Overview

In the following document, I will be explaining how different types of media use sound.

Sound within films are usually recorded using the best quality and are either diegetic or non-diegetic. Diegetic sound is audio that is perceived as being made by an object or person on screen and is captured during recording, which is why this is also known as 'actual sound'. This can include dialogue, music, ambience. Overall, diegetic sound is the original, unedited sound captured by the camera. In contrast, non-diegetic sound is sound/music/voice that has been added on after recording and during post-production. This can include narration/voiceover, sound effects, soundtrack music and ADR. A similar term for non-diegetic sound is ADR, however non-diegetic sound production includes the adding on of sound, whereas ADR is the replacement of sound. ADR (Automated Dialog Replacement) is used when a filmmaker is not satisfied with how a piece of audio has turned out, which could be due to technical issues. ADR is a technique used to improve the quality of sound (usually dialogue). This can be quite a difficult process as actors are required to exactly match the original dialogue, while also using the same mouth movements. As well as dialogue, foley can also be seen as a form of ADR. Foley sounds are sounds that are reproduced by using physical props which are then used to completely replace (everyday) sounds recorded on set, creating a more professional atmosphere as more attention is given to small sound details. Foley sounds recorded usually include footsteps, clothing rustling and other everyday sounds. The use of Foley adds to the depth and professionalism of films as Foley artists are working within an area that includes many possible surfaces and objects that they could use to record replacement sounds. The techniques I have just mentioned are some of the many audio methods that are frequently used in film. 'A League of Their Own' is popular film known for its excessive use of ADR. A particular scene includes Tom Hanks, who's dialogue was completely replaced and re-recorded using ADR. As you can tell, the ADR is barely noticeable and recorded with great quality. 

When it comes to Television, programmes use sound quite similarly to films, however there are many differences. Programmes within TV channels will usually open with a memorable theme tune, which contrasts films. Programmes are generally on-going as they are usually part of a series, which is why music is used as a way of making viewers aware or reminding them of what they are watching or about to watch. Films don't often use this technique as they don't usually continue, meaning they won't have to remind an audience of what they're watching. A great example is Eastenders, where each episodes opens with their iconic theme tune. A contrasting type of television programme is the BBC News, which includes factual audio that is recorded at a lower quality as its usually captured live. This programme also opens with a theme tune. 

The internet uses sound in a contrasting manner. When we select applications or activity on digital computer-based systems, we usually expect feedback to make us aware of the action we have just selected. This could include a sound or animation. Within websites, feedback is usually provided by outputting a particular sound. This can be known as 'interactive media' which only works with the participation of the user and creates a form of communication between the application and viewer. This is mainly used within technical devices such as computers, phones, game consoles etc. Electronic devices such as phones tend to use this technique as a way of interacting with a user. Sounds on mobile devices usually act as a response to certain functions selected, to make the user aware of the activation. An example we could use is while using a keyboard within a mobile device, each letter selected will usually react with a short sound. E.g. Apple provide a range of short clicking sounds when keyboard functions are being activated. Each of the functions (letters) each provide a slightly difference tone, where the space bar provides a noticeable lower pitched sound. This is so that the user knows when they have selected a different button, as a slightly different sound is provided. Mobile devices also use sound to alert a user, for example, when you receive a text message. 

Animation is one of the most popular and well-known genres of film. When it comes to creating animation, sounds tends to be exaggerated due to it primarily being designed for children. Sound in this genre is essential and play a huge role in animation production, due to how the sounds bring the 2D/3D characters to life, giving them to ability to talk, cry, shout etc. Sounds provide and facilitate each movement that is made within an animation and brings realism to the overall production. Movements within an animation is created through Foley, which is a technique commonly used in all genres of film. Foley sound is great towards enhancing the auditory experience for audiences, however this technique could be seen as time-consuming, which is why we have sound libraries. Sound libraries are collections of pre-recorded sound stored in a file, these could be your own sounds that you've previously recorded or royalty-free sounds from different creators. Using a sound library is great towards saving time and will overall give you access to high-quality, royalty-free audio that will usually be available in mono, stereo or surround, depending on the library. However, these do not come free of charge, where you will usually have to pay a monthly fee for unlimited copyright-free use. However, some frequently used sounds can become easily recognisable if used multiple times within a single production, giving the impression of low-quality sound design. A famous example of this is a sound effect involved a male screaming 'My leg!' and originated in the series 'Spongebob Squarepants'. 

Studio/Location Recording

Studio sound recording is known to be the most suitable way to capture clear and high-quality audio but why is this? Studio recording is a stationary type of setup that involves the use of various equipment that each provide a key element towards creating a clear and dead sound. Studios are usually adapted towards these purposes, e.g. they might have foam panels, which are used to absorb any unwanted background noise while also preventing reverberation. Studio setups will most-likely include an audio interface, speakers/headphones, a microphone, computer and various other additional items (e.g. pop filter, tripod). This type of setup is not made to be portable but is used to record audio such as voiceovers or foley.

On-location audio capturing can be seen as a difficult task, however you can still collect high-quality audio with the right equipment. Location setups are very different to studio setups as you will potentially be moving around. The majority of equipment that is usually used inside the studio is also most-likely able to be used outside as well, however you will need additionally items to make them suitable for the outdoors. This might include a windshield aka 'Dead Cat', which are used to remove unwanted sounds that are picked up from the microphone such as wind, trees or the general ambience of the particular environment. The soft texture of the wind shield absorbs the unwanted sounds, creating a clearer and more dead sound.v