Money sounds are easy to overdo. The right clip depends on what is on camera (coin, note, drawer, machine), how close the mic feels, and whether you need a single hit or a bed that can sit under dialogue. Use these prompt patterns to get clean transients, believable decay, and the right amount of stereo width for your edit.
Choose the source: coin, bill, or machine
Start by naming the physical source so the texture is correct. Coins create bright clinks and bounces, bills create soft rustle and flaps, and machines add motors and discrete clicks.
- Coin: penny or quarter style, single drop vs handful spill
- Bill: single note flick, bundle fan, or envelope pull
- Machine: ATM dispense whir, register drawer, receipt feed
Match the action timing to the cut
Money cues usually hit on a visual beat. Ask for a fast attack for UI and punchlines, or a longer tail when the camera lingers on the payout or counting.
- For UI, request a crisp transient and short decay
- For montage, request a steady counting rhythm
- For reveals, request a build then settle tail
Set perspective and space in the prompt
Distance and environment change how believable the sound feels. Close-mic is drier and more detailed, while roomier cues add reflections and soften the transient.
- Close-mic dry foley with minimal room tone
- Small shop interior with light reflections
- Wide stereo payout for arcade or casino scenes
Avoid common money SFX pitfalls
Overly bright clinks or overly long tails can feel fake and fight dialogue. Keep dynamics controlled, reduce noise, and avoid cartoonish layering unless it is intentional.
- Avoid harsh high-end that masks speech consonants
- Avoid endless coin rain for simple transactions
- Avoid clipped peaks on register dings and hits
