Task 1 Methods And Principles Of Sound Design And Production

First Draft
Name: Thomas Joseph Gaynor

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
“A Foley Artist is a person who creates (or re-creates) sounds for movies.”
Foley Artistry is when a piece of music has been done up and remade with better quality software’s e.g. when  a game has a remake but they want older tracks in it
Sound Libraries
a collection of sounds stored on file (for example on CDs, DVDs, or as digital audio files)
Music that have been organized into categories e.g. what they can be used for and genre
SOUND FILE FORMATS
Uncompressed
A file that is still in the editing software and isn’t just in a MP3 file or something that would be a compressed file
.wav
“a WAV file is uncompressed audio”
A file that can be opened up with sound editing software and can then be edited further. This can be compressed at a later date e.g. a reaper save
.aiff
“An AIFF file contains the raw audio data, channel information (monophonic orstereophonic), bit depth, sample rate, and application-specific data areas.”
An aiff is uncompressed audio file mainly used on apple products as it was made by them. This allows you to loop the sound allowing for repetitive background music
.au
“AU files contain three parts: the audio data and text for a header (containing 24 bytes) and an annotation block.”
.au is a basic audio file that is used for UNIX systems
.smp
“SMP (symmetric multiprocessing) is the processing of programs by multiple processors
A smp file is an application that allows you to use different instruments digitally. I would use this because I don’t know how to use an actual instrument
Lossy Compression
“Refers to data compression techniques in which some amount of data is lost. Lossy compression technologies attempt to eliminate redundant or unnecessary information.”
When a piece of music is being compressed but not all the tune is being put on so that you can save space and memory for the game
.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.”
This is a compressed piece of audio that can be placed inside of the game or transported into reaper
AUDIO LIMITATIONS
Sound Processor Unit (SPU)
“A sound card (also known as an audio card) is an internal computer expansion card that facilitates economical input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control of computer programs.”
A sound card allows your computer to process sound files and play them through external sources this allows us to listen to the sound files
Digital Sound Processor (DSP)
“Digital sound processors consists of equalizers, bass restoration processors and expanders, line drivers, crossovers, and factory radio sound processors.”
A DSP is a microprocessor that measure, filter and/or compress analogue signals
Random Access Memory (RAM)
“RAM (pronounced ramm) is an acronym for random access memory, a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes.”
RAM is data saved by the computer that stays on even after a software is closed allowing for quick access for if you need it soon but will slow your computer down like in case I need to quickly open up my game from the save
Mono Audio
“Mono audio is an Accessibility feature that makes sure, even if you're hard of hearing or deaf in one ear, you never miss a word, note, or sound when listening to your iPhone or iPad with a headset on. Typical stereo audio includes distinct left and right channels, so different ears get different sounds”
This makes it so that sounds produced by both headsets are the same allowing even someone deaf in one ear hear perfectly
Stereo Audio
“In stereophonic sound more channels are used (typically two). You can use two different channels and make one feed one speaker and the second channel feed a second speaker (which is the most common stereo setup). This is used to create directionality, perspective, space.”
This makes it so that sounds produced by both headsets are different allowing the music to have a lot more depth
Surround Sound
“A system of stereophony involving three or more speakers surrounding the listener so as to give a more realistic effect.”
This is when three or more speakers are surrounding you allowing you to feel surrounded by the sound and hear everything like you were there
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.”
PCM are wave signals that let the computer turn raw audio into sound files so the speakers can process them. Before a file gets turned into an MP3 it is usually an PCM
AUDIO RECORDING SYSTEMS
Analogue
“When used in reference to data storage and transmission, analog format is that in which information is transmitted by modulating a continuous transmission signal, such as amplifying a signal's strength or varying its frequency to add or take away data.”
Analogue is when a signal goes from one medium to the next while keeping its basic change, which is noticeable in sound
Digital Mini Disc
“The MiniDisc's main claim to fame is that it is (and always has been) recordable.”
A mini disc can be used to transport music between the computers and from the recording studio
Compact Disc (CD)
“CDs store 74 minutes of music in a nearly indestructible form and have the advantage of being a digital format, but until fairly recently you could not record on a CD.”
A CD can do the exact same as a mini disc except it can hold much more sound
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. ADAT drive is a digital tape recorder with rotating heads similar to those found in a video deck.”
This is a tape recorder that is used by professionals for higher quality recording
MIDI
“a widely used standard for interconnecting electronic musical instruments and computers”
A MIDI is used to make music or sounds. I would use this when I am trying to make and alter sound files for music and dialogue
Software Sequencers
“A music sequencer (or simply sequencer) is a device or application software that can record, edit, or play back music, by handling note and performance information in several forms, typically CV/Gate, MIDI, or Open Sound Control (OSC), and possibly audio and automation data for DAWs and plug-ins.”
A software sequencer that  we used would be reaper, using this allowed us to alter and create sounds
Software Plug-ins
“Software plug-in is an add-on for a program that adds functionality to it.”
A plug in can be used in software to add alterations to sound we used these in reaper to create sound effects and music
MIDI Keyboard Instruments
“A Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) keyboard is a musical instrument like a piano keyboard. The MIDI portion indicates that the instrument has a communication protocol built in that allows it to communicate with a computer or other MIDI-equipped instrument.”
The software in reaper was a keyboard that allowed us to click to make tunes but a MIDI Keyboard Instruments would allow you to record as you play
AUDIO SAMPLING
File Size Constraints  - Bit-depth
“Bit depth is the number of bits used to carry the data in each sample of audio.”
Bit depth is the size of the sound which is related to the quality of the sound the higher the bit depth the better quality but this will also increase the size so depending on what you are using the sound file for depends of what bit depth you need
File Size Constraints  - Sample Rate
“Sample rate is the number of samples of audio carried per second, measured in Hz or kHz (one kHz being 1 000 Hz).”
Sample rate controls the maximum frequency heard when creating sound waves, this would be useable when I want to change the frequency of my sounds for my game






Improved Version
Name: Thomas Joseph Gaynor

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
“A Foley Artist is a person who creates (or re-creates) sounds for movies.”
“Foley effects are sound effects added to the film during post production (after the shooting stops). They include sounds such as footsteps, clothes rustling, crockery clinking, paper folding, doors opening and slamming, punches hitting, glass breaking, etc.”
Foley Artistry is when a piece of music has been done up and remade with better quality software’s e.g. when  a game has a remake but they want older tracks in it
Sound Libraries
a collection of sounds stored on file (for example on CDs, DVDs, or as digital audio files)

“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 software-based—which is then used to create music.”
Music that have been organized into categories e.g. what they can be used for and genre. This would allow me to easily access the files I need for later making my files much easier to access which would simplify things for later.
SOUND FILE FORMATS
Uncompressed
A file that is still in the editing software and isn’t just in a MP3 file or something that would be a compressed file. Uncompressed files can be used in reaper this allows for me to create and edit new sound files for later.
.wav
“a WAV file is uncompressed audio”
“the WAV was derived from the RIFF (resource interchange file format), which stored data in indexed chunks”
A file that can be opened up with sound editing software and can then be edited further. This can be compressed at a later date e.g. a reaper save. While having a Wav file you will be able to edit the file even more for when you need it so it’s good to keep the file even after you have compressed it.
.aiff
“An AIFF file contains the raw audio data, channel information (monophonic orstereophonic), bit depth, sample rate, and application-specific data areas.”
“AIFF is short for Audio Interchange File Format, which is an audio format initially created by Apple Computer for storing and transmitting high-quality sampled audio data. It supports a variety of bit resolutions, sample rates, and channels of audio. This format is quite popular upon Apple platforms, and is commonly adopted in professional programs that handle digital audio waveforms.
An aiff is uncompressed audio file mainly used on apple products as it was made by them. This allows you to loop the sound allowing for repetitive background music
.au
“AU files contain three parts: the audio data and text for a header (containing 24 bytes) and an annotation block.”
.au is a basic audio file that is used for UNIX systems. This sound files was made by Sun, it uses the U-law.
.smp
“SMP (symmetric multiprocessing) is the processing of programs by multiple processors

Short for Symmetric Multiprocessing, a computer architecture that provides fast performance by making multiple CPUs available to complete individual processes simultaneously (multiprocessing). 
A smp file is an application that allows you to use different instruments digitally. I would use this because I don’t know how to use an actual instrument, so this would be a great help by replacing my
Lossy Compression
“Refers to data compression techniques in which some amount of data is lost. Lossy compression technologies attempt to eliminate redundant or unnecessary information.”
Lossy compression reduces a file by permanently eliminating certain information, especially redundant information. When the file is uncompressed, only a part of the original information is still there (although the user may not notice it). Lossy compression is generally used for video and sound, where a certain amount of information loss will not be detected by most users.
When a piece of music is being compressed but not all the tune is being put on so that you can save space and memory for the game
.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.”
“The great attraction of the MP3 format is its ability to compress files, making it a convenient, versatile and very popular way of storing music.
This is a compressed piece of audio that can be placed inside of the game or transported into reaper, this can be very useful when making the game because I can keep on editing these files when I want and save them again when I need to put them inside the game
AUDIO LIMITATIONS
Sound Processor Unit (SPU)
“A sound card (also known as an audio card) is an internal computer expansion card that facilitates economical input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control of computer programs.”
“The SPU is the unit responsible for all aural capabilities of the psx. It
handles 24 voices, has a 512kb sound buffer, has ADSR envelope filters for
each voice and lots of other features.”
A sound card allows your computer to process sound files and play them through external sources this allows us to listen to the sound files.
Digital Sound Processor (DSP)
“Digital sound processors consists of equalizers, bass restoration processors and expanders, line drivers, crossovers, and factory radio sound processors.”
“A Digital Signal Processor, or DSP, is a specialized microprocessor that has an architecture which is optimized for the fast operational needs of digital signal processing.”
A DSP is a microprocessor that measure, filter and/or compress analogue signals. DSP are meant to increase the speed of the digital signal that produces sound waves allowing for the sound to okay.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
“RAM (pronounced ramm) is an acronym for random access memory, a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes.”
RAM (random access memory) is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that they can be quickly reached by the computer's processor.
RAM is data saved by the computer that stays on even after a software is closed allowing for quick access for if you need it soon but will slow your computer down like in case I need to quickly open up my game from the save
Mono Audio
“Mono audio is an Accessibility feature that makes sure, even if you're hard of hearing or deaf in one ear, you never miss a word, note, or sound when listening to your iPhone or iPad with a headset on. Typical stereo audio includes distinct left and right channels, so different ears get different sounds”
The difference is in the number of channels (signals) used. Mono uses one”
This makes it so that sounds produced by both headsets are the same allowing even someone deaf in one ear hear perfectly.
Stereo Audio
“In stereophonic sound more channels are used (typically two). You can use two different channels and make one feed one speaker and the second channel feed a second speaker (which is the most common stereo setup). This is used to create directionality, perspective, space.”
“True stereophonic sound systems have two independent audio signal channels, and the signals that are reproduced have a specific level and phase relationship to each other so that when played back through a suitable reproduction system, there will be an apparent image of the original sound source”
This makes it so that sounds produced by both headsets are different allowing the music to have a lot more depth to it. This would allow for a more realistic feeling because you would be able to hear different noises from both sides that mean the sound would correspond to what’s happening around you.
Surround Sound
“A system of stereophony involving three or more speakers surrounding the listener so as to give a more realistic effect.”
Surround sound is a term used to describe a type of audio output in which the sound appears to "surround the listener" by 360 degrees. Surround sound systems use three or more channels and speakers in front and behind the listener to create a surrounding envelope of sound and directional audio sources.
This is when three or more speakers are surrounding you allowing you to feel surrounded by the sound and hear everything like you were there. Surround sound gives you a  greater experience when you are watching something and playing games e.g. it makes the atmosphere while playing games far more tense such as when playing a jump scare game because the noise will come from all around you.
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.”

Pulse-code modulation (PCM) is a method used to digitally represent sampled analog signals. It is the standard form of digital audio in computers, Compact Discs, digital telephony and other digital audio applications.
PCM are wave signals that let the computer turn raw audio into sound files so the speakers can process them. Before a file gets turned into an MP3 it is usually an PCM. A PCM is what a file is when it is being streamed from the microphone to something that can process and make the file.
AUDIO RECORDING SYSTEMS
Analogue
“When used in reference to data storage and transmission, analog format is that in which information is transmitted by modulating a continuous transmission signal, such as amplifying a signal's strength or varying its frequency to add or take away data.”
“A description of a continuously variable signal or a circuit ordevice designed to handle such signals. The opposite is "discrete" or " digital".”
Analogue is when a signal goes from one medium to the next while keeping its basic change, which is noticeable in sound
Digital Mini Disc
“The MiniDisc's main claim to fame is that it is (and always has been) recordable.”
In terms of function, think of Minidisc as a cross between CD and cassette. Like cassette you can record from any audio source and playback through headphones or a home HiFi. Like CD the audio is stored digitally, the sound quality is excellent, and you can easily skip to your favorite track. Unlike either CD or cassette you can edit the recorded audio to your heart's content, dividing it into tracks, naming tracks and moving them around, and deleting what you no longer need.
A mini disc can be used to transport music between the computers and from the recording studio. A minidisk does not have that much memory in comparison to many of the newer ways to transport music.
Compact Disc (CD)
“CDs store 74 minutes of music in a nearly indestructible form and have the advantage of being a digital format, but until fairly recently you could not record on a 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.
A CD can do the exact same as a mini disc except it can hold much more sound, until recently you could not use a CD to transport music but you can now buy blank CDs that can do it.
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. ADAT drive is a digital tape recorder with rotating heads similar to those found in a video deck.”
Digital Audio Tape (DAT or R-DAT) is a signal recording and playback medium developed by Sony and introduced in 1987. In appearance it is similar to a Compact Cassette, using 3.81 mm / 0.15" (commonly referred to as 4mm) magnetic tape enclosed in a protective shell, but is roughly half the size at 73 mm × 54 mm × 10.5 mm. As the name suggests, the recording is digital rather than analog.
This is a tape recorder that is used by professionals for higher quality recording
MIDI
“a widely used standard for interconnecting electronic musical instruments and computers”
“MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol developed in the 1980's which allows electronic instruments and other digital musical tools to communicate with each other.”
Short for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, MIDI is a standard for digitally representing and transmitting sounds that was first developed in the 1980s. The MIDI sound is played back through the hardware device or computer either through a synthesized audio sound or a waveform stored on the hardware device or computer.
http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/m/midi.htm
A MIDI is used to make music or sounds. I would use this when I am trying to make and alter sound files for music and dialogue.
Software Sequencers
“A music sequencer (or simply sequencer) is a device or application software that can record, edit, or play back music, by handling note and performance information in several forms, typically CV/Gate, MIDI, or Open Sound Control (OSC), and possibly audio and automation data for DAWs and plug-ins.”
“In digital audio recording, a sequencer is a program in a computer or stand-alone keyboard unit that puts together a sound sequence from a series (or sequence) of Musical Instrument Digital Interface ( MIDI ) events (operations). The MIDI sequencer allows the user to record and edit a musical performance without using an audio-based input source.”
A software sequencer that we used would be reaper, using this allowed us to alter and create sounds. We used this to make the sounds for my games, I can edit all different things to make it suitable for what I want e.g. changing my voice into a roar or making shooting and footsteps
Software Plug-ins
“Software plug-in is an add-on for a program that adds functionality to it.”
“Plug-in applications are programs that can easily be installed and used as part of your Web browser.
A plug in can be used in software to add alterations to sound we used these in reaper to create sound effects and music. I used different ones to make my music/sound effects vary from being musical to mechanical and a few others such as  spooky sounds
MIDI Keyboard Instruments
“A Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) keyboard is a musical instrument like a piano keyboard. The MIDI portion indicates that the instrument has a communication protocol built in that allows it to communicate with a computer or other MIDI-equipped instrument.”
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.
The software in reaper was a keyboard that allowed us to click to make tunes but a MIDI Keyboard Instruments would allow you to record as you play
AUDIO SAMPLING
File Size Constraints  - Bit-depth
“Bit depth is the number of bits used to carry the data in each sample of audio.”
The most important practical effect of bit depth is that it determines the dynamic range of the signal. In theory, 24-bit digital audio has a maximum dynamic range of 144 dB, compared to 96 dB for 16-bit but today's digital audio converter technology cannot come close to that upper limit.”
Bit depth is the size of the sound which is related to the quality of the sound the higher the bit depth the better quality but this will also increase the size so depending on what you are using the sound file for depends of what bit depth you need
File Size Constraints  - Sample Rate
“Sample rate is the number of samples of audio carried per second, measured in Hz or kHz (one kHz being 1 000 Hz).”
“The rate of capture and playback is called the sample rate. The sample size—more accurately, the number of bits used to describe each sample”
Sample rate controls the maximum frequency heard when creating sound waves, this would be useable when I want to change the frequency of my sounds for my game