Sound in Theatre
Sounds in theatre can range from a pre-recorded soundtrack to a sound being made live on stage.
Sound Desk
The sound desk is where the sound operator controls the sounds during a show. The sound is always pre-recorded but they may also operate the performer's microphones and control the volume of them or turn them on and off.
Pre-recorded sounds
Pre-recorded sounds are sounds or pieces of music that have been made by other people and are available for shows or performances to use for their own.
Live sounds
Live sounds are noises that are created on stage by performers. This could be a clap or stamp or something hitting the floor. Live sounds could also be a live band playing music.
Recordings
Recordings can range anywhere from sounds to the cast recording. A recording can be a sound that a cast or crew needs for a show but doesn't already exist. A cast recording can be the vocals and soundtrack for a show which can be published online, the cast recording can also be the backing for songs so it can be played during a show.
Equipment
Olympus LS-100 Audio Recorder
​This is an audio recorder. At the top are the microphones which you hold near whatever sound you make to pick it up well.
Headphones
​We used headphones to hear the sounds the recorder was picking up. The sounds we were hearing in the headphones were what we would hear once we put the sound file we collected into Qlab and played it back to use for a project.
Microphones
​Microphones come in all shapes and sizes but are used for the same reason. Their job is to help project a performer's voice or record a performer's voice so their songs can be heard either in a theatre, large arena, or on a streaming platform all over the world.
Speaker
Speakers work alongside microphones, electric instruments, and most technology. They can connect to microphones to project a performer's voice into speakers in a theatre, or in a stadium. they are also in mobile phones, laptops, and monitors as you can play music or video
Analog audio mixers
Analog sound mixing boards are the original and most commonly used boards in the sound mixing world. Many sound engineers and/or technicians still use analog because of the unique sound it brings to audio. This is because they are tactile and intuitive, budget-friendly, manual, and have limited effects.
Digital audio mixers
Despite the limit on audio effects, digital sound mixing boards come with many benefits. These benefits mean they are Integrative, there's no interference, a steep learning curve, easy storage, and Multiple effects.
Microphones
Microphones are used today to record sounds, they are used to record voices and translate them into speakers to project the voices of whoever's speaking.
Condenser microphone
Condenser microphones are used in studio recordings because they have a higher quality sound than dynamic microphones and are often best for vocals and higher frequencies, these microphones are also used for orchestral instrumentals.
Ribbon microphone
These microphones provide a unique sound different from other microphones, they can also be used for studio recording and capturing the sound of vocals and acoustic guitars, a choir, or a band.
Dynamic microphone
These mics can handle high volumes, making them perfect for live performances and events. These microphones are less sensitive, meaning they can handle more audio without distortion. You would use these microphones for more general audio recording.
Instrument microphones
These microphones provide a unique sound different from other microphones, they can also be used for studio recording and capturing the sound of vocals and acoustic guitars, a choir, or a band.
Speakers
Speakers are used to project noise into a venue
Cabinet speakers
These speakers are the theatre industry standard in theatres and venues. They can be connected wirelessly to the sound system to project the performer's microphones, instruments, or other sound that needs to be played.
Bookshelf speaker
A bookshelf speaker is a smaller speaker which has been designed to function like an industry speaker by has been designed to fit in smaller spaces, often bars/pubs or homes.
Sound bar speakers
These speakers can often be used in live events as they are protable, and can be loud, so in arena's or larger venues everybody can hear the sound coming out of the speaker
Amplifier
An ampifier is used for electric musical instruments, and microphones and can be used as a speaker. this is to amplify them because without you would not be able to hear them, however these do not work directly on acoustic or percussion instruments as they are not electric so you will need an instrument mic to amplify the sound they produce.
Cables
To connect a sound desk to a speaker, or an instrument to an amplifier you need cables to connect them together
XLR 3 Pin
An XLR cable is used to transfer sound without any interferrence or background noise.
HDMI
A HDMI cable can be used to transmit video and audio but is mostly used when transmitting data to a projector.
1/4 in Jack
A Jack cable can be used to transmit audio, commonly used for instruments, such as guitars.
SPEAKON
A SPEAKON cable has lockable connectors and is used in professional audio systems to connect amplifiers to loudspeakers.