Unit 24: Sound
Learning Aim A
A1 Reasons for the need to edit sound recordings
1. To compress and summarise a previously recorded full length interview in order to fit in to a news show such as BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat. The full interview would be shown on another one of their channels such as BBC News. The interview could be 3 - 6 minutes long, in which it would need to be shortened and cut down to 60 - 90 seconds. This is because Newsbeat is half the length of a main news program such as the 10 o'clock news which is only 15 minutes long. The version that is edited would contain the main points of the interview in a much more condensed form.
2. To exclude and remove repetitive, faulty, redundant and unnecessary information from a recorded clip.
3. To allow recorded speech to remain authorised. This is used on television so the person does not say anything controversial or illegal. An example is if someone is being interviewed and they say something that may offend the public or viewers, the answer has to be suitable.
4. To assure any unsuitable or improper language is edited out. The is used in programmes for children in order to cut out any inappropriate content on programmes that is aired before 9pm. 76% of parents believe that 9pm is a suitable and appropriate time. This is called watershed.
5. To modify a sequence of noise or expression in temporal or logical order. This is used in discussions where it would be staying on one topic of discussion then transitions to another discussion to make it make sense.
6. Making an impact by adding sound effects and/or music between recorded speech pieces. This is commonly used in films when a dramatic scene is happening. An example is when there is an intense chase, dramatic music is added.
Sound Design For Terminator 2
Terminator 2 Notes
The use of silence was used when there was an explosion as well as a gunshot going off in which they would have to fade the noise in the background. For the leather creaks Foley was used.
Pistachios being crushed by a metal plate was used for the sound of the skulls being crushed.
A cracked door was used for the Wind in the opening scene. The volume was lowered in order for the wind not to overpower or overshadow the music playing.
Inverted glass was slammed into a bucket of yogurt which accompanied the goo for the bullets hitting. The sound would have to be used repeatedly in order for us to hear multiple bullets.
The key sounds used for the Terminator 2 is metal being banged which was also used when the terminator was being smashed up.
Sound Design for the Return Of The King
Return of the King notes
. Coconut and walnuts were used for the skulls, the alien heads, the scream of the Tasmanian devil, as well as a alligator hissing to make the sound sound bigger
. Concrete blocks that were dropped by using cranes was used for the battle
. The dropped concrete blocks was used on different surfaces
. Tiger roars, lion and the elephant trumpet sound for the tree falling
. The front two steps of elephants are used instead of all 4
. A scene of someone dying less music is used in order for the scene to be more emotional
. When the sounds were being mixed some sounds at the end needed to be cut out
. During the battle scene the different sounds had to be faded in and out which were more dominant
Legal issues when editing
The speech needs to remain legal due to everyone having the right to have an opinion due to freedom of speech being maintained. People need to be able to voice their opinion without being concerned that their words will be edited in a way that will misrepresent them. To ensure that this does not happen, the work of the sound editor should be reviewed by the producer of the show to make sure that the edited version adheres to legal standards. We should be able to express how we feel and what we want e.g. changes and the issue we think. The reason why we need freedom of speech is because it is the principle which supports the freedom of an individual as well as a community so they are able to articulate their opinions and their ideas without there being consequences of retaliation or any legal sanctions.
ADR – Automated Dialogue Replacement
ADR is the process of re-recording dialogue by the original actor which is done in a quieter setting. This is necessary because it will help improve the sound quality of the audio.
The techniques or process involved in ADR is looping. This is when the actor repeats a specific line which is synchronised with the looped audio in order for them to get the performance right.
Recording the ADR may be challenging for the actor because the actor will have to record this over 100 times and it may be challenging for the actor to relive the moment in order to get the feel of the scene again and get it right as the audience may be able to tell the difference.
The ADR engineer can help coach the actors in order to help get a great performance. The engineer will allow the actor to watch the scene to listen to the original audio which will help guide them.
In order to make the recording sound more natural the actor will need to match the original tempo, speed and to get the same feel as the first recording in order for the recording to sound natural. Recording outside will also make the audio sound natural as recording in the sound you will need to e.g. as well as different effects to give a natural sound. Adding in natural sounds such as cars passing will give a more natural sound to the audio.
The actor will have to repeat lines over and over again
He then chooses the best take and sees which one lines up better with the original audio
If there is enough wave form you can line it up with the original audio
Adding in natural sounds such as wind, crashing and passing
Recorded sound effects e.g. taking the bag out of his pocket
The recording may need to be edited afterwards to check if there are any mistakes or improvements which will need improvement. An example of this is if they listen back to the audio and may think there is something missing or the audio doesn't feel natural enough.
The films that ADR was used in were, The Great Gatsby, The Lego movie as well as Dollars and Donuts. Overall, ADR is a useful tool because it allows improvement to the audio quality, enhances the performance and solves a lot of problems in mixing dialogue. However, the mixing process may get complex which then causes an increase of cost. It is also difficult to have a good performance due to the environment of the studio as it is not the same as the performers acting on set.
In conclusion, ADR is somewhat beneficial as it makes video as well as audio productions as clean and as clear as possible. It allows correction to lines as well as enhancing it. It is the most effective way to fix bad audio and is is greta for when your audio in your video is unusable. However, there are a lot of challenges with ADR. The process is tricky because he mixing process may get complex which then causes an increase of cost. It is also difficult to have a good performance due to the environment of the studio as it is not the same as the performers acting on set. Overall, ADR is very beneficial and important.
Learning Aim B:
Multi Screen Set Up
The advantages of having a multi screen set up it allows the person to have two programs running. This is an advantage because it allows the person to work much faster and use other of the programs simultaneously as they will not have to keep switching between full screens and it may cause them to eventually to loose what they were working on, therefore this increases productivity by 20% - 25%. This allows the person to work at a much faster flow and not have to keep changing from programs. Another advantage of using Multi Screen Set up is if you want to compare two products, having two monitors allows you to view the two products side to side and see what the differences are and eventually make the decision to purchase the better product. Another advantage is video editors will like using multi screen whilst using Adobe Premier as well as Final cuts means it's easier to spread tools across multiple monitors which means you are able have wider editing space.
The disadvantages of using a multi screen set up it will cost a lot of money to which may be out of your budget and cause you to go into the debt. if you prefer a MacBook over Pc it will cost you a lot f money. Another disadvantage of using a Multi screen is it is easier for you to get distracted. An example of this is if you see an ad that may intrigue you it will easily distract you from your work. Depending how you work and how easily distracted you are, having multi screen may be a disadvantage or an advantage. Another disadvantage is you need the monitors to be the exact same otherwise it will not look nice and the person will easily get distracted as well as the contrast of colours will look different and be off putting. Having two monitors, also means there will be little space for the person to work at.
In conclusion, multi screens set up will be a good advantage for video editors, this is because it allows their productivity to increase by a high percentage and will benefit them while they are editing their work. For someone who just wants a multi screen for not a good purpose, it will not be beneficial as it will cost a lot of money.
MAC VS PC: WHICH ONE IS BETTER
Advantages of a Mac
The advantages of using a MAC are more easier to use because they come with great software which are free such as iMovie, Garage band as well as others. It allows people to edit videos, transfer photos as well as create music. This will be beneficial for people who are into the media as well as music producers. The Mac Pro is used in a professional environment due to its good quality. The Mac has different softwares in order to make music which includes Logic Pro. Other software audio editing include, Garage band, Adobe audition and WavePad which are either free or very affordable.
Disadvantages of a Mac
Buying a Mac will be very expensive for many people and are more expensive than a Pc. Some of them may cost over £1,000 with the least expensive being £600. Another disadvantage is there will be limited apps on the Apple Mac. Some of the Macs such as the Macos means that it will not be ideal for any gamers that want to download certain games. There s also a limited option for any hardware upgrades.
Advantages of a PC
The advantages of using a PC is it allows you to increase your productivity. PC computers are much more flexible and within your budget. A PC has more editing software compared to a Mac. The apps include, Premier Pro, IMovie as well as Final cut pro x.
Disadvantages of a PC
The disadvantages of using a PC is if you are on the go, a PC would not really be suitable to carry around a laptop would be much better. Another disadvantage of using a PC they're very large and and not portable, meaning they will require larger desk space as well as using more electricity. Majority of PC's have a separate, detached monitor meaning there is more space required for your PC.
In conclusion, I believe a MAC would be better especially for sound editing. There is a wide range of audio interfaces such as MAC plugins and software for sound editing as well as music like Logic Pro.
Files Management
Microsoft office (one drive)
One drive is Microsoft's storage service for hosting files in the cloud. This is available for free to all the owners of Microsoft account and it offers you a simple way to store, sync and share files. It offers a free space of 5GB. To get 1TB it will cost £7.99 whereas, a student can get it for free. 100GB will cost you £5.99. However, if you are subscribed to Office 365, it will cost £1.99 monthly.
Disadvantages of One Drive
The disadvantage of using one drive is if you decide to use it for one drive business is it does not support third party app meaning users are not able to to join business accounts with apps that are not part of Microsoft. Examples of these include message boards and calendars. Another disadvantage is the privacy concerns as Microsoft have reserved the right to scan files saved in one drive to look for objectionable content.
Advantages of One Drive
The advantages of using One Drive is you get free storage which is 5GB as well as it being easier for you to store any kind of file whether its is documents, photos or videos which will be accessible from a windows PC of your mobile device. Another advantage of using One Drive is it allows users to use Word, PowerPoint and it features a desktop version enabling online and offline work effortlessly.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a file storage and synchronisation service which was developed by Google. It allows users to store files on their servers, synchronise files across different devices as well as sharing files. With Google Drive, you will receive 15GB free. If you want to increase the amount of storage to 100GB, it will cost £1.99 which has decreased from the price £4.99 a month. 1TB will cost will cost £9.99 a month.
Advantages of Google Drive
The advantages of using Google Drive is it gives you a free storage of 15GB allowing you to store photos and files. It allows you to scan any documents but for Android which will instantly be saved as PDF's. Another advantage is you can access files offline no matter where you are or how bad the service may be. Any file such as PD, Microsoft office files can be stored safely in Drive.
Disadvantages of Google Drive
The disadvantages of using Google Drive is the uploading as well as downloading speed. If there are a lot of people using Google Drive, doing any of these two actions will take long and move very slow. Another disadvantage is if someone was to hack or a virus was to remove your data, the files are automatically gone and not able to be traceable. If you want to upload a file more than 5TB your not allowed to upload it and if you reach 750GB of uploads within a day, you will be blocked from adding any another files that day.
From my research, I have come to the conclusion that Microsoft Office (One Drive) is a better storage software option. Even though Google Drive may offer a larger space of GB for free, One Drive storage capacity is better than Google Drive as well as the price being much more cheaper. A student will get 1TB for free and if you are not a student you will have to pay a fee of £7.99 whereas Google Drive, a student will not receive 1TB for free and you will have to pay £9.99 monthly. Unless you have a subscription with Office 365, 100GB will cost £5.99 but if you are subscribed it will only cost £1.99. However Google Drive will cost more. In conclusion, I believe One drive is better as it is more cheaper, offers more storage and there is no limitations of how much GB uploads you can use within a day.
Stereo Headphones VS Stereo Soundstage setup
Stereo Speaker
A Stereo speaker is a pair of speaker boxes which is designed to be hooked up to separate amplifiers. Stereo speakers, allows everyone in the room to hear the same audio as the person who may be playing/mixing something. Another advantage is that you will not have to continuously carry the speaker if you are going into a different room and do not have to worry about plugging wires out. When you are listening to the Stereo speaker, you will be able to hear it from both ears without their being any cuts or the audio getting split half as the sound bounces across the room.
Stereo Headphones
Stereo headphones are headphones that plays back distinct sound out of the two speakers. Stereo headphones allows the person to listen back to audio privately and concentrate just on the audio instead of any surrounding noises and here any issues that may need to be improved. This is beneficial when making changes to mixes or audio as you are focused on the task and not distracted by others. However, the headphones are not wireless so going into a different room, you are unable to hear the audio. It may be a distraction and cause irritation when you wear the headphones for too long making you want to take it off easily causing distraction.
In conclusion, headphones would be much better because it allows you to hear in greater detail without the acoustics of the room interfering with the sound. Editing on speakers would be better for a more realistic representation of the sound, however, I believe headphones would be much better.
