UVI Walker 2 is an advanced, easy-to-use sound design tool that offers everything required to create realistic footstep and movement sounds for film and video in post-production. With an expansive library of over 45,000 samples, this virtual instrument utilizes a new engine, taking Foley footstep design to a whole new level. Redesigned from the ground up, Walker 2 allows users to combine different microphone pairs, select from 14 types of shoes, and experiment with eight types of animal feet. Furthermore, it offers 32 ground surfaces, including various flooring and stair types, and 24 clothing options. This level of flexibility and customization makes it a powerful tool for sound designers.

Walker 2 doesn’t just cater to standard footstep sounds. It offers a range of design possibilities for more abstract needs, such as sounds for creatures, robots, or other fantastical beings. With fine-tuned sub-layer controls for steps, surfaces, and clothing, users can adjust the sound to perfection. Whether it’s syncing toe, heel, or scuff movements, Walker 2 gives sound designers complete control over every step’s timing, making it easy to achieve perfect sync with visuals. The virtual instrument also allows users to adjust the volume of additional elements like scuffing, floor creaks, and ground effects, including dirt, leaves, branches, and water.

To enhance the sound further, Walker 2 includes built-in FX such as a 3-band EQ, a compressor, and convolution reverb. The reverb comes with 46 impulse responses, ranging from small indoor spaces to bustling city streets, allowing for accurate sound matching to on-screen environments. This streamlined process makes Walker 2 an invaluable tool for post-production work.

One of the standout features of this virtual instrument is its ability to handle unconventional needs. Walker 2 expands its offerings beyond human footsteps, incorporating non-human footstep sounds and various surface and sub-layer combinations that promote creativity. Whether designing sounds for an otherworldly creature or mechanical footsteps for a robot, Walker 2 provides the flexibility needed for unique and compelling sound design.

Walker 2 also supports the Falcon system, allowing users to upload their samples and use them within UVI’s updated engine. This means sound designers can integrate their personal libraries into the tool, adding another layer of customization and creativity to their work. With a variety of surfaces, clothing materials, and footstep types, the possibilities are virtually endless, offering sound designers a comprehensive toolkit for Foley work.

When it comes to surfaces, Walker 2 covers a vast range, including carpets, concrete, wood floors, gravel, grass, and even stairs. Clothing options are equally diverse, featuring materials such as cotton, leather, raincoats, fur, silk, wool, and even synthetic suits. Additionally, the virtual instrument offers 14 different footstep choices, from sneakers and boots to dress shoes, heels, and even animal paws. These options give sound designers the creative freedom to tailor sounds to suit any scene.

The concept of Foley itself dates back to the early 20th century, with its roots in live radio dramas and early cinema. Named after Jack Foley, a pioneer in motion picture sound engineering, Foley refers to the process of recreating incidental sounds in post-production. These include footsteps, door creaks, glass breaking, and fabric rustling, among other sounds. Foley artists work in specialized studios, using various props and surfaces to replicate these sounds and bring depth and realism to on-screen actions. Walker 2 effectively brings this experience into the digital realm, enabling sound designers to perform Foley work with precision from their computer.

With Walker 2, sound designers become Foley artists, analyzing scenes to recreate authentic sounds. The ability to control the smallest details—like the type of shoes a character is wearing or the material of their clothing—offers unparalleled realism. Whether the task involves recreating footsteps in a quiet scene or adding the clattering sounds of a busy environment, Walker 2 gives sound designers full control over every sonic element. In cases where production sound quality is compromised, Foley can replace these noises entirely, ensuring that the final product sounds polished and professional.

UVI Walker 2 is a reimagined virtual instrument for sound designers looking to create highly realistic footstep sounds for film and video. With customizable layers, advanced sound control, and an expansive library of samples, it offers a comprehensive solution for anyone involved in post-production. Whether designing for human characters, animals, or more abstract creations, Walker 2 provides all the tools needed to bring sounds to life, making it an essential addition to any sound designer’s toolkit.

UVI Walker 2 Foley Footstep Designer Features:

Runs in UVI Workstation 3.0.3+ and Falcon 1.6.2+

Realistic, customizable footstep sounds for post-production

Includes 14 footstep types, 32 surfaces, and 24 clothing materials

Offers 8 animal foot options and over 45,000 sounds