Sonic Design - Task 1

 Name : Ivy Chung Ai Shin

Student ID : 0358429

Program : Bachelor Of Computer Science

Week 1 - 4 (26/4 - 17/5)

Content : 

1. Lecture 

2. Exercises 

• Week 1 
• Week 2 
• Week 3 
• Week 4 

LECTURE 

Week 1 

In week , we were introduced to the module information and the basics of sound designing. We were briefed about the weekly task and projects to meet for the module following the module information. We were given a few sample audio that can be useful for our upcoming projects.

Week 2 

In this week , we are introduced to the fundamentals of sound which includes the nature of sound , how sound is captured , processed , analyze and using it , how to convert to digital world and some of the pro tools used. We were first introduced to the the nature of sound which is basically the vibration of air molecules. In the nature of sound , there is the study of subjective human perception to sound that studies how different sounds affect our perspective. There are 6 main properties of sound which includes : 

Image 1.0 - Properties Of Sound

1. Pitch 
2. Loudness 
3. Timbre (quality of sound) 
4. Perceived audition (rhythm) 
5. Envelope , and spatialisation (space) 

Before we could get started in sound design , it is vital to understand the properties of sound wave to grasp the basic of how it can make different sound effect. 

Image 1.1 - Properties of Sound Wave

In pitch , we were taught that cycles per second of a sound wave is measured in Hertz. We also experimented with the frequency of sound which we can hear. 

Week 3

Week 3 introduces us into the fundamentals of sound manipulation which includes sound shaping and spatial sound. In adobe audition , we can do this by using the parametric equalizer setting. This allows us to make adjustments by moving the dots on the graph where you want them or typing your desired frequency and gain in the fields below the graph. The curve of the line will bend around that dot. Adjust exactly the frequencies you want.We can also adjust the Q or width to determine the effect of the boost on surrounding frequencies. The wider the width , the more gradual the slope and more natural-sounding the cut. A narrow width will result in a steeper slope and a sound that is more manipulated. If the overall volume is set too loud or too soft after adjusting the EQ , we can move the gain slider for volume control.

Week 4 

At the start of the class , Mr Razif introduced to what a sound envelope is , where it describes about the characteristic of the sound. In this audio wave of a jetplane , it starts off with an attack which goes to the loudest point of the sound , then it comes to the sustain portion and lastly it comes to a declining portion. 

Image 4.0 - Jetplane Sound Wave 

Then , he proceeded to taught us how to recreate a sense of location from a sound clip. In stereo balance or pan , we are able to switch the sound direction. This is very much useful when it comes to creating a sound environment which has dynamics. 

Image 4.1 - Jetplane Clip Automation

For instance , from the image above , we can use clip automation that helps us to change in different sound direction or sound volume in one clip. We just click on a keyframe and simply manipulate it. 

Image 4.2 - Jetplane Track Automation

Another method we can apply is track automation that similarly helps us to change in different sound direction or sound volume. However , this is set on the track and not the clip which is time-based that is useful in linear events. Meanwhile , clip automation is used when the clip is used repetitively. 

EXERCISES 

Week 2 

In this weeks tutorial , we were introduced to adobe audition that allows to experiment with the sound. The first parameter that we were asked to experiment with was the parametric equalizer. By adjusting the parametric equalizer , the frequency of the sound varies. 

Experiment 1 :

 I first tested by swapping the equalizer to the right. 

Analysis : By doing so , it makes the cymbals from the drums more crisp and clear while the bass becomes less clear. 

Image 2.0 - Parameter Equalizer 

Experiment 2 : 

Bring down the left equalizer + Bring up the right equalizer  

Analysis :  The after-sound from the piano becomes less known , while the cymbals from the drum still remains clear and crisp 

Image 2.1 - Parameter Equalizer 2

Note : 

To find problem in the sound , we use narrow Q width. 

Image 2.2 - Parameter Equalizer 3 (width)

When creating audio , 48000 is the standard sample rate. The higher the sample rate , the higher the resolution.  In graphic file , the higher the big depth , the higher the range it can accommodate. 

Exercise 1 : 

Track 1 

Image 2.3 - Track 1 

Track 2 

Image 2.4 - Track 2 

Track 3 

Image 2.5 - Track 3

Track 4 

Image 2.6 - Track 4

Track 5 

Image 2.7 - Track 5

Track 6

Image 2.8 - Track 6

Filter 1 

Image 2.9 - Filter 1

Filter 2 

Image 3.0 - Filter 2

I would like to believe that filter 1 and 2 has to change the arrangement in order to match to the sound. 

Week 3

Week 3 introduces us into the fundamentals of sound manipulation which includes sound shaping and spatial sound. Our first exercise for the week is to manipulate a sample audio into an audio that represents the certain situation. One of the sample audio he had demonstrated to us was the manipulation to a telephone sound. 

Exercise 2 

Image 3.2 - Telephone call

In a telephone call , the audio captures mainly the middle range and lesser bass and treble.

Image 3.1 - Closet

Feedback : Mr Razif said that to replicate the audio in a closet , the sound has to be muffled as it is from a closed space. Therefore , the bass and the upper range should be lowered. 

Image 3.2 - Walkie Talkie Equalizer

Image 3.3 - Distortion #1 

Image 3.4 - Distortion #2 

The sound coming from a walkie talkie should be harsh and distorted in nature. Therefore , the middle range is brought up high to increase the harshness while the bass and upper range is lowered as walkie talkie does not produce clarity in sound. 

Image 3.5 - Reverb Testing 

In the next half of the class , we were introduced to a new setting which is the "Reverb". This will allow us to create an echo-ish like effect to replicate audio coming from wide/reflective areas. 

With that , Mr Razif had then asked us to replicate the sound coming from a stadium and a bathroom. 

Image 3.6 - Stadium

The stadium is a very large area and thus the sound is definitely louder and much more reflective. Therefore , the perception and delay time is all brought up. 

 

Image 3.7 - Bathroom

Similarly , the bathroom is also an reflective space, however , it is much more enclosed and small. Thus , in terms of the reflective effect it should be faster and short. The audio should also be brought down as it is a not being transmitted in a large area and that it is more muffled. In this case , I vision myself in a public bathroom instead. 

Feedback : Both bathroom and stadium were good. 

Week 4

Exercise 3 

In this exercise , we were asked to recreate a sound environment based on the image provided. 

Image 4.3 - Environment 1 

In this environment , I imagined the scenario of two lab personnel walking into this big machinery lab to activate some sort of laser. Therefore ,  I have mixed 6 different audio which includes the lab ambience , footsteps , typing , machine_activating , machine_warmingup , and data processing sound. I have also pan the sound direction of the footsteps to make sound like its coming closer. 

Image 4.4 - Sound Mix Environment 1

Image 4.5 - Environment 2

Image 4.6 - Sound Mix Environment 2

From my observation in environment 2 , I see two soldiers standing at the left side of the lab. In the lab , I also see that there is a large vessel tube containing liquid. Therefore , in my sound mix , I have added a water-like bubbling sound and soldiers walking into the lab assuming they are guarding the place while conversing through the walkie talkie. 

Image 4.7 - Hard Limiter

I have also decided to add reverb to create a more echo-like environment as the environment looks wide and reflective in general. 

Image 4.8 - Reverb

In a situation where we have multiple audio tracks , the sound volume will definitely be doubled causing the overall sound to peak. Therefore , in order for us to ensure it does not peak , we can go into mixer and apply the hard limiter into the master track. Mr Razif also gave us insights on how much maximum amplitude we will set based on scenarios. In tv productions , the standard amplitude is set at -8 to -12 dB. However , online video production  , the standard amplitude is set at 0dB thus making it sound louder. In our case , it is safe to set it at -1dB. 

Image 4.8 - Hard Limiter (Master Track)

Reflection 

In these 4 weeks , I have learnt and understand the fundamentals of applying settings such as parametric equalizer , hard limiter , panning , reverb in manipulating the sound. It is really interesting to me how we can incorporate these effects such as reverb, delay and echo, and sound envelope and change into different sound variations to suit the environment. These skills are essential in creating unique sounds and effects that enhance the overall quality of any audio content. I personally found exercise 1 being the most challenging as it requires patience and good listening skills to capture the difference between the original sound and the manipulated sound to match back. It took me some time to fully understand the settings on what I should change in order to achieve the result. The one I find interesting most is exercise 3 in week 4 where we get to mix different sound audio based on our observation and creativity from the image given. 

I would definitely want to apply these skills learnt and continue making progression in my upcoming projects.