The sound effects and plugins I use to compose music for TV & film

Having high-quality sound effects is a necessity when composing for film and TV.

In this blog, I’ll be discussing just the sound effects that I regularly use, however, I have extensively covered the sample libraries that I use, and also the Cubase Pro 10 template in previous blogs. I’ve also written about how I’ve got my composing studio set up

Like purchasing a piece of hardware, I carefully consider what I buy, based on the quality and requirements that I have on projects. I spend a lot of time researching and learning the full functionality of each effect that I buy.

Spending time away from projects to get to grips with the effects means that I’m more productive during the creative time, and speeds up my workflow.

As I spend a lot of time collaborating with others and mixing a lot of music in-house, I have invested in a wide range of effects.

Steinberg

As I use Cubase 10 Pro, I use a lot of the effects that come bundled:

• DJ EQ
• Standard Channel EQ
• Studio EQ
• GEQ 10
• Frequency EQ
• GEQ 30
• Voxengo CurveEQ
• VST Dynamics
• Limiter
• Brickwall Limiter
• Envelope Shaper
• Gate
• Maximizer
• Tube Compressor
• Vintage Compressor
• Midi Gate
• De Esser
• Expander
• Multiband Compressor
• Multiband Envelope Shaper
• Multiband Expander
• Roomworks SE
• REVelation
• REVerence
• Roomworks
• Mono Delay
• Ping Pong Delay
• Stereo Delay
• Mod Machine
• Amp Simulator
• Bit Crusher
• Da Tube
• Distortion
• Grungelizer
• VST Amp Rack
• Channel Tape Saturation
• Channel Tube Saturation
• Quadrafuzz 2
• Magneto 2
• VST Bass Amp Rack
• Distroyer
• Soft Clipper
• Metalizer
• Ring Modulator
• Auto Pan
• Chopper
• Chorus
• Flanger
• Phaser
• Transformer
• Tremolo
• Vibrato
• Rotary
• LoopMash FX
• Cloner
• Studio Chorus
• Dual Filter
• Tone Booster
• Wah Wah
• Step Filter
• Morph Filter
• Octaver
• Pitch Correct
• Mono To Stereo
• Stereo Enhancer
• Mix6to2
• Tuner
• UV22HR
• MixConvert
• Mixer Delay
• Multiscope
• SMPTE Generator
• Surround Panner
• Test Generator

Native Instruments

I use Guitar Rig.

This provides me with all the guitar pedals that I need. I do spend a lot of time tweaking the effects, and combining these with others, to get a bespoke sound.

iZotope

I use the Ozone 8 Advance package. Which has a powerful collection of tools, and is extremely easy to use. I think I’ve used at least one of their products on almost every track. The package comes bundled with:

• Spectral Shaper
• EQ, Dynamic
• EQ, Post E
• Q, Maximizer (with IRC IV and new IRC LL)
• Imager
• Exciter
• Dynamics
• Vintage Limiter
• Vintage Tape
• Vintage EQ
• Vintage Compressor

Waves

I use the Wave Platinum Bundle, which is an extraordinary collection of over 50 audio plugins. Waves do regularly have great deals on plugins. I would sign up to their newsletter and grab yourself a great bargain. The bundle I have comprises of:

• L2 Ultramaximizer
• L3-LL Ultramaximizer
• L3 Ultramaximizer
• Linear Phase EQ
• Linear Phase Multiband Compressor
• MaxxVolume
• OneKnob Driver
• PuigTec EQs
• Renaissance Bass
• Renaissance Channel
• Renaissance DeEsser
• Renaissance Vox
• AudioTrack
• C4 Multiband Compressor
• Doppler
• eMo F2 Filter
• eMo Generator
• eMo Q4 Equalizer
• GTR3 Amps
• GTR3 Stomps
• GTR3 ToolRack
• GTR3 Tuner
• H-Comp Hybrid Compressor
• H-Delay Hybrid Delay
• MetaFlanger
• MV2
• PS22 Stereo Maker
• Renaissance Reverb
• UltraPitch
• V-Comp
• V-EQ3
• V-EQ4
• Vitamin Sonic Enhancer
• Waves Tune LT
• C1 Compressor
• DeEsser
• Doubler
• Enigma
• IR-L Convolution Reverb
• L1 Ultramaximizer
• MaxxBass
• MondoMod
• PAZ Analyzer
• Q10 Equalizer
• Renaissance Axx
• Renaissance Compressor
• Renaissance Equalizer
• S1 Stereo Imager
• SuperTap
• TrueVerb

Lexicon

I use a few different bundles of Lexicon products. They are industry standard, and I can’t think of any professional composer who doesn’t use their products.

PCM Native Effects Bundle

• Pitch Shift
• MultiVoice Pitch
• Chorus
• Resonant Chords
• Random Delay
• Dual Delay
• Stringbox

PCM Native Reverb Bundle

• Vintage Plate
• Plate
• Hall
• Room
• Random Hall
• Concert Hall
• Chamber

SoundToys

Although the bundle I use has been discontinued, they are still great. I use the native effects bundle which comes with:

• Crystallizer
• Decapitator
• Echoboy
• Filter
• Pan Man
• Phase Mistress
• Tremolator

Valhalla

Valhalla makes products that are efficient of the processing power, and sound great. I use:

• Valhalla Plate
• Valhalla Room
• Valhalla Shimmer
• Valhalla Vintage Reverb