2. Sound is an energy form that is
propagated by vibrating objects. Sound
energy is converted from a vibrating
object’s kinetic energy. When you study
the nature of sound or audio in terms of
generation, transmission, and reception,
you are engaged in what is called
acoustics.
3. Characteristics of Sound
There are four fundamental attributes of sound and these are:
1. Amplitude – how sound particles are displaced or scattered
that produce a certain level or intensity of loudness.
2. Frequency – measured by counting the number of vibrations
of sound particles in the path of a wave in a span of a second.
3. Wave form – characteristic that distinguishes one sound
coming from a source with that of another sound from another
source.
4. Speed of Propagation – pertains to how quickly sound travels.
4. Sound is both technical and aesthetic roles
in media production. It has depth and
perspective, which is why it can be a mode
of information exchange. As suggested by
Roberts- Breslin (2008), sound is “a
powerful tool of expression, both alone and
in combination with images”.
5. Sound according to Roberts-Breslin:
Encourages you to imagine the experience of
visuals in your minds, creating a unique
experience for each listener; and
Allow you to hear what people are talking
about, and hearing their voices, which, as
opposed to reading their words, can give you
information about the speaker’s attitude, mood,
geographical origin and age.
6. Sound is also context dependent.
Shouting or whispering the same
message implies two different
emotions or intent.
7. Recording Formats
Sound may be recorded through analog (as
in the case of audio tapes) or digital (in the
form of digital audiotape or disc-based
format such as compact discs, recordable
CDs, rewritable CDs, digital versatile discs,
and mini discs).
8. Types of Audio Media
Type Description
Radio Transmission of audio signals through the air
Podcast A radio broadcast or audio blog that can be downloaded or streamed to a
personal computer
Music Recording Takes digital audio files (such as those recorded on an audio CD)
Film and Television Audio is integral to the sound design of motives and television
Alternative Audio Some forms include:
1. Documentaries based on interviews;
2. Field recordings of actualities
3. Radio dramas
4. Sound that combines with dance, performance or visual arts in a
multimedia expression
9. Dimensions of sound
According to Zettl (1999) sound has the following dimensions:
1. Film sound. Sound has to match the aesthetic impact of an image;
thus, most films these days are aiming at using surround-sound
technology.
2. Literal sound. Sound may be referential which means it conveys a
specific literal meaning and describes the source of the sound.
3. Nonliteral sound. Sound may also be non-referential and may only
evoke a visual image of the source of the sound. Its purpose is more
symbolic and it accompanies a particular image to intensify the
intent of that image.
10. Hearing vs. Listening
Hearing and listening are mistakenly interchanged by
some of you but these are actually two distinct acts
that refer to the reception of sound produced. Hearing
is the act of perceiving sound the ear. Listening on the
other hand, is something you consciously choose to
do because it requires concentration so that you brain
processes meaning from the sound that you receive.
