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• 1 media/bapst01.jpg 2020-09-08T09:38:12-07:00 Acoustics 111 plain 2020-09-29T18:53:11-07:00 Considering acoustics and ambient noise (or background noise) are key when it comes to sound recording, and good sound recording leads to a much easier sound editing process.
   
  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
  

  
  Ambience

  While all rooms have ambient noise, it is probably the element of sound we thinking about the least. In addition to getting a sense of the acoustical nature of the Bapst Library, Fine Print Reading Room, and office above, you also can hear the ambient noise in the space, the most notable space being Bapst. Ambience can be the result of things like fans, humming refrigerators, air conditioners, distant traffic, and nature sounds like wind, rain, and birds. Like reflection, ambience is not a bad thing. We just don’t want it to be distracting or overpower the intended primary source of sound. 
  
  When recording it is best to get a recording of the ambient noise alone. This will be helpful for when you are editing and have empty space, which if not filled with ambient noise (or something else like music) you jar the listener by having complete silence. In this example...
  
  In section the [Recording in Action section], we will talk about how to manage acoustic and ambience issues. Before having that discussion, however, it is important to address another major factor in recording, microphones.  Room tone