Sound for the Theatre & Film Design and Equipment

Outline of this presentation: I) Purpose for Sound II) The Designer’s process III) Types of sound IV) Sound equipment

Sound Design The Purpose: 1) Amplify the actors 2) Incidental music or underscoring 3) Special effects

Sound Design The Designer’s Process 1) Study the script >ID moods >ID possible sounds 2) Discuss with director 3) Research sound sources 4) Record sound cues

Sound Design Computer programs for sound design File types:.AU.RA.WAV.Mp3 Programs: Cool Edit Pro / Sound Forge

Types of Sound A) Pre-recorded sounds B) Live -created sounds C) Found sounds

Types of Sound A) Pre-recorded sounds >Music >Effects Libraries

Types of Sound B) Live - created effects Glass BreakingDoor Slam

Types of Sound C) Found Sounds

Sound System

Sound Equipment Mics Cables Mixers Amplifiers Speakers

Sound Equipment Microphones: “Mics” >Used for recording and amplifying sound Corded mics Wireless Handheld Wireless Lavaliere Floor mics

Sound Equipment Microphones “Mics” Hanging Mics

Sound Equipment Headphones >Used for mixing sound >Used by Stage Manager, lighting, and sound personal for communication between technicians

Sound Equipment Cables:  XLR cables (3 pins) male & female adapters ¼” plugs  RCA cables 2 or 3 color

Sound Equipment Mixer “sound board” >Controls and mixes the input of sound from various devices: CDs, mics, tapes, keyboards, computers

Sound Equipment Mixer “sound board” = equalizes low, med and high frequencies for best possible sound = controls volume of sound to speakers

Sound Equipment Amplifiers “Amp” >Powers the speakers (Configured between Mixer and Speakers) Note: Some speakers have their own Amps!

Sound Equipment Speakers > Mains (for audience) > Monitors (on stage for actors)

Sound System

Careers in Sound Sound Designer Sound Technicians Radio & commercials

Sound for the Theatre and Film “The End”