Resource Type: Sound Design

Masterclass: Sound Design with Axel Kacoutié (Part 3)

To finish off Axel Kacoutié’s Sound Design Masterclass we present to you his 3rd instalment, where he has put together his top tips on mixing.

Editing your podcast can seem like the trickiest part of the process, but in reality all you need is a digital audio workstation (DAW) that suits your needs and some simple editing tips. With a bit of practice and following this videos guidance, you can then make something truly magical!
Axel’s top tips on mixing your podcast brings you everything you need to know about using audio software to edit and mix multiple tracks, and how to use the right tools to get a polished sound from start to finish.
Axel will break down:
  • The importance of EQ and removing unwanted noise.
  • Understanding what compression is and how it can improve the sound of your podcast.
  • How to pace out your podcast to give it room to breathe.
  • How to mix your podcast overall and perfect the levels.
We also recommend going through Axel’s worksheet alongside this video, where you will find a glossary of terms and definitions as well as answers to questions you may have.

Axel Kacoutié HeadshotAbout Your Instructor: Axel Kacoutié- Sound Designer, The Guardian

I am the Guardian’s theme composer and Sound Designer for their daily news podcast called, Today in Focus. It took a long time to accept the title of “sound designer” as it was drilled into me when studying Music Production for Media at Ravensbourne University. I thought I should mainly focus on the music whilst students on the Sound Design course did their thing. At that time, I was solely focused on being a composer who wanted to write music for TV and film or collaborating with singer/songwriters.

Fast forward to today. I quickly understood that separating my skills would do me no good. My musical understanding of the rhythm of speech and mood in the delivery makes me understand how to pace an interview or build that sonic world that feels necessary when describing what it’s like inside a black hole. Music is sound, and sound is music, and it’s the words that gel it all together. With that synthesis that I apply to my practice, it’s led me to create work for the BBC, Channel 4, NOWNESS, feature in the Barbican, and win several national and international awards.

Additional Items 

Axel has generously put together additional resources, references and a glossary of terms you can look to help you create the best sounding podcast.

Download Axel’s – Sound Design Worksheet

Masterclass: Sound Design with Axel Kacoutié (Part 2)

Here is the 2nd instalment of Axel Kacoutié’s Sound Design Masterclass. Where you will get an in depth look into how to source music for your podcast.

Music is one of the key elements to any podcast or audio project. Unfortunately, it’s not always the easiest thing to find. With so many different websites and sources, it is hard to keep track of where you found that great song you used in your latest episode!
Finding the right music for your podcast or audio project can be difficult. The time you spend sourcing music will be a pain, but choosing the right music can make or break your podcast. Don’t worry, Axel’s done all the hard work for you!
Music can add depth and emotion to your podcast or audio project. It can help keep your listeners stay engaged while also providing you with the option to create call-to-actions or add additional audio elements to help tell the story unfold .
In Axels step by step masterclass he will:
  • Break down five differently music libraries on what they have to offer and affordability.
  • Show’s you how to select the right music to suit the vibe and style of your podcast.
  • And to finish off, discusses the importance of sourcing music legally, explaining copyright laws and  the rules around creative commons usage.
So without further ado, here is Axels Masterclass on how to source music for your podcast and other audio projects.

Axel Kacoutié HeadshotAbout Your Instructor: Axel Kacoutié- Sound Designer, The Guardian

I am the Guardian’s theme composer and Sound Designer for their daily news podcast called, Today in Focus. It took a long time to accept the title of “sound designer” as it was drilled into me when studying Music Production for Media at Ravensbourne University. I thought I should mainly focus on the music whilst students on the Sound Design course did their thing. At that time, I was solely focused on being a composer who wanted to write music for TV and film or collaborating with singer/songwriters.

Fast forward to today. I quickly understood that separating my skills would do me no good. My musical understanding of the rhythm of speech and mood in the delivery makes me understand how to pace an interview or build that sonic world that feels necessary when describing what it’s like inside a black hole. Music is sound, and sound is music, and it’s the words that gel it all together. With that synthesis that I apply to my practice, it’s led me to create work for the BBC, Channel 4, NOWNESS, feature in the Barbican, and win several national and international awards.

Additional Items 

Axel has generously put together additional resources, references and a glossary of terms you can look to help you create the best sounding podcast.

Download Axel’s – Sound Design Worksheet

Masterclass: Sound Design with Axel Kacoutié (Part 1)

Sound design can be a complicated process, but there is help. You can make your podcast sound as good as the podcasts you listen to. Personal, custom-made music and stings can make your podcast truly stand out and allow you to bring your vision to life.

If you’re not sure exactly what needs to be done, here are some questions to think about:

“What type of sounds should you use?”

“How can you make them sound like they belong on your podcast?”

“What kind of mood and attitude do I want to convey with my podcast?”

“Do I want it to be uplifting or soothing, sharp and assertive, or calm and peaceful?”

Your podcast is really well-made (recording, audio editing), and now it’s time to go that step further! You have a sick show idea and eager listeners, but no experience with sound design. In fact, you are terrified by it! That’s why you need this masterclass.

In this masterclass, we’re going to be looking at the art of sound design, specifically for podcasting with award-winning Sound Designer Axel Kacoutié. In this masterclass, Axel covers how to do podcast sound design for beginners by teaching a step by step process on creating a “sound bed” for your podcast. He provides relatable examples and resources for what he does on his own podcast projects (and why).

Everything is explained in simple terms with no jargon or obscure technical concepts. Learn how to make your podcast shine with audio production and music. Find out why good audio design matters and how it can improve the quality of your podcasts.

Axel Kacoutié HeadshotAbout Your Instructor: Axel Kacoutié- Sound Designer, The Guardian

Axel is The Guardian’s theme composer and Sound Designer for their daily news podcast called, Today in Focus. It took a long time to accept the title of “sound designer” as it was drilled into him when studying Music Production for Media at Ravensbourne University. He thought he should mainly focus on the music whilst students on the Sound Design course did their thing. At that time, he was solely focused on being a composer who wanted to write music for TV and film or collaborate with singer/songwriters.

Axel’s musical understanding of the rhythm of speech and mood in the delivery makes me understand how to pace an interview or build that sonic world that feels necessary when describing what it’s like inside a black hole. Music is sound, and sound is music, and it’s the words that gel it all together. With that synthesis that he applies to my practice, it’s led him to create work for the BBC, Channel 4, NOWNESS, feature in the Barbican, and win several national and international awards.

Additional Items 

Axel has generously put together additional resources, references and a glossary of terms you can look to help you create the best sounding podcast.

Download Axel’s – Sound Design Worksheet