Get audio assets

1. Overview

Like many 3D assets, audio assets are created outside Unity in audio Digital Content Creation tools (audio DCCs), and then brought into the Unity Editor where they are configured to interact with other assets. Here, we’ll discuss the audio tools and file types that are compatible with Unity, and take another trip to the Asset Store.

2. What are Audio DCCs?

Audio Digital Creation tools (DCCs), such as Audition, Logic Pro, Reaper, and Audacity, allow artists to record, edit, and mix sound effects and music for a project.

In these programs, artists record and compose music to serve as background tracks; clean up and restore distorted or noisy recordings; add filters and effects to achieve a particular sound; and optimize audio to balance quality with performance.

3. Other resources for Audio in Unity

Unity has the powerful ability to simulate 3D space for audio: dynamically responding to the position and orientation of a user within that space, and adjusting volume and right-left balance to give the user a sense of distance and direction relative to the audio source just as they would in a real 3D environment. Unity even has the ability to simulate the Doppler effect, in which the pitch of a sound from a fast-moving source, like a falling bomb or a passing police car, will change as it moves past the listener. Realistic 3D audio drastically increases the user’s feeling of immersion in a project.

4. Exercise

To appreciate the importance of audio in a project, try the following experiment:

1. Search for a video clip of animals from a nature documentary, then mute that video.

1. In a new tab, browse some music from the Unity Asset Store and try to find some bright, uplifting music and some dark, somber music.

1. Try playing each music track in the background while you watch scenes from the nature documentary.

Notice how each music track completely changes the way you experience and think about the video. Even the most neutral videos can be made to seem extremely emotional with the right track in the background. Share your observations in the comments.

5. Get audio assets from the Asset Store

Many talented audio creators make their work available to you on the Unity Asset Store. The Asset Store is a convenient platform for specialized asset creators to share or sell their work, and for real-time creators to find pre-designed, pre-built assets that are ready to use. These assets include 3D models, Materials, animations, loading screens, scripts, and anything else you might need for your project.

1. Following the steps you used in the 3D project, go to the Unity Asset Store.

2. Refine your search by selecting Audio under the filter options on the right. Also constrain your search to free assets by selecting the Free Assets option.

3. Look for audio that you can add to this Scene; for example:

• Background music to create an entirely different mood.

• Mysterious sounds that could come from behind doors and inside cabinets.

• Outdoor sounds or sirens that could come through the windows.

If you are ready for our next challenge, we recommend that you find a siren, motor, or other sound that can travel past the window of the kitchen Scene.

4. Add the assets you discover to your project via the My Assets page.

6. Other audio sources

Unity can accept most common audio file formats as Audio Clips. You probably have some favorite music or sound effects that you could add to your projects. See the Unity Manual about audio files for more information.

7. Next steps

You now know the essential audio features of Unity so that you can add interesting sound effects and music to your projects. If you are ready for a challenge, you can combine your knowledge of audio with your knowledge of scripts to create some new effects.