Design Techniques for Audiovisual Projects

Influences | Manuel José Gordillo

Now I will show you some of the movies that have marked me in one way or another for how they use sound.

Influences | Nico Quiroga

Our references help us find our own style. Now, I will tell you a little about what some of my influences have been on my musical path.

Influences | Nadine Voullième Uteau

In this lesson, I will talk to you about what motivates and inspires me, especially some references in the cinema, that if you want, you can search to deepen your knowledge in the area.

Influences | Andrés Borda

The opportunity to have contact with different areas of the world of entertainment marked me in how I approach sound on any stage. Here I will tell you what my biggest references have been.

The Amazing World of Sound

Introduction to Voice Recording Techniques

Module 2

A powerful voice can hold an entire story in a single breath. Tom Hambleton’s work is grounded in that idea—where emotion, clarity, and performance come together through sound. With experience that bridges cinema, composition, and voice coaching, his creative process focuses on capturing the essence of a voice and enhancing it with care. For him, recording is not just technical—it’s intimate, narrative, and deeply human.

18 lessons (4h 22m)

What's so fascinating about sound? To help you understand the magic that involves the sound, I will talk to you about the early performers and how their sound was captured. Next, I will explain what makes those old recordings sound like they do.

Learning What Good Sound Is

In this lesson, I want to look at what are the most important things. How important is the gear? Does it matter which microphone you use? Here, you will learn about the things you should think about most when approaching your projects.

Now you will learn the most important things when trying to achieve a “sound” for your recording. And then, I will show you different types of voice recordings.

Types of Voice Recording

Equipment and Tools 1

You need to know that when it comes to getting quality sound, there are some basic tools you are going to need. In this lesson, I will show you the basic tools needed to record a voice.

You'll see that there are many types of microphones, from condensers to ribbon microphones: anyone would record a great voice, but the quality of the voice might sound a little different. Should that matter? The most important thing is what and how you're communicating.

Equipment and Tools 2

To end, I will talk about the basics of hooking it all together along with an insight into their design and use so that you can make more informed decisions in your work.

Equipment and Tools 3

Preparing Your Recording Space 1

After showing you some basic ideas about acoustics, I will give you practical tips that you can do with common household items to improve the sound of your space.

Preparing Your Recording Space 2

You can use sound treatment to change the geometry in your room in order to improve the sound, for example, by placing or rearranging furniture and common objects, like a bookshelf. Here I'll show you how.

In this lesson, you will see an actual recording with a voice-over artist. But first, I will talk about the set-up of the room.

Recording 1

Now it's time to do some ADR. I will also show you, how I rearranged the room to get good acoustics for a natural sound.

Recording 2

Recording Tips and Tricks 1

Next, you will look at the actual recording process and I will share with you basic, easy-to-understand do's and don'ts to start recording.

Recording Tips and Tricks 2

Here I will show you a few more tricks that you can use with microphones, and I will also go into a little more technical detail about how they work.

This is where the adventure begins! In this lesson, you will learn about the basics of editing and mixing. I will also share with you ideas to add other things to your recordings. Then I will talk about the basics of finishing and exporting your project.

Editing Your Recording 1

Now I will show you how I finish the TV spot we recorded while explaining some of the basic editing tools I showed you in the previous lesson, which I use to work on this project.

Editing Your Recording 2

Here we will take a look at a motion poem, in which the images of the video and the read poem work together.

Editing Your Recording 3

Now I will show you how to edit rap vocals by lining up the track with vocals, the instrumental track, and the singer's record - you will see how it looks like the singer is actually singing live to the studio track.

Editing Your Recording 4

Finally, we will take a look at our ADR session. I will also explain and show you how to make the "beeps".

Editing Your Recording 5

Share Your Work with the World

Finally, I will talk about some possible avenues that you can investigate to share your work with the rest of the world.

Introduction to Foley: Create and Record Sound Effects

Module 3

Manuel José Gordillo hears stories where others hear silence. His creative world is shaped by curiosity, rhythm, and a fascination with the sounds that surround us. Drawing inspiration from film, nature, and the smallest everyday gestures, his approach to Foley turns ordinary objects into powerful storytelling tools. For him, sound isn’t background—it’s narrative, texture, and emotion.

16 lessons (3h 17m)

Introduction to Foley

In this lesson we will get closer to foley. What role does it play in the sound post-production of a film? Why is it called that? How is it done? Let's see it!

Introduction to Pro Tools

Now I will give you an introduction to the DAW and the basic tools you will need to know in order to work with digital audio.

Working with Video in Pro Tools

Finally, I am going to explain how to work digital audio with video in Pro Tools to record the foley of the course project.

In this lesson you will learn how to make a foley spotting, which will basically be a list of the elements that you will have to record.

The Recording Plan

As you know, to record audio we need some minimum characteristics of the space in which we will record. Let's review them.

Space Preparation

Preparation of Materials

Before recording you need to get the materials. Some you will already have and others you will have to look for them in different places. Let's see how to prepare them.

Step Recording

What should the footsteps of a given character sound like? What kind of shoes and surfaces should you have? Let's see it (or listen to it, rather!).

Does the clothes ring? It might not be noticeable, but your sound matters too. Let's see how to record it.

Clothing Recording

Prop Recording

In this lesson I will teach you to work with different objects that generate very different sounds. In the studio, these objects become like musical instruments that you must learn to interpret to get their best sound.

The recording process is always a lot of fun. I continue to work with different objects to generate more sounds.

Other Props

Editing, Cleaning and Synchronization of Recorded Sound 1

In this lesson I will teach you to clean up your recordings, synchronize them and creatively solve with editing the sounds you need. Let's go step by step, in this video we start organizing the session and editing.

Editing, Cleaning and Synchronization of Recorded Sound 2

I continue editing, this time other different scenes. We keep cleaning noises, creating fades... Little by little we get closer to the result we want.

Editing, Cleaning and Synchronization of Recorded Sound 3

The editing process is laborious, but essential to achieve the sound we want. I continue working on the scenes of my project, as a novelty I will use a spectrogram to analyze some sounds.

Editing, Cleaning and Synchronization of Recorded Sound 4

I continue cleaning up background noise and editing to leave the sound of the scene ready for the subsequent premix.

Now you will learn how to organize the session for a premix. In it we level the volume of the different sounds to pass an organized proposal to a sound supervisor or director.

The Premix

Lastly, in this lesson I will show you how to clean up and organize your foley session to be delivered professionally.

Delivery

Module 4

Nico Quiroga mixes with both precision and instinct. His creative approach is shaped by years of studio experience and a deep sensitivity to how sound moves people. Influenced by a wide range of genres, tools, and emotional landscapes, Nico treats each mix as a sculpted composition. For him, mixing is about bringing out the soul of a song—balancing every element to create something that feels alive and fully realized.

16 lessons (2h 42m)

Stages of Music Production

Before beginning, it is important that we know the different stages that include making a song, to later delve into the mixing stage and thus face our project with guarantees.

The Role of the Mixer

Now that we know the different stages within music production, we will delve a little deeper into mixing and specifically the role of the mixer.

Sound References

As you know, there are as many musical styles as there are colors in a painting, which is why it is important to know some techniques that will help us delve into the sound that we will have to work on. Go for it!

Create a Work Session

In this lesson I will show you how to create a work session, import the tracks safely and get everything ready to start mixing the song.

Now we will start mixing the song from the simplest, from the macro, listening to all the channels at the same time, giving it shape so that they cohere together.

Mix in Macro

First Mix: Mixbus, EQ, Compression and Saturation 1

Having already worked on the macro of the song, we are going to something more specific, where we will carry out some of the main processes in the work of the audio and we will know some plugins that will allow us to carry out each of these processes digitally.

First Mix: Mixbus, EQ, Compression and Saturation 2

I continue to EQ different elements so that it sits as well as possible in the mix.

First Mix: Mixbus, EQ, Compression and Saturation 3

Finally, we are going to work on the compression and saturation of some instruments that are part of the song.

Second Mix: Multiple Processes

Having already worked on the macro of the song, we go to the most specific, working track by track according to what is needed on a case-by-case basis. For this we will use some of the main processes for the work of the audios and some plugins that will perform each of these processes digitally.

In this lesson we will learn about some of the main and most used effects when mixing. Do you know what reverb or delay do? Let's go for it!

Use Effects

In this lesson we dive a bit deeper into the total sound of the song, using different tools and processes.

Deepen the Mix

Sidechain and Parallel Processes

Now I am going to reveal some secrets that nobody tells you to be able to take the sound of the song to the next level.

Automation and Finishing Touches 1

In this lesson we'll learn about automation and how to use it, as well as make final touches to prepare the song for the next stage.

Automation and Finishing Touches 2

We are still working on the last details that will make us get the sound we are looking for for the song.

Review of the Final Volume of the Mixture

In this lesson we'll review the final volume of our song and I'll show you how to adjust it to prepare it for final export.

Export the Final Mix

Finally, we are going to export our final work. We will carry out different types of exports that I will explain below.

Module 5

Some sounds never leave you. A distant echo, a rising tone, a silence that says everything. For Nadine Voullième, sound design is about shaping emotional experiences and anchoring stories in memory. With more than three decades of experience, she draws inspiration from cinema, music, and the invisible power of sound to move an audience. Her approach blends technical mastery with narrative intuition—where every frequency plays a role in storytelling.

20 lessons (4h 53m)

Introduction to Narrative Sound 1

In this lesson, I will talk to you about the relationship between sound and image, regarding content and emotional contribution.

Introduction to Narrative Sound 2

Second part of the lesson, in which we are looking at the location of the sound sources in the scene, and how this can be a great solution to solve a story.

Introduction to Narrative Sound 3

Third part of the lesson, in which we are looking at the location of the sound sources in the scene, and how this can be a great solution to solve a story.

In this lesson, we will see the origin of the materials needed for the different sound families, and I will teach you some of the basic tools so that you can start working in Pro Tools.

Search for Sounds 1

Second part of the lesson, in which we will continue to see how to organize the materials and tools to start working on the project.

Search for Sounds 2

In this lesson, I will show you the dubbing process, teaching you some technical recording notions that I have been learning from experience. I will give you tips to position the microphone, define the space where it is recorded and the synchronization of voices and narrations.

Dubbing

In this lesson, I will teach you about the sounds that are recreated in the room, in synchronization with the moving sources in the image, the so-called foley . These have three main areas: footsteps, presences and noise in general or props , which you will learn to work technically.

Foley Recording

Dialogue Editing 1

In this lesson I will show you how to work on dialogues and their importance in any audiovisual project. You will learn about the edition of the production sound record and its main challenges.

Second part of the lesson, in which I am showing you how to integrate dubbing into the scene, to complement it with the direct recording that we have been working on in the project.

Dialogue Editing 2

Assembling Scene Environments

In this lesson, I am going to teach you how to set up the scene environments. We will see how this gives us the information of geographic and temporal reality, and its importance to give continuity to the planes.

Setting up Specific Sound Effects 1

In this lesson, I will show you how to perform the construction of particular sound effects, their expression and materiality, as well as the necessary layers and sound sources. You will learn to build a noise based on different sounds, giving different perceptions with different layers.

Setting up Specific Sound Effects 2

Second part of the lesson, in which I am showing you how to carry out the construction of particular sound effects, their expression and materiality; in addition to the necessary layers and sound sources.

In this lesson, we will make an introduction to sound mixing. Also, I will teach you about the equalization process, a tool that will help you make your sound elements have the sound color you need.

Sound Color 1

Second part of the lesson, where I am introducing you to the sound mix and the equalization process; a tool that will help you make your sound elements have the sound color you need.

Sound Color 2

In this lesson, I will teach you how to work with sound planes, and how to apply level tools on your files and tracks.

Sound Planes 1

Second part of the lesson, in which we will continue to see the sound plans, and in which we will use the level tools in the editing program.

Sound Planes 2

In this lesson, I will show you how to locate the edited elements in the sound spatial panorama. I will teach you how to use the pan and reverb tools.

Spacial Location 1

Second part of the lesson, in which I am showing you how to locate the edited elements in the sound spatial panorama; in addition to teaching you how to use the panning and reverberation tools.

Spatial Location 2

Incorporation of Music and Export of the Mix 1

In this lesson, we will incorporate music alternatives, to give you some tips on how to define music that helps to narrate the scene in a better way.

Incorporation of Music and Export of the Mix 2

Second part of the lesson, in which I will teach you to correctly and optimally export the sound mix of your scene. We are finishing!

A good sound provides a level of quality that makes all the difference before the public or your competition. The sound is the direct connection of your senses with the video; you can have a great video, but the sound is what connects you to the story. By creating a good sound design, you can better guide the viewer through the story.

Module 6

What if sound could shape emotion before a single word is spoken? Andrés Borda sees sound design as a powerful tool to frame space, suggest mood, and guide the viewer’s attention. With a deep sensitivity to atmosphere and timing, he draws from both technical skill and creative instinct. His perspective transforms every audio layer—from ambient textures to dialogue—into a carefully crafted piece of the storytelling puzzle.

18 lessons (4h 25m)

What Is Sound Design?

Knowing our work platform well will always help us work more efficiently and have a correct work rhythm. In this lesson we will see how to position ourselves in our DAW and I will give you a basic introduction to Pro Tools.

Work Platform 1

The more you practice on your platform, the faster everything will flow. Practice makes a master! To work faster and more correctly I will also show you the editing shortcuts and how to set the mix bus.

Work Platform 2

Creating a Spotting Session 1

A spotting session is one of the first steps when you work with video, since we identify all the actions that are presented in the box, the needs and what you should solve and look for. With this step you can achieve better work dynamics and order. So now it's time to design and create a big sonic impact. Let's get started!

Creating a Spotting Session 2

Here I will focus more on the search for a good sound and how to take it further. With a basic example you will learn how equalizing can make a difference in your sample so that you can use it to your advantage in your production.

The environment in which we find ourselves always has more detail than one thinks. Sound layers create a sense of depth, detail, and positioning. In this lesson you will learn how to create the necessary environment for your project.

The Power of Layering 1

To give life to the spaces we use natural environments: details such as animals, atmospheric effects, climate, transportation, etc. We will continue to see how to create the first section of the sound design, that is, how to create an atmosphere or a certain environment.

The Power of Layering 2

Giving a Sonorous Character to the Actions 1

It is vital to give each action shown in the video its sound impact, since the actions make us connect with what the actor is doing in the scene. It allows us to understand history in a more personal way and better position ourselves in what is happening. Not having this connection, we lose our sense of location and feel like we can't fully connect. Let's see this stage!

Giving a Sonorous Character to the Actions 2

It is important to verify which are the necessary effects for the scene and place them in their respective place, as well as create options to have different alternatives, since the sound can generate another vision of what is happening in the scene.

Working with Dialogue and Music 1

The dialogue is one of the files in which we have to focus the most to create all the sound impact around it. The dialogue tells us the story, communicates emotions and centers us, as well as the music. Let's learn more about these two factors.

21m

Working with Dialogue and Music 2

Remember that dialogue directs us in the story, regardless of the setting, effects, or actions. It is important to create a space for dialogue and the automation of dialogue channels.

Working with Dialogue and Music 3

We have reached a fundamental point in the sound design process, starting to mix with more detail and precision, creating space and automation for both dialogue and music.

The equalization and compression processes help us shape the dynamics when projecting the sound before the video, thus giving it better positioning and clarity. In this lesson we will focus on improving the sound, creating clarity, and giving more detail and depth.

Mixing and Repeating 1

The mixture is repetition, it is to try, remove and put. It is not a process to do it the first time, since the sound has to be evaluated from several points of view and our ears also get tired; they are a muscle that must be protected. To know when a production is finished it is important to test and compare, so we can filter more steps and reach our goal faster. You will realize that the mix is to create your sound sensation and give your complete vision regarding the video.

Mixing and Repeating 2

When reaching the end point of the project it is important to focus on the mix bus and master bus (balancing final channels) that will allow you to put all the pieces together in two final channels and export. We will see in this lesson.

Finishing Mix 1

The last step is to export your work from whatever platform you're using to share it. For this, it is essential to know certain basic and necessary formats for the platforms you use.

Finishing Mix 2

Recommendation of Plugins and Techniques

The tools we use are essential, but it is more important to know what is behind them to know how to break the rules and achieve more. Today you can achieve a lot with little. There are many plugins that can generate impressive detail, but it's also important to work with what you have at the moment. In this lesson I will give you some tips so that you can advance much more.