Working with Sound

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. High ceilings, flat and parallel surfaces, and hard materials make a space more reverberant while things like uneven surfaces and soft materials reduce reverberation. 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 sounds, in particular, speech. 

We all know what it is like to watch a video or listen to a podcast that has been recorded in a highly reverberant space. It's hard on the ears and can be off-putting to the listener. Before recording it is important to consider the acoustics of the room you are in and whether you need to do anything to dampen the sound or whether you should choose a different room. (See at home sound dampening tips.)

Exercise Three:

Listen to the different spaces below and consider which ones you might consider recording in and, as importantly, why. 

This page has paths:

This page references: