Working with us is enjoyable, easy, and cheerfully collaborative. We know that sound design/mix are often the final steps of a lengthy and complex process. We aim to make the last sonic leg both fun and inspiring.

Sound Editorial

We eliminate clicks, pops, and noise for crystal-clear dialog. Every edit is meticulously refined, transitions are seamless, and the SFX speak, ensuring the cleanest, most transparent sonic foundation that lets the story take center stage.

Sound Design

Our sound design brings your project to life with immersive, bespoke audio. From subtle textures to bold sonic impact, we craft rich, detailed soundscapes that enhance storytelling, resonate emotionally, and make your project truly memorable.

Post Audio Mixing

From Stereo to Atmos, we’re experts in every sound deliverable imaginable. We craft pristine mixes for films, ads, streaming, games, docs, sonic brands, podcasts, and experiences to ensure your story resonates and leaves a lasting impact.

Experiential

From museum exhibits to one-of-a-kind spaces, we blend sonic strategy, custom acoustics, cutting-edge technology, creative storytelling, in-studio sound design, and onsite mixing to fully immerse audiences in unforgettable worlds.

Sonic Branding

Sonic strategy is at the forefront of a rapidly evolving world, with its impact expanding across all sectors. From custom sound icons to full audio ecosystems, we craft unique audio identities that enhance your brand and leave a lasting impact.

Original Content

We produce Twenty Thousand Hertz, the world’s leading podcast about sound, and create video content for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Our passion is to inspire a deeper cultural connection with the power of hearing.

Advertising

Every sound tells a story, and in advertising, it needs to connect instantly. From subtle textures to bold moments, our award-winning sound design and mixing combine masterful artistry and precision. Trusted by the world’s top brands, we elevate great campaigns to iconic ones.

Collaborators
  • Digitas
  • GSD&M
  • The Martin Agency
  • ...and many more!

Automotive

Car spots demand visceral sound design, driven by dynamic energy shifts. From roaring engines to serene vistas, contrasts tell a story. We balance realism with cinematic impact, blending authentic recordings with growls, screeches, and roars to bring every rev to life.

Collaborators
  • Alfa Romeo
  • Maserati
  • McLaren
  • Porsche
  • Corvette
  • Lexus
  • GMC
  • Cadillac
  • Lincoln
  • Ford
  • Alfa Romeo
  • Maserati
  • McLaren
  • Porsche
  • Corvette
  • Lexus
  • GMC
  • Cadillac
  • Lincoln
  • Ford

Streaming

We’ve mixed over 10,000 trailers for streaming partners like Netflix, Max, and other leading platforms. With 20 years of expertise in promos and trailers, we craft impactful mixes for global partners, ensuring consistency, clarity, and flawless delivery in every mix & split.

Collaborators
  • Netflix
  • HBO
  • Max
  • Disney+
  • Discovery+
  • ..and many more!
  • Netflix
  • HBO
  • Max
  • Disney+
  • Discovery+
  • ..and many more!

Games

We craft game trailers and cut scenes that leave a lasting impression. From launch trailers to behind-the-scenes content, we capture each game’s sonic identity with precision. Collaborating with audio directors, we ensure every sound aligns with the game’s narrative and legacy.

Collaborators
  • MachineGames
  • Gearbox Software
  • Tango Gameworks
More Games

Animation

Animation is a blank canvas where entire sonic worlds are created from scratch. We craft soundscapes tailored to the animation’s tone, style, and audience. From subtle layers to bold moments, our sound design deepens emotions and brings animated visuals to life.

Collaborators
  • Netflix
  • Disney+
  • Cartoon Network
  • Identity Visuals
  • ...and many more!
  • Netflix
  • Disney+
  • Cartoon Network
  • Identity Visuals
  • ...and many more!

Films

We’re film buffs who craft immersive sound design & mixing for scripted and unscripted films. Our work has premiered at top festivals and earned iconic recognition. Thoughtful directors trust us to bring their stories to life, crystallized through meticulous sonic choices and detail.

Collaborators
  • Sketch
  • Blood Brother
  • Neat
  • Almost Holy
More Films

Sonic Branding

Audio forges emotional connections that are meaningful and unforgettable. As sonic strategy becomes essential in a changing world, its influence grows across all industries. We craft custom sounds & aural ecosystems designed to resonate instinctively with your audience.

Collaborators
  • Science Channel
  • Reddit
  • MachineGames
  • Cartoon Network
  • Cartoonito
  • The Witcher
  • Science Channel
  • Reddit
  • MachineGames
  • Cartoon Network
  • Cartoonito
  • The Witcher

Podcasting

We make the world-renowned podcast Twenty Thousand Hertz. With over 30 million downloads and numerous Webby, Ambie, and Signal accolades, we craft sonic narratives and collaborate with some of the biggest podcasts out there. Podcasting is in our DNA

Collaborators
  • Unexplainable
  • Endless Thread
  • Imaginary Worlds

Experiential

We craft immersive soundscapes that transform spaces and experiences. From museum exhibits to unique installations, we blend sonic strategy, custom speaker placement, and cutting-edge technology to captivate audiences, leaving a lasting impact that brings spaces to life.

Collaborators

Our Story

Founded by Creative Director Dallas Taylor, Defacto Sound is the sonic secret behind the world’s most recognizable brands and storytellers.

Dallas founded Defacto Sound after working as a Sr. Sound Designer & Mixer
at Warner Bros. Discovery on the East Coast, and NBC & Fox on the West Coast. Realizing the most impactful projects often came last-minute and externally sourced, Dallas left the comfort of his in-house role to build Defacto Sound.

Since its inception in 2009, we’ve worked on tens of thousands of high-profile projects—from Sundance award-winning films to blockbuster streaming trailers, major television series, and global ad campaigns. We transform great stories into iconic ones.

In addition to client work, we produce the renowned podcast Twenty Thousand Hertz, with over 30 million downloads, and create original video content
to advance cultural awareness of sound and hearing.

Because of our original content and world-class work, every Sound Designer
at Defacto Sound has earned their position from over 1,000 applicants.
Our team is made up of the best sound designers and sonic strategists in the industry. We think like storytellers, because we are storytellers.

Defacto Sound

Frequently Asked Questions

You can use our rate request form here, or email our producer, Grace, directly at grace@defactosound.com

To provide an accurate quote, we’ll need some materials to reference—rough cuts, boards, treatments, or scripts are all helpful starting points.

Here’s what to expect:

        1. Initial Contact: We may set up a meeting to learn more about the project (and we love meeting new people!)
        2. Creative Discussion: Together, we’ll align on the creative vision and expectations.
        3. Internal Review: Our team will discuss the timeline and budget.
        4. Getting Started: Once we’re aligned on the details, we’re ready to begin.

Reach out to Grace at grace@defactosound.com, and we’ll guide you through the rest!

To get started, all we need is:

    • A downloadable reference picture.
    • A matching AAF or OMF file.

You can find detailed export instructions here.

Creative Notes are always welcome to help us focus on your vision. Share them via:

    • Video message or voice memo.
    • Email.
    • A Frame.io link with time-stamped comments.

For questions or to send your materials, email Grace at grace@defactosound.com

We use Frame.io for our review process. When your project is ready, you’ll receive a link to leave timestamped comments for any adjustments.

If you prefer face-to-face communication, we’re happy to set up a meeting with our Creative Director and Producer to talk through your thoughts. Based on your project’s scope, we’ll complete multiple review rounds to ensure everything matches your vision.

Final Delivery:

Once approved, we’ll deliver the mix and splits in a tidy zip folder. This typically includes:

Mixes: Web standard levels and broadcast levels.
Splits: Mix-minus voiceover, music & effects, voiceover, dialogue, sound effects, and music.

Additional deliverables can be provided upon request.

For more details, email Grace at grace@defactosound.com

The timeline depends on your project’s needs and priorities, and we work with you to find the right balance.

We operate using the Scrum method, prioritizing projects based on urgency:

Tight Deadlines: We regularly handle same-day or next-day turnarounds. About half of our projects are received and completed within 24 hours.
Flexible Timelines: For projects with more time, we can accommodate tighter budgets by integrating them into our schedule more efficiently.

Key Points:

    • In 15 years of operation, we’ve never missed a deadline—and we never will.
    • Timelines are part of the negotiation process. Like most things, it’s a balance between good, fast, and budget-friendly.
    • We always deliver when and how you need it, tailoring the process to your timeline.

For questions or scheduling, email Grace at grace@defactosound.com

Pricing depends on the scope, timeline, and specific needs of your project. We offer flexibility and transparency to ensure you receive the best value.

During the negotiation process, pricing is determined by balancing quality, speed, and budget. Whether it’s a same-day turnaround or a long-term project, we collaborate to create a solution tailored to your needs.

In short, it’s a “good, fast, cheap” scenario—pick two. Quality is non-negotiable, so pricing reflects how quickly you need it.

For an accurate quote, use our rate request form or email Grace at grace@defactosound.com

More FAQs

Say hello! 👋

For Rate Requests, Immediate and Current Projects contact
Grace East, Producer and Sonic Strategist
grace@defactosound.com

For Rate Requests, Immediate and Current Projects contact Grace East, Producer and Sonic Strategist
grace@defactosound.com

…or fill out the form below👇  (it lands directly in Grace’s inbox)