Video and Sound Production/ Project 01

08.09.2023 - 20.10.2023(Week 02 - Week 08)

LIEW XIAO HUI / 0353121

BACHELOR OF DESIGN (HONOURS) IN CREATIVE MEDIA / VIDEO AND SOUND PRODUCTION

Project 01: Audio Editing Exercises

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JUMPLINK
Instructions
Project 01: Audio Editing Exercises
Exercise 01: Audio Dubbing
Exercise 02: Sound Shaping
Reflections

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INSTRUCTIONS

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Project 01: Audio Editing Exercises
Exercise 01: Audio Dubbing
In Exercise 01, our task was to add audio dubbing to a video provided by Mr. Martin, which had no sound. The process began by watching the muted video and creating a spreadsheet that listed all the necessary sound effects required for the video. We then scoured online sources to find suitable sound effects that matched the scenes in the video.

Figure 1.1 Muted video.

Additionally, we were tasked with recording our own voices using our smartphones to match the dialogues in the video. After recording, we edited the found sound effects from the internet and our recorded voices into the muted video. To achieve the desired effect, we used the pitch shifter feature in Adobe Premiere Pro to modify our voices to match the characters in the video, whether it be male or child voices.

Figure 1.2. 1.3 Voice record.

During the audio editing process, I carefully adjusted the volume levels. I set the ambience sound at approximately -20dB, dialogues between -6 to -12dB, and the volume for hard sound effects varied depending on the specific situation in the video. To ensure smooth audio transitions and avoid abrupt sound changes, I added audio transition effects to each audio element in and out. In total, I created 10 audio tracks: four tracks for individual character dialogues, four tracks for hard sound effects, and two tracks for ambience sound effects. 

Figure 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 Progress screenshot.

Final Audio Dubbing

Figure 1.7 Audio dubbing spreadsheet PDF.

Figure 1.8 Final Audio dubbing video.

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Exercise 02: Sound Shaping

In this project, we are required to record our own voice for 5 seconds, talking about anything. We then use the recorded voice for audio editing and sound shaping. The voice needs to have effects applied to simulate a call, a voice coming from inside a closet, a toilet, an underground cave, and an alien or orc voice.

Figure 2.1 Recorded voice.

According to the lecture provided by Mr. Martin, I lowered the bass and raised the treble in the mid-range to create phone call sound effects. Additionally, I lowered the treble to the bottom and raised the mid-range to the top to create a muffled sound effect, simulating a voice from a closet.

Figure 2.2, 2.3 Progress screenshot.

Final Audio Shaping

Figure 2.4 Voice of phone call.

Figure 2.5 Voice from inside of closet.

Figure 2.6 Voice of bathroom.

Figure 2.7 Voice of underground cave.

Figure 2.8 Orc voice.

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REFLECTIONS

Audio Dubbing

In this project, I acquired the knowledge of sourcing sound effects online and integrating them into the video. Additionally, I learned about the appropriate volume levels for ambient sound and dialogue. Adjusting the dialogue volume based on the character's distance, lower for farther characters and higher for nearer ones, was a valuable skill I developed. Another interesting aspect was using pitch shifter to modify our original recorded voices into male, female, or child voices, depending on the video's requirements. Audio dubbing proved to be enjoyable and fun, as witnessing a previously muted video come to life with sound at the end was rewarding. The process required keen observation of details in the muted video to accurately restore it to its original state with sound.

Sound Shaping
In this project, I acquired a new skill in utilizing Adobe Audition. This software allows for the transformation of sound into various effects, such as simulating a phone call, creating a muffled sound, and more. While I still need to invest time in practicing and becoming familiar with the features of Audition, I believe that continued practice will enhance my ability to create a wider range of sound effects that can be applied in video editing.