How to Create a Custom Car Engine Sound Using Synths

TL;DR

To create a car engine sound using synthesizers, start by shaping the low rumble with a primary oscillator, simulating acceleration with macro controls for pitch and gain, while adding noise for texture. Experiment with different oscillators, effects, and plugins to refine the sound, as trial and error is crucial for achieving a unique and powerful result.

Transcript

this sound was made entirely with two massive synthesizers and in this video i'm gonna show you exactly how i did it my name is etan and i'm a sound designer for motion pictures in this video i'll talk about how to create a car engine sound using nothing but synthesizers and plugin effects no recordings before we dive into it don't forget to click ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👂 Designing sounds from scratch helps develop creativity, imagination, and knowledge of tools and settings.
• 👂 Creating unique sounds sets your work apart and avoids relying on pre-existing sound libraries.
• 👂 Experimentation, trial and error, and trying different effects are essential in sound design.
• 💦 Designing sounds from scratch ensures your work remains fresh and avoids becoming repetitive over time.
• 🔉 Fast-evolving industries like gaming and media production require constant exploration of new sounds and techniques.
• 👻 Using macros and controls in synthesizers allows for easier and more comprehensive sound design.
• 👂 Adding additional oscillators and effects can make a sound more complex and realistic.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why should I try to design sounds that can be easily found on a sound effects library?

Designing sounds from scratch helps you step out of your comfort zone, develop creativity, and understand the tools and settings you use. It also allows you to create unique sounds that are not limited to pre-existing libraries.

Q: How can I create the rumbling sound of an engine using synthesizers?

Start by choosing a low key to simulate the rumbling sound. Use a macro control to increase the gain, pitch, and high frequencies when the macro control is moved up, simulating the accelerator pedal. Experiment with different settings and assign the macro control to the necessary parameters.

Q: How can I make a car engine sound more complex and dirty?

Use additional oscillators and experiment with different waveforms and effects. Try shaping the waveforms using techniques like stretching and squashing. Add clipping, feedback, and other distortion effects to make the sound more powerful and complex.

Q: How can I add noise to enhance the car engine sound?

Route the instrument tracks to an auxiliary or group track and add saturation, distortion, EQ, and compression to make the sound dirtier and more powerful. Use a plugin like the Steinberg Voice Designer or a vocoder to add noise on top of the original sound for a desired effect.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• In this video, the sound designer explains how to create a car engine sound using only synthesizers and plugin effects, without any recordings.

• The process involves trial and error, tweaking parameters, and trying different effects to achieve the desired sound.

• Designing sounds from scratch helps to develop imagination, creativity, and knowledge of tools, making sound design less repetitive and more effective in fast-evolving industries like gaming and media production.