Sound Design and Production
Expert-defined terms from the Certified Specialist Programme in Sonic Branding course at Stanmore School of Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Ambience #
The background sound in a scene or environment that helps to create a sense of place and atmosphere. In sound design, ambience can be created using sound effects, foley, and music.
Audio Branding #
The use of sound and music to create a unique and recognizable identity for a brand. Audio branding can include sonic logos, jingles, soundscapes, and other audio elements that help to establish a brand's personality and values.
Audio Logo #
A short, memorable sound or melody that is used to represent a brand. Audio logos are often used in advertising and marketing materials to create a strong association between the sound and the brand.
Audio Post #
Production: The process of editing, mixing, and mastering audio for use in film, television, video games, and other media. Audio post-production includes tasks such as synchronizing sound effects with visuals, balancing dialogue and music levels, and adding special effects.
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) #
A tingling sensation that some people experience in response to certain sounds, such as whispering, tapping, or scratching. ASMR has become a popular trend in sound design, with many creators producing videos and audio recordings designed to elicit this sensation.
Binaural Recording #
A recording technique that captures sound in a way that mimics the way humans hear. Binaural recordings use two microphones placed inside ear-shaped devices, creating a three-dimensional audio experience that can be listened to with headphones.
DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) #
Software that allows users to record, edit, and produce audio. DAWs can be used for a variety of applications, including music production, sound design, and audio post-production.
Doppler Effect #
The change in frequency or pitch of a sound wave as it moves toward or away from the listener. The Doppler effect is responsible for the changing pitch of a siren as it passes by.
Dynamic Range #
The difference between the loudest and softest sounds in a recording or performance. Managing dynamic range is an important part of sound design and production, as it can help to create a more balanced and dynamic listening experience.
Equalization (EQ) #
The process of adjusting the balance of different frequencies in an audio signal. EQ can be used to boost or cut specific frequency ranges, creating a more balanced or sculpted sound.
Fidelity #
The accuracy and clarity of a sound recording or reproduction. High-fidelity recordings are characterized by their ability to capture and reproduce the subtle details of a sound source.
Foley #
The art of creating and recording sound effects for use in film, television, and other media. Foley sounds are often created using everyday objects, such as shoes, props, and surfaces, to create realistic and immersive audio experiences.
Frequency #
The number of cycles per second of a sound wave. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz) and is often associated with pitch, with higher frequencies corresponding to higher pitches.
Harmonics #
The additional frequencies that are present in a complex sound wave, usually in multiples of the fundamental frequency. Harmonics can add richness and complexity to a sound, and are often used in sound design to create unique and memorable audio elements.
Lavalier Microphone #
A small, wearable microphone that is typically clipped to a speaker's clothing. Lavalier microphones are often used in interviews, presentations, and other situations where a discreet and hands-free microphone is needed.
Localization #
The process of positioning sound elements in a mix to create a sense of space and directionality. Localization is an important part of sound design, as it can help to create a more immersive and realistic audio experience.
Mastering #
The final stage of audio production, in which a recording is prepared for distribution or release. Mastering involves adjusting levels, equalization, compression, and other parameters to create a polished and consistent final product.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) #
A protocol that allows electronic musical instruments to communicate with each other and with computers. MIDI allows musicians and sound designers to create and edit music and sound effects using a variety of software and hardware tools.
Mixing #
The process of combining multiple audio tracks into a cohesive whole. Mixing involves adjusting levels, panning, equalization, and other parameters to create a balanced and dynamic final product.
Multitrack Recording #
The process of recording multiple audio tracks separately and then combining them in post-production. Multitrack recording allows sound designers and producers to create complex and layered audio arrangements.
Noise Gate #
A processing tool that is used to remove unwanted noise from an audio signal. Noise gates work by only allowing audio to pass through when it exceeds a certain threshold, effectively muting any signal that falls below that threshold.
Oscillator #
A device that produces sound waves at a specific frequency. Oscillators are often used in sound synthesis to create a wide variety of timbres and textures.
Phaser #
An audio effect that creates a sweeping, phase-shifting sound by combining two identical signals that are slightly out of phase with each other. Phasers are often used in sound design to create a sense of motion or movement.
Pitch Shifting #
The process of changing the pitch of an audio signal without changing its duration. Pitch shifting can be used to create harmonies, transpose music, or create special effects.
Reverb #
The persistence of sound after it has been produced. Reverb can be created using physical spaces, such as rooms or halls, or using digital effects processors. Reverb is often used in sound design to create a sense of space and depth.
Sample Rate #
The number of samples per second that are taken from a sound wave. Sample rate is measured in Hertz (Hz) and is often associated with audio quality, with higher sample rates corresponding to higher quality recordings.
Sibilance #
The harsh, hissing sound that can occur in certain consonant sounds, such as "s" and "sh". Sibilance can be reduced or eliminated using equalization and other processing tools.
Sonic Identity #
The unique sound or combination of sounds that represents a brand or product. Sonic identity can be established through the use of audio logos, jingles, soundscapes, and other audio elements.
Sound Effect #
Any sound that is added to a recording or performance to enhance or augment the existing sound. Sound effects can be created using a variety of techniques, including foley, synthesis, and sampling.
Soundscape #
A collection of sounds that create a sense of place or atmosphere. Soundscapes can be created using a variety of techniques, including field recordings, sound effects, and music.
Spectrum Analyzer #
A tool that displays the frequency content of an audio signal. Spectrum analyzers are often used in sound design and production to identify problematic frequencies or to create visual representations of sound.
Stereo Recording #
A recording technique that uses two microphones to capture sound from two different perspectives. Stereo recordings create a sense of space and depth by providing a more realistic and immersive listening experience.
Synthesizer #
An electronic musical instrument that generates sound using oscillators, filters, and other processing tools. Synthesizers can be used to create a wide variety of timbres and textures, and are often used in sound design to create unique and memorable audio elements.
Timbre #
The quality or character of a sound that allows it to be distinguished from other sounds. Timbre is often associated with the harmonic content of a sound wave, and can be influenced by factors such as attack, decay, sustain, and release.
Tone #
The overall quality or character of a sound, often influenced by factors such as pitch, timbre, and dynamics. Tone can be used to create mood, atmosphere, and emotion in sound design and production.
Transient #
The initial attack or impact of a sound wave. Transients are often associated with the beginning of a sound, and can be used to create emphasis, rhythm, and texture in sound design and production.
White Noise #
A random noise signal that contains equal energy at all frequencies. White noise is often