User chuck russom - Social Sound Design

Answer by Chuck Russom for What is The Wilhelm scream?

2011-11-09T17:13:25Z

What is the Wilhelm Scream:

http://www.hollywoodlostandfound.net/wilhelm/

What does the Wilhelm Scream mean to me:

The Wilhelm is an overused sound effect that sound people still put in their projects because they either think it is funny or they think they are Ben Burt. It is such a cliche' that even normal (non sound) people recognize it. My wife recognized it without me even mentioning it to her. Then she asked why this same scream is popping up everywhere.

It totally pulls me out of a film/game/etc when I hear it, ruins the scene for me, and I cringe when I hear it. People need to stop using the damn thing already. It was a Ben Burt thing that was later used by people at Skywalker who had worked with Burt as sort of a tribute to him and an inside joke. Well, it isn't an inside joke anymore, everyone is on to it and it is just stupid.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Do any SD 722 owners have tips they could share?

2011-10-06T16:25:51Z

Nathan and Paul have already given you some great tips. Here are my thoughts:

Take the time to setup all of your monitoring presets before you go out in the field

I always record with the limiter on

Transfer your recordings off the machine after your session and format your drive, you don't want to be out in the field, run out of space, and have to selectively delete a bunch of recordings.

Not really as big a deal with the 722, but it is huge with the 744: Before each session, make sure you set your input routing so that you are recording to the proper number of tracks. It is annoying to find that, that while you were only recording a single mono channel, you end up with a 4 channel wav (with 3 blank channels). I can't tell you how many times I've recorded mono or stereo and came back with a 4 channel recording all because I forgot to check my settings ahead of time. It's even worse if it is set to record a single track when you thought you were recording multiple tracks!

Answer by Chuck Russom for Recording Ambience with a shotgun

2011-10-06T16:13:08Z

I've had good luck with my Neumann RSM191. It pulls sounds in closer than a cardioid setup would, so you have to be mindful about that, but that isn't always a bad thing. It's not my primary setup for ambience recording, but I'm usually happy with the results I get.

I recorded all of this rain with the 191:

http://soundcloud.com/crussom/sets/december-rain-sound-library-preview-crfx/

Also this train station amb:

http://soundcloud.com/search?q%5Bfulltext%5D=chuck+russom+train

And this city traffic stuff:

http://soundcloud.com/crussom/amb-traffic-pasadena-colorado-raymond-01-crussomfx http://soundcloud.com/crussom/amb-traffic-pasadena-raymond-top-parking-stucture-01-crussomfx

Answer by Chuck Russom for Stereo ambience - microphone selection

2011-10-05T17:24:16Z

The most important aspects in recording (in order of importance):

The source you are recording
The environment you are recording in
Your engineering skills
Your equipment

If you have #1-3 sorted out and you are still looking to improve/change your recrodings, then you can look at adding new equipment. You can't go wrong with Sennheiser. I have a MKH40, 2 MKH800's, and a 416 and I use them all quite often. I sold my NT4 as it just wasn't used anymore.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Recording sfx during sprinkle (rain)

2011-10-04T16:28:56Z

Putting the mic under a carport or porch can help protect it and still capture rain sounds. I usually use a full rycote setup (blimp and furry) and find that you can also stick the mic out in the middle of rain for some time without issue. Keep in mind that if the mic is directly in the rain, the sound of rain drops on the mic might ruin your recording. You'll want to keep a close eye on your gear when you are recording in or around rain. Check your rycote often, when it becomes very wet, it is time to pull the get in and go back inside. Let your furry air dry, don't try to put it in a clothes dryer. Also, wear boot and a good rain jacket, it sucks being wet and cold when you are trying to record sounds.

Samples of some rain the I recorded with my Neumann RSM191 are here:

http://chuckrussomfx.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=8

Answer by Chuck Russom for Canned sounds vs. ones you record yourself

2011-09-26T07:18:06Z

When I am designing sounds, I would be incredibly happy to admit that I recorded 20% of the source I'm using. But, more often than not, I'm pulling from libraries. We just don't have the time/budget to record everything we need for a project. You can try recording stuff between gigs and building your library, but even those become "canned" effects that won't always fit your project perfectly.

If you are working on a project, you have to find the sound that works within the schedule and budget you have. If that means recording fresh, then so be it. If it means pulling from a library, then that is what you do.

I feel that designing for a show reel is a different beast. With a reel you want to present your absolute best. Even if you are pulling stuff from a library, you need to use the sounds creatively enough so that they are not easily identified.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Sample library licensing issue re. computer games

2011-07-10T20:00:49Z

If you have questions about a license, you should contact each vendor individually, they will all be more than happy to help you out.

The line you quote above basically means:

You make not make duplications of the library (ie: you can't copy it for your friends). It is for use by a single user only in your audio visual projects (meaning, if your facility has more than one sound person, you need a multi-user license). Synchronization was a term that was originally used before media like games existed, and still remains in many licenses. All of the sound library producers that I know of allow usage in games as part of their license.

I've seen questions like this pop up from time to time, which is why I added specific terms in my my Chuck Russom FX license:

You may:

*Synchronize the Sounds with audio and/or visual productions such as film, television, radio, computer/video games, Internet, and other media

*Use as individual sound assets in games or multimedia projects, across any platform(s)

Even still, it isn't always easy to predict every type of media project someone may want to use licensed sounds in, so, as I said above:

If you ever have a question about licensing terms on any product, you should always contact a vendor and clear up questions before you make a purchase. Only the vendor can explain 100% what their terms are.

Answer by Chuck Russom for How does the new General HD library from Sound Ideas compare to the old school General 6000 + extensions?

2011-06-28T15:28:08Z

The quality of the sounds are very nice. It's refreshing to have new material that hasn't been used in a billion projects already. And I am happy to have it as part of my collection.

I don't feel that it covers nearly as much ground as the 6000 series stuff. Variety and variations seem pretty limited, though, I've only worked with it a short time now. When I find a sound that I like, say a rock impact, there are usually only a couple of takes of that sound to work with. It also doesn't seem to cover a wide spectrum of sounds. For example, I think there are only a couple of different cars in the whole library. I don't usually need cars, but it is something I noticed and was surprised about.

A couple of issues with the organization of the files; The sounds are fully embedded with descriptive metadata but the filenames are not too descriptive. So if you are not using a app like Soundminer or Basehead, then the library may be difficult to use. Also, the entire library is in ONE folder on the drive. So if you try to view/preview the sounds directly in the folder, it can cause issues/slowdowns with Finder (on Mac). Again, if you are using Soundminer/Basehead/etc to preview, then this isn't an issue.

I believe the library is still in BETA (at least I haven't received the "FINAL" version yet) so I don't know how much will be changed once they release the "FINAL" version.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Fostex FR-2 external rechargeable battery pack?

2011-06-25T06:57:59Z

I've used batteries made to power portable DVD players with my FR2. They work quite well and usually come with cable and adapter tips that fit the DC jack on the FR2. If not, you can find cables/tips at Radio Shack (or a comparable place) that will fit. It's been a while since I've used it, but I think I was getting 6+ hours off of a battery. Though, it might be better/easier just to get rechargeable AA batteries.

Here is an example of the type of battery I'm talking about (I've never used this specific model):

http://www.officemax.com/technology/batteries/portable-dvd-video-player-batteries/product-prod2720141?cm_mmc=GBase--Technology--Batteries-_-Portable%20DVD%20%20%20Video%20Player%20Batteries&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=21701721

Answer by Chuck Russom for Films with extended moments of great sound

2011-05-23T17:54:43Z

Here are a few

The beginning of Once Upon a Time in the West:

http://youtu.be/VDUbBMe1Nbg

The D-Day scene in Saving Private Ryan:

http://youtu.be/gZgKo46X8CI

The opening scene in Quantum of Solace:

http://youtu.be/yfYC_CBNtiM

Answer by Chuck Russom for Boutique Library: International Airports?

2011-04-28T18:39:16Z

Also, keep in mind that at least in the US, music is everywhere. I've never been able to record in a US airport due to music and or TV playing in the background. I still can't understand why we can't have spaces in this country that don't have music.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Online Back up for SFX

2011-04-25T16:38:06Z

How much data are you talking about? Online backup is slow and can get expensive fast. I don't use online backup for my SFX Library, because it is just too damn big. Instead I back up to hard drives and have 2 offsite backups (at 2 different locations).

I do backup my current work online. I've tried a few services and currently use Dropbox. I found iDisk to be slower and more expensive than Dropbox. Amazon S3 is the cheapest solution, but since there is no cap on the amount of data that you can store there, I wasn't managing my data very well and was getting hit with rather large monthly bills.

With Dropbox I have 200 gigs (I pay annually for that). The assets for my current projects (PT Sessions and audio files, docs, reference material, ect) are kept in my Dropbox folder and are automatically (and constantly) syncing. Since I have a 200 gig cap, I have to manage my data as Dropbox starts to fill up. This means that I need to archive old projects and clean up unused audio from completed PT Sessions.

200 gigs works well for me. I may only run into issues if I have multiple projects running at once, which very rarely happens. I'm usually able to finish a project and archive the stuff to offsite drives before I get too deep into the next one. I could also add more Dropbox storage if I needed too.

One thing to keep in mind, is that if you are syncing large amounts of data, the initial sync will take many days.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Matched or Unmatched?

2011-04-20T07:03:52Z

I think that a matched pair was a bigger deal years ago when things were handmade and there were not as many machines in the process. Today, even if a mic is assembled by hand, all of the major parts are built to spec by machines.

At least with decent mics, I think you'd be hard pressed to tell much of a difference between two of the same model built around the same time. My Sennheiser MKH800's are not matched, I can't tell them apart. Might be a different story with the cheaper mics, since their QC can at times be less than ideal.

Answer by Chuck Russom for PT not recognizing an M4V file

2011-03-17T18:30:34Z

I usually use MPEG Streamclip to convert movies to play nice with PT:

http://www.squared5.com/

Answer by Chuck Russom for any online sfx library that has the exact (the same) files that are sold on cd's?

2011-02-23T19:55:21Z

Sounddogs.com has all the Sound Ideas and Soundstorm stuff. Not sure if any site has HW Edge.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Drum Synthesis Recommendations for OS X

2011-01-24T09:30:11Z

If you're using Logic Pro (You didn't mention what DAW you use), it has a built in drum synth/drum machine instrument called Ultrabeat

Answer by Chuck Russom for How much differnce does a good headphone makes in recording ?

2011-01-22T17:27:43Z

It's difficult to get an accurate picture of things in the field with headphones. You will often find things back at the studio that you couldn't hear in the field through your headphones.

That said, if you couldn't hear a hiss over your headphones that really stands out over your speakers, you might want to try another set of headphones. You're using $15 headphones that are made for people who listen to 128k mp3s on an ipod. I wouldn't expect them to give you anywhere near an accurate monitoring solution.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Audio Furniture (Desk)

2011-01-19T22:35:46Z

I went from an Omnirax Coda EX (which I hated) to an Ikea Galant desk:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19852113

I currently have a 60" long desk and will be adding extensions to bring it to 90" long. I have 2 Dell 24" monitors mounted on Ergotron monitor arms. My speakers are now on floor-standing speaker stands I am much happier and more comfortable with this set up than the studio furniture type desks. The only thing I lose is rack space, but I don't have a lot of rack gear anyway.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Waves plug-ins don't work on Mac's bootcamp?

2011-01-18T05:08:47Z

Do you have your iLok drivers installed in Windows XP? Go to ilok.com and make sure your ilok is recognized.

I ran bootcamp with Windows 7, Waves worked fine on both the Windows and Mac side. I can't imagine it would be different with XP.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Studio Pre-Amp with Low Noise Floor

2011-01-17T23:10:46Z

Here are a few that I know are low noise, there first 2 are often used in Foley:

John Hardy M1: http://www.johnhardyco.com/M-1details.html

Milennia HV3: http://www.mil-media.com/hv-3c.html

True Systems: http://www.true-systems.com/

Grace: http://www.gracedesign.com/

Great River: http://www.greatriverelectronics.com/

Answer by Chuck Russom for Vocal Microphone upto 1800 dollars!

2011-01-15T09:02:02Z

I have a friend who does a lot of VO recording for games. Next to the U87, he really likes the Blue Kiwi, which you can find in your price range if you shop around.

I've used a Sennheiser 416 shotgun on VO in the past and really liked it. The Shure SM7 dynamic mic is popular on VO/Radio and can be had for far below your budget.

Keep in mind that one mic won't work for everyone so you might want to try renting some and see what works best on the voices you'll be recording.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Pro Tools 9, Should I go for it?

2011-01-11T18:59:27Z

As you said, you are a student and money is tight. PT 7.4 is more than enough to edit, mix, and become proficient with the software. Save your money, PT9 will not be a huge leap for you. We don't always need the latest and greatest to do our work, when money is an issue, it is best to get by with what you have.

Answer by Chuck Russom for So you found $3000 under your couch. What do you buy?

2011-01-07T19:01:32Z

I'd buy a new couch. Seriously, I hate mine.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Your most interesting recording of 2010

2010-12-21T22:30:12Z

My favorite recording this year, a little pug named Lola:

http://soundcloud.com/crussom/sets/dogs-superstar-sound-library-preview-crfx-009/

http://www.vimeo.com/15348742

Answer by Chuck Russom for So I dropped my recorder in a wheelbarrow full of water…

2010-12-21T22:33:23Z

Ok Jay,

You've inspired me :) I posted some of the rain that I recorded yesterday up on my blog:

http://www.chuckrussom.com/2010/12/its-raining-in-la/

Answer by Chuck Russom for any good sound designing memories through photos to share?

2010-12-21T22:37:16Z

Recording car destruction for 007: Quantum of Solace game:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chuckrussom/sets/72157623292496631/

Answer by Chuck Russom for Do you do long takes or short takes when recording SFX?

2010-12-20T03:05:32Z

If I have to reset between takes, then I will usually stop the machine and start a new take. When I recorded the sounds for my rocks library, this is the way I did it. We had to set up the rocks for each take, so I stopped the machine and reslated each one. When I recorded my dog library, I ran a take for each dog and only stopped if I need to wait for a plane or something. These takes would be 5 plus minutes long.

On somethings, like guns, I like to listen back to the recordings often, so I'll do multiple takes. For example, a take of single shots, a take of short bursts, a take of long bursts for each weapon. So I guess, I do it either way depending on what/how I'm recording.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Best animal to record?

2010-12-13T17:23:55Z

I think Grizzly Bears have been my favorite. It's like recording Chewbacca.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Waves silver plug-in bundel for sound design?

2010-11-26T05:00:00Z

I have everything Waves makes. I use MaxxBass constantly. I also use Doubler a lot, and find Enigma and the Stereo Imager useful at times. Q10 is a versatile EQ. IR1 is a decent convolution verb, if you get some good impulses somewhere. As you said, the Ren stuff is great and have been go-to plugs for me for years. It looks like a good starter bundle for the price.

Answer by Chuck Russom for Guerella Gun Recording without a budget

2010-11-15T01:40:35Z

I never want to rain on anyone's parade, but I'd guess you'll have a difficult time getting usable results. Gun recording is a difficult thing and even with an extensive equipment list, you'd probably come away with less than stellar results the first few times out. I'd think the masters like Fasal and Maynes could go out with a 2 track and come back with kick-ass results. I wouldn't expect that I would be happy with recording with just a Zoom. Often times, you'll record with 20 mics and be surprised that half of the mics don't sound that great.

There are a lot of variables you're dealing with; the sound of the environment, some mics just won't work well on guns, the quality of your recorder's Mic pres/limiters/gain staging, etc.

If I were going out with he 2 mics you mention; I would try placing the shotgun behind the shooter, pointed downrange, 10-20 feet back. I'd try the small condensed to the ejection port side of the gun, aimed at the gun, also 10-20 feet, give or take. These distances will usually get you a fatter gun sound. The further out you get, the less meat of the gun you capture.

And don't discount the use of libraries, Dynamic Range and Sound Ideas Guns both have some good stuff.

Comment by Chuck Russom

2011-07-26T05:47:20Z

MKH50 is exactly what I was thinking as well

Comment by Chuck Russom

2011-06-28T22:24:57Z

Yes, why does it need so many curling sounds!

Comment by Chuck Russom

2011-05-17T06:59:19Z

World Guns has served me well for years.

Comment by Chuck Russom

2011-04-20T07:04:50Z

If it were me, I'd just buy the CMIT 5 and call it a day :)

Comment by Chuck Russom

2011-03-15T18:33:50Z

In my experience with projects getting access to a base, there was always a 3rd party involved that had connections to the base (military advisor etc). I would not expect a hospital to ever give you access. Patient privacy is a huge concern. Best to find a Dr. Office or small clinic that you can get friendly with someone there and get after-hours access.

Comment by Chuck Russom

2011-03-15T18:32:13Z

I'm not sure where you are, but in the US it is very difficult to get access to a military base. There is someone on the base (media relations or something) that you would first contact. They will need a lot of details about your project (script, etc). The military will have to make sure that your project portrays them in a good light. I believe the approval process will go all the way to the Department of Defense. Once they approve your project, they'll have to clear the actual people that will visit the base, and you'll have to work around their schedule. Expect this to take months.

Comment by Chuck Russom

2011-01-18T09:39:31Z

Cool, glad you got it working.

Comment by Chuck Russom

2011-01-18T03:16:14Z

I should add, I used Great River pres on the metal scrapes in my metal impacts library. I will also be using them on a lot of recordings that I'm doing in the next few weeks. They are very quite, but add color to your recordings, which you might not always want in foley.

Comment by Chuck Russom

2011-01-15T08:53:30Z

@Utopia I never tried it with 7.4 but even with 8.1 under HUI I could control VCA faders with my MC Control

Comment by Chuck Russom

2011-01-11T19:01:09Z

To add, I do use PT9. I upgraded only because I wanted the Eucon support for my Euphonix controllers. I also make money using my system, so the cost of upgrading isn't an issue.

Comment by Chuck Russom

2010-12-31T04:54:42Z

Very cool! We've been having some pretty crazy weather here in LA lately. I missed the last rainstorm and the windstorm, stuck indoors being sick. Damn....

Comment by Chuck Russom

2010-12-24T04:16:21Z

Nice stuff! I was out during some of that crazy rain yesterday. Have to go through the recordings still.

Comment by Chuck Russom

2010-12-23T08:03:39Z

@Jay, I worked with John on these car drops. He is the man when it comes to this stuff.

Comment by Chuck Russom

2010-12-22T09:00:10Z

The guy controlling it shut the engine off right as he dropped the car. By the time they hit the ground, there was no noise from the lift.

Comment by Chuck Russom

2010-12-22T08:49:23Z

Everything you mentioned seems spot on. Even with the condensers, I try to record the loudest stuff I can find, so much damn noise in the city to compete with. I think a couple of the puddles I did were pretty quiet, and I got lucky.