Researching sound elements

Researching sound elements: Sound Effects: When producing sound effects, there is a process that the sounds go through before getting used in a project: • Recording the sound or sounds – a microphone (or microphones) is used along with a recording device. Some recorders have a built-in set of microphones, but Foley artists and other sound effects producers prefer to use external microphones so they can pick up the best sound as possible. • Importing to a computer or studio so that the sound effect(s) can go through post-production. • Post production – Adding audio effects e.g. EQ, reverb, delay ETC. Another primary function for post-production is to balance out the levels with compression and normalization. Equipment used when recording/producing sound effects: The equipment that could be used is: • Microphones – Bidirectional, stereo, cardioid, condenser, dynamic, contact ETC). • Recording devices – samplers, portable stereo recorders, computers, ETC. • Computer hardware/software (compressors, effects units, recording/editing software). Atmospheric sound Atmospheres and sounds that are used for background listening are recorded in basically the same way as sound effects. The only major difference in the recording of atmospheres and ambience is that they are usually longer and more drawn out (someone might literally stand outside with a recorder for 5-15 minutes). Atmospheric sounds are usually recorded with more than 1 set of stereo microphones, and they might even be multiple files that can be mixed together as layers. Music Music is a complex product to produce, as there is so many ways it can be done. From live recordings in studios with huge audio consoles and microphones to bedroom producers with nothing more than a computer and a USB microphone, there are almost limitless possibilities. Basic setups could consist of computers running music production software e.g. Pro tools, Logic/Logic Pro, Garageband, Sonar, Cubass ETC all the way up to studios running multiple computers with analogue synths, audio consoles, many! Instruments and other outboard equipment like effects processors. Equipment list: • Microphones (optional) • Audio console (optional) • Computer • MIDI controllers (keyboards, breath controllers ETC) • Optional outboard equipment (synthesisers, keyboard racks, MIDI clock synchronising tools, effects processors, live instruments like drums, ETC). Dialogue Dialogue for a media product is recorded using mostly a piece of audio editing software like Sound forge, an audio console and 1 or 2 microphones (sometimes unidirectional or 2 omnidirectional microphones). Dialogue could be: • Voiceovers for trailers. • Interviews (mostly recorded using bidirectional microphones or 2 omnidirectional ones). • Film performances from actors. • Dialogue for radio dramas. Each type of dialogue is recorded using different microphones and microphone positioning; some could be recorded with stereo dynamic microphones, and others a standard mono bidirectional microphones. Equipment list: • Microphones. • Audio console. • Computer with recording software e.g. Sound forge, Audacity, ETC. • Optional outboard affects processing units.