We caught up with composer and sound designer Attila Áts, known for his work on high-profile titles like Knives Out: Glass Onion, Disney’s Jungle Book, and Diablo 3. His sonic signature blends cinematic scope with emotional nuance — and we were curious to hear how he builds that. For Attila, it all starts with texture.
Designing with Texture and Contrast
“I love layering sounds that feel like they’re pulling in different directions,” he says.
A warm pad underneath something sharp. A vintage synth melting into an orchestral swell.
To get there, Attila often mixes analog-style pads with organic strings or evolving effects. This contrast helps create that tension and movement he looks for in trailer and game music.
Choosing the Right Tools for the Right Moment
Attila’s workflow is rooted in intuition — but also in knowing his tools inside out. When building evolving textures or hybrid layers, he looks for instruments that don’t just sound good on their own, but also play well with others.
“Sometimes I need something with a bit of unpredictability. A synth patch that doesn’t sit still — something that keeps moving under the surface,” he explains.
“Other times, I want a grounded analog tone that holds the entire arrangement together.”
For this, he often reaches for a combination of modern and retro-leaning plugins. He mentions Polyscape Analog as one of his go-to instruments when he’s after that warm, classic tone that still feels current.
🌌 Sculpting Space with Layering
When composing larger cinematic scenes or game cues, Attila prefers to build in depth — literally.
“I might start with a mid-heavy synth pad, then add a subtle, high-register shimmer on top, and maybe even a granular layer underneath. Each sound should do one job and leave space for the others.”
That’s where Polyscape Nova enters the picture — not as a centerpiece, but as a tool to add spaciousness and dynamic movement to the mix.
“Nova is one of those rare instruments that doesn’t overstate itself, but adds something complex and beautiful underneath everything else.”
🎬 Sound That Serves the Story
Despite all the technical nuance, for Attila it’s always about emotion first.
“The tools are just a means. If they help me tell a story — if they pull the listener into a world — then they’re worth it.”
Whether he’s building tension for a cinematic trailer or adding warmth to a more intimate scene, he trusts instruments that inspire without overwhelming.
📘 Final Thoughts
Attila’s approach reminds us that great sound design is less about flashy presets — and more about choosing the right sound for the right emotion. Sometimes that means layering a dozen elements. Other times, it’s about knowing when to stop at one perfect pad.
Want to hear how Attila works with these textures in context?
Stay tuned — we’ll share a behind-the-scenes audio walkthrough soon.
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