sound-practice_1

Course Overview

  • Course Title: Digital Media CSCI 2160U Sound Practice

  • Instructor: Mariana Shimabukuro

  • Content based on notes from Dr. Mark Green.

Module Objectives

  • Understand sound practice including:

    • Equipment

    • Recording techniques

    • Sound editing processes

Introduction to Sound Practice

  • Focus primarily on practical applications rather than theory due to time constraints.

  • Recommended to watch the Sound Theory module for background context.

  • Key areas of focus:

    • Sound recording and equipment usage

    • Sound editing expertise

Equipment Overview

Equipment Grades

  • Consumer:

    • Cheapest option, mass-produced for ease of use.

    • Limited features, focuses on automatic operations.

  • Professional:

    • Highest quality used in professional contexts.

    • Designed for trained operators with extensive control over features.

  • Prosumer:

    • Intermediate quality and price range.

    • Offers automatic features with options for manual control.

Cost Considerations

  • Professional equipment can be 10x the cost of consumer models.

  • Prosumer equipment typically costs 2-3x more than consumer.

  • Digital equipment quality differences are diminishing.

Equipment Standards

  • Be cautious to ensure compatibility between devices.

  • Different standards may make equipment incompatible.

Sound Sources

Types of Sound Acquisition

  1. Buying Sounds: Quality sounds from professionals; better results.

    • Consider music licenses based on project usage (professional, commercial, or broadcast).

  2. Creating Sounds: Requires talent and equipment.

    • Not recommended unless proficient but can be useful for DIY projects.

Payment Models for Sound

  • Needle Drop: Pay per piece. Price range: $15 to $75.

  • Buyout: One-time payment for unlimited use. Price range: $75 to $150.

MIDI Files

  • Cheaper alternative, but requires performance on synthesizers for sound; more easily modifiable.

Recording Techniques

Microphones

  • Importance of investing in good quality microphones:

    • Basic price range: $100 - $300 for adequate quality.

    • Professional mics can exceed thousands.

  • Types of Microphones:

    • Dynamic: Durable but less sensitive.

    • Condenser: Higher quality but requires phantom power.

Phantom Power

  • Necessary for condenser mics, available through most mixers.

Recording Process

  • Recording Sound: Digital vs. Analog challenges. Monitor sound levels meticulously.

  • Avoid using built-in computer microphones for quality sound.

  • Dithering: A technique to reduce distortion in quiet signals.

  • Always record at the highest possible sample rate (24 bits) to allow for better editing later on.

Sound Editing

Purpose of Sound Editing

  • Addresses issues from raw recordings such as background noise, multiple takes, or unwanted sounds.

Editing Techniques

  • Use of multi-track editing allows for better management of separate sounds (i.e. dialogue, effects, music).

  • Effects should often be applied on separate tracks for better control.

Audacity Tools

  • Basic editing features mimic physical mixers – e.g., volume control, pan control, multiple input support.

  • Noise filters and envelop tools to enhance audio quality by modifying volume and adding effects like reverb.

Summary

  • Success in sound recording and editing is achieved through practice and understanding of equipment and techniques.

  • Good sound practice enhances the overall quality of digital media projects.