Sound Design Terminology

Question 1

Diagetic sound?

Answer 1

When the source of the sound comes from WITHIN the character’s world
e.g. a door creaking as it opens, or the character switching on a radio

Question 2

Non-diagetic sound?

Answer 2

Any type of sound that does not specifically exist within the world of the play itself.
It is the type of sound the characters in a play are not able to hear, but we in the audience can

Question 3

What do microphones do?

Answer 3

Amplify an actor’s voice - can be a head mic or handheld

Question 4

What is REVERB

Answer 4

An effect put on a mic - creates an echo effect

Question 5

How can we have live music/ SFX in a play?

Answer 5

A band or orchestra could be in the performance
Music could be played underscoring and supporting the actors
Actors can use instruments or props to create music and sound

Question 6

What is a soundscape?

Answer 6

The use of sounds which are combined/layered to create mood and atmosphere
Often, the sounds used might be natural sounds that you would expect to find in a particular location
- e.g. The churchyard at night might include the sounds of owls hooting, wind through trees, rain, clocks chiming the hour

Question 7

What do speakers do?

Answer 7

Speakers can amplify recorded sounds

Question 8

Where would you place speakers in an auditorium?

Answer 8

On stage (in front of audience)
Behind audience
Under seat

Question 9

What does the placement of speakers do?

Answer 9

Creates a certain atmosphere and can also suggest location and immerse the audience in that location

Question 10

What is the word for sound being moved from speaker the speaker?

Answer 10

PANNING

Question 11

How can the VOLUME of the speaker change mood and atmosphere

Answer 11

Volume can influence how the audience feel
Loud sounds are related with danger, quieter sounds create a more eerie atmosphere