Audio File Management Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following categories would you use for a sound of a bird chirping?

WAR

HUM

ANM (correct)

SPL

What is the fourth element in the "Category-Based" filename system?

Description (correct)

Which of the following filenames is correctly formatted using the 'Category-Based' system?

technology/button press DVD player eject tray open 01.wav

button press DVD player eject tray open 01.wav

BUT 01.wav

technology button press DVD player eject tray open 01.wav (correct)

In the 'Effect-Based' filename system, how are categories handled?

Categories are not included in the filename, they are placed in a separate folder. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of metadata in audio file management?

To provide additional information that enhances search capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method for storing metadata?

Using the 'Category-Based' filename system Signup and view all the answers

According to the 'LISTEN' mnemonic, what is the second step in editing audio?

Identify Clicks, Pops, and Errors Signup and view all the answers

Which filename system is primarily used for referencing a track list?

Numeric-Based Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of sound effects in films and digital games?

To enhance emotional impact Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly categorizes sound effects by function?

Background and Discrete Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sound effect must be perfectly synchronized with the image?

Hard sound effects Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a soft sound effect?

Wind Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves recording sounds in real-world environments?

Field recording Signup and view all the answers

How do background sound effects contribute to filmmaking?

By providing a sense of location and surrounding environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of discrete sound?

A door slamming shut Signup and view all the answers

What type of sound effect is often used to create a dramatic effect in movies, such as in suspense scenes?

High pitch and dissonant sounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended default recording format for audio?

Uncompressed (WAV), 24bits, 44.1KHz or 48KHz Signup and view all the answers

Why are closed-ear headphones recommended for monitoring sound?

They reduce sound spill and provide better sound isolation. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before and after capturing the intended sound event?

Record at least 3 seconds of sound. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a shock mount when using a microphone?

To absorb vibrations and reduce handling noise. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common source of background noise to eliminate during recording?

Hand signals Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked each time recording equipment is set up at a new location?

Levels to ensure proper recording without clipping Signup and view all the answers

Which accessory is designed to minimize wind noise during outdoor recordings?

Windshield - blimp Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice to avoid unwanted noise during the recording process?

Remain silent and avoid movement during recording. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials can be used for Foley recording?

Rubber Mallet Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice during Foley recording?

Wear soundless clothes Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with the original recordings when editing?

Always backup the originals Signup and view all the answers

Which method is suggested for correcting errors during multitrack editing?

Remove an unwanted sound Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect of saving files during editing?

Using a meaningful filename Signup and view all the answers

When creating sounds from multiple recordings, how should sounds be cut?

At a zero crossing Signup and view all the answers

What type of sound is associated with 'attack' in editing?

The beginning of the sound Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the position of a prop have when performing Foley?

Affects the sound produced Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of discrete sound effects in audio production?

To synchronize with specific actions Signup and view all the answers

What does foley involve?

Performing actions with objects in a studio to create desired sounds Signup and view all the answers

What type of sounds are typically created through sound design?

Non-existent sounds such as alien noises or futuristic weapons Signup and view all the answers

Which type of microphone is typically used for high directivity and reducing ambient noise?

Shotgun microphone Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following techniques is NOT a type of stereo microphone technique?

Dynamic Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential feature to consider when selecting a digital recorder?

Battery capacity Signup and view all the answers

Which sound effect would typically be created using foley techniques?

Footsteps on gravel Signup and view all the answers

What type of recording material is essential for field recording?

Headphones Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason to record more material than needed?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

When recording a single object with a stereo microphone, where should the microphone be pointed?

At the center of the area being recorded. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a copyright violation when doing field recording?

Recording natural sounds like birdsong. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of recording room tone?

To create a realistic soundscape for a recording. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to log information about each recording?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is Foley?

Sound effects created by performing with objects. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of foley pits in a sound studio?

To simulate different types of surfaces for footsteps and other sounds. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to treat a foley studio to minimize reverberation?

To prevent unwanted echoes and reflections from interfering with the sound. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sound Effects

Sound effects are all the sounds in a movie, excluding music and speech.
Examples include footsteps, clothes, cars, animals, wind, rain, and weapons.
In filmmaking and digital games, sound is at least half of the experience.
The goal is to suspend disbelief and transport the listener to another world.
Believability is subjective and culture-dependent.
Realistic and believable are not the same.
Sound design enhances the believability of audio-visual experiences.
Sound has a strong emotional impact.
Specific types of music are connected to typical movie scenes (e.g., romantic music for romantic scenes).

Categorization of Sound Effects

By Function:
- Background (atmosphere/ambience): general ambiance of a location.
- Discrete (single sound): distinct, specific sounds.
By Synchronization:
- Hard: synchronized with the image (e.g., gunshot, footsteps).
- Soft: doesn't require precise synchronization with the image (e.g., wind, rain).
By Method:
- Foley: Creating sounds through performance in a studio (e.g., footsteps, car tires screeching).
- Field Recording: Recording sounds in the actual location (e.g., ocean waves, crowd noises).
- Sound Design: Creating new sounds through editing, processing, mixing, and synthesis.

Background Sound Effects

Used to establish location and environment.
Not tied to specific actions.
Represents the typical soundscape of a location.
Usually captured through field recording.
Examples: street noise, beach sounds, forest ambience, train station sounds.

Discrete Sound Effects

Highly synchronized with a specific action.
Typically a single recorded sound (foley or field recording).
Also created through assembly (sound design).
Examples: door closing, punches, gunshots, sword hits, hyperdrive activation.

Foley

Named after Jack Foley, a pioneer of sound effects techniques.
Involves performing actions with objects in a recording studio near a microphone to create specific sounds.
It produces cheaper recordings compared to field recording, and some events can't be recorded in the field (e.g., car tires screeching).
Examples: footsteps, car tires screeching sound, and objects breaking.

Sound Design

Creating sounds that don't exist in the real world (e.g., alien creatures, futuristic weapons).
Editing, processing and mixing of recorded sounds.
Synthesis of new sounds.
Examples: soundscapes of Deadspace 3.

Field Recording

Material:
- Recorder
- Accessories
- Headphones
- Microphone.
Basic Kit: handheld recorders and headphones, shotgun or cardioid microphones.

Microphone

Types:
- Shotgun: high directivity (except low frequencies), reduces ambient noise.
- Cardioid: less directivity, may feel more natural.
Stereo/multichannel: to record ambience.
Techniques:
- Spaced (A-B, ORTF, etc.)
- Coincident techniques (X-Y, Mid-Side).

Stereo Techniques

A-B: time-of-arrival stereophony.
X-Y: intensity stereophony.
Mid/Side: different types of microphones for creating specific stereo recordings and ambiences.
ORTF: a way of achieving stereophony

Recorders

Nowadays always digital, using solid-state storage.
Key features:
- Microphone pre-amps quality.
- Analog-to-digital converters quality.
- Number of independent inputs (e.g. 1, 2, 4, 8 channels).
- Display
- Battery capacity
- File transfer/storage/file systems allowed
- Timecode (e.g., syncing with video).

Recording

Set up recorder with intended format settings
Check available storage and battery charge
Check high-pass filter, phantom power, limiter, and trim settings
Default settings are generally uncompressed (WAV), 24-bit, 44.1kHz, or 48kHz.
High sample rates for instances where pitch-shifting is expected. (e.g video game sound and ring tones)
Record 3 seconds before and after intended sound to retain decaying sounds.
Remain silent and stationary during recording.
Use hands for communication, avoid stomach sounds
Eliminate background noise as much as possible. (e.g., AC buzz/hum, air conditioning, heating, traffic, clocks lights)
Monitor with headphones to maintain proper levels, do not alter levels during recordings, 32-bit recorders avoid level alteration issues.
Point microphone towards sound/object/area, and if using stereo microphones, center on the area. Avoid moving stereo microphone during recording. Record enough material. Consider possible mistakes or versions
Record room tone for later use. Room tone provides ambience to simulate sounds in the same room but recorded in different environments.
Recording Location:
- Select locations and times of day based on anticipated sounds.
- Investigate traffic situations. Notify police if necessary.
Recording Log:
- Log recording information: the object, location, action, microphone, microphone position, time/date, person's name.

Editing

Guidelines
- Organization:
  - meaningful filenames
  - frequently save
  - copy original files, edit copies
- Source Material:
  - crop each sound (one sound-one file)
  - remove silence
  - make sure file starts and ends at zero crossing
  - be careful not to remove the sound's attack or decay
Other Guidelines
- Organization: use meaningful filenames, save recordings often, backup original recordings, work from copies, and keep all used files in the session folder
- Source Material: crop each sound, remove silence, start and end at zero crossing, be aware of sound's attack/decay
- Multiple Recordings: cut sounds at zero crossings, use cross-fades if needed, adjust pacing and speed by altering distance in timeline, remove unwanted sound
- Balance stereo field

LISTEN Mnemonic

L: Listen Critically
I: Identify Clicks, Pops, and errors
S: Signal Process (EQ and Compression)
T: Trim/Crop the File
E: Examine Fade-Ins/Fade-Outs at Zero Line
N: Normalize/Name File

Organizing Filenames & Metadata

Filenames:
- Three systems: Category-based, Effect-based, Numeric-based
Categories: example list for categorization
Effect-Based: place category in folder, the file would be in that folder.
Numeric-Based: a number system to track recording files.
Metadata: additional sound information for advanced searching, OS comments (macOS), external files, proprietary applications

Attribution

Images are taken from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Resources for Studying

The Sound Effects Bible: How to Create and Record Hollywood Style Sound Effects by Ric Viers; Michael Wiese Productions; 3rd edition, 2008.

Foley Materials

Home improvement stores
1-euro stores
Debris from destroyed materials
Junkyards
The street
Food (organic sounds)
Axe, Rags, Baseball Bat, Rope, Broom, Rubber Bands, Buckets, Sandbags, Cotton Gloves, Sledgehammer, Dust Masks, Sound Blankets, Gaffer's Tape, Spring Clamps, Knife, Towels, Leather Gloves, Weights, Mop.
Rubber Gloves, Can of Air, Rubber Mallet, Carpenter's Hammer

Foley Recording Tips

Experiment without looking.
Vary prop holding positions and pressure.
Perform as if creating musical pieces.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on audio file management, including filename systems and sound effects used in films and games. This quiz covers metadata, sound identification, and editing techniques relevant to audio professionals.