Week 5: Grouping Soundtracks, Mastering Audio, and Exploring Spatial Sound
This week in Sonic Design, we delved deeper into audio production techniques by learning how to manage multiple soundtracks more efficiently. The focus was on grouping soundtracks into a bus and using the mixer to have a complete view of the audio levels. By grouping tracks, we were able to adjust multiple audio elements simultaneously, making it easier to control volume and ensure a balanced mix. One of the key lessons was keeping the sound levels within a safe range, making sure they stayed in the green and yellow levels, and avoiding the red, which indicates clipping or distortion.
We also explored audio mastering techniques. Using tools like the hard limiter, we learned how to maximize the amplitude of the audio without distorting it. Additionally, we applied mastering tools such as the exciter and widener to make subtle adjustments that improve the overall sound quality, bringing more clarity and space to the mix.
Another essential skill we practiced was saving and exporting multitracks. Sir also introduced us to 5.1 surround sound, explaining that it’s a horizontal audio setup without height, commonly used in movie theaters. He guided us on how to export spatial sound files in the AAC format, giving us the ability to share immersive audio projects.
For this week’s exercise, we were tasked with developing a 2-3 minute first-person storyline and identifying the audio required for each scene. This planning stage is crucial because it helps streamline the process of finding the necessary sound effects and music for the project. By writing down the audio needs beforehand, it becomes much easier to create a cohesive and immersive sound design that aligns with the story.
Overall, this week’s lessons have provided us with valuable skills to create polished, professional-sounding audio, and I’m excited to apply these techniques to my project in the coming weeks!
Tasks
Storyline
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HZ3wUyNyro9TMFju5G_t0nz6AWZO8f3E/view?usp=sharingList of sounds needed:
Scene 1: Waking Up (00:00 - 00:20)
- Rainy Day
- Alarm clock ringing
- People Yawning
- Hand slap on alarm clock (to turn it off)
- Bedsheets rustling
- Footsteps on wooden floor
- Opening & Closing Washroom Door
Scene 2: Morning Routine Chaos (00:21 - 01:00)
- Shower turning on (distant, subtle sound)
- Showering
- Walking in Bathroom
- Turning on Tap Water
- Toothbrush scrubbing
- Opening Washroom Door
- Footsteps walking on floor
Scene 3: Glass Breaking (01:01 - 02:00)
- Turn on Gas Stove
- Exhaust Fan
- Cat Meow
- Frying pan Sound
- Frying pan sizzling (cooking eggs or bacon)
- Kettle boiling
- Clattering of dishes
- Water pouring
- Glass or cup breaking (sudden crash)
- Cat Terrify Sound
- Mopping or wiping sound (cleaning up the mess)
Scene 4: Leaving for the Day (02:00-03:00)
- Bus Horning
- Putting Mop to aside
- Fast footsteps stomping (approaching the kitchen)
- Key Jiggling
- Door Open
- Door Closed
Audio Link:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SMpvASEMc7FRzCMFeaVnqzt_fxnas5or/view?usp=sharing
To create this audio image, I carefully selected sound effects that would not only represent the actions taking place but also evoke emotions associated with a bustling household. I utilized audio editing software to layer these sounds, adjusting the volume levels and applying effects as needed to ensure clarity and realism.
The background rain remained constant throughout the piece, creating a soothing contrast to the chaotic sounds of the morning routine. The pacing of the audio was crucial; I synchronized the various elements to reflect the frantic energy of the household while maintaining a coherent narrative flow.
By the end of the task, I successfully crafted an engaging audio experience that allows listeners to visualize the scene vividly. The combination of everyday sounds and the atmospheric rain paint a relatable picture of a typical chaotic morning, immersing the audience in the story without the need for any spoken words.
Adjustments After First Consultation
After consulting with my lecturer, I made some important adjustments to improve the clarity and realism of my audio project. Here’s a breakdown of the feedback I received and the changes I implemented:
1. Adjusting the Rain Sound for Indoor Setting:
- Originally, the rain sound was constant throughout, but my lecturer pointed out that the recording seemed to place the rain inside the house, which reduced the audio's realism.
- To address this, I muffled the rain sound, making it softer and more distant to reflect an indoor listening experience. Additionally, I decided to let the rain fade out when the character moves to the kitchen, as it would be less noticeable in a busy kitchen environment.
2. Enhancing Kitchen Details:
- I added more specific kitchen sounds to bring the scene to life, like the subtle clanging of the frying pan, the clicking sound of the gas stove turning on, and the placing of the mop down on the floor. These small details give listeners a more immersive experience in the kitchen setting.
3. Tweaking the Door Sequence:
- When the character opens and closes the door, I adjusted the rain sound to become briefly louder, signaling the outdoor noise coming in. This tweak gives a more realistic feel of the house's layout and the character’s transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
4. Refining the Glass-Breaking Sound:
- The lecturer mentioned that the original glass-breaking sound was too loud and sounded like it occurred outside rather than inside. I adjusted the volume and added slight reverberation to give it an indoor quality, making the sound blend naturally within the household environment.
These changes allowed me to enhance the overall narrative and create a more cohesive, realistic audio experience for listeners. By focusing on these fine details, the audio now better captures the atmosphere of a busy, rainy morning indoors.
Adjustments After Second Consultation
Following my second consultation, I focused on further refining the audio mix to achieve a clearer and more immersive soundscape. Here’s a summary of the additional adjustments based on my lecturer's feedback:
1. Adjusting Rain Volume in the Kitchen:
- Initially, I reduced the rain sound too much in the kitchen scene, making it barely audible. I increased the volume slightly to reintroduce a subtle background presence of rain while keeping it soft enough to maintain the indoor ambiance.
2. Adding an Exhaust Fan Sound:
- To enhance the realism of the kitchen environment, I added an exhaust fan sound. This sound effect not only added another layer of atmosphere but also created a more immersive, lively kitchen scene.
3. Panning the Sounds for a Spatial Effect:
- To avoid cluttering the audio by having all sounds centered, I applied a panning effect. I placed the exhaust fan sound on the left side and the rain sound on the right side. This spatial adjustment helped separate the sounds, giving each element its own distinct position in the stereo field and reducing overlap, which makes for a clearer and more realistic listening experience.
These updates allowed me to refine the kitchen soundscape by adding depth and a greater sense of space, ultimately creating a more believable environment for listeners. With these improvements, each sound element now stands out in its own space, enhancing the overall storytelling of a busy, rainy morning indoors.
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