Setting the Mood with Sound

Sound is everything we hear in a production whether it is the dialogue, music, or sound effects. There are 2 types of sound in film, and they are diegetic and non-diegetic. Diegetic sound is all the audio elements that stem from the world we see on screen. Non-diegetic sound is all the audio elements that are outside of the fictional world on screen such as the musical score or sound effects.

Sound can change the mood of any scene when implemented effectively. Whether it is a scary scene with background music, or the sounds of nature in the background to help us feel serene. In this micro lesson, the focus will be on:

Microphone Types and Uses
Sound Vocabulary
Common Cable Types

Explore

When we think about recording sound it is important to understand the audio signal chain . In the Audio Signal Chain, there is a microphone, cable, and Pre-Amp/Audio Recorder. Review each part of the chain to learn more below.

Audio Signal Chain Illustration

Types of Microphones

Choosing the right microphone for the job is critical to successful audio in your productions. It is also essential to place the microphone as close to the subject as possible and minimize interference. Select each image in the activity below to learn more about each type of microphone so you can make the best choice for your production.

Key Terms

Understanding the vocabulary relative to sound is essential to ensure that you understand how to make the impact wanted. Review each term below.

Narration - a commentary delivered to accompany a movie, broadcast, etc
Voice over - is a production technique where a voice—that is not part of the narrative - gives information to the viewer
Dialogue - Any piece of a conversation or comment or speech; has to elaborate on the plot or reveal something about a character
Sound effects - An artificially created or enhanced sound, or sound process used to emphasize artistic or other content
Natural sound - Sound from an actual source
Foley sound - the reproduction of everyday sound effects that are added to the production to enhance audio quality
Sweetened sound - Fine tuning sound in post- production
Synthesized sound - Electronically generates and modifies sound
Music - Used to guide the emotional response of the audience and usually in the background
Equalization - the adjustment of frequency responses for practical or aesthetic reasons
Proximity Effect - Sound source very close to microphone and is often used by radio announcers because it fattens up sound of the voice
Pick up pattern - a region around each microphone in which sounds are best captured. There are 3 types of pick up patterns: Omnidirectional, (Directional) Cardioids, (Directional) Hypercardioid
Directional microphones can be 2 types:
1. cardioids accept sound in front of the microphone and reject sounds to the side and behind the microphone. Cardioids are available in both handheld and lavalier
2. Hypercardioid microphones are much more directional than cardioid, and are used in interior locations when the microphone can be placed close to the actors. The extended pick-up pattern enables them to be positioned farther from the subject, while still capturing strong sound.
Shotgun microphones have a tight polar pattern and often are used at the end of a boom. It works best when unwanted noise is significantly different than desired sound. Primary choice for recording on set.

Cables

Depending on your project and the sound quality that is wanted, you would utilize one of the following cables. Select each image in the activity below to learn more.

Need an accessible version?

Reveal Transcript

TYPES OF CORDS:

XLR Cable: Cord with 3 pins and circular connector — used to connect equipment.
BNC Cable: Quick-connect cord used for broadcast and has a mating connection.
RCA Cable: Cord for analog signals, colored red, yellow, and white.

Let's Review: Microphone and Cables

Let's Review: Sound Vocabulary

Accessible Version

Part 1: Match each microphone type to the correct image description.

Image Descriptions:

A person holding a long pole with a microphone at the end, recording someone speaking.
A small microphone clipped to a shirt.
A flat microphone with a rectangular base and cable.
A video camera with a built-in microphone.

Microphone Types:

A. Boom
B. Lavalier
C. PZM or Boundary
D. Built-in

Show Answers – Part 1

Image 1 – A. Boom
Image 2 – B. Lavalier
Image 3 – C. PZM or Boundary
Image 4 – D. Built-in

Part 2: Match each microphone type to the correct image description.

Image Descriptions:

A person singing into a handheld mic on stage.
A person holding a dish-shaped microphone on a football field.
A studio-style mic with a mesh grille, often used for vocals.
A long, narrow microphone designed to pick up directional sound.

Microphone Types:

A. Dynamic
B. Parabolic
C. Condenser
D. Shotgun

Show Answers – Part 2

Image 1 – A. Dynamic
Image 2 – B. Parabolic
Image 3 – C. Condenser
Image 4 – D. Shotgun

Let's Review: Sound Review

Wrap-Up

Sound can have a tremendous impact on the viewer’s experience, so it is critical that we understand how to create and use sound effectively. Additionally, sound will be addressed again in the next module, Post-Production, when editing is discussed. How can you use sound to set the mood in your productions?

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