The Secret Weapon for Sonically Interesting Backgrounds

Believe it or not, the secret to creating sonically interesting backgrounds lies not in the surround content, but in the mono content, also known as specifics. These tiny details add a layer of dynamics and movement that brings a scene to life.

Using Mono Sound Effects to Create Immersive Backgrounds 

We’re going to do something different today. 

At the bottom of this email, there will be a clickable gif that will direct you to a shadowing session Post Audio Pro members got to enjoy 5 months ago.

As much as talking about sound effect content is great, hearing it in action is much more impactful. So, instead of trying to set the scene and give you some examples, follow along around the 11 minute mark in the video.

While crafting the backgrounds for feature film YesterYear, there is a scene of a sparse plaza. 

Now, if we’re thinking in stereo crowds, we would search for walla, city noise, pedestrian footsteps, and some wildlife. 

However, in the context of this film, it’s the start of COVID, and everything is sparse, so we cannot rely on a typical background cut on a plaza scene like this.

So instead, we make the surrounds barren, but the mono content filled with specifics to be mixed in to show very little life out and about. 

For that scene, I had a few layers of mono footsteps. A singular bicycle being ridden that approaches, and hushed voices for more personal intimate conversations for the pairs communicating. 

But let’s say that wasn’t the context in this scene. I would still have the same specifics to poke out and create more movement and immersion that places you in the moment.

On the mixing side, it is now the mixer's job to use these specifics to place in the surround space by panning these elements around. Though it depends on the context, I find that there are an equal number of mono layers as there are stereo layers.

If you got a ton of value from this single shadowing session, reminder that you get an hour-long session every weekday at Post Audio Pro! Join today and advance your sound career!