SOUND EFFECTS Blog

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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INTRODUCTION

For decades, sound has played a powerful role in storytelling - but often behind the scenes. From the early days of cinema to modern productions, the art of creating sound effects, especially Foley, has remained somewhat of a hidden craft. Most people don’t realise that much of what they hear in films, such as footsteps, rustling clothes, the creak of a door, has been carefully added during post-production.

Thankfully, Foley is now becoming widely recognised, and more creatives are diving into the world of sound design, and Foley recording.

But when you're just starting out and trying to build your own Foley prop library, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So, in this guide, we’ll share what we look for when gathering props, and how you can start building your own kit.

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SHOES

As a Foley artist, you’ll spend a lot of time recording footsteps, which means having a variety of footwear is key.

To start off, aim to collect at least one pair of each type of shoe:

• Trainers
• Dress Shoes
• Heels
• Boots
• Slippers
• Flip-Flops
• Sandals
• Pumps

Heeled shoes are often the trickiest to get just right, so gathering a range of thick, thin, high, low, round, square, and wedged styles will really help you get a wide variety of footstep tones. Once you’ve got one of each, you can begin expanding by collecting multiple versions of each type to explore different textures and characters.

Surfaces to consider walking on:
Tarmac, wooden boards, sand, pebbles, and concrete flags all create different textures. A great snow effect? Fill a pillowcase with cornflour and salt, then layer it over sand.

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CLOTH

Cloth movement may be subtle in a mix, but it’s essential to making a scene feel alive. Without it, something will feel oddly off, like there’s a gap you can’t quite put your finger on.

As with shoes, having a range of fabrics gives you flexibility. Useful materials include:

• Canvas
• Cotton
• Corduroy
• Denim
• Fleece
• Lace
• Leather
• Linen
• Nylon
• Polyester
• Satin
• Silk
• Tweed
• Velvet
• Wool

You can gather these in the form of shirts, trousers, coats, jackets, and jeans. Different thicknesses and styles will add more layers to your library.

We love keeping our cloth and smaller props organised in vintage suitcases, they’re not only practical but can be used as props themselves.

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PROPS

Prop needs change drastically depending on the scene. For example, in an office-based project, you might need:

• Computer mice and keyboards
• Desk phones and mobile devices
• Pens, paper, notepads
• Cardboard boxes and packaging
• Briefcases and backpacks
• Rolling chairs, especially leather ones

To avoid clutter, we recommend building your collection gradually, adding props as they’re needed. But some “Foley classics” are worth having on hand, including:

• A bag of cornflour (for crisp snow sounds)
• Celery (great for snapping bone effects)
• VHS tape (perfect for mimicking foliage)
• Door bolts and hinges
• Wooden pallets
• Halved coconuts (you know the one...horse hooves!)
• Gloves with paperclips (for pet footsteps)
• A paddling pool for water recordings
• And a personal favourite: a chamois cloth, perfect for sticky, wet textures

On our own Foley stage, you’ll also find boxing gloves (for body hits or falls), hot water bottles, and an array of tools and hardware to create impactful sounds.

Your Foley prop library will always be a work in progress. What you collect depends entirely on the scenes you work on, but the tips above should help you find your footing.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article.

Want to skip the recording and get straight to the good stuff? Check out our FANTASTIC FOLEY library, packed with authentic, ready-to-use foley recordings from a wide array of fabrics, materials, objects, tools, clothing, and much more.

INTRODUCTION

Whether you're a local or just passing through, the UK is home to some truly distinctive sounds that reflect its culture, history, and everyday life. Here are five iconic sounds you’re likely to encounter only in the UK.

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THE CHIMES OF BIG BEN

First ringing in 1859, Big Ben is the most famous of the five bells housed in the Elizabeth Tower at the northern end of the Palace of Westminster in London. Often mistakenly called the "Clock Tower," this iconic structure is one of Britain’s most visited landmarks. The deep, resonant chimes of Big Ben are instantly recognizable - and uniquely British.

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Wood Pigeon Cooing

The wood pigeon is the UK’s most common garden pigeon, known for its soft, rhythmic cooing. This gentle, repetitive sound is a familiar part of Britain’s natural soundscape and a soothing background noise in parks, towns, and countryside alike.

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Football Chants

If there’s one sound that captures the heart of British sporting culture, it’s the roar of football chants echoing through stadiums. While each club has its own unique songs and chants, the tradition is widespread and known globally. British football fans are some of the most passionate in the world, and their iconic chants are a soundtrack to the sport.

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UK Police Sirens

Emergency sirens differ across the globe, and the UK’s are no exception. While the classic “nee-naw” has mostly faded out, modern British police now use sirens that resemble American-style wails, yelps, and phasers. Operating within a frequency range of 1kHz to 3kHz - where the human ear is most sensitive. These sirens are a familiar sound on UK roads.

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London Underground Soundscape

No trip to London is complete without experiencing the sounds of the Underground Tube. From the screech of train brakes on the Jubilee Line’s 1966 stock, to the famous “Mind the Gap” announcements and the hum of packed carriages, the London Underground has a sound all its own—chaotic, rhythmic, and unmistakably urban. You will not experience this particular sound scape in any other part of the world.

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Thanks for reading! Curious to hear more, and utilise these iconic sounds in your projects? Check out our library bundles of immersive UK AMBIENCES and UK FOOTBALL.

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INTRODUCTION

In recent years, binaural beats have surged in popularity within the health and wellness space, transitioning from a niche interest into mainstream awareness. Although scientific studies into their full range of uses are still ongoing, binaural beats have attracted a massive online audience. Some videos now have millions of views, and much like ASMR, they highlight a growing interest in how sound can influence mental states and emotional well-being.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of creating your own binaural beats from scratch.

WHAT ARE BINAURAL BEATS

Before jumping into how to make them, it’s important to understand what binaural beats are and how they function.

Essentially, binaural beats are audio tracks designed to help the brain shift into different brainwave frequencies. They’re created by playing two tones of slightly different frequencies, one in each ear using headphones. Your brain processes each tone individually and also blends them together, detecting the difference between the two as a rhythmic pulsing effect. This difference is what your brain interprets as the binaural beat.

"A binaural beat is an illusion created by the brain when you listen to two tones with slightly different frequencies at the same time. The two tones align with your brain waves to produce a beat with a different frequency. This frequency is the difference in hertz (Hz) between the frequencies of the two tones."
– Dan Brennan, MD

Here’s a simple example for generating a 12 Hz Alpha wave binaural beat:

• Left Ear: 104 Hz sine wave
• Right Ear: 116 Hz sine wave
• Difference: 12 Hz (Alpha brainwave range)

THE EFFECTS OF BINAURAL BEATS

The impact of binaural beats can vary, with users reporting a range of mental and emotional responses.

Though they’re often linked to relaxation and meditation, binaural beats are also associated with improved creativity, focus, problem-solving skills, and cognitive performance. This versatility has made them increasingly popular among high achievers and professionals seeking enhanced mental clarity and productivity.

Below is an overview of the five primary brainwave states, their frequency ranges, and the states of consciousness they are known to influence:

• Gamma (30–100 Hz): High-level thinking, memory recall, heightened awareness, transcendent states
• Beta (14–30 Hz): Concentration, analytical thought, energy, and motivation
• Alpha (8–14 Hz): Calmness, lowered stress, optimism, learning enhancement, flow states
• Theta (4–8 Hz): REM sleep, deep relaxation, creativity, meditation, dreamlike mental states
• Delta (1–4 Hz): Deep restorative sleep, reduced stress hormones, healing, access to the unconscious

HOW TO MAKE A BINAURAL BEAT

As mentioned earlier, binaural beats are formed using two tones of nearby frequencies played into each ear. This makes the production process relatively straight forward.

Step One:
Open your preferred DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and create two mono audio channels. Pan one channel fully to the left and the other fully to the right.

Step Two:
Add a sine wave tone generator to each channel. Choose which brainwave frequency you’d like to create (Alpha, Theta, Gamma, etc.), then set each sine wave accordingly so the difference between them matches your target frequency range.

Let’s return to the earlier Alpha wave example:

• Left Ear: 104 Hz
• Right Ear: 116 Hz
• Difference: 12 Hz = Alpha wave

Step Three:

‍Decide how long your track will be. Export your audio at the desired duration—this can be a short two-minute sample or a much longer piece (30 minutes to an hour) depending on your intended use.

Congratulations! You’ve just created your first binaural beat track. Now, find a quiet spot, put on your headphones, and allow yourself to fully absorb the sound experience.

We hope you found this walkthrough helpful!

Want to skip the setup and dive straight in?

Explore our full sound effects bundle of ready-made BINAURAL BEATS HERE, designed to elevate your creativity, mind, mood, and focus.