LCA - Setting the Mood with Sound( Lesson)

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. Look at the image below and then click on the name of each part of the chain to learn more.

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. Click on each image in the activity below to learn more about each type of microphone so you can make the best choice for your production.

 

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:  

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  

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.  

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

 

 

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?  

IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS (INSERT CREDIT FOR IMAGES OR CONTENT HERE IN ALL CAPS!)