Sonic Design/Project 1: Audio Fundamentals

-SPETEMBER 26, 2024

26/09/2024 - //2024 (Week 01 – Week 04)

Wang Yifan / 0368363

Sonic Design / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylors University

Project 1: Audio Fundamentals

INTRODUCTION

LECTURES

Week 1: Module briefing/Introduction

In the first lesson, we downloaded Adobe AU software as required and created a new blog to record the process of the exercise.and watched the video posted by Mr. Razif on MyTimes, which gave us a certain understanding of the projects that need to be completed.

Mr. Razif introduced us this module, Sonic Design, that aims to introduce students to the audio environment. We are going to learn to use professional sound equipment provided in the recording studio. 

Week 2: Sound Fundamentals

Sound travels through air or other materials as changes in pressure. It is caused by the vibration of objects, which in turn makes the surrounding air vibrate. When these air vibrations reach our ears, the brain interprets them as sound.

Wavelength: The distance between one point on a wave and the next similar point, essentially the length of the wave.

Amplitude: Refers to the loudness of the sound. The higher the wave, the louder the sound. A larger amplitude means a louder sound.

Frequency: The number of times a wave repeats in one second, measured in kilohertz (kHz). The higher the frequency, the higher the pitch of the sound.

Week 3:Sound Design Tools

Layering

Layering mixes two or more sounds to create unique effects. This technique is widely used in professional sound design to achieve modern and distinctive audio.

Time Stretching and Compression

Time stretching adjusts a sound’s length by extending or compressing its duration without altering other parameters. This changes the rhythm and speed, allowing the audio to fit specific creative needs.

Pitch Shifting

Pitch shifting modifies the pitch of a sound without changing its length. Raising the pitch makes the sound higher and more delicate, while lowering it makes the sound deeper and heavier. It’s commonly used for creating monster or evil character effects.

Reverse Audio

Reverse audio creates unusual and unnatural sounds, especially effective when layered. This technique adds mystery and uniqueness to the audio design.

Recording Yourself

If the desired sound isn’t available, designers can record their own sounds. These recordings can then be processed using layering, time stretching, pitch shifting, and reverse audio to create customized sound effects.

Comprehensive Application

Using layering, time stretching, pitch shifting, and reverse audio together allows designers to craft modern and unique sound effects. These techniques enhance the creativity and impact of sound design, making the final作品 more expressive and engaging.

Week 4:Sound In Space(Environment)

Sustain: The duration during which a sound remains loud.

-Decay: The process of a sound gradually becoming quiet.

Audio Bit Depth

- The common bit depth is 16-bit.

- To improve audio quality, it's recommended to produce audio at 24-bit or higher.

Volume and Perceived Distance

- The louder the volume, the closer the sound feels**.

- Changes in volume affect the perception of the sound source's location.

Automation

Source: https://helpx.adobe.com/audition/using/automating-mixes-envelopes1.html

- Clip Automation: Affects only the effects on a specific clip; the effects remain when the clip is moved.

- Track Automation**: Influences the effects on a track during specific time periods.

Panning and Stereo

- Audio Panning: Controls the distribution of sound between the left and right channels.

- Adjust panning based on the position of the sound source:

  - If the sound comes from the left or right, the audio should pan accordingly.

  - When the sound is centered, the audio should be placed in the middle.

Simulating Sound Distance

- Adjusting volume alone isn't enough to simulate distance.

- Equalization is needed: Reduce high frequencies to make the sound deeper.

- In Adobe Audition, equalizer settings can be included in track automation.

EXERCISES

Exercise 1:Basic exercise of Audio Adjustment

In the first week of class exercise, Mr. Razif sent us a file containing eight edited different tracks and one original track.In this exercise, one original track and eight other edited tracks are given, and students need to identify different parts of the track and adjust them. We are taught to use Parameter Equalizer to adjust the frequency of the sound. 

At first, I didn't have headphones to listen to the recording, so it was hard to tell the difference between the original song and the edited one, and then I started to hear it with headphones

Fig 2.1, Tutorial video, Week 1(28/9/2024)

The figures below show the changes that I have made. 

Equalizer 1

Fig2.2, The final result of the adjustment-EQ 1，Week 1（28/9/2024）

Equalizer 2

Fig2.3, The final result of the adjustment-EQ 2，Week 1（28/9/2024）

Equalizer 3

Fig2.4, The final result of the adjustment-EQ 3，Week 1（28/9/2024）

Equalizer 4

Fig2.5, The final result of the adjustment-EQ 4，Week 1（28/9/2024）

Equalizer 5

Fig2.6, The final result of the adjustment-EQ 5，Week 1（28/9/2024）

Equalizer 6

Fig2.7, The final result of the adjustment-EQ 6，Week 1（28/9/2024）

Filter 1

Fig2.8, The final result of the adjustment-Filter 1，Week 1（28/9/2024） 

Filter 2

Fig2.9, The final result of the adjustment-Filter 2，Week 1（28/9/2024） 

Exercise 2：Sound effects of different scenes

This week's assignment involves transforming the original audio provided by Mr. Razif into distinct sound effects for four different scenes. The process requires careful manipulation of the audio using tools such as the "parameter equalizer" to adjust the tonal balance and the "reverberation" effect to create a sense of space and depth in the audio. Each scene will require a unique approach to sound design, ensuring that the effects match the intended atmosphere and enhance the overall auditory experience. Mastery of these audio processing techniques is essential to achieving professional-quality sound design.

Initial sound

The sound coming from the bathroom

Fig3.1 Editing process, Week 2 (4/10/2024)

The sound of the phone

Fig3.2 Editing process, Week 2 (4/10/2024)

The sound from the closet

Fig3.3 Editing process, Week 2 (4/10/2024)

The sound from the stadium below

Fig3.4 Editing process, Week 2 (4/10/2024)

Fig3.5 Editing process, Week 2 (4/10/2024)

Google Link：https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12bSvceVdKvEgOlLO2I6E9Tt_lOadJXjX?dmr=1&ec=wgc-drive-globalnav-goto

Exercise 3：More complex sound editing

In this exercise, our task is to enhance given explosion and punch sound files using various effects and layering techniques in Adobe Audition. For the explosion sound, we aim to elevate it by applying multiple audio effects and equalization, layering them to enrich the sound. For the punch sound, we need to transform it into a sequence of three consecutive punches, each one sounding increasingly impactful. This will also involve using different effects and layering methods.

Explosion

Fig4.1 Editing process, Week 3 (10/10/2024)

Add Reverb: Apply reverb effects to add spatial depth, making the explosion sound more realistic.

Fig4.2 Editing process, Week 3 (10/10/2024)

Fig4.3 Editing process, Week 3 (10/10/2024)

Using Parametric Equalizer (EQ) to Adjust Frequency

• Step: I opened "Effects" → "Filter and EQ" → "Parametric Equalizer." This tool allows me to adjust the sound frequencies. For example:
  • Boost Bass: I enhanced the low-frequency range of the explosion sound to make it deeper and more impactful.
  • Reduce Treble: If there are sharp noises in the explosion sound, I lowered the high-frequency range to make it less piercing.
• Purpose: By adjusting the frequencies, I can ensure that the explosion sound has the desired quality, whether it's more powerful or clearer.

Fig4.4 Editing process, Week 3 (10/10/2024)

Final explosion sound

Pounch

We are to add three punches sound effect and changed the pitch for each punch. The last punch should be the most impactful one. 

Fig4.5 Editing process, Week 3 (10/10/2024)

To turn short percussion hits into a continuous rhythm, I repeat the sound and adjust the volume and pitch slightly for a natural flow. I tweak the timing to avoid stiffness, making it feel like a live performance. Adding fade-ins and fade-outs smooths the transitions, and reverb gives the rhythm a sense of space and atmosphere.

Fig4.6 Editing process, Week 3 (10/10/2024)

Final pounch sound

Google Link：

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1B7msetRvKydduzzs1u74r8e12Z_eEr2k?dmr=1&ec=wgc-drive-globalnav-goto

Exercise 4: Environment soundscape

For this task, we are required to create an ambient sound mix based on two pieces of concept art. We can search online for suitable royalty-free sound effects and layer and edit them using Adobe Audition.

Source: https://freesound.org/

 

Environment 1

Fig5.1 Reference picture,Week4(18/10/2024)

Fig5.2 Sound effect download,Week(18/10/2024)

The multi-band compressor I use. This tool is important for controlling the dynamic range of your mix. Adjust low, mid, and high frequencies so that all sounds blend together in the mix without distortion or conflict.

Fig5.3 Editing process,Week 4（18/10/2024）

Use delay effects to adjust parameters such as output and feedback. This is used to create an echo or space in the sound, which can be wider and enhance the sense of environment.

Fig5.4 Editing process,Week 4（18/10/2024）

Add reverb: Add spatial depth through reverb to simulate a real environment.

Fig5.5 Editing process,Week 4（18/10/2024）

Noise: Use the Noise tool to eliminate noise and preserve sound.

Fig5.6 Editing process,Week 4（18/10/2024）

I layered multiple sound clips into different audio tracks. Use different sounds such as wind, mechanical noise, or ambient ambience to create depth and atmosphere. The volume of each track can be adjusted to ensure that no sound overpowers the others.

Fig5.7 Editing process,Week 4（18/10/2024）

Final environment 1

Environment 2

Fig5.8 Reference picture,Week4(18/10/2024)

Fig5.9 Sound effect download,Week(18/10/2024)

Fig5.10 Editing process,Week 4（18/10/2024）

I added pitch shifting and stretching to make the background tone longer to fit the mood of the scene.

Fig5.11 Editing process,Week 4（18/10/2024）

Delay effects, delay time, feedback and other parameters help create echo and space.

Fig5.12 Editing process,Week 4（18/10/2024）

I adjusted the volume gain of the low frequency, mid frequency, and high frequency to control the dynamics of each frequency band.

Fig5.13 Editing process,Week 4（18/10/2024）

Fig5.14 Editing process,Week 4（18/10/2024）

Final environment 2

Google Link：

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eM0UcYCrX_V1307k_EVSojeaOzdIBG3T?dmr=1&ec=wgc-drive-globalnav-goto

Reflections

Over the past four weeks in the Sonic Design class, I have gained valuable skills in Adobe Audition. Key takeaways include:

• Mastering tools like the parametric equalizer and pitch shifter to enhance audio quality.
• Learning to control bass and treble using the parametric equalizer, which was a highlight of the course.
• Understanding the differences between diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, which has deepened my knowledge of sound design in storytelling.

The exercises, such as adjusting recorded sounds to simulate environments like a stadium or a closet, were especially useful in refining my technical skills.

This class has significantly expanded my knowledge and confidence in sound design, equipping me with practical techniques for future projects.