Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Produce a glossary of terms specific to the methods and principles of sound design and production. Using a provided template, you must research and gather definitions specific to provided glossary terms. Any definitions must be referenced with the URL link of the website you have obtained the definition.

You must also, where possible, provide specific details of how researched definitions relate to your own production practice.

Name: Paulina Karolina Kucharska 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. For example, if the sound of an actor's footsteps were not recorded well or lost when the voice was re-recorded, a Foley artist will recreate them. In fact, except for dialogue and music, almost all the sounds you hear in Hollywood films is Foley sound.Foley artists work in a Foley studio, a room with many props, a viewing screen and recording equipment. The artist watches the film and creates the sound in real time.

http://www.mediacollege.com/employment/film/foley-artist.html

Foley artistry is a method in which the additional sound is added in real time to a recording. It usually includes special effects or just the normal ones which were either not recorded properly or at all.After the recording I may listen again to the track and think of what else I can add. Then with recorder again I can create more sounds, by doing various actions (e.g. moving my hand in grains or drop something heavy) and hear the outcome.

Before the recording I was thinking what sounds I can make with what objects and readied the broken light bulb to make a fairy sound.

During the recording we have made several sound effects with use of our voices, to boost up the recorded dialogue. These included – laughter, screams, potoo bird call (which barely sounded like it), neighing, grunt and unicorn laughter.

Sound Libraries* A collection of sounds stored on file (for example on CDs, DVDs, or as digital audio files)

http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/sound-library

Sound libraries are either paid for or for free. They store sound files which can be shared and re used for future tracks.If I would lack sounds or music, then I can look into free sound libraries, which allow people to store and borrow sounds.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Sound libraries are a quick and easy source of any sounds we are looking for. I was using college libraries to search for some desired tracks. It also allows sorting and organising audio, making the search more efficient.

As well I searched into internet websites which are libraries and share free sounds fx’s.

SOUND FILE FORMATS Uncompressed* Uncompressed file formats are exact copies of the original data. As such they take up more space than compressed formats. […] the cost of storage has reached a point where the extra storage requirements and associated cost for uncompressed formats is negligible.[Uncompressed audio files are: AIFF, FLAC and WAV]

http://www.audiostream.com/content/guide-common-music-file-types

Uncompressed sound files keep the original data without any lacking tones. However they do take more space than lossy file formats.To have the original sound recording without any noise missing I should use the files, which will keep the sound recording uncompressed. I may do that while recording and collecting sounds, dialogue and music and before joining them together into a single piece of track.

All my music tracks as well as recordings were uncompressed in order to keep the sounds as true as they sound (and the file format I used for all of them was uncompressed file format).

.wav* Short for WAVeform Audio Format, it is normally used in an uncompressed format on the Microsoft Windows platform. This raw audio format, which was developed jointly by IBM and Microsoft, stores audio data in blocks. On the digital music scene, its usefulness has diminished over time with the development of better lossless audio formats, such as FLAC and Apple lossless. It is a standard that will probably be used for some time yet due to its widespread use in professional music recording and is still a very popular format for audio/video applications.

http://mp3.about.com/od/glossary/g/WAV_def.htm

This file format will be probably used by us, as we work on Windows system. As it is an uncompressed format, it will be good to keep the full recording without losing the small bits of it. However, it may take a lot of space in the folder.

Wav is the format I was saving my manipulation exercises with. It doesn’t compress a sound but takes space (my 4second recording takes 1.36 MB of space, whereas 1 min 46sec recording takes 29.2 MB of space).

All our dialogue recordings were saved as wav files through Reaper.

.aiff Stands for "Audio Interchange File Format." AIFF is a file format designed to store audio data. It was developed by Apple Computer, but is based on Electronic Arts' IFF

This format is used by Apple computers.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

(Interchange File Format), a container format originally used on Amiga systems.A standard AIFF file contains 2 channels of uncompressed stereo audio with a sample size of 16 bits, recorded at a sampling rate of 44.1 kilohertz. This is also known as "CD-quality audio," since CDs use the same audio specifications.

http://techterms.com/definition/aiff.au Audio file introduced by Sun Microsystems; used

primarily on Sun or other Unix-based machines and has been adopted by several audio programs, including Adobe Audition and QuickTime; stores the data in three parts: a header (24 bytes), a variable length annotation block, and the actual audio data.

http://fileinfo.com/extension/au

One of audio formats, used by both Adobe Audition and QuickTime.

.smp Music file used by SmartMusic, a music practice application for band, orchestra, and voice; saves an accompaniment that can be used for practicing solos and other musical parts

http://fileinfo.com/extension/smp

The smp format is suitable for saving the music recordings, however I am not a musician, and I would only use it for recording dialogue.

Lossy Compression Any audio compression algorithm which does not retain every bit of data but only reproduces a signal that sounds more or less like the original. Examples are MP1, MP2, MP3, AAC.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lossy+audio+compression

Lossy compression cuts off the unwanted bits of data making the whole file to take less space on a memory disc. They often sound very similar to an original track, but more the file is compressed, the worse quality it is.Instead of wasting space on memory card as with uncompressed sounds, I can use sound file formats for a lossy compression. Lossy compression, same as with pictures, takes away bits of sound we can’t hear and remains similar to the original track.

.mp3 There are many audio file formats of which the first was MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 -- or more commonly referred to as MP3. It is a lossy compression algorithm that removes certain frequencies that humans can't hear. When creating an MP3 file, the bitrate that is used to encode the audio has a big effect on the quality of the sound.

Mp3 is the most familiar format for me, it will be suitable for a copy of the finished recording, as it won’t take much space. It may be also more easily put on YouTube (if needed).

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Setting a bitrate that is too low can produce a file that has poor sounding quality.

http://mp3.about.com/od/glossary/g/mp3def.htm

AUDIO LIMITATIONS Sound Processor Unit (SPU) Like its graphics counterpart, the GPU, the APU (audio Processing Unit] helps increase overall PC system performance by off-loading audio effects processing from the CPU. Unlike traditional sound cards with extremely limited function sets, an APU is defined by the following three parameters:An advanced architecture featuring, at a minimum, support for hardware acceleration of 256 2D voices and 64 3D voices, and advanced 3D positional audio.Full support for all DirectX 8.0 features and capabilities.The ability to incorporate support for Dolby Digital 5.1 and a Dolby Digital encoder in hardware to deliver an uncompromised, cinematic-quality audio experience.

http://www.nvidia.co.uk/object/apu.html

It’s similar to a sound card. It stores the decoded data of an audio, and then plays it back through speakers. In contrast to normal sound cards SPU is more advanced and enhances the sound quality.It supports programmes such as DirectX (which supports game software and video) and Dolby Digital.

Digital Sound Processor (DSP) Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) take real-world signals like voice, audio, video, temperature, pressure, or position that have been digitized and then mathematically manipulate them. A DSP is designed for performing mathematical functions like "add", "subtract", "multiply" and "divide" very quickly.

http://www.analog.com/en/content/beginners_guide_to_dsp/fca.html

It converts data of audio in both ways – digital-to-analogue and analogue-to-digital. It manipulates sounds going through it. The sounds is first taken from real world, digitized and again it returns back in either analogue or digitised form.

Random Access Memory (RAM) RAM is made up of small memory chips that form a memory module. These modules are installed in the RAM slots on the motherboard of your computer. […]Running programs from the RAM of the computer allows them to function without any lag time.

http://techterms.com/definition/ram

In order to run files and programmes smoothly, the computers read information from RAM. The more RAM the computer (or any other hardware) has, the better the performance.

Mono Audio* Mono or monophonic describes a system where all the audio signals are mixed together and routed through a single audio channel. Mono systems can have multiple loudspeakers, and even multiple widely separated

While playing the recording from simple headphones or speakers, it is better to keep them in mono. It will help focusing more on listening and it will be best when working on the audio. It is also

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

loudspeakers. The key is that the signal contains no level and arrival time/phase information that would replicate or simulate directional cues. […]The big advantage to mono is that everyone hears the very same signal, and, in properly designed systems, all listeners would hear the system at essentially the same sound level. This makes well-designed mono systems very well suited for speech reinforcement as they can provide excellent speech intelligibility.

http://www.mcsquared.com/mono-stereo.htm

easier to join sounds in audio; however, it doesn’t create any depth to the recording.

When trying mono audio, the sound appears flat, therefore boring. It makes a lot of constrains for an audio sequence, since it doesn’t allow to create a depth and dimensionality of the sound.

Even as my tracks were kept in stereo output, without use of pan they sounded flat, as if they were mono.

I don’t think this channel is good for any cut sequences, only for some music.

Stereo Audio* 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. Stereo would be a requirement if there is a need to replicate the aural perspective and localization of instruments on a stage or platform, a very common requirement in performing arts centres.

http://www.mcsquared.com/mono-stereo.htm

Stereo is better to be used after joining the different sounds as a final phase of work. It will take more time and I’ll need to try to imagine from what direction the sounds come, either right or left.

Stereo audio is much better option for any sound sequence, as there I can freely manipulate the panning, so the chosen sounds have a movement, making it more interesting to the ear when e.g. someone runs past. Basically it created the depth.

It’s the most basic for a designer and good when people use only headphones or two speakers to listen. It’s like a practice before moving onto surround sound.

I kept all my tracks on stereo audio output. It allowed me to pan any of them if I wanted, or leave it as it is.

Actions which were panned in my cutscene were mostly – potoo bird (appearing on the side of the witch), unicorn sounds approaching them and few more.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

Surround Sound 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.

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/surround_sound.html

Surround sounds will be the trickiest to mix, and it will involve many speakers, which we don’t have in class. However, surround sound will add more excitement to the audio recording when finished. If the speakers won’t be to use, then I may stay just with Stereo.

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. […]Each sample in a PCM is quantized, approximating a very large set of possible values by a relatively small set of values, which may be integers or even discrete symbols. No matter how complex they are, all analog data may be digitized. This includes analog data such as full-motion video, sound, telemetry and virtual reality.

http://www.techopedia.com/definition/24128/pulse-code-modulation-pcm

PCM allows analogue recordings to be converted and saved as digital data.

AUDIO RECORDING SYSTEMS Analogue* As humans, we perceive the world in analog. Everything we see and hear is a continuous transmission of information to our senses. This continuous stream is what defines analog data. Digital information, on the other hand, estimates analog data using only ones and zeros.For example, a turntable (or record player) is an analog device, while a CD player is digital. This is because a turntable reads bumps and grooves from a record as a continuous signal, while a CD player only reads a series of ones and zeros.[…]analog data is actually more accurate than digital data. However, digital data can can be manipulated easier and preserved better than analog data. More importantly, computers can only handle digital data, which is why most information today is stored digitally.

Analogue data, though better in quality, is much harder to edit, as the recording is saved in a continuous line. It also can’t be stored on computers unless digitised, so this data.

While recording, our voice acting was transferred from analogue into digital in order to be easily manipulated in a digital software.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

http://techterms.com/definition/analogDigital Mini Disc A pre-recorded MiniDisc is exactly like a CD, except

smaller. […]A recordable MiniDisc is a magneto-optical device capable of storing 140 megabytes of information. Music can be scattered all over the disk and the player can "put it together" correctly when playing the disk. This means that you can erase and re-record songs on a MiniDisc without having to worry about how they fit together. This is tremendously convenient compared to a cassette tape, where you have to basically re-record the entire tape if you want to change any of the songs on it. There are also 4-track MiniDisc recorders for musicians, which are great for recording songs as they are performed and then mixing the tracks.

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/question55.htm

As the definition shows, the Mini Disc is suitable for recording music, much better than a regular CD. It’s good for few songs, or tracks, so it may be used to store our sound recordings.

Compact Disc (CD) An optical disk approximately 4.75 inches (12 cm) in diameter, on which a program, data, music, etc., is digitally encoded for a laser beam to scan, decode, and transmit to a playback system, computer monitor, or television set.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/compact+disk

CD, alongside with pendrive, is the most familiar way for me to save data. If the sound file will be small enough, I could keep and save them on CD, though I prefer the other storage object.

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. A DAT drive is a digital tape recorder with rotating heads similar to those found in a video deck. […]DAT has become the standard archiving technology in professional and semi-professional recording environments for master recordings.

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/DAT-Digital-Audio-Tape

This tape recording allows tracks recorded by it sound more professional.

MIDI* Stands for "Musical Instrument Digital Interface." It is a connectivity standard that musicians use to hook together musical instruments (such as keyboards and synthesizers) and computer equipment. Using MIDI, a musician can easily create and edit digital music tracks.

MIDI is a useful tool for musicians who want their songs to be recorded in a better way. It allows them to automatically save the notes they have been playing as well as the instrument used.

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

The MIDI system records the notes played, the length of the notes, the dynamics (volume alterations), the tempo, the instrument being played, and hundreds of other parameters, called control changes.

http://techterms.com/definition/midi

MIDI instruments can be used without having an actual instrument. In Reaper there is a digital keyboard on which the notes and their length are marked. The more optimal octaves are these in the middle 3-6, whereas lower or higher ones may make a completely different sound.

I used MIDI instruments for my music production. However without VST instrument plugins notes I selected didn’t give any sound. MIDI is strictly dependable on either real or digital instruments to work.

Software Sequencers 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).

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/sequencer

Sequencer, just like any of MIDI instruments, allows musicians to record music digitally.

Software Plug-ins* Software that is installed into an existing application in order to enhance its capability. For example, plug-ins are widely used in image editing programs such as Photoshop to add some special effect. Plug-ins are added to Web browsers to enable them to support different types of content (audio, video, etc.). The term is widely used for software, but can also refer to a plug-in module for hardware.

http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/49395/plug-in

Software plug-ins can increase the efficiency of a browser, for example making some of the features to be available to use (small programmes on websites which require java plug-in) or improving others.

Software plugins add to software, giving more choices to manipulate the audio. During the exercise we uploaded VST plugins to Reaper software.

I used VST Instrument plug-ins to add the sound for my MIDI music sequences. Most used ones were Io Synth, Tal Noise Maker and Alpatron.

I also used other VST plugins (both uploaded as well as there already existing within the software) for altering the sounds in my cutsequence.

I used EQ, compressor and pitch adjustments to

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

alter voices of main characters as well as rea Gate for some wing noises.

I didn’t use plugins for any other noises, I was only altering the volume and pan.

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.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-midi-keyboard.htm

MIDI keyboards, unlike the regular keyboards, are able to connect with computer so the data of the music played is easily saved and digitalised.

AUDIO SAMPLING File Size Constraints - Bit-depth*

In digital audio , bit depth describes the potential accuracy of a particular piece of hardware or software that processes audio data. In general, the more bits that are available, the more accurate the resulting output from the data being processed.Bit depth is frequently encountered in specifications for analog-to-digital converters ( ADC s) and digital-to-analog converters ( DAC s), when reading about software plug-in , and when recording audio using a professional medium such as a digital audio workstation or a Digital Audio Tape machine.

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/bit-depth

Bit depth for audio files works in the same way as for picture files: more bits available make the music sound more like an original track we meant to record. And less than a robotic ‘beeping’ (unless we intended to make it)

While saving any sound sequence we could change the bit rate. More of bits meant better track as well as more taken space. I stayed with 24Bit rate.

Sometimes the bit-depth is crucial when using some sounds; I had a problem with using a sound effect because of bit depth and had to alter it within Adobe Audition.

File Size Constraints - Sample Rate*

In developing an audio sound for computers or telecommunication, the sample rate is the number of samples of a sound that are taken per second to represent the event digitally.The more samples taken per second, the more accurate the digital representation of the sound can be.

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/sample-rate

Higher sample rate of the recording makes it sound more accurately to an original data and therefore it raised its quality.In order to make my tracks sound more realistically I need to make sure they do have a high sample rate.

While saving sound sequences there is also an option to change the sample rate. More of it meant more accurate scan of the audio while

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Salford City CollegeEccles Sixth Form CentreBTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGNUnit 73: Sound For Computer GamesIG2 Task 1

rendering, but the render would last longer depending on file length. I stayed with 44100Hz.

When trying to have a better sample rate, the sounds were distorted, especially with digitally-generated music. It’s best to keep to the optimal rate, or try out others, but play after they are rendered.

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