Where to Find the Ultimate Glitch Sound Effects
Where to Find the Ultimate Glitch Sound Effects
Glitch sounds have become a staple in experimental music, sound design, and electronic projects. There are plenty of glitch libraries out there, but we decided to go further: to create the most exhaustive, obsessional glitch library possible. Every sound is designed to showcase the full spectrum of glitch possibilities, from subtle textures to chaotic eruptions.
The result is Glitch Grains - CHECK IT OUT HERE
We approached this by exploring every method of noise-making we could think of, combining hardware, software, and creative abuse to produce unpredictable and characterful glitch textures. Here’s how we made the sounds:
Theremin
These files were recorded using a Jaycar Electronics theremin, varying the frequency antenna and at times making contact with it to create short glitchy sweeps, bloops and stutters as well as longer ham radio-style “tuning” effects.
Noisy Oscillators
These files were recorded using a tone generator in Native Instruments Reaktor called Skrewel. Skrewel uses 8 oscillators interacting in complex ways to create terrifying noises, interstellar soundscapes, and musical glitches. The files are organized into long and short glitches as well as one “constant change” file in which Skrewel’s parameters are randomized every second, showing the amazing diversity of the sound source.
Sample Retriggering
These files were created using a process of sample retriggering with an Elektron Machinedrum, whereby a sample is triggered, then retriggered several times in quick succession. The results range from jarring stuttering effects to musical bleeps and bloops. The files have different pitch and musicality depending on the sample being triggered and its pitch and speed.
Raw Data
These files were created using/abusing Audacity’s “Import Raw Data” feature. Intended as a way to open uncompressed audio files with damaged or missing headers, Import Raw Data can convert any file type into audio. We fed it .gif, .tiff, .pdf, .bmp, .exe, and .ptx files, all with their own unique sonic flavor. The results at times sound akin to dial-up modem noise, bitcrushing, blasts of white/pink noise, and crystalline grain showers.
Radio Static
These files were recorded using the original household glitch box—the transistor radio. Each file picks out a different point in the radio spectrum, between broadcast stations, showcasing all the beautifully unpredictable natural and man-made electromagnetic noise. There are three varieties of static—FM, LW, MW—each with a subtly different sonic profile.
Power Cycles
These files were created by recording the output of various devices during power down. The crackling you hear is the death rattle of circuits as the last dregs of voltage slip away. Devices include a Doepfer Dark Energy, PC, Akai S1000, Teenage Engineering OP-1, Nintendo Gameboy, MFOS Weird Sound Generator, and a Theremin.
No Input Mixing Board
These files were recorded using a no-input mixing board. The outputs of a traditional mixing desk (a Behringer Xenyx X2222USB in this case) were routed into its inputs and modulated through various EQs and busses to create delightfully unpredictable feedback loops. Files range from throbbing bass-heavy drone feedback and midrange hums to short modulating blasts and twittering bleeps.
Mic Overloads
These files were created by overloading microphones to the point of saturation. Expect heavy metal-like overdriven screaming, blustering wind, and purring heavy machinery noise. Microphones used include the Sennheiser MHK416, Shure SM7B, and Barcus Berry 4000 contact mic.
Phreaking (Hacked Telephone System)
These files were recorded using the “phone” effect on the OP-1 from Teenage Engineering. Phone simulates a hacked telephone system with modulatable baud rate. The resulting sounds are very varied, with some circuit-bending-style effects, granulation, noise, stuttering, and truly unique glitch sounds.
Gameboy Sound Chip [MGB-LCPU-01]
These files were created using a Nintendo Gameboy Pocket and the LSDJ sequencer ROM. All sounds come from the Gameboy’s internal sound chip. Expect chiptune-style glitchy bleeps and bloops as well as sounds you would never have dreamed of hearing coming from your Gameboy.
EMI
These sounds were created using guitar pickups to record the electromagnetic interference patterns of various household objects. These include a PC, electric razor, fidget spinner, iPhone 6s, Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator, USB powerbank, vacuum cleaner, cordless vacuum cleaner, digital camera, hard disk drive, speaker drivers, and a Nintendo Wii U, Switch, and Gameboy. The results are ghostly washes of noise, crackles, and sweeps.
Rogue Waves Glitch Grains
We collected all of these methods into one comprehensive library of glitch sounds, providing endless options for experimental sound design, music production, and creative audio projects.