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Sound Perspective

Sound perspective refers to the apparent distance of a sound. Clues to the distance of the source include the volume of the sound, the balance with other sounds, the frequency range (high frequencies may be lost at a distance), and the amount of echo and reverberation.

A closer sound perspective may sometimes be simulated by recording with a directional microphone which rejects sound from other directions. A more distant perspective may sometimes be simulated in post-production by processing the sound and mixing in other sounds.

In recording sound for film, you usually select a sound perspective to match the picture with which it will be used. Compare these examples:

Close perspective sound (30K QuickTime movie)

Distant perspective sound (30K QuickTime movie)

Dialogue

In a dialogue scene, a constant sound perspective, despite picture cuts, helps maintain continuity:

Long Shot Medium Shot
Listen to the sound from this scene (50K QuickTime movie) in The Grey Fox. The dialogue, and also the Foley sound effect, is in close perspective.

Continue to Sound Balance.

Return to FILM 250 Course Materials.

 
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