After the 5 ways to master marker management, here’s how I transformed my voice into a flying car engine in Phase Plant a step-by-step tutorial.
Creating a flying car engine from scratch is a great way to explore the design potential of Phase Plant's sound.
Hello everyone! Some time ago, I showed you ( in this YouTube video With a simple mouth imitation, I created the sound of a futuristic flying car using Phaseplant. I would now like to break down my process into a clear sound design tutorial in Phase Plant, so you can draw inspiration to create your own patch.
Recording the engine with voice
It all started with a simple vocal imitation (never underestimate vocal imitations).
First of all, I loaded the voice sample into the Phase Plant sampler.
Then, I defined the loop points to create a continuous and homogeneous engine sound. . ​
​
​It's the foundation of the engine sound that I wanted to create.
Creation of the motor rotation speed macro ​
I created a macro called Speed to control the height of the sample.
J'ai ajouté un limiteur de slew pour le rendre plus fluide et naturel.
Addition of dynamic speed control with macros: real-time adjustment
I created a macro called RPM to control the Speed macro, which also increases the height of the sample.
Then, I created the final macro called Master Speed to control the RPM macro.
With this series configuration, when you turn the Master Speed knob (each of the macros affects the pitch and thanks to the slew limiters), you simulate the shifting of gears (in a way) and add naturalness and unpredictability.
By interacting solely with Master Speed, we apply cascading modulation on RPM and Speed, resulting in a more organic behavior thanks to the slew limiters.
Enhance realism with randomness to add imperfections.
I duplicated the sampler to create several cylinders by changing the loop points.
I added a random modulator to the speed of the new cylinders.
This introduced subtle variations in speed, making the engine sound more realistic and less robotic. It is the small imperfections that bring sounds to life.
I love to put random things everywhere!
Let's turn it into something more futuristic!
I have inserted a Resonator into the main bus.
I connected it to the RPM and Speed macros.
​
​If you want a "futuristic" effect, it's a safe bet.
Addition of a "grainy" texture using the Filter table.
I used the brand new Phase Plant Filter table to add a granular texture to the sound.
I experimented with different types of filters and modulations to create a raw and mechanical side. This added a lot of character.
I connected Resonance to the random modulator and the Cutoff to the RPM macro.
​
​The new Filtertable is awesome
Sculpt the sound with effects to give it body.
I used a filter on the modulation wheel to simulate a distance effect.
I used a Frequency Shifter to enhance the science fiction aspect.
I applied a Carve EQ to shape the frequencies and ensure that the engine integrates well into the mix and is not too aggressive.
I added a Limiter to ensure a balanced and impactful sound.
Adding spatial depth with convolution reverb: creating space
I inserted the Convoler to give the engine a sense of space.
I chose a short and subtle reverb impulse response that created a small environment in which the engine exists instead of just being.
This is the result !
Key takeaways from my process:
Phase Plant is incredibly versatile for sound design and encourages experimentation.
Macros are essential for effective automation and real-time control.
Randomness is essential for adding realism and character.
I hope this sound design tutorial will help you create your own engine sounds and inspire you to experiment with this wonderful tool that is Phase Plant Feel free to ask your questions in the comments below.
The original video that I posted on YouTube.