SONIC DESIGN ✦ FINAL PROJECT ✦

 18.11.2024 -9.12.2024 (Week13-Week15)

liuziyu/0367533/Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media

SONIC DESIGN

Task: FINAL PROJECT 

INSTRUCTIONS

 

                         /  Game Audio Project Submission

FINAL PROJECT

Assignment Requirements：

The teacher asked us to choose one of the five game videos he gave us to dub. We couldn’t download it but had to dub it ourselves.

Audio list and storyboard

LINK：https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1btAAlZM4w8XrtctmkwcdH4IYB6rkbU3Mh61BqVRHSR8/edit?usp=sharing

Recording

I found some things at home and used them to test the sound and record some usable sounds.

Before I started editing the audio clips, I focused on noise reduction to improve the sound quality. Since all the sounds were recorded in an environment with white noise, cleaning up the audio was necessary.  

I used tools like denoising and noise reduction (processing) in Adobe Audition. These helped remove background noise while keeping the main sound clear. I also tried adaptive noise reduction, which made the process easier by adjusting to the noise levels automatically.  

I preferred using denoising because it kept the original texture of the sounds. This was important to me, as I wanted the audio to feel natural and fit the cozy mood of my project.  

By removing the unwanted noise first, I created a clean base for the rest of my editing, like layering and balancing the volume. This step made the final audio sound clearer and more professional.

Audio Processing

After recording and reducing noise, I started to process each audio to achieve the sound effect I wanted. For the sound of gold coins in the game, I referred to the sound of gold coins in other games. Although it is not exactly the same, I want to understand the sound effect of the game. For the sound of gold coins, I used the sound of a hanging bell, which is very similar to the one in the game, and I think it fits the effect of the game itself.

The first step was to gather the necessary sound materials. I utilized the websites recommended by my instructor to find high-quality audio clips. These included ambient sounds, character interactions, and environmental effects. While selecting the clips, I focused on ensuring they matched the visual tone of the game scene. For instance, I downloaded sounds of crackling fire, footsteps, and environmental ambiance, as these were key elements in the game setting.

After collecting the assets, I carefully listened to each one and categorized them based on their function in the scene. This allowed me to develop a clear plan for how to layer and synchronize the sounds with the visuals.

Before integrating the audio clips into the project, I applied noise reduction to enhance their clarity. Since some sounds were recorded in environments with white noise or other unwanted background sounds, this step was crucial. Using Adobe Audition, I employed several tools:

1. Noise Reduction (Process): This allowed me to isolate and remove background noise while preserving the natural texture of the audio.

2. Adaptive Noise Reduction: This feature simplified the cleaning process by automatically adjusting to varying noise levels in the clip.

3. Denoising: This was my primary method because it effectively retained the original quality and texture of the sounds.

By applying these techniques, I ensured that all the audio clips were clean and ready for further editing. The denoising process was particularly helpful in maintaining the authenticity of sounds like crackling fire and soft footsteps.

Once the noise was removed, I moved on to adjusting the frequency of each audio clip. This step was essential for balancing the sound and preventing any one element from overpowering the others. I used the parametric equalizer in Adobe Audition to fine-tune the frequency range. For example:

For low-frequency sounds like fire crackling, I enhanced the bass slightly to make the sound feel fuller.

For higher-pitched elements, such as environmental ambiance, I ensured that the treble was crisp but not overwhelming.

This step allowed me to achieve a balanced sound profile that complemented the visuals.

Dynamic processing was another crucial step in the editing process. I used compressors to even out the volume of the clips and ensure consistency throughout the scene. The settings I used were:

These settings helped bring out the details in quieter sounds while preventing louder elements from peaking. The result was a polished and professional audio track.

After cleaning and editing the audio, I imported the clips into Adobe Premiere Pro to synchronize them with the visuals. This step required careful attention to timing and detail. For example:

The sound of footsteps needed to align perfectly with the character's movements.

The crackling fire sound had to match the visual intensity of the flames.

Background ambiance was added to fill in the gaps and create a seamless auditory experience.

Once the synchronization was complete, I reviewed the entire scene to identify any areas that needed adjustment. I focused on transitions between sounds to ensure they were smooth and natural. For example:

I used fade-in and fade-out effects to blend overlapping audio clips.

I adjusted the volume levels of individual clips to maintain a consistent mix.

I also added subtle effects, such as reverb, to enhance the spatial quality of the sounds. This made the scene feel more immersive and realistic.

The final step was to export the project. I first exported the audio mix from Adobe Audition and then integrated it into the Premiere Pro timeline. From there, I exported the completed video with sound. The final product was a cohesive game scene with high-quality sound design that complemented the visuals effectively.

Final Game Audio

Reflection

In this project, I learned the importance of sound design in creating an immersive experience. The process of cleaning, editing, and synchronizing sounds taught me technical skills like noise reduction, frequency adjustments, and dynamic processing. These steps required precision and attention to detail, especially during synchronization, where even a slight mismatch could affect the realism of the scene.

One challenge I faced was maintaining the natural texture of the sounds while enhancing their clarity. Using tools like denoising and equalization helped me achieve a balance between authenticity and quality. Additionally, the feedback from my instructor guided me in improving the overall sound design and ensuring that all elements complemented the visuals effectively.

This project allowed me to better understand the creative and technical aspects of audio editing. It was rewarding to see how sound can transform a visual scene into a more engaging and emotional experience. Overall, it deepened my appreciation for sound design in media production.