Project Type
Sound Design · Voiceover Editing · Mix · Broadcast Deliverables
Overview
We partnered with a regional agency on a 30-second commercial promoting a new consumer product. The creative brief called for a sound aesthetic that felt modern and restrained, with subtle rhythmic elements supporting the pacing of the visuals. The client wanted the piece to feel energetic without resorting to heavy-handed effects or music-driven cues.
Creative Approach
Our approach centered on building a quiet sense of momentum. We developed a sound palette of soft tonal elements, light mechanical textures, and understated transitions that conveyed motion without introducing noticeable repetition. Because the visual edit relied on quick, clean cuts, we focused on designing elements that supported each moment while maintaining an overall sense of cohesion.
Source Material
We created a library of original elements for this project, including:
• processed field recordings of small mechanisms and household objects
• soft impacts and cloth movement for product handling
• light tonal accents generated from granular processing
• subtle whooshes built from stretched field recordings rather than synthetic sources
This allowed the sonic identity of the spot to feel natural and grounded.
Execution
We began by syncing initial design passes to the offline edit, establishing the primary sound cues and transitions. Once the timing was locked, we refined each element to ensure clarity and consistency across the sequence.
The voiceover required mild noise reduction and timing adjustments. We performed targeted cleanup to preserve the narrator’s tone while ensuring clarity once placed over the design and music bed.
The final mix took into account broadcast standards, competitive loudness, and the need for translation across phones, laptops, and television playback. Dynamics were controlled but not overly compressed, allowing room for the design to breathe.
Outcome
The final commercial achieved a clean, contemporary sound profile that matched the visual tone and pacing. The agency appreciated the restraint and subtlety of the design, noting that the sound contributed to a cohesive sense of brand identity without drawing undue attention to itself. The spot aired regionally and was later adapted for online use across multiple platforms.
Key Tools Used
Neumann TLM 103
Schoeps CMC6
Sound Devices MixPre
iZotope RX
Reaper
FabFilter Pro-Q 3
Valhalla Room
UAD LA-2A
Output Portal