“The Sound Effects Bible, How To Create And Record Hollywood Style Sound Effects” by Ric Viers
About the author: Ric Viers is hardly a veteran. Despite still being young and looking like a punk (or is it a biker look he has?), his sound credits include major motion pictures, television shows, radio shows and video games. He has his own sound effects record label (Blastwave FX) and claims to be the “worlds largest independent provider of sound effects” with more than 150 000 sounds in more than 150 sound effects libraries (Are you impressed yet?). For more information visit his web site: www.ricviers.com
Date: 2008
Pages: 327pages, soft cover
Price: Between 16$US-26$US
Language: English
What’s inside?:
Interesting anecdotes are what I remember the most. The book starts with a quick overview of the basic aspects of sound. Just the simplified or over simplified basics. The examples are PC based with references to the “C drive” for example. Stereo recording is important in sound for film but just glanced at here. The book still covers many topics without going into too much detail (mics, decibels, recorders, building a studio, file naming and metadata…) keeping the focus primarily on sound design. There are plenty of good ideas to avoid common mistakes a beginner could do (thinking outside the box, recording with multiple microphones in case one distorts, using your ears not your eyes, what to ask exactly when you ask for permission to record in a particular location). You even get to learn from mistakes he or his team made at the Detroit Chop Shop. It is generous in examples and there are a few things I read in the book I’d like to try next time I get the chance. The vocabulary and various terms used in sound design are very well explained. That is important because if sound design interests you, you have to be able to talk the talk. It’s an easy read, with extensive coverage of how to create a wide variety of sound effects. The ugly black and white pictures don’t prevent you from diving into the world of sound design. You are bound to listen to films differently after reading this book. There is supposed to be some online content to complement the book (www.soundeffectsbible.com) but the link no longer works and just points to www.ricviers.com. However there is a Youtube channel with really fun stuff to watch (see his team in action, and they seem to really enjoy what they do). The videos are pretty inspiring
Who is this book for?:
A pretty entertaining read for any Musitechnic student. If you listened in class, it is nothing too technical. The book is aimed at non sound technicians interested in the aspects of sound for film or video game. Or, if you love films, it makes you want to become a sound guy.
Questions? comments? k.blondy@musitechnic.net
