Discover the latest industry news and audio post production.
We had a wonderful time doing the Foley for the legendary creature "Munjya". We worked closely with sound designer Anirban Sengupta, which was a highly creative process.
June 27, 2024
Director Aditya Sarpotdar and Maddock Films have brought a supernatural comedy horror to Indian and British audiences. It has been ranked the fifth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024. The story is inspired by Indian folklore and mythology and will take you on an atmospheric journey...
We had a wonderful time doing the Foley for the legendary creature "Munjya". We worked closely with sound designer Anirban Sengupta, which was a highly creative process. Danny had a great time performing and crafting unique textures and Ryan captured the sweet essence of the creature. We hope you enjoy listening to our work on this film.
Still showing in limited Cineworlds in London. Don't miss out!
Please enjoy the trailer to "Munjya" with English subtitles:
Pro Tools 2024.6 expands upon various features and brings a range of enhancements that boost workflow efficiency, helping audio and music producers to unleash their creativity more freely.
June 26, 2024
Pro Tools 2024.6 expands upon various features and brings a range of enhancements that boost workflow efficiency, helping audio and music producers to unleash their creativity more freely. We're excited to dive into these new capabilities over the coming weeks and will provide another review once we've thoroughly tested the features. Meanwhile, let’s take a look at some of the highlights of what is new.
A game changer is the introduction of the ARA 2 support, which now integrates six plugins directly into Pro Tools. This marks another significant advancement since the 2022.9 update, introducing ARA 2 Melodyne integration. We’re pleased that iZotope RX Spectral Editor, the industry ‘magic noise-buster’ has finally made the list. Thanks to the update, Pro Tools users will be able to enjoy access to RX’s visual Spectrogram display docked within the edit window (with the option to open in a separate resizable window). The docked Spectral Editor certainly looks streamlined and easy to access, also containing the tools: gain, de-click and de-hum.
Another feature of ARA integration is that it allows you to keep your audio adjustments running in real-time within the session so any edits can be revisited and changed later. Like with Melodyne, you can select RX Spectral Editor options (Edit, Bypass, Clear and Render) from an ARA submenu accessible via the drop-down menu when right-clicking on a clip.
The other plugins now supported by ARA 2 are:
Avid has also created videos explaining the integration of each plugin with ARA 2 in more detail, which are worth a watch. Another perk for those with active Pro Tools subscriptions and perpetual upgrade plans is the automatic inclusion of ARA 2 plugins for iZotope RX Spectral Editor and Synchro Arts RePitch.
The latest update includes the plugins Captain Chords Lite and Human Lite from Mixed in Key (the entry versions of Captain Chords Epic and Human Plugins), two useful tools in a music creator’s kit. We particularly appreciate Human Lite, which works similarly to the ‘humanize’ function in Logic Pro X by quickly giving MIDI or other quantized material a more natural and human feel. Captain Chords Lite creates chords from any key of your choice and gives full flexibility over inversions and passing notes as well as access to a library of chord progressions and rhythms. Both plugins are valuable for generating and experimenting with compositional ideas efficiently.
The updated Import Session Data window, prompted in response to customer requests to ‘filter out inactive tracks’, makes locating tracks faster and clearer. The new filtering capabilities are invaluable when working with large, complex sessions. You now have the ability to access more data such as track colours, types, inactive tracks and folder hierarchy along with the option to type a specific search into the text filter. Additionally, you can easily switch between 'marker rulers' and 'tracks', resulting in a more organised appearance within the Import Session Data window compared to previous versions. One more welcome improvement is the overall, less ‘cluttered’ layout and ability to resize the window.
Avid have made the updates to the Import Session Data window cohesive across the Clip List, Edit Window and Pro Tools Preferences. The Clip List has this same upgraded filter box, making it easy to find what you’re looking for even when a filter has been applied. The option to only show tracks with clips on them has also been added to the Edit window; This can be done within a timeline selection or at the insertion point. A search box has been added to the Preferences window, which highlights the containment tab(s) and specific area within.
A notable mention is that Automation Lanes are now expandable, so finding lanes that contain automation breakpoints or ramped changes (without a breakpoint) will be much easier.
Following the introduction of custom live re-renders in Pro Tools 2024.3, the 2024.6 update has added several new formats for monitoring. You can cut out the cascaded downmixing stage by simply listening to a direct stereo ‘preview’ of the mix with ‘Stereo Direct’. The binaural mode settings can also be accessed and controlled from the Edit and Mix windows, enabling immediate monitoring during playback. Other enhancements include the ability to:
Avid has given us some major time-savers in this update catering to Pro Tools users engaged in both audio and music production. The ARA 2 support for iZotope RX Spectral Editor in particular will transform workflow for those working in audio post. We look forward to exploring the full potential of the new 2024.6 features and giving them a more thorough review.
Penteo Pro+ is a powerful upmixing and downmixing tool that delivers high-fidelity, phase-free conversions across 62 audio formats, making reversioning effortless for audio professionals.
June 11, 2024
Thanks to huge technological leaps in recent years, the list of tedious and time consuming tasks are seemingly getting smaller by the day. However, reversioning can still send a shiver down the most experienced mixers spine. Enter: Penteo. Today on the 344 Audio blog, we’ll take look at the upmixing/downmixing plug in, Penteo Pro+.
Company: Penteo
Product: Penteo Pro+
Price: £799
Our Rating: 4.95/5
Penteo is a reversioning tool that has been making waves in the industry in recent years. Aiming to make the process of upmixing and downmixing as simple as possible, the software uses 'PerfectSurround' technology which allows users to convert stereo tracks to/from a variety of multichannel formats without adding or subtracting content, or introducing phasing issues.
In their own words:
Penteo version 6 plug-ins simplifies the complex process of upmixing and downmixing, ensuring that reversioning between formats retain the highest fidelity and spatial accuracy. We’ve introduced the highest order Ambisonics support, accommodating up to 64 channels. This, combined with the Direct Binaural Renderer, empowers audio professionals to seamlessly convert between an extensive range of formats, ensuring optimal listening experiences across all platforms.
Penteo is available in 3 versions, with some features varying between each; Pro+ (62 Audio Formats), Pro (43 Audio Formats) & 360 (13 Audio Formats). We’ll be looking at the Pro+ offering. Highlights from the latest update include a huge expansion to its Ambisonics functionality for use in 360 degree social media audio, gaming and VR/AR, plus an incredibly useful 'Direct Binaural Renderer' feature from all 62 Audio Formats. Meaning you can now preview an upmix before rendering to Binaural, ensuring the render sounds as expected. Alongside giving remote clients the ability to hear immersive mixes whilst monitoring through headphones.
From a purely aesthetic point of view, the interface looks a little dated compared to other recent plug ins. This could simply be down to visual elements being square/utilizing sharp edges as opposed to and the smooth, curved shapes used by others. However, the inclusion of 3 UI settings (Default, Minimal and Output Visualizer) allow for customization depending on personal preference is nice. The simplicity of all 3 layouts, including minimal UI (Which drastically reduces the plugin window size) make identifying essential controls really easy, with the added bonus of colour coding to know at a glance which channels you’re looking at/modifying.
We tested Penteos upmixing capabilities on 3 different music tracks. And both the upmixing and downmixing capabilities on a feature film we mixed in Stereo and 5.1.
When we used the plug-in to upmix a stereo music track containing mostly instruments, the default settings gave clear, high fidelity results. The only audible difference before dialling in any changes was too much signal being distributed to the LFE channel. After turning that down (by around -11db) there were only a few small adjustments to the rear channels needed before we were happy with the results. The surround spread feels very natural, and we were particularly impressed with how much of a great job Penteo does at isolating, and spreading different elements of the tracks. For example, one track we tested on separated some choir vocals from orchestral instruments and spread them the rear speakers further enhancing the songs building intensity.
Moving on to our feature film test, we had both our stereo and 5.1 mixes on separate tracks. We then compared the upmixed stereo version to our original 5.1 mix, and vice versa for downmixing. In both cases the results were flawless. At various points throughout the test we were switching between Penteos results and the original mixes we heard no artefacts, missing content from the audio and true to PerfectSurrounds word...no phasing issues.
After years of using Waves UM225/226, spending time with Penteo Pro+ is a welcome upgrade. It comes as no surprise that it's been named 'Upmixer of the Year' twice. Whilst there could be some improvements made to modernize the U.I, Penteo more than makes up for this in functionality. The ease of use and ability to get incredible results with such minimal changes out the box will save you so much time it would be worth the price tag alone. Paired with the fact that Pro+ supports all audio formats, and its cutting-edge PerfectSurround technology delivers on its promises, having this tool in your arsenal a no brainer.Penteo Pro+, Pro & 360 are available as VST3, Audio Units or AAX plug-in on both PC and Mac.
For more from Penteo and the purchase information for Penteo Pro+, follow these links:
Hafeed's audio journey from Libya to the UK was transformed by our Creative Foley Workshop with Pete Burgis.
May 22, 2024
Hafeed's audio journey has taken him from Libya, all the way to the UK. We sat down with him to hear how the Creative Foley Workshop with Pete Burgis empowered him to stand strong and overcome performance nerves, inspired confidence in his approach to the industry, and shaped his general creative thought process and approach to Foley Artistry.
Hey! I'm Hafeed, I'm a masters student at Leeds Beckett University and I was really lucky to take the Creative Foley Workshop course with Mr Pete Burgis. So, I have a background in Foley already. I've done a couple of films and TV shows, but the week I've had with Pete and the 344 team was absolutely life changing. I think that this one week equals years of self learning in Foley, it was really helpful for me.
Something that really stood out to me is that Pete helped us to be more free with our performances, and that was really powerful. Because I think all 3 of us were a bit tense when it comes to performing, especially with footsteps. We needed to lose our muscles, lose ourselves, and become the actor, become the actress. And we learned a lot of fun things like, walking dogs and walking animals...that was really fun to do! Another great thing for me is that Pete helped us to create a sound library in our heads which is something I'd never thought about, and it's something that I'll continue taking seriously when I'm trying to discover new ways of making sounds. Also, he told us a lot about the industry. So he didn't just show us how to do Foley and how to record Foley, he told us about the industry and how to approach the industry in different ways. This is something that's really important to me.
A real 'Wow' moment that happened to me was when Pete showed us how to make dragon fire with nothing but a bin bag! I remember Alan looked at me and was like 'what's going on here?', and I was just in true shock.
I'd definitely recommend the course, and I'd recommend it to anyone. If you don't know anything about film, and you want to get into the world of film and foley, or you are a senior or veteran foley artist. I think you will gain something from Pete, that's 100% certain. It's really something powerful, it's just one week but as I said, this week equals years of your life trying to figure these things out. And whoever is coming to take this course with Pete, you should prepare all your questions, have a think and anything that pops into your head, write it down because everything had an answer...you just have to ask the questions.
I'm really thankful for Pete and the 344 team; Alex, Ryan and Danny for this chance. I will definitely remember this for my whole life, and my whole career...It's really something meaningful, and it changed how I see myself, and how I see myself in this field and that's really important. So I'll forever be grateful for that, and I hope to see you in the Foley Workshop!
Our next Creative Foley Workshop starts on the 8th July, 2024. Spaces are limited. To find out more or join the course, visit this link below:
There are a variety of benefits to being Pro Tools certified, even at the most basic level.
May 13, 2024
For years now, there’s been an almost constant discussion around one question; ‘Is Avid Certification worth it?’. Whilst Pro Tools courses aren't designed to make you a better audio engineer, and are by no means essential to forging a career in creative audio environments, there are a variety of benefits to being certified, even at the most basic level.
Avid offer a number of courses that provide an industry recognized credential for both academic users, and industry professionals, allowing Pro Tools users to become an Avid Certified Specialist, Professional or Expert. The first 3 courses (PT101, 110 and 201) cover everything from the software's technical fundamentals, to efficiently running Pro Tools HD systems in large, professional environments. With additional courses also available that focus on advanced features for working in music (201/301M), audio-post production (201/301P), and Dolby Atmos (201/205D), respectively.
It goes without saying that creative knowledge, techniques and workflows are important in the industry. However, knowing how things work under the hood, and how to troubleshoot efficiently is also of great value. And whilst there is a plethora of educational content available online, what better way is there to learn the technical ins and outs of the software than from the creators themselves, and in a much more timely manor? And for those moments your brain goes blank, having access to all this information permanently via the course books needed to undertake the exams also makes it efficient to find whatever you need, whenever you need it.
Most creative industries are notoriously competitive, especially when it comes to acquiring entry level roles. Being able to include Avid Certified Specialist (The first level of certification gained after completing PT101 & PT110) on your resume to bolster other academic qualifications will help you stand out amongst other candidates when applying for studio facilities, and help you portray a knowledgeable and professional image to clients for freelancers.
On a personal level (especially for those who are self taught), passing each exam provides an extra layer of pride, and confidence in yourself and your technical abilities, no matter the experience level.
Ultimately, whether to pursue Avid Certification or not will vary depending on each individuals circumstances and career path of choice. For example, If you’re a sound designer at the early stages of a career in audio post-production (an industry largely dominated by Pro Tools usage), the benefits are certainly more attractive and valuable than to someone who has held a steady job in the music industry for 10 years.
If you want to become an Avid Certified | Pro Tools Specialist, follow the link to secure your place on our next cohort:
https://www.344audio.com/learn-pro-tools
