Zach is a passionate Sound Designer, Producer, and Audio Engineer with a speciality in ambient and atmospheric scores, lush acoustic layers, and creative and authentic sound design
Sound Design Demo Reel- Zach Salem
Above is a set of clips borrowed from Youtube to demonstrate some Game Sound Design. Each clip was re-sound designed and mixed by Zach Salem-Mackall. Zach is a talented young sound designer with a special interest in game audio, automotive and UI sound design. He has experience with AR and VR sound design as a current Sound Design Intern at the NYU Create Lab, focusing on R&D initiatives with VR sound and learning. He enjoys a wide range of game sounds, with a special interest in vehicle and creature design.
Game Footage:
1. Elden Ring- @Shirrako
2. Assetto Corsa- @Vroomy
3. Deadspace- @gamespot
4. Starbound- @EpicSmileYT
5. Jak and Daxter- @projectlongplay
Compositions
Zach shared ‘Salamander’ in January of 2023, as his debut EP. This short selection of ambient works, demonstrates his ear for layered acoustic instruments inspired by jazz and RnB but infused with analog synthesis and lush sequences. His EP received praise from Band Camp’s Best Ambient List and was described as “wistful sweetness smartly leaves one yearning for more”
Zach’s compositions follow specific moments in time and mimic strong and powerful feelings of discomfort that are immediately caressed in lush drones of resolve. ‘Worth it’ off of this debut EP was featured on the NTS Early Bird Show
Current Works
Sound Design for Performance
Zach has worked on multiple experimental theater and dance shows providing original sound design and compositions. This short video is from producer and choreographer Kiara Benn’s ‘Just for You’ where an introduction sequence is being played featuring Zach’s field recordings, recordings of household objects, guitars and synths to create a mystic but familiar soundscape. This show took place during Benn’s Residency at The Performing Garage in Soho.
Sound Design of Electric Cars and Vehicles
Zach is currently finishing his master’s thesis, which in short, is a comparative analysis of the relevant synthesis techniques used to create artificial engine sound in Electric Cars. He has a strong passion for practical sound design, in which individuals become equipped with the ability to effect their own soundscape. Three original engine sounds will be tested and professionally recorded in a set of vehicle interior recordings. He is currently pursuing a career in automotive sound design and has created virtual implementations as a proof of concept for his research. The following is a virtual implementation for Zach’s ‘Stealth’ EV Sound.
Mixing and Mastering
Zach is a talented mix and mastering engineer and is always open to collaborating with new artists! Zach has roots in R&B and Soul production and enjoys mixing and mastering live instruments and large orchestrations. Here is a recent mix and master of Zach’s for Norell Sherman's ‘Let it Wash’ released in June of 2024.
