Acoustics
Sound is a form of energy that travels in waves. How or whether those waves bounce or reflect around a space is based on the acoustics. Acoustics, meaning the way sound is transmitted or behaves within a space, is affected by a space’s size, shape, and the materials of which it is constructed. It is also affected by the material nature of the objects within the space. High ceilings, flat and parallel surfaces, and harder materials make for more reflective space and things like uneven surfaces and soft materials reduce that reflection. Having soft furniture and rugs or carpet can reduce reflection considerably. As do, of course, acoustic panels designed specifically for the purposes of absorbing sound. Reflection is not a bad thing. A little bit of it is pleasant and not having any can feel unnatural. A lot of reflection or an echo, however, can make it hard to discern sound, in particular, speech.
We are fairly aware of this in that it would probably occur to us that recording in certain spaces like marble-floored museums is not a good idea because they echo so much. But would it occur to us that the reflective nature of a large office or dining room might be an issue as well? Not always (and sometimes not at all). These kinds of spaces can sound cold and sharp and, in cases where the reflection is a bit more extreme, distracting.
Exercise Three
Listen to the different spaces below and consider which ones you might consider recording in and, more importantly, why.
The Bc's Bapst Library
BC's Burns Library Fine Print Reading Room
A standard office in the BC O’Neill Library
The Podcasting Room in the BC O’Neill Library’s Digital Studio