P2 - Resubmission

Omniya Tajni

P2: Describe how the sound elements are produced

Sound is created in different way for different media products. It’s not just the sound in the scene/location that is recorded. Sound artists record more sound separately, enabling the sound to have the effect they would like it to have.

Techniques

Foley sounds are used to create the realism of a specific soundtrack or sound needed. Foley sounds are often recording in a creative and crafted way to create the extra realism for the product. This can be either the bang of a door or just normal footsteps, provides a touch of realism. The Foley artist usually becomes the actor in some ways, as the sound they are creating needs to be convincing, so they need to act the part. The pace and timing need to be specific in order for it to synch with the actual character’s actions. A Foley sound recording stage includes craft of all sorts such as cutlery, trays, tin cans, shoes. Foley artists can be as creative as possible. There is usually a Foley artist who creates the sound and a technician who records and edits the sound. I will be using Foley sounds in my production as I will try and link what the interviewees will be saying, and record sound based on that.

Wild tracks are used to enhance the believability of the atmospheric sounds in a media product. This could be a crowded street, busy restaurant or a park. Wild tracks are often known as off-screen sound; because they are recorded after the main footage or action has been captured. For example, footage in a park may not have naturalistic sounds, the wild track of this will then be layered over the footage and add to the realism of the product.

Voice-overs are used in audio-visual products; they can be used as an unseen narrator. The narration helps set the scene and is usually informative. Like in the TV show Riverdale, one of the characters, Jughead, usually starts of the episode with a narration about the town and what has happened, this sets the scene for the audience. Scripted speech allows the actors to deliver their lines in a specific way to add realism. Actors usually rehearse scenes they have with each other, so they are able to practice and react as believable as possible.

Equipment

Recording sound is not just with a normal microphone, there are a lot of specialist recording equipment that are used to record sound on location or wild tracks.

Studio mono microphones is the large type of microphone that is in all recording and radio studios. Studio mono microphones are the most important part of a studio. They are usually for one presenter or actor to speak into.

Shotgun microphones are mounted on camera equipment. The right type of microphone must be used and it is used. In order to use a shot gun microphone it is important that you have an understand on directional and non-directional settings on the microphone. Directional microphones have a greater sensitivity to the sounds and is used to eliminate unwanted sounds. Non-directional microphone picks up sound from different areas. Ultra directional microphone picks up a balanced range of sounds from all directions. The more directional the microphone the greater the extent to which it selectively picks up sounds from its front end. 

Stereo microphones are non-directional but pick up live music really well and are useful for when recording wild tracks as they pick up a wide range of sounds. 

Wireless microphone includes a radio a radio transmitter and a built in power supply so that the user can move around freely. 

Lavalier microphones are smaller microphones and are usually used for theatre, public speaking and television so it can allow hands-free operation. They are easy to hide on presenters and usually come with small clips in order to attach to clothing. 

Boom poles allows you to mount the microphone securely and move in a range of directions so it is easy to change position and follow the source of sound. 

Headphones are needed when recording sound so only you can hear what is being recorded. They are one of the most important pieces of equipment for any location.

Windshields are the foam covers that are placed on both studio and on-location microphones. They are used to get a smoother output of sound when it is recorded.

Acoustic isolation panels and baffles are a form of soundproofing and are important if sound will be recorded in a studio. In order to get quality foley recordings or spoken radio output you need a room that blocks out external noise. Sound baffles are applied to walls and ceilings in building interiors to absorb sound.

Cables are used to connect the audio equipment in to the secondary microphones or boom poles. Boom poles are used to keep the microphone out the shot. A cabled boom pole usually has a coiled microphone cable and it runs internally through the pole. An XLR connector (a style of electrical connector found on many types of professional audio) output jack is installed at the bottom of the pole and allows you to attach a microphone cable to a pole which can then be plugged into a camera, recording device or mixing desk. 

Sound formats and file types

Sound formats are used for different purposes. My sound format will be suitable for web distribution as my sounds will be heard online on a digital platform. Therefore, the format I will need to record and save my sounds as when I edit them will be as an mp3 file, this is because the website I will be uploading it on will support this and will allow the sound to be heard at a good level. I will be using Garage Band to edit the sound I have recorded.