soundsmakes

Soundsmakes is a term used in audio production to describe the deliberate creation and shaping of audible elements through a mix of recording, synthesis, and processing. It encompasses both traditional Foley work and digital sound design, with practitioners aiming to craft textures, atmospheres, or specific sonic events rather than relying on a single source sound.

The word appears in online communities and among indie media producers as a concise way to refer to the craft of making sounds that support a project’s mood and narrative. It is not tied to a particular company or standard and is often used informally in discussions about workflow, tools, and outcomes. The term likely blends "sound" with "make" or "sound-making" and gained traction as affordable digital audio workstations and accessible plug-ins lowered barriers to experimental sound design in the 2010s and 2020s.

Typical techniques include field recording, sample-based synthesis, granular and spectral processing, layering, and dynamic processing such as equalization, compression, and reverb. The process is iterative: designers assemble initial sounds, test in context, then refine by adjusting timbre, envelope, and spatial characteristics. Documentation often emphasizes texture over exact replication.

Common applications include film and game sound design, where soundsmakes contribute to ambience, creature vocalizations, impacts, and magical or sci-fi effects. It is also used in music production for textural elements and in podcasts or multimedia projects to create sonic identities.

See also: sound design, Foley, synthesis, audio processing, ambience.