Soundscapes & SFX Stories
Critical Listening
Discussion
After critically listening to the Virtual Barber Shop, what role did proper panning of the sounds play in your overall listening experience?
Automation
Mix Automation refers to editing and playing back the real-time movements of volume, pan, EQ, and other audio effects that the engineer programs
For instance, if the engineer wants a song to fade out at the end, he can make the volume automation start at the point he want the music to begin to fade, and end where he wants the music to be completely out
It is the same for panning, whereas the engineer can make a certain recorded region of audio move across the stereo spectrum from one ear to another by simply programing automation points
For instance, if the engineer wants a song to fade out at the end, he can make the volume automation start at the point he want the music to begin to fade, and end where he wants the music to be completely out
It is the same for panning, whereas the engineer can make a certain recorded region of audio move across the stereo spectrum from one ear to another by simply programing automation points
Sound Design with Automation
Close your eyes and picture being on an underground subway platform, awaiting the subway to arrive from your left
What is significant about the underground construction that should play a factor into the sound of the subway?
Imagine hearing the faint sound coming up the tube from the left as you make out the distant headlights
The sound crescendos louder and louder as the train approaches
As the subway reaches you the overall volume is at its climax as it zips by to extend to the far reaching right of the platform before coming to a halt
If you were given an ordinary train recording, do you think you could manipulate the sound enough to make it sound like an underground subway?
Let's find out. Download the trains004.mp3 file below and follow along with your instructor.
What is significant about the underground construction that should play a factor into the sound of the subway?
Imagine hearing the faint sound coming up the tube from the left as you make out the distant headlights
The sound crescendos louder and louder as the train approaches
As the subway reaches you the overall volume is at its climax as it zips by to extend to the far reaching right of the platform before coming to a halt
If you were given an ordinary train recording, do you think you could manipulate the sound enough to make it sound like an underground subway?
Let's find out. Download the trains004.mp3 file below and follow along with your instructor.
trains004.mp3 | |
File Size: | 166 kb |
File Type: | mp3 |
SoundFX Story
Can you effectively tell a wordless story using nothing but Sound Effects?
Soundscapes
jungle.mp3 | |
File Size: | 2449 kb |
File Type: | mp3 |
At any given point throughout your day, no matter where you may be, you can close your eyes and listen to the sounds that make up the atmosphere where you are located.
Sound designers pride themselves in recreating realistic sonic locations by layering sounds that are indigenous to that specific locale.
In the example you just listened to, my first challenge was to come up with a story that included a protagonist, an antagonist, a problem, and a solution:
My second challenge was to build a realistic jungle soundscape with Soft FX (background noises):
Thirdly, I needed to find Hard FX (foreground noises) that orchestrate the movement of the story:
I also used some EQ filter sweeping automation in order to make it sound as if the hiker went underwater then came back up.
Hopefully the end product resulted in a a realistic SFX story.
Sound designers pride themselves in recreating realistic sonic locations by layering sounds that are indigenous to that specific locale.
In the example you just listened to, my first challenge was to come up with a story that included a protagonist, an antagonist, a problem, and a solution:
- Protagonist - hiker
- Antagonist - jaguar
- problem - jaguar is on the prowl
- solution - hiker runs and jumps from a waterfall into the lagoon below, escaping the jaguar
My second challenge was to build a realistic jungle soundscape with Soft FX (background noises):
- birds
- bugs
- frogs
- rain
- wind
- etc.
Thirdly, I needed to find Hard FX (foreground noises) that orchestrate the movement of the story:
- rustling leaves
- footsteps
- heart beat
- roars
- breath
- waterfall
- splash
- dripping water
I also used some EQ filter sweeping automation in order to make it sound as if the hiker went underwater then came back up.
Hopefully the end product resulted in a a realistic SFX story.
Your SFX Story
For this assignment, you will create a short story using nothing but sound effects downloaded and imported from online SFX databases
Use the following steps in creating this assignment:
1. Using the Text Edit word processing program on the iMac, type out a quick story in which you will use sound effects to tell. Your story needs a beginning, middle, and end, and your production must be no more than 60 seconds in length when complete
2. Visit the SoundFX databases (links are below) to determine the types of sound effects available
3. Open up a new GarageBand Project and save it as YOURLASTNAME.soundfx
4. Download the needed sound effects from the SoundFX databases (you may need to right-click on the mp3 then click Download Linked File As)
5. Import them into GarageBand. Please create a new audio track for each different sound effect.
6. Arrange and layer each sound effect appropriately and logically to tell your story.
Be mindful of volume levels and panning, and use automation to give your story movement
7. When finished, be sure to save your GarageBand project file on an external hard drive.
Use the following steps in creating this assignment:
1. Using the Text Edit word processing program on the iMac, type out a quick story in which you will use sound effects to tell. Your story needs a beginning, middle, and end, and your production must be no more than 60 seconds in length when complete
2. Visit the SoundFX databases (links are below) to determine the types of sound effects available
3. Open up a new GarageBand Project and save it as YOURLASTNAME.soundfx
4. Download the needed sound effects from the SoundFX databases (you may need to right-click on the mp3 then click Download Linked File As)
5. Import them into GarageBand. Please create a new audio track for each different sound effect.
6. Arrange and layer each sound effect appropriately and logically to tell your story.
Be mindful of volume levels and panning, and use automation to give your story movement
7. When finished, be sure to save your GarageBand project file on an external hard drive.