SOUNDTRACK REDESIGN

This sound art project was the final assignment for my Audio Foundation Studio class at IDM in Spring 2023. The task involved selecting a one-minute video, muting its original sound, and recreating the audio using Reaper. I worked on the trailer for Ice Merchants, a visually captivating short animation about a father and son delivering ice.

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To build an immersive soundscape, I incorporated various sound elements: sound effects such as a creaking swing, door movements, bell ringing, and rocks being handled; Foley sounds like footsteps, rustling clothes, and stirring in a bowl; and room tones, including wind and a crackling fireplace. For background music, I chose a piano solo that complemented the pacing of the video. I sourced audio elements from Freesound.org, BBC Sound Effects, Splice, and Epidemic Sounds.

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Using Reaper, I synced audio to visuals with markers and refined transitions using Toggle Repeat. During mixing, I adjusted sound levels to match on-screen distances, removed unwanted noise with ReaEQ, and controlled dynamics with ReaXcomp. A final FX chain—comprising ReaEQ, ReaXcomp, and JS MGA Limiter—enhanced clarity, balanced levels, and ensured cohesiveness. The completed project achieved a polished, dynamic audio experience that enriched the animation’s narrative.

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