Sound Check Analysis

Now, I have ended my Gaming and Transmedia Storytelling Class and have gone into my next class, Advanced Video. For my first assignment, we discussed audio. We learned about the proximity effect and the best methods for getting the most out of your audio. This short video is a compilation of my experiments of the proximity effect and my hard FX sounds. There is also a reflection below that was required for the assignment.

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For this assignment, I learned about the importance of sound in video. In the Lynda videos with Scott Hirsch, he talked about how the different stems of audio work together to set the mood of a film, add the action, and make it feel more real. (2017). When the three stems of audio are balanced, the video will be at its best.

Along with learning about the different stems of sound, I also learned about the Proximity Effect which is when microphones experience a low frequency build up the closer it is placed to the source (Owsinski, 2012). I got the opportunity to test this out myself with the first part of my assignment. After watching the required videos, I decided to record my audio in the car. Placing my phone on the dashboard, I made sure the microphone was facing toward me as I spoke. I started in the back seat about 3 feet away and gradually made my way closer until I was only 6 inches from the microphone. This assignment gave me a better understanding of how different sound can be depending on the distance of the microphone from the source. This doesn’t necessarily mean how loud or soft a sound is but also if it sounds full or balanced. It all depends on the distance, volume, and the type of microphone that’s being used (whether it’s omnidirectional or directional).

For the final part of this audio assignment, it was instructed that we record 5 ambient sound effects that we may use in our upcoming video project. Using my sister as a subject, I recorded different hard effects on my phone. The theme of these sounds was “school”. I recorded the sound of her writing, turning a page, typing on a keyboard, sitting in a wooden chair, and putting a book down. As I was setting up my microphone, I made sure that it was close enough to pick up the quiet scribbling but not so close that her hand would hit my mic. This method resulted in crisp sound effects that can be easily identified.

In the end, I learned a great deal about the importance of sound in video. In my upcoming project, I will be sure to record room noise, ambience, sound effects, and music that will enhance my project and make it feel as real as possible.

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References

Owsinski, B. (2012). Recording Techniques, Chapter 2 (Exploring How The Proximity Effect Works). Lynda. Retrieved from: https://www.lynda.com/Audio-Engineering-tutorials/Exploring-how-proximity-effect-works/95612/115117-4.html?autoplay=true)

Hirsch, A. (2017) Introduction To Video Sound Design: Chapter 3 - Overview Of Soundtrack Elements. Lynda. Retrieved from: https://www.lynda.com/Audition-tutorials/