1. Sound Design and Technology (Introduction)
Just like the scenery, costumes, makeup, and props, everything you hear during a performance are designed with one purpose: to immerse the audience in the world of the play.
The size of the sound team working on a production depends on the show’s budget and producing organization.
It could be a single person responsible for everything, to an extensive crew with specific titles and functions.
Regardless, certain duties need to be accomplished for every production: design, installation, and production of sound.
Without a well-conceived plan, a unified result is unlikely. It must be both creative and technical!
Sound design is both creative and technical.
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2. Sound Design and Technology (Jobs in Sound, pt. 1)
Sound Designer – responsible for everything related to sound for a given production.
Provides designs for: music, sound effects, reinforcement
Reinforcement: the use of sound systems to amplify and enhance the voices, music, and sounds of a performance.
Provides technical drawings and specifications for any sound equipment bought, rented, or leased.
Sets all sound cues
Non-union: might be responsible for installation.
Union: installation is specifically excluded.
Tend to specialize in either musicals or non- musical plays.
Many choose to cross-train in sound scoring, reinforcement, and systems design/operation.
Some even train in music composition.
Sound design is both creative and technical.
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3. Sound Design and Technology (Jobs in Sound, pt. 2)
Production Sound Engineer – also called the A1, sound board operator, or sound mixer
Responsible for mixing all electronic sound elements into a cohesive, pleasing whole
Productions requiring reinforcement usually have an assistant PSE, known as the A2 or wireless mic technician, working backstage.
They manage all backstage issues and ensure wireless rigs are working properly.
Large musicals might have an A3.
Duties would be dictated by the needs of the production.
Head Sound Engineer – also called the sound system engineer
Supervises the sound crews who install the sound system
Ensures the systems function properly and as designed
Sound design is both creative and technical.
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4. Sound Design and Technology (Creating a Soundscape)
Soundscape – the auditory environment, including all noises, sounds, voices, music, and effects heard during a performance.
Sound score - the music and sound effects used in support of a production
Reinforcement – the use of sound systems to amplify and enhance the voices, music, and sounds of a performance
A good sound system will reinforce sounds transparently (without being noticed).
This is used most to balance the volume of vocals, music, and sound scores so that actors can always be heard.
While reinforcement can aid actors with naturally quiet voices, it cannot cure poor vocal production!
Reinforcement allows directors to move actors around on stage without worrying about them being heard.
Sound design is both creative and technical.
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5. Sound Design and Technology (Decibels)
Decibel – a unit of measurement for the relative intensity of sound
Decibels are NOT measured using an absolute point: it is a ratio comparing different sound levels
The “threshold of hearing” is OdB, but this does not mean there is no sound!
The threshold of hearing can vary from person to person!
Normal conversation is said to be about 65dB
Again, this is a relative measurement!
The threshold of pain is about 130dB.
Sound design is both creative and technical.
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