Sound Flashcards
Acapella
A sung performance which is not accompanied by musicians.
Acoustic
The acoustic of a room depends on its size and shape and the amount and position of sound-absorbing and reflecting material.
Ambient noise
The sound heard in a room with no sound sources.
Control room
Room at the rear of the auditorium (in a proscenium theatre) where lighting and sometimes sound are operated from. The control room is usually soundproofed from the auditorium so that communications between operators cannot be heard by the audience.
Microphone
Device for converting sound into electrical pulses which can then be amplified or recorded onto tape.
Mixer
A desk comprising a number of input channels where each sound source is provided with its own control channel through which sound signals are routed into two or more outputs.
Radio mic
Device consisting of a microphone head, transmitter pack with batteries, aerial and mains receiver unit which allows actors and singers to be amplified with no visible means of connection.
Sound check
A thorough test of the sound system before a performance. This will include checking each speaker cabinet individually, and each playback device. In the case of a live concert, this is the session when each instrument is played in turn for the sound engineer to check and fine-tune the sound.
Soundscape
Using sounds to create an aural environment for a scene. A director or designer might develop a soundscape to create an atmosphere appropriate to the drama.
Each individual might create a sound appropriate to accompany or introduce the scene. For example, one person might make sea sounds vocally while another imitates the cry of a seagull to suggest the seaside. Repeated words and phrases overlapping each other can also be used to suggest a location or to portray sounds in a character’s head from a nightmare or series of flashbacks.
SX
Used by some as a shorthand for sound.
