Sound

Why does sound matter?

Sound Design is extremely important to the success of a show and for the audience to have a “total” experience.

Think of your senses.

Interpreting SoundListen to the following sound clips and write down the following for each:

TimeMoodStyleCharactersCostumesLighting effects

Clip #1

Clip #2

Clip #3

Clip #4

Clip #5

Functions of Sound in Theatre

MusicPre and Post show as well as intermission

Pre-show example:

Post-show example:

Underplaying actionUnderscore example: (From Josh’s one-act):

Scene ChangesAlmost, Maine transition piece:

Functions (continued)

EffectsRecorded

From A.M.:

Live or PracticalGun from AMS

ReinforcementMics (more later)

How Sound Works

Sound is a compression wave. When something compresses air (a speaker woofer, guitar string, drum, etc) the resulting wave travels until it hits a receptor, which interprets the wave as a certain sound.

How Sound WorksFrequency: The rate that sound travels - creates the pitch

Pitch is the tone of a vibrating bodyThe higher the frequency, the higher the pitchExample: My vocal range as seen in wave-form

Intensity: The volume of the sound - measured in Decibels

20 Quiet Whisper70 Normal Conversation100 Thunder110 Rock Band at 5 ft130 Jet Plane at 100 ft = pain

How Sound Works (continued)

Timbre: The quality of soundDifferent sounds of the guitar

Acoustics: The absorption and reflection of sound

We don’t want reverberation (bouncing waves)Example: Drums through different reverbs

We limit this with absorbers - curves, carpet, curtains, anything soft

Example: Zombie Prom

Sound Equipment

Hand Held Mics - used when amplification is not trying to be hid. Public Speakers and Lead Singers mostly. Used in situations where there are not a lot of speakers (less than 5 usually). Can cost between $75 (corded) to $400 (wireless). Can be omnidirectional.

Sound Equipment

Lavolier or Headset Wireless - used when amplification is trying to be hid and/or there is a lot of movement on the performer’s part. Can cost between $150-$400 per.

Sound Equipment

Shotgun Mic - used when amplification is for a large group of people or over a large area (evenly). Can cost between $150-$300 per. Can be omnidirectional.

Sound Equipment

PZMs or ‘Mice’ - used when we want a natural sound to the amplification and we can’t or don’t want to body mic the performers. Can cost between $100-$300 per.

Sound Equipment

CD Player/Tape Deck/Midi Player - used to play back sound (music and/or effects) at a required time. The more money you put in, the more things you can do.

Example: Laptop and Logic

SoundboardAlso known as a mixer.

Take a look at ours

Similar to the lighting board: different channels control different things.

You “mix” the different sounds together to create a balance.

You can also control the quality of sound with EQ.Low (or bass)MidHigh (or Treble)

You can also route signals to external devices (typically f0r effects)Known as auxiliary routingEffects are sometimes included in the board itself

Cues

Similar to lighting cues

Example: Almost, Maine script (see pdf)