Sonic Design - Exercises -

 Sonic Design - Exercises -

week 1

DONG XINEI / 0359733

Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

INSTRUCTIONS

LECTURES

WEEK 1

In the first week, the instructor introduced us to the knowledge we need to learn in this module and gave us an overview of sonic design. The instructor also showcased some exemplary student works and mentioned that we will gain more insights into audio design in the upcoming lessons. Through the instructor's explanation, we will better understand and master the knowledge and application of audio.

Audio Effects Processing ：  Audio effects processing provides a variety of built-in effects that are used to enhance or alter the texture of sound in audio design.

Time Stretching and Pitch Shifting ：These functions allow for changing the duration (speed) or pitch of an audio segment without affecting other attributes. In audio design, these features are commonly used to match the rhythm or pitch of different materials.

Automation ： Automation allows for the automatic control of volume, pan, and effect parameters over time on the timeline. It is used to adjust volume or apply effects at specific time intervals, with audio parameters automatically adjusted according to curves.

Equalizer ： In audio production, an equalizer is used to adjust the volume of different frequency bands to enhance or reduce specific frequencies, improving overall sound quality.

Mr. Razif first taught us how to use Adobe Audition, focusing especially on using the parametric equalizer to adjust low, mid, and high frequencies. He reminded us to pay attention to the balance and clarity of each frequency range when adjusting the audio, enhancing the overall sound quality to improve the final result.

WEEK 2

This week, the instructor covered the core fundamentals of sound, from capturing sound to processing and digitization, in a clear and informative structure.

The essence and characteristics of sound: The lecture enhanced our understanding of sound waves, especially how they interact with the environment, laying a theoretical foundation for subsequent audio capturing and processing.

Sound capturing techniques and equipment: The use of different recording methods and equipment significantly affects sound quality, emphasizing the importance of equipment selection and technical application.

Diversity in audio processing: Through equalization, compression, and effects (such as reverb), audio can be finely tuned, which enhances the artistic and technical demands of sound design.

Sound digitization and format selection: Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different audio formats, particularly in terms of quality in digital audio, is crucial for professional audio production.

Application of professional tools: Learning to use industry-standard software and tools provides a practical foundation for future audio work in fields such as music, film, and multimedia.

This week's focus on practical techniques and tools has further sparked your interest in audio engineering and sound design, laying a solid foundation for further study and practice.

WEEK 3

In the three week of the course, audio processing techniques offered a wealth of creative tools for sound design:

Layering: By stacking multiple sounds, unique and original sound effects can be created. This technique enriches the depth of sound, especially in film, music, or game sound design, blending different sound elements to produce unprecedented auditory experiences.

Time stretching/compression: This technique allows adjusting the playback speed of audio without changing the pitch. It provides flexibility in controlling rhythm and tempo, offering creative space in sound design, particularly useful in tempo adjustments and creating speed-altered effects.

Mouth sound creation: Utilizing the flexibility of human voice, various unique sound effects can be generated. Combining visuals, music, and sound effects enhances drama and immersion, but it's important to avoid overloading with too many sound elements in a scene to prevent distraction.

Reversing: This technique produces strange, unnatural sound effects, often used to create surreal or otherworldly atmospheres, adding mystery or horror.

These audio techniques offer multiple creative methods for sound design, enhancing both the artistic quality and immersive experience for the audience.

week 4

Diegetic sounds, non-diegetic sounds, and tri-diegetic sounds are three key types in sound design:

Diegetic sounds: These exist within the story world and can be heard by both characters and the audience, such as dialogue and environmental sounds, enhancing the authenticity of the narrative.

Non-diegetic sounds: These are not heard by the characters but are used to enhance the audience's viewing experience, such as background music and narration, strengthening emotional or dramatic effects.

Tri-diegetic sounds: These occupy a space between the two, as they may be perceived by characters and also convey narrative or symbolic meaning, such as a character's inner monologue or memories.

By flexibly utilizing these sound types, sound design can enrich narrative depth, enhance emotional resonance, and create a more immersive experience.

EXERCISES

Exercise 1

In the first exercise, our task is to adjust the provided equalized audio to make it as close as possible to the original flat audio. While making adjustments, we need to focus on sound clarity and ensure it closely resembles the original audio.

Figure 3.1 Equalizer 1

Figure 3.2 Equalizer 2

Figure 3.3 Equalizer 3

Figure 3.4 Equalizer 4

Figure 3.5 Equalizer 5

Figure 3.6 Equalizer 6

 Exercise 2

This week, we experimented with the equalizer to produce specific sounds that corresponded to different environments or scenarios.

Figure 4.1

Telephone call：

In adjusting the phone sound, I modified the highs and lows and adjusted the audio to a moderate level.

Figure 4.2 Telephone call parametric equalizer

 

Figure 4.3

Bathroom：

Figure 4.4

Figure 4.5

Gymnasium ：

Figure 4.6

Figure 4.7

Closed space ：

Figure 4.8

Figure 4.9

Exercise 3

In Exercise 3, we were tasked with creating sound effects for an explosion, a firecracker, and a punch. We edited and adjusted the provided audio tracks to enhance the realism and impact of each sound.

Figure 5.1 explosion Extension and expansion

Figure 5.2 explosion Extension and expansion

Final explosion：

Figure 5.2 Final explosion 

Fireworks Progress ：

Figure 5.3

Figure 5.4

Figure 5.5

Figure 5.6

Figure 5.7 Final Fireworks

Punch Progress : 

Figure 5.8

Figure 5.9

Figure 5.10

Figure 5.11

Figure 5.12 Final punch

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Exercise 4

This week, we learned how to use track automation to adjust the speed and volume of audio, allowing for dynamic changes and improving our control in audio editing.

Figure 6.1

In my creative concept for the first scene, I plan to add the sounds of machinery operating and the flow of liquid. I will also include some metallic collision sounds, which will further enhance the atmosphere and allow the audience to better experience the busyness and tension of the laboratory. 

These elements combined will create an immersive environment, allowing the audience to experience the mystery and allure of technological experiments.

Figure 6.2

Figure 6.3

In the second scene, after analyzing the environment, I decided to add some sounds of lasers to enhance the sense of technology and futurism. These sounds not only convey the power of the lasers but also create a sense of urgency and suspense for the audience. 

Additionally, I included the sound of electrical currents from the computer, which adds a subtle background effect that enhances the authenticity of the laboratory, making it feel as if the audience can hear the subtle noises of the equipment operating at high speed.

Figure 6.4

Reflection

In this exercise, I used Adobe Audition for the first time, which was a completely new experience for me and brought some challenges as well. At the beginning, I felt unfamiliar with the software’s interface and features, such as how to use tools like time-stretching, equalization adjustments, and efficiently edit and process audio tracks.

However, as the practice progressed, I gradually became familiar with the basic operations of Adobe Audition. Although there were many moments of trial and error during the process, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment every time I solved a small problem or mastered a new technique.

This exercise made me realize the importance of mastering audio editing tools. Not only did I improve my operational skills with the software, but I also gained a deeper understanding of sound design. I believe that with continued practice, I will become more proficient in using these tools and capable of completing more complex and creative audio design tasks.