Michael hughes sound recording glossary [improved version]

Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
1
Produce a glossary of terms specific to the methods and principles of sound design and production. Using a provided template, you must
research and gather definitions specific to provided glossary terms. Any definitions must be referenced with the URL link of the website you
have obtained the definition.
You must also, where possible, provide specific details of how researched definitions relate to your own production practice.
Name: Michael Hughes RESEARCHED DEFINITION (provide
short internet researched definition
and URL link)
DESCRIBE THE RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCHED TERM TO YOUR
OWN PRODUCTION PRACTICE?
SOUND DESIGN
METHODOLOGY
Foley Artistry
“Foley artists” match live sound effects
with the action of the picture.
“Foleying” is an excellent means of
supplying the subtle sounds that
production mikes often miss.
http://filmsound.org/terminology/foley.
htm
Foley artistry is the production of realistic sounds through different
types of instruments or objects. For instance, metal falling could be made
by hitting 2 metal pipes together for the “clang” sound. This type of
practise is usually done in a studio atmosphere. Often times Foley
artistry is only for subtle sounds such as the crunching of snow, but
without it the game wouldn’t be the same and therefore it is an
important part of the industry and my own production practice.
Sound Libraries
a collection of sounds stored on file (for
example on CDs, DVDs, or as digital audio
files)
http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictio
nary/english/sound-library
Sound libraries are a simple and efficient way to store different types of
sounds. Whilst you can save sounds through folders, it is much more
organised to have a piece of software to handle everything for you. It is
possible to create a sound for different types of media; this is done
through storing the files on CD, DVD or as a digital audiofile.
Practical use: I have pulled some various sounds in order to edit them
within reaper.I selected sounds from the college’s sound library that I
was able to use. The sound library was organised so I could easily find
the sounds I wanted to use. I realise that a sound library can be
important for storing multiple audio files and generally keeping track of
where certain files are for editing software such as reaper.For instance,
keeping all music in a Sound library would make it far easier to find a
specific piece of music or audiocompared to generally managing audio
files.
SOUND FILE FORMATS Uncompressed audio files are the most
accurate digital representation of a
soundwave, but can also be the most
Uncompressed audio files are a very accurate format of sound files. They
re-create the sound wave of a file better than any other type of file.
Uncompressed sound files are definitely the best type of file to use.

IG2 Task 1
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Uncompressed
resource-intensive method of recording
and storing digital audio, both in terms of
storage and management.
http://www.jiscdigitalmedia.ac.uk/guide
/uncompressed-audio-file-formats
Whilst it is better to make this type of file, it is takes up the most data and
is hard to store and manage.
.wav
WAV files are popular because they are
considered a “first generation” format.
That is, they are generally kept as the
first digital copy of a file completely
uncompressed.This means that WAV
files are the best possible quality and
have not gone through any digital
alterations except to be outputted.
http://www.freestockmusic.com/audio-
formats/
A .wav file extension is a .wav sound file. These types of files are
generally an excellent type of file, they are uncompressed file types
meaning they are very efficient and have the best possible quality and
have not gone through any other rendering process besides constructing
the original sound.However, they are difficult to store which make it
hard to manage,this is because the quality is very good, and it makes it
hard to send,download or transfer.
Practical use: My work so far has educated me on the .wav file, this is
more than likely the best file to use,it is used with a lot of software and is
easily compatible with the reaper piece of software. It is also the easiest
to manage and organise in my opinion and it allows me to transfer from
reaper to other types of programs at ease. Reaper allowed me to save a
.wav and if I needed I can then use that with different types of
applications such as game maker.
.aiff
AIFF is short for Audio Interchange File
Format, which is an audioformat initially
created by Apple Computer for storing
and transmitting high-quality sampled
audio data.It supports a variety of bit
resolutions, sample rates, and channels
of audio.
http://www.abyssmedia.com/formats/a
iff-format.shtml
The .aiff file extension is an abbreviation for audio interchange file
format. This file was created by apple computer with the intension of
storing high quality audiodata. Like with other file types, it supports
different resolutions and a variety of sample rates, channels and audio.
.au
Audio file introduced by Sun
Microsystems; used primarily on Sun or
other Unix-based machines and has been
adopted by several audioprograms,
including Adobe Audition and
QuickTime; stores the data in three
parts: a header (24 bytes),a variable

IG2 Task 1
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length annotation block, and the actual
audio data.
http://fileinfo.com/extension/au
.smp
An ".smp" file may be one of several
different types of audio file. For example,
it could be a SampleVision audiosample
file. This 16-bit audiofile was originally
used by Turtle Beach SampleVision; you
can open it with Adobe Auction, Sound
Forge Pro or Awave Studio.
http://www.ehow.com/info_12198596_f
ile-smp.html
Lossy Compression
Lossy compression reduces a file by
permanently eliminating certain
information, especially redundant
information. When the file is
uncompressed,only a part of the original
information is still there (although the
user may not notice it).
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/
lossless-and-lossy-compression
.mp3
The file extension for MPEG Audio Layer-
3, a set of standards forcompressing and
loading audiofiles from the Internet.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse
/mp3
Practical use: After practical use of saving and exporting files, it seems
easier to use another type of file rather than .mp3 files. This is mainly
because to save and export a feature through reaper,the software
requires conversions and it is much easier to just work with another file
type rather than working with .mp3, although this is just my opinion and
sometimes .mp3 files can be more easily distributed by downloads etc.
AUDIO LIMITATIONS
Sound Processor Unit
(SPU)
Alternatively referred to as a sound
board or audio card,a sound card is an
expansion or integrated circuit that
provides a computer with the ability to
produce sound that can be perceived by
the user through a peripheraldevice like
speakers or headphones.

IG2 Task 1
4
http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/
s/souncard.htm
Digital Sound Processor
(DSP)
A digital signal processor (DSP) is a
specialized microprocessor designed
specifically for digital signal processing,
generally in real-time computing. The
DSP processes digital signals converted
(using an Analog-to-digital converter
(ADC)) from analog signals. Output is
then converted back to analog form
using a Digital-to-analog converter
(DAC).
http://www.audiocodes.com/glossary/d
sp
Random Access Memory
(RAM)
RAM is an acronym for random access
memory, a type of computer
memory that can be accessed randomly;
that is, any byte of memory can be
accessed without touching the preceding
bytes. RAM is the most common type of
memory found in computers and
other devices, such as printers.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/R/R
AM.html
Mono Audio Mono or monophonic describes a system
where all the audio signals are mixed
together and routed through a single
audio channel.Mono systems can have
multiple loudspeakers, and even multiple
widely separated loudspeakers.
http://www.mcsquared.com/mono-
stereo.htm

IG2 Task 1
5
Stereo Audio using two or more separate microphones
to feed two or more loudspeakers
through separate channels in order to
give a spatial effect to the sound,
http://dictionary.reverso.net/english-
definition/stereophonic%20hearing
Surround Sound a system for playing sounds,especially in
cinemas, that uses three or
more loudspeakers so that
the person listening seems to
be surrounded by the sound.
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/diction
ary/british/surround-sound
Direct Audio (Pulse Code
Modulation – PCM)
Pulse code modulation (PCM) is
a digital scheme for transmitting analog
data. The signals in PCM are binary; that
is, there are only two possible states,
represented by logic 1 (high) and logic 0
(low). This is true no matter how
complex the analog waveform happens
to be. Using PCM, it is possible to digitize
all forms of analog data, including full-
motion video, voices, music, telemetry,
and virtual reality (VR).
http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com
/definition/pulse-code-modulation-PCM

IG2 Task 1
6
AUDIO RECORDING
SYSTEMS
Analogue Refers to recording audio in a format of
continuous vibrations that are analogous
to the original sound waves. Before audio
recording became digital, sounds were
"carved" into vinyl records or written to
tape as magneticwaveforms
http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/t
erm/60827/analog-audio
Digital Mini Disc
A music medium designed by Sony as a
portable replacement for music Compact
Discs. In 1994 Sony announced
a data version which can hold 140 MBor
about 100 MB using error correction.
These will be competitive
With 128 MBmagneto optical disks.
Mini Discs may be either a re-
writable or mass-produced read-
only type. Sony has also
announced a standard data format.
http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.c
om/Mini+Disc
Compact Disc (CD) The first CDs were audio CDs, which
eventually replaced audio tapes (which
earlier replaced records). Audio CDs
have the advantage of allowing the user
to jump to different places on the disc.
CDs can also be listened to an unlimited
number of times without losing quality.

IG2 Task 1
7
Audio tapes can start to lose quality after
listening to them as fewas ten times.
This is because the laser that reads the
data on a CD doesn't put pressure on the
disc, whereas the play heads on a tape
deck slowly wear away the magnetic
strip on the tape.
http://techterms.com/definition/cd
Digital Audio Tape (DAT) Four millimetre wide magnetic
tape which can store up to four gigabytes
(GB) of data per cassette by using helical
scan recording. Replaced in early 1990s
by half-inch wide digital linear tape
(DLT) that can store up to 35 gigabytes
per cassette by using longitudinal
recording.
http://www.businessdictionary.com/def
inition/digital-audio-tape-DAT.html
MIDI Standard MIDI Files ("SMF" or *.mid
files) are a popular source of music on
the web, and for musicians performing in
clubs whoneed a little extra
accompaniment. The files contain all the
MIDI instructions for notes, volumes,
sounds, and even effects.The files are
loaded into some form of ‘player'
(software or hardware),and the
final sound is then produced by a sound-
engine that is connected to or that forms
part of the player.
http://www.midi.org/aboutmidi/tut_mi
difiles.php
Software Sequencers A music sequencer is similar to a tape
recorder, because it can play, record,
fast-forward and rewind music on
separate tracks.
http://www.musictechteacher.com/mus
ic_learning_theory/music_tech_terms.ht

IG2 Task 1
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m
Practical use: Reaper is an example of a software sequencer it uses play,
record, fast forward,rewind and is able too separately manage different
pieces of audio at the same time, it is a clear piece of software that makes
managing,record and playing sounds far easier. Although it’s editing
tools can take some time to get used to it manages audiotracks well,
allowing them to be split, cut, and layered easier. It also has various
effects such as fading audio, panning,volume adjustment and playback
rate. There is also the ability to separate tracks from one another making
it far easier to develop and manage.You can lock tracks so that only one
piece can be heard,this helps when multiple tracks are needed in a
project but you only need toalter or check one of them.
Software Plug-ins
"Plugins". They are called that because
these are little computer applications
that run inside a "host" application, i.e., a
sequencer,typically. These plugin
devices are very important, as they have
led the software revolution towards our
virtual studios which is changing all
recording studios, both home and pro.
http://tweakheadz.com/software-
plugins/
MIDI Keyboard
Instruments
A Musical Instrument Digital Interface
(MIDI) keyboard is a musical instrument
like a pianokeyboard. The MIDI portion
indicates that the instrument has a
communication protocol built in that
allows it to communicate with a
computer or other MIDI-equipped
instrument.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-

IG2 Task 1
9
midi-keyboard.htm
AUDIO SAMPLING File Size Constraints - Bit-
depth
Unlike analog signals, which have an
infinite range of volume levels, digital
audio samples use binary numbers (bits)
to represent the strength of each audio
sample. The accuracy of each sample is
determined by its bit depth.Higher bit
depths mean your audio signal is more
accurately represented when it is
sampled.
https://documentation.apple.com/en/so
undtrackpro/usermanual/index.html#ch
apter=B%26section=2%26tasks=true
File Size Constraints -
Sample Rate
The sample rate is the number of times
an analog signal is measured—or
sampled—per second. You can also think
of the sample rate as the number of
electronic snapshots made of the sound
wave per second. Higher sample rates
result in higher sound quality because
the analog waveform is more closely
approximated by the discrete samples.
https://documentation.apple.com/en/so
undtrackpro/usermanual/index.html#ch
apter=B%26section=2%26tasks=true
Practical use: From my experience,the Sample rate is an important factor
when exporting audio files. It is considered the quality of a sound file, the
higher the sample rate is, the clearer the sound will be.

Michael hughes sound recording glossary [improved version]

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