AICE Media Studies - Sound

diegetic sound

sound that originates from a source within a film’s world

nondiegetic sound

sound that originates from a source outside a film’s world

sound design

a concept combining the crafts of editing and mixing sound to create artistic effects

sound track

a separate recording tape occupied by one specific type of sound recorded for a movie

sound mixing

the process of combining different sound tracks onto one composite sound track that is synchronous with the picture

pitch

the level of a sound, which is defined by its frequency; described as either high or low

loudness

the volume or intensity of a sound, which is defined by its amplitude; described as either loud or soft

quality

the complexity of a sound, which is defined by its harmonic content; described as simple or complex

fidelity

the faithfulness or unfaithfulness of a sound to its source

onscreen sound

form of diegetic sound that emanates from a source that we both see and hear

offscreen sound

a form of sound, either diegetic or nondiegetic, that derives from a source we do not see

synchronous sound

sound which is synchronized or matched with what is viewed

asynchronous sound

sound that is out of sync with the action that produces, often heard prior to the depiction of an action or lingering after that action is no longer onscreen

interior monologue

sound that lets us hear a character’s thoughts

dialogue

the things that are said by the characters in a story, movie, play, etc.

ambient sound

sound that emanates from the background of the setting or environment being filmed

sound effect

a sound artificially created for the sound track that has a definite function in telling the story

sound motif

A sound effect or combination of sound effects that are associated with a particular character, setting, situation or idea through the film

sound bridge

a type of sound editing that occurs when sound carries over a visual transition in a film

voiceover

narration heard concurrently and over a scene but not synchronized to any character who may be talking on the screen

mode of address

The way a character delivers their lines. This includes tone and style.

direct address

when a character or narrator in a film speaks directly to the audience

sound perspective

the apparent distance of a sound source, evidenced by its volume, timbre, and pitch

score

original music written specifically to accompany a film

soundtrack

The music that a movie is set to. Some soundtracks are composed and recorded especially for a film, while others are made up of many songs by different musicians.

incidental music

"background" music intended to add atmosphere to the action

theme

pieces of music that have been created for and are synonymous with a particular TV show, podcast or radio show

sting

a short musical phrase, primarily used in broadcasting and films as a form of punctuation

melodic sound

will have positive and pleasing connotations. It will be uplifting and sweet sounding.

discordant sound

is harsh and unpleasant to listen to. It will have negative connotations.

contrapuntal sound

will not match the on-screen visuals. Example: two characters trashing a room accompanied with music that is cheery and upbeat.