Sonic Design / Assignment 2: Auditory Imaging

Assignment 2 Jump Link (Outline)

• Task Introduction
• Storyline
• Sound Sources Outline and Used Sound References
• Process
• Consultation Feedback
• Outcome
• Reflection

Task

• Week 05 – Week 07

In this assignment we are tasked with creating an audio image using one of the combinations listed below. The audio should evoke a first-person point of view, allowing listeners to visualize the events based solely on the audio tracks. The sound should effectively convey a story for the selected scenario. 
***Note that students are prohibited from using any voices(music) or dialogues.***

The choice scenario are:

1.  Wildlife + Background
2.  Everyday Home Life + Background
3.  Cities + Transport + Exterior Atmosphere
4.  Industry and Electronic sounds + Background
5.  Weather + Background
6.  Market + Rural atmosphere + Background

Storyline  

“Morning Commute in a Bustling City”

• Choices : Cities + Transport + Exterior Atmosphere

Figure 1.1: Storyline PDF with Highlights of Foreground and Background Sounds

Sound Sources for Each Scene 

• (overview NOT ALL INCLUDED HERE)

Scene 1: 0:00 - 0:30

• Light Footsteps:
• Source: Field recording of someone walking or jogging on pavement or grass.
• Birds Chirping:
• Source: Audio samples from bird calls or field recordings of birds in a park or garden.
• Gentle Wind/Breeze:
• Source: Field recording of wind rustling through leaves or soft whooshing sounds.
• Faint Traffic Hum:
• Source: Distant traffic sounds captured in a city or highway recording.
• Church Bell or Clock Tower Chime:
• Source: Sound clip of a church bell ringing or a clock tower chime.

Scene 2:  0:30 - 1:10

• Bus Engine:
• Source: Recording of a bus approaching or a sound effect of a diesel engine.
• Bus Brakes Squeaking:
• Source: Sound of bus brakes or similar heavy vehicle brakes.
• Bus Doors Hissing Open/Close:
• Source: Audio effect of pneumatic doors opening and closing.
• Quickened Footsteps:
• Source: Field recording of multiple people walking quickly on pavement.
• Car Horns Honking:
• Source: Various recordings of car horns from urban environments.
• Bicycle Tires Whirring:
• Source: Sound of bicycle tires rolling on pavement.
• Faint Subway Rumble:
• Source: Recording of a subway train passing underground.
• Low Hum of Electric Tram Passing:
• Source: Sound effect of an electric tram or light rail vehicle.

Scene 3: 1:10 - 1:50

• Jackhammers and Construction Sounds:
• Source: Field recordings from construction sites or sound effects of jackhammers.
• Street Vendors Setting Up:
• Source: Sounds of carts moving, metal clinking, and packaging materials being handled.
• Delivery Truck Unloading:
• Source: Sounds of crates or boxes being dropped from a truck.
• Skateboarder Rolling By:
• Source: Field recording of a skateboard rolling on pavement.
• Train Passing on Elevated Tracks:
• Source: Audio clip of a train moving over an elevated track.
• Distant Sirens:
• Source: Emergency vehicle sirens recorded in urban areas.
• Pigeons Fluttering and Cooing:
• Source: Field recordings of pigeons or similar birds.
• Soft Fountain Splashing:
• Source: Field recording of a water fountain in a park or plaza.

Scene 4: 1:50 - 2:30

• Raindrops Hitting Pavement:
• Source: Field recording of rain falling on different surfaces.
• Umbrellas Opening:
• Source: Sound of umbrellas being opened, with mechanical clicks.
• Footsteps Splashing in Puddles:
• Source: Field recording of footsteps in water or sound effects of splashes.
• Cars Splashing Through Wet Streets:
• Source: Sounds of tires hitting water and creating splashes.
• Increasing Sound of Rain:
• Source: Gradually intensifying rain sounds, layered to build the effect.
• Background Wind:
• Source: Soft wind recordings that accompany the rain.

Scene 5: 2:30 - 3:00

• Bus Arriving:
• Source: Recording of a bus engine idling and stopping.
• Doors Hissing Open:
• Source: Sound effect of bus doors opening.
• Passengers' Footsteps:
• Source: Field recording of people getting off the bus and walking away.
• Faint Distant City Sounds:
• Source: General ambient city sounds recorded in a quieter area.
• Gentle Breeze:
• Source: Soft wind recordings that return after the rain.
• Subtle Traffic Hum:
• Source: Distant traffic recordings filling the background.

PDF ( Links for all sources)

Figure 2.1: Sources I Have Used (Separated by Scene)

Process 

In this assignment, I focused on the city and transport theme. I began by analyzing the sounds I wanted and downloaded them scene by scene, organizing them in sequence. In Adobe Audition, I used color coding to separate the sounds into foreground (light blue) and background (orange). While working with the multitrack, I also tried to apply as many effects as possible, exploring different options to see which would best suit the desired sound environment.

However, I encountered several problems: the sounds I applied effects to did not blend well together and sounded quite odd. Therefore, I primarily used the Parametric Equalizer for this soundscape to adjust the tonal quality of the audio signal, making the sound pitch higher or lower, or even clearer. I also experimented with effects such as Notch Filter, Pitch Shifter, and Automatic Pitch Correction for one of the sounds in the process, and fortunately, it didn't sound weird. Additionally, the second most-used tool in the multitrack was to adjust the volume and pan.

Overview on multitrack (video)

Figure 3.1: Multitrack Video (overview)

Parametric Equalizer

Figure 3.2: Parametric Equalizer (for traffic - track only as example)

In this assignment, I applied the parametric equalizer to achieve a clearer sound and reduce unwanted noise by adjusting the bass and treble.

Rack Effect - Notch Filter

Figure 3.3: Effect - Notch Filter (Example of one of the track -Bus Break)

By applying this effect it have helped to get rid of some unwanted sounds, such as hums and other, to achieve better sound clarity and quality by reducing interference while leaving surrounding frequencies unaffected.

Rack Effect - Pitch Shifter

Figure 3.4: Effect - Pitch Shifter (Example of one of the track -Gentle breeze of wind)

Used to create a more desirable sound effect, the pitch shifter helps achieve the specific sound I wish to attain by adjusting the semi-tones and the Cents.

Rack Effect - Automatic Pitch Correction

Figure 3.5: Effect - Automatic Pitch Correction (Example of one of the track - leaves rustle on tree)

I used this effect to explore its impact, and the sound came out surprisingly natural compared to others with effects applied, as it mainly used to polish the sound.

Multitrack - Volume and Pan

Figure 3.6: Multitrack Volume (Yellow) and Pan (Green) - One Example Track

Figure 3.7: Multitrack Volume (Yellow) and Pan (Green) - One Example Track (Zoom in)

This is the effect I have applied the most in this assignment. I used pan to adjust the sound from left to right, creating a more immersive experience as cars or people skate past. I also adjusted the volume to ensure the sound was neither too loud nor too soft. So far for now , I find this to be one of the most useful tools and most frequent used tool that I’ve used in Adobe Audition.

Consultation Feedback

5/11/2024 Tuesday 

Chaos in Footstep Sounds:

• The current sound mix feels chaotic. Consider separating the footsteps to create clearer spatial awareness.

Footstep Fading:

• For one of the sound elements, implement a fade-out effect. As it fades, pan the footsteps heavily to either the left or right side to enhance the sensation of movement.

Inclusion of Footsteps:

• Ensure that the footsteps are incorporated consistently throughout the sound design.

Continuous Walking Sound:

• Adjust the footsteps to create a continuous sound loop that represents the characters walking around the entire scene. This will enhance the immersive experience.

Outcome

WAV file

MP3

Multitrack Mixdown - Click Here 

Reflection

In this assignment, I found it fun and interesting to create the soundscape without using dialogue or music. While working on it, I experimented with as many effects as I could, though the result initially sounded strange. This experience made me realize that I need to explore Adobe Audition further. However, I was able to use creative thinking skills and methodologies to explore, generate, and test a range of conceptual ideas throughout the process.

Although I had a storyline in mind, I still experimented with different approaches and made slight adjustments to my original idea. I spent most of my time in this assignment searching for sound sources, which was a bit challenging because I couldn't always find the exact sounds I wanted. This required me to think of alternative or similar sounds.

Some parts, like the beginning sound, bus arrival, and rain effects, came out even more satisfying than I expected, making me happy with the outcome and motivating me to continue in the process. The construction sounds, however, were particularly challenging and required extra effort to get right. Despite this, it was fascinating to see how different sounds could work together to create a powerful ambiance, giving me a deeper appreciation for the impact of sound in storytelling.

This experience has motivated me to deepen my sound editing skills and experiment with more complex soundscapes in future projects. Overall, this assignment provided me with a brand-new and enriching experience.

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