Turning unwanted noise into stunning sound design
For this pack, we set out to explore noise as understood by its standard definition. Though subjective, noise is commonly known as “unwanted or undesirable” sources of audio existing both in the environment and generated by electronic devices and synthesizers. These include hums, pops, crackles, hisses, roars, and other audio typically “tuned-out” by the human ear as the brain focuses on more “desirable” sounds, such as vocals and instrumentals.
Based on this definition, our sound engineers and producers went out to capture a variety of noise from the environment and analog synthesizers. Using a Zoom H6 with various microphones, they recorded the whirl of a ceiling fan, the hum of a refrigerator, the hiss of a shower, the song of a Yosemite Valley waterfall, and many more sounds to weave together the full spectrum of noise.
Back in the Splice Studio, they recorded noise created by analog synthesizers such as the Roland Juno 108, Moog DFAM and the Korg Minilogue. Analog synthesizers have noise generators that can be sculpted into drum kits, filter sweeps, and other desirable sounds. Finally, they recorded vinyl crackles and tape hiss to add dimension to tracks.
We hope this pack demonstrates to producers how the background noises our brain typically filters out can be used to add unique depth and creative sound to their productions. There’s no absolute or scientific difference between noise and sound, it’s all in the ear of the listener. We wanted to explore how we could take audio often perceived as unwanted and show that through manipulation, editing, and presentation, sound designers can make this material musical. By focusing on noises we typically ignore, our producers found themselves quickly picking up natural rhythms, harmonies, and interesting textures contained within.
The sounds in this pack are presented both raw and with sound design to showcase how they can be turned into music. Splice producer umru took the raw sounds recorded and used creative filter sweeps, EQ, compression, and more to sound design incredible loops and one-shots using this material.
We hope that these sounds add depth to your productions and that both new and experienced sound designers will experiment with taking the raw noise profiles provided and apply creative effects to craft their own unique sounds.
