Inside Anime Sound Design: Techniques, Tricks, and Subtle Brilliance

Introduction

Over the past three decades Japanese animation, commonly known as ‘anime’ has grown in great popularity beyond Asia, evolving into one of the most admired and influential forms of global entertainment.

While anime shares certain traits with Western animation, it also carries a distinct identity shaped by its cultural roots. This is heavily appreciated within its sound design, as over the years anime has developed a distinct sonic style that blends a mixture of expressive voice acting and evocative music, with stylized and sometimes exaggerated sound effects, all becoming elements that are now synonymous with the genre.

In this article, we’ll explore the signature characteristics that define anime’s sound design, give examples of famous anime sound design, and how you can begin to recreate these captivating sounds in your own projects.

Opt For Exaggerated & Stylized Sounds As Opposed To Realism

Anime often gravitates toward high concept worlds and imaginative themes, even in stories set within relatively grounded or conventional settings. There’s almost always an element of fantasy, melodrama, or heightened reality woven into the creative fabric.

This method of stylization extends across all aspects of production, and sound design is no exception. Rather than striving for realism, anime frequently prioritizes the aesthetic quality of a sound and the emotional response it evokes. Effects are often exaggerated, carrying a distinct, sometimes cartoon-like character that aligns with the tone and visual language of the scene.

Gunshots provide a clear example. In Western productions, particularly Hollywood, gunfire is typically rendered with heavy, high fidelity audio to replicate real world acoustics. In contrast, examples of famous anime sound design often employ more stylized, synthetic sound layers, even when depicting conventional firearms. The goal isn’t authenticity, it's about impact and style.

This approach is also noticeable in other action elements, swooshes and exaggerated swipes punctuate punches, while swords often emit a theatrical “shing” as they’re drawn or swung, heightening drama and drawing the viewers focus to the hero.

Below is an iconic chase scene from Ghost In The Shell, which is a classic example of stylised anime sound design.

Utilise Both Synthetic and Organic Elements

A hallmark of anime's sound design is its distinctly synthetic quality, even when depicting everyday actions or objects such as a punch or gunshot. This stylistic trait can be traced back to the early days of anime production, when access to extensive sound libraries was limited. To compensate, sound designers often relied on synthesizers to craft unique audio textures from scratch.

To recreate a classic anime-style punch, try layering traditional impact sounds with synthesized elements. Adding a synthesized kick drum, tom, or other percussive tone can enhance the “snap” and give the effect that signature, satisfying punchiness anime is known for.

For mechanical, sci-fi, or weapon-based effects, modular and FM synthesis are particularly effective. These tools offer a broad palette of metallic tones and sonic textures. Techniques like ring modulation and pitch modulation can further shape the sound, adding movement, grit, and character that elevate the realism and intensity of the effect. 

This video is a perfect example of an anime scene switching from organic gunshots, to a more synthetic style.

Hidenori Arai - ‘The Power Up’

Another notable example of famous anime sound design is that of the super Saiyan power up within Dragonball Z, or which is sometimes referred to as ‘The Saiyan Aura’.

That all familiar electrifying, swirling aura, was crafted by sound designer Hidenori Arai using a blend of organic and synthetic elements. Notably, Arai revealed that the cyclical hum of the Super Saiyan aura was inspired by the sound of a fetal heartbeat recorded via ultrasound. He processed and layered this heartbeat to evoke a primal, subconscious resonance, connecting the transformation to a universal human experience. 

To enhance the energy and intensity of Goku's transformations, Arai used analog synthesizers to create layers of white noise, pitch modulation, and ring modulation. These techniques produced the signature rising tones and shimmering textures associated with power-ups.

Enhancing Your Sound with Filters and Tape Saturation

Much of the famous and classic anime sound design from the ’80s and ’90s owes its character to how effects were recorded. Whether organic or synthetic, many sounds were printed to tape, which naturally added warmth and color through tape saturation.

If you have access to tape gear, try recording your sounds before bringing them into your DAW. Tweaking playback speed or signal strength can yield some interesting textures.

For those working digitally, tape emulation plugins or subtle use of EQ and filtering can replicate that analog feel and help you capture the charm of vintage anime audio.

Tape emulation plugins:

Waves Kramer tape: https://www.waves.com/plugins/kramer-master-tape#eddie-kramer-on-the-kramer-master-tape

PSP Vintage Warmer 2: http://www.pspaudioware.com/plugins/dynamic_processors/psp_vintagewarmer2/

FabFilter Saturn 2: https://www.fabfilter.com/products/saturn-2-multiband-distortion-saturation-plug-in

Cliché Is a Good Thing

Anime often leans into sound effects that Western audiences might consider cliché, think playful bell chimes, exaggerated Mickey Mouse style cues, comedic zings for moments of embarrassment, and bold slapstick hits. Rather than avoiding these sounds, anime embraces them as a vital part of its expressive storytelling style.

This also ties into anime’s hyper-stylized approach to cuteness, or kawaii. Sound effects like popping bubbles, twinkling synths, and fizzy textures are all examples of famous anime sound design, and are frequently used to enhance cheerful or charming moments, especially with childlike or quirky characters.

When designing your own sounds, try stepping outside of the Western mindset. Don’t shy away from effects you might usually consider cheesy, cringey, or overused, they could be exactly what you need to capture that classic anime aesthetic.

Sometimes Simple Is Good

Due to the complexity of anime storylines and the often visually dense nature of each frame, anime tends to use sound effects in a more focused and deliberate way.

Rather than layering sounds over every action, as is common in western productions, anime sound design typically highlights key moments to avoid overwhelming the viewer. With so much happening visually, the sound is used sparingly to support, not compete with the animation.

Additionally, anime production is famously fast-paced and often constrained by tight budgets. As a result, sound designers frequently rely on large libraries of pre-existing, reliable effects instead of recording custom foley from scratch.

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We hope you enjoyed exploring the world of anime sound design!

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