studio Monitor Speakers
You have to get minimum of 6 inch speakers so it can reproduce all frequencies.
- JBL 708 - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR708P--jbl-708p-7-series-8-inch-powered-studio-monitor
- Meyer Sound Amie - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Amie-meyer-sound-amie-6.5-inch-powered-studio-monitor
- Genelec S360 - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/S360--genelec-s360-sam-10-inch-2-way-powered-studio-monitor
- Adam A77H - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/A77H--adam-audio-a77h-7-inch-powered-studio-monitor
Switcher Box
- SPL Switcher Box 2489 or something similar
Microphone Shootouts
- https://www.audiotestkitchen.com/
- http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/right_mic_brockett.html
- https://tomantosfilms.com/11722/shotgun-mics2016/
- https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19d-Mb1jJxWdtQUwTXhVjUGpZEG1ilzInindPHLYiSCk/edit?usp=sharing
Some good audio job aggregators / search engines:
- https://gamejobhunter.com/
- https://devbrada.com/jobs/
- https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Sm8Idhs7kYA7mXGGHMEHM-HGEQJ_mZe7ii_9YAkgGII/edit?usp=sharing
- https://www.upwork.com/
- http://www.ani-jobs.com/
- https://doc.clickup.com/24539925/d/h/qcwrn-182/b279f790a068966
- https://www.musiccareers.co/jobs
Other Helpful Sound Lists
- https://www.reddit.com/r/GameAudio/comments/xagj2w/gameaudio_september_2022_game_sound_blog_and/
- https://www.asoundeffect.com/gameaudio/
- https://www.asoundeffect.com/sounddesign/
- https://www.asoundeffect.com/filmsound/
Orchestral Audio Libraries
- Performance Samples Vista Strings
- Spitfire BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover (free)
- 8Dio - Adagio Violins 2.0
- Arturia Augmented STRINGS Intro
- Impact Soundworks - Tokyo Scoring Strings
- Metropolis Ark, Orch Tools
- Berlin Woodwinds
- Berlin Percussions
- ProjectSAM Swing More!
- ProjectSAM Symphobia 1
- Atelier Series - Sasaki Trumpet
- RealiTone Screaming Trumpet
- Broadway LITEs by Fable Sounds
- Drums - Strikeforce Cinematic Percussion
- Drums - Stormdrum 2 and 3
- Cinesamples - Cineperc
- Vienna Symphonic Library - HARP GLISSANDOS
- Vienna Symphonic Library - Flutes
- Vienna Symphonic Library - Woodwinds
Useful Plugins
- Sound Toys 5
- Oeksound Soothe 2
- Tape Piano plugin
- XLN Audio’s XO
- Wavesfactory Trackspacer
- Youlean Loudness Meter (free)
- Master Fader plugins - 1. FabFilter EQ, 2. Softube saturation, 3. Slate FG-X mastering plug, 4. Waves WLM+ LUFS meter
- Master Fader plugins - Ozone 5, Softube Console 1 (the SSL channel strip), Oxford Inflator, Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, UAD SSL G Bus Compressor, Manley Massive Passive, Elosis AirEQ. Don't use all of the plugins all of the time.
- Inspirata Reverb
Podcasts
- https://www.20k.org/archive
- http://brightblack.co/playmakers
- https://indiegameaudio.podbean.com/
- http://www.gameaudiopodcast.com/
- https://www.workingclassaudio.com/
Sound Design Advice Columns
- Mark Kilborn's 2024 Advice - https://docs.google.com/document/d/18qppYJaVZ1p-yc2dCZ2q7qYhNWh9F2jhLdgeDwzkqUA/edit?usp=sharing
- Game Audio Bible - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sAd8xOdngsdLJqKfcOnyL8xRhPi3Uitys6fEXU9O2X0/edit?usp=sharing
- Game Audio FAQ - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bE_xuSedxHWBpF9cE7C8hGNWdXjOFdiWXtFGYbqP_30/edit?usp=sharing
- Game Audio Learning Links - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fcuhGEesLC_PWCwY3dIwLgF774sKswOwIcZECWiH7Xo/edit?usp=sharing
- https://www.rare.co.uk/news/rare-life-sound-designer
Recommended Acoustic Treatments
- Music City Acoustics - https://www.musiccityacoustics.com/
- GIK Acoustics - https://www.gikacoustics.com/
- ATS Acoustics - https://www.atsacoustics.com/panels
Good Demo Reels:
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL17-p74MQ_0T1SfrMWhjHVYCishxUEz_U
- https://vimeo.com/259100810
Procedural Music Info:
Sound Conferences
Sound Societies
- https://www.mpse.org/
- https://cinemaaudiosociety.org/
- https://aes2.org/
- https://pocinaudio.com/
- https://guildford.games/gford-game-audio
Good Post Programs
VR/AR Info
List of USA Game Companies
- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H34_z043mJrLahXw7fCgwf5w4ZWyrB2GBE9XAXufjmQ/preview
- https://www.gamedevmap.com/
Good Recruiter Companies
- creativepersonnel.co.uk
- https://datascope.co.uk/
- amiqus.com
- https://www.conkerberry.com.au/
- https://vitamintalent.com
- http://www.yoh.com/get-hired
- http://careertipster.com/careerdev/how-to-break-into-the-game-industry-advice-from-an-expert-recruiter/
Job Applying Tips
- EA Recruiters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4xBIz7AwdA
- https://gameaudiopost.blogspot.com/2022/04/getting-into-game-audio.html
- https://recruiterhunt.com/
And check out these websites
- https://www.boomboxpost.com/blog
- https://blog.frame.io/
- https://www.gamesoundcon.com/single-post/2016/08/17/Game-Audio-Industry-Survey-2016
- https://www.gamesoundcon.com/single-post/2017/10/02/GameSoundCon-Game-Audio-Industry-Survey-2017
- http://www.mixonline.com
- http://soundworkscollection.com/videos/the-sound-of-monsters-university
- https://www.boomboxpost.com/blog/2018/3/12/a-killer-file-organization-system-that-saves-you-time-money-and-your-sanity
- https://musicophobia.com/
Good Media Newsletters
- https://sonicscoop.com/
- http://theaudiospotlight.com/
- http://gaminginsiders.com/
- http://www.pro-tools-expert.com/
- http://www.audiomediainternational.com
- http://www.etcentric.org/
- https://www.alphagamma.eu/
Good Audio Talks
-
Game Audio: https://youtu.be/Adp-k52ocEY
- Foley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqWwd7mWtCw
-
Immersive VR audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQHkmysYnes
- Walter Murch Sound Design: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ICn5-jG6w4
- Audio Freelance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqBLPIcpZZU
- https://www.fauxfictionaudio.com
- http://www.silverbrin.com/aaablog/2016/12/30/shifting-perspective
- https://frost.ics.uci.edu/ics62/BasicsofSoundDesignforVideoGames-MichaelCullen.pdf
Audio Workflows
- https://www.asoundeffect.com/defining-your-creative-goals-with-audio-storyboards/
- https://www.asoundeffect.com/f1-22-game-audio/
- https://www.asoundeffect.com/reaper-for-game-audio-project-scopes-subprojects/
- https://splice.com/blog/audio-soundscape-for-video-games/
- https://splice.com/blog/dynamic-game-audio-mix/
- https://wesoundeffects.com/the-art-of-field-recording-how-to-prepare-a-recording-session/
- https://blog.audiokinetic.com/the-sound-of-the-outer-worlds-part-1/
- https://www.eidosmontreal.com/news/implementing-spatial-music-in-video-games-with-rob-bridgett/
- Riot Games - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU1gXVfv3zU&list=PL42m9XiTqPHKW90-FbYEgmPx-irXKOeBf&index=1
- https://sonicminds.dk/the-bridge-between-game-audio-and-audio-branding-part-1/
- https://www.asoundeffect.com/disney-theme-park-sound/
Good Audio Groups
- http://www.soundgirls.org/
-
http://designingsound.org/2017/02/worldwide-game-audio-groups/
- http://www.aes.org/
- http://cinemaaudiosociety.org/
- https://www.asoundeffect.com/game-audio-community-groups/
Good Audio Blogs
- http://designingsound.org/
- http://www.proaudiogirl.com/articles/
- http://www.designingmusicnow.com/
- https://www.behindtheglass.uk/
Studio Construction Info
Audio Equipment Advice
Finished Pro Tools Session Screenshots
Audiobook Info
Pure Data and Python
Good Videos about Audio Creation
Other Cool Stuff
- https://a16z.com/advice-and-how-to/
- https://unsplash.com/
- http://www.rodetest.com
- flaticon.com
- http://www.infinitemachine.com/homepage/archives/3690
- https://www.20k.org/episodes/the-bleeps-the-sweeps-and-the-creeps
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcsv8meqNYM
- http://www.publicspace.net/ABetterFinderRename/
Sound Designers Portfolios
- http://www.soundslikejackie.com/
- https://sierasinclair.myportfolio.com/
- https://youtu.be/qTHbxLnt6w4
- http://mirelladiez.com/
Sound Designer Sample Resumes
Fun Stuff
Audio Book
- https://toddwinkler.art/composing-interactive-music
- https://www.routledge.com/Finding-Your-Career-in-the-Modern-Audio-Industry/Tucker/p/book/9780367505554
Financial Advice