1. 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: Ben White 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 is the reproduction of everyday sound effects that are added to film, video, and
other mediums in post-production to enhance audio quality. These reproduced sounds
can be anything from the swishing of clothing and footsteps to squeaky doors and
breaking glass. The best foley art is so well integrated into a film that it goes unnoticed
by the audience.
[2]
It helps to create a sense of reality within a scene. Without these
crucial background noises, movies feel unnaturally quiet and uncomfortable.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foley_(filmmaking)
We could use Foley
artistry to create specific
audio for our GTA 5 cut
sequence audio
production. We could
gather sounds such as
footsteps to make
listeners believe the
characters are actually
walking somewhere for
example.
Sound Libraries
“A sample library is a collection of digital sound recordings, known as samples, for use by composers,
arrangers, performers, and producers of music. The sound files are loaded into a sampler - either
hardware or computer-based - which is then used to create music. Sample libraries appear in a variety of
forms:
As a tempo-based musical phrase that can be looped (repeated in tempo with the arrangement), or
edited in a cut and paste collage fashion (often utilizing programs such as Propllerhead's Recycle).
Collections of note-by-note recordings of musical instruments for playback on a digital sampler, known
Sound libraries are
important because if you
have one, then you will
have a large collection of
sounds which you have
made or recorded which
you can use in future
productions. This can
save time as you won’t
need to create a new
piece or record one. We
use sound libraries in our

2. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
2
as multi-samples. This method of sample playback is to construct a playable instrument, or emulation of
another instrument, from a sampler or computer.
One-shot hits or stabs of non-tempo based audio. Particularly used for sound effects.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sample_library
own practice so we can
use sound editing
software’s to manipulate
them and create specific
sounds or more realistic
sounds. We can even use
them to create music
pieces by using our
already-recorded pieces.
SOUND FILE
FORMATS
Uncompressed “Uncompressed formats like CD Audio, WAV, or AIFF are pretty much perfect representations of the
audio that was recorded.
https://www.prx.org/help/posting-audio/compressed-versus-uncompressed”
We could use an
uncompressed file format
in our productions so that
we have the full file as it
was when we recorded it.
.wav “The format for storing sound in files developed jointly by Microsoftand IBM. Support for WAV files was
built into Windows 95 making it the de facto standard for sound on PCs. WAV sound files end with
a.wav extension and can be played by nearly all Windows applications that support sound.”
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/W/WAV.html
We already use .wav files
in our practice by making
sure Reaper converts our
productions into this
format. This is because
.wav is one of the most
supported formats for
sound and many sites use
this such as sound cloud
where we can upload our
work.
.aiff “Short for Audio Interchange File Format, a common format for storing and transmitting sampled sound.
The format was developed by Apple Computer and is the standard audio format forMacintosh
computers. It is also used by Silicon Graphics Incorporated (SGI).AIFF files generally end with
a .AIF or .IEF extension.The AIFF format does not support data compression so AIFF files tend to be large.
However, there is another format called AIFF-Compressed (AIFF-C or AIFC) that supports compression
ratios as high as 6:1.”
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/AIFF.html
We could use .aiff file
formats to get
uncompressed files if
they are necessary. They
also offer a lot of
flexibility if editing and
copying.
.au “Short for audio, a common format for sound files on UNIXmachines. It is also the standard
audio file format for the Javaprogramming language. AU files generally end with a .auextension .
On PCs, two other popular sound formats are WAV andMIDI.”
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/AU.html
The .au file format would
be most appropriate if we
were using or writing a
java script as the two fit
together.

3. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
3
.smp “ Short for Symmetric Multiprocessing, a computer architecturethat provides fast performance by
making multiple CPUs available to complete individual processes simultaneously
(multiprocessing). Unlike asymmetrical processing, any idle processor can be assigned any task,
and additional CPUs can be added to improve performance and handle increased loads. A
variety of specialized operating systems and hardware arrangements are available to support
SMP. Specific applications can benefit from SMP if the code allows multithreading. SMP uses a
single operating system and shares common memory and disk input/output resources. Both
UNIX and Windows NT support SMP Short for Simple Management Protocol, another name for
SNMP2. SNMP2 is an enhanced version of theSimple Network Management Protocol
(SNMP) with features required to support larger networks operating at high data transmission
rates. SNMP2 also supports multiple network management workstations organized in a
hierarchical fashion.”
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/SMP.html
.smp would be a good file
format to use if you are
trying to, for example,
render a large file, as it
can use multiple cpus to
process the information.
Lossy Compression “Lossy compression works very differently. These programs simply eliminate
"unnecessary" bits of information, tailoring the file so that it is smaller. This type of
compression is used a lot for reducing the file size of bitmap pictures, which tend to be
fairly bulky”
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/file-compression3.htm
We could use lossy
compression to ensure
that our files don’t carry
any unnecessary data and
clog up the storage
device on a computer.
.mp3 “MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3) is a standard technology and format for compressing a
sound sequence into a very small file (about one-twelfth the size of the original file)
while preserving the original level of sound quality when it is played. MP3 files
(identified with the file name suffix of ".mp3") are available for downloading from a
number of Web sites. Many Windows users will find that they have a player built into
their operating system.”
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/MP3-MPEG-1-Audio-Layer-3
We could convert our
sound files into MP3s to
ensure the sound we
produce still sounds
good, and the file size is
not too much.
AUDIO LIMITATIONS Sound Processor Unit
(SPU)
“A sound card (also known as an audio card) is an internal computer expansion
card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under
control of computer programs. The term sound card is also applied to external audio
interfaces that use software to generate sound, as opposed to using hardware inside
the PC. Typical uses of sound cards include providing the audio component for
multimedia applications such as music composition, editing video or audio,
presentation, education and entertainment (games) and video projection.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_card
We use audio cards inside
the computer to listen to
the sounds we produce.
Without one, we could
not hear what we are
making so it would be
very hard to produce
anything.
Digital Sound “Digital signal processing (DSP) refers to various techniques for improving the I could use DSP in order

4. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
4
Processor (DSP) accuracy and reliability of digital communications. The theory behind DSP is quite
complex. Basically, DSP works by clarifying, or standardizing, the levels or states of
a digital signal. ADSP circuit is able to differentiate between human-made signals,
which are orderly, and noise, which is inherently chaotic.”
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/digital-signal-processing-DSP
to improve my tracks,
however, it would seem
this process could be
complex
Random Access
Memory (RAM)
“Alternatively referred to as main memory, primary memory, or system memory,
Random Access Memory (RAM) is a computer storage location that allows
information to be stored and accessed quickly from random locations
within DRAM on a memory module. Because information is accessed randomly
instead of sequentially like a CD or hard drive the computer is able to access the data
much faster than it would if it was only reading the hard drive. However,
unlike ROM and the hard drive RAM is a volatile memory and requires power in order
to keep the data accessible, if power is lost all data contained in memory lost.”
http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/r/ram.htm
With a large RAM, we are
able to use more
programs on a computer
at one time without the
work of operating them
becoming too much for
the machine. We could
also use RAM to ensure
loading times and
programs run quicker.
Mono Audio Mono or monophonic describes a system where all the audio signals are
mixed together and routed through a single audio channel.
http://www.mcsquared.com/mono-stereo.htm
We could use mono audio
to hear what our sound
file sounds like all at once
through one speaker or
headphone.
Stereo Audio Stereo (or Stereophonic sound) is the reproduction of sound using two or
more independent audio channels in a way that creates the impression of
sound heard from various directions, as in natural hearing
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Mono_vs_Stereo
Stereo audio can be used
by connecting 3 or more
speakers to one
computer. We could then
play the audio file and
then hear what it sounds
like at a larger volume
and as if somebody was
playing it right in front of
us.
Surround Sound a system of stereophony involving three or more speakers surrounding the
listener so as to give a more realistic effect.
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=mono+audio&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-
8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb&gfe_rd=cr&ei=l-
VHU6O5LKfY8gf48YHIDw#channel=sb&q=define+surround+sound&rls=org.mozilla:en-
GB:official
Using surroundsound, we
could set up several
speakers around a room
connected to one
computer, and then play
the sound file so that the
sound fills the room and

5. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
5
sounds more realistic.
Direct Audio (Pulse
Code Modulation –
PCM)
Pulse code modulation (PCM) is a digital representation of an analog signal that takes
samples of the amplitude of the analog signal at regular intervals. The sampled analog
data is changed to, and then represented by, binary data. PCM requires a very accurate
clock. The number of samples per second, ranging from 8,000 to 192,000, is usually
several times the maximum frequency of the analog waveform in Hertz (Hz), or cycles
per second, which ranges from 8 to 192 KHz.
The word pulse refers to pulses found in transmission lines, which are a natural
consequence of two other almost simultaneously evolved analog methods: pulse width
modulation and pulse position modulation, where each uses discrete signal pulses of
varying widths or positions. Otherwise, PCM has little similarity to these other forms
of signal encoding. These methodologies were introduced to the U.S. in the early 1960s
as telephone companies began converting voice to digital signals to facilitate
transmission between cities.
http://www.techopedia.com/definition/24128/pulse-code-modulation-pcm
A PCM based system
would mean that signal
processing would be
more efficient.
AUDIO RECORDING
SYSTEMS
Analogue describes a device or system that represents changing values as continuously
variable physical quantities. A typical analog device is a clock in which the
hands move continuously around the face. Such a clock is capable of
indicating every possible time of day. In contrast, a digital clock is capable of
representing only a finite number of times (every tenth of a second, for
example)
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/analog.html
I could use an Analogue
system to create a full
sound. An analogue
sounds would be the
entire sound how it was
recorded. If it were
digital, it would replicate
that sound and create a
very fast strobe effect
when sound would start
and stop. This however, is
unnoticeable
Digital Mini Disc The MiniDisc (MD) is an obsolete magneto-optical disc-based data storage
device for 74 minutes and, later, 80 minutes, of digitized audio or 1 gigabyte
of Hi-MD data. It is a much smaller version of a regular CD
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MiniDisc
We could use a digital
mini disc to save our files
too as a backup for
example. Mini discs are
more portable due to
their smaller size, so
should also be easier to

6. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
6
store and keep safe.
Compact Disc (CD) A compact disc [sometimes spelled disk] (CD) is a small, portable, round
medium made of molded polymer (close in size to the floppy disk) for
electronically recording, storing, and playing back audio, video, text, and
other information in digital form.
http://searchstorage.techtarget.com/definition/compact-disc
We could also store our
files on a CD. A CD has a
larger storage space that
a mini disc, so could be
more useful to those who
have a lot of files to store.
They could also be used
for CD players to play our
audio samples or pieces.
Digital Audio Tape
(DAT)
DAT (Digital Audio Tape) is a standard medium and technology for the
digital recording of audio on tape at a professional level of quality. A DAT
drive is a digital tape recorder with rotating heads similar to those found in a
video deck. Most DAT drives can record at sample rates of 44.1 kHz, the CD
audio standard, and 48 kHz.
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/DAT-Digital-Audio-Tape
We could also store our
files on a DAT, however,
DATs are seen to be out
of date, so say you want
to use a DAT to play your
files, you would probably
struggle to find a device
which play this format.
MIDI Stands for "Musical Instrument Digital Interface." It is a connectivity standard
that musicians use to hook together musical instruments (such as keyboards
and synthesizers) and computer equipment. Using MIDI, a musician can easily
create and edit digital music tracks. The MIDI system records the notes
played, the length of the notes, the dynamics (volume alterations), the
tempo, the instrument being played, and hundreds of other parameters,
called control changes.
http://www.techterms.com/definition/midi
A MIDI is really useful in
sound production. We
can use a MIDI on the
program Reaper to create
musical pieces in a piano
format and also use
plugins to alter the sound
to make it sound like a
guitar for example.
Software Sequencers Most computers have software programs which turn the computer into a
sequencer. With a sound card installed inside of the computer, the sequencer
can playback musical performances without even needing external MIDI sound
modules (since most sequencers can use software instruments that can
recognize and properly "play" the MIDI messages to a digital audio card's line
out. In effect, the software instrument converts the MIDI messages into
digital audio, using its own set of piano, guitar, drums, strings, etc
waveforms loaded into your computer's RAM).
http://home.roadrunner.com/~jgglatt/tutr/whatsseq.htm
We could use software
sequencers to play back
our MIDI audio or convert
it to sound like another
instrument.
Software Plug-ins In computing, a plug-in (or plugin, extension, or add-on / addon) is a Plugins are very useful on

7. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
7
software component that adds a specific feature to an existing software
application. When an application supports plug-ins, it enables customization.
The common examples are the plug-ins used in web browsers to add new
features such as search-engines, virus scanners, or the ability to utilize a new
file type such as a new video format.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_%28computing%29
sound editing software’s.
For our practice, we could
download a bunch of
plugins for the MIDI so
we can experiment with
various types of
instruments to create
pieces. Plugins are made
usually by the public as a
means to improve the
software.
MIDI Keyboard
Instruments
A MIDI keyboard is typically a piano-style user interface keyboard device used
for sending MIDI signals or commands over a USB or MIDI cable to other
devices connected and operating on the same MIDI protocol interface. This
could also be a personal computer running software such as a digital audio
workstation (DAW) that listens to and sends MIDI information to other MIDI
devices connected by cable or running internal to the personal computer
system. The basic MIDI keyboard does not produce sound. Instead, MIDI
information is sent to an electronic module capable of reproducing an array
of digital sounds or samples that resemble traditional analog musical
instruments. These samples or waveforms are also referred to as voices or
timbres.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIDI_keyboard
These keyboard
instruments follow a
piano style interface and
we have used these quite
a lot in the Reaper
software. It allows us to
create music pieces using
the notes on the piano
provided. To create these
pieces, a MIDI is opened
within the software which
looks like a virtual piano.
We can then open our
currect MIDI track and
use the MIDI
keyboard/piano to add,
place and edit notes. We
can then use plugins to
change the sound of
these notes.
AUDIO SAMPLING File Size Constraints -
Bit-depth
In digital audio using pulse-code modulation (PCM), bit depth is the number
of bits of information in each sample, and it directly corresponds to the
resolution of each sample. Examples of bit depth include Compact Disc
Digital Audio, which uses 16 bits per sample, and DVD-Audio and Blu-ray Disc
which can support up to 24 bits per sample.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_bit_depth
I coul use bit depth to
measure how large my
sound would be. I could
also decide how many
bits per sample I could fit
on a specific disc.
File Size Constraints - When it is necessary to capture audio covering the entire 20–20,000 Hz range I need to ensure that the

8. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 73: Sound For Computer Games
IG2 Task 1
8
Sample Rate of human hearing,[4]
such as when recording music or many types of acoustic
events, audio waveforms are typically sampled at 44.1 kHz (CD), 48 kHz
(professional audio), 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz.[5]
The approximately double-rate
requirement is a consequence of the Nyquist theorem. Sampling rates higher
than about 50 kHz to 60 kHz cannot supply more usable information for
human listeners. Early professional audio equipment manufacturers chose
sampling rates in the region of 50 kHz for this reason.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sampling_%28signal_processing%29
sample rate is
somewhere in the range
of 20-20000 so oher
humans can hear it.