🔊Sound Design for Theater Unit 9 – Voice Amplification & Mic Techniques

What's the Big Deal?

• Voice amplification ensures actors can be heard clearly by the entire audience in a theater
• Proper mic techniques capture the nuances and emotions in an actor's performance
• Amplification allows actors to express themselves without straining their voices
• Sound design enhances the overall theatrical experience by creating an immersive auditory environment
• Skillful mic placement and mixing create a balanced, natural sound that doesn't distract from the performance
• Understanding the basics of sound waves and acoustics is essential for effective voice amplification
• Choosing the right microphone for each actor and situation is crucial for optimal sound quality

The Basics of Sound Waves

• Sound waves are longitudinal waves that travel through a medium (air, water, or solid materials)
• The frequency of a sound wave determines its pitch, measured in Hertz (Hz)
  • Higher frequencies produce higher-pitched sounds, while lower frequencies create lower-pitched sounds
• The amplitude of a sound wave determines its loudness, measured in decibels (dB)
  • Greater amplitude results in louder sounds, while smaller amplitude produces quieter sounds
• Sound waves can be reflected, absorbed, or diffracted by surfaces in the theater
  • Hard surfaces (wood, metal) reflect sound, while soft surfaces (curtains, carpets) absorb sound
• Understanding the behavior of sound waves helps in mic placement and acoustic treatment of the theater

Mic Types and Their Superpowers

• Dynamic microphones are rugged, versatile, and excel at capturing loud sources without distortion (handheld mics)
• Condenser microphones are sensitive, detailed, and ideal for capturing nuances in vocal performances (lavalier mics)
• Ribbon microphones have a smooth, warm sound and are often used for vintage or jazz-style vocals
• Shotgun microphones have a highly directional pickup pattern, making them suitable for capturing sound from a distance
• Wireless microphones provide freedom of movement for actors, but require proper frequency coordination
  • Wireless systems consist of a transmitter (worn by the actor) and a receiver (connected to the sound system)
• Choosing the right mic type depends on the specific needs of the production and the actors' vocal characteristics

Placement Matters: Where to Stick That Mic

• Proper mic placement is essential for capturing clear, intelligible speech while minimizing unwanted noise
• Lavalier mics should be placed close to the actor's mouth (6-8 inches) and secured to clothing or skin
  • Positioning the mic slightly off-center helps reduce plosives and sibilance
• Boom mics can be used to capture dialogue from above, allowing actors to move freely without visible mics
  • Boom operators must follow actors' movements while maintaining a consistent distance and angle
• Floor mics, placed at the front of the stage, can provide additional coverage and reinforce overall sound
• Experiment with mic placement during rehearsals to find the optimal position for each actor and scene

Feedback: The Annoying Squeal and How to Avoid It

• Feedback occurs when a microphone picks up its own amplified sound, creating a loud, unpleasant squealing noise
• Gain staging is crucial in preventing feedback – set appropriate levels for each mic and avoid overloading the system
• Proper mic placement helps minimize feedback risk – keep mics away from speakers and monitor wedges
• Using directional mics (cardioid, supercardioid) can reduce the chances of feedback by focusing on the desired sound source
• Acoustic treatment, such as sound-absorbing panels, can help control reflections and reduce the likelihood of feedback
• Equalization (EQ) can be used to identify and suppress specific frequencies prone to feedback

EQ Magic: Tweaking Frequencies for Clarity

• Equalization (EQ) is the process of adjusting the balance of frequencies in an audio signal to enhance clarity and intelligibility
• High-pass filters (HPF) can be used to remove low-frequency rumble and noise, typically below 80-100 Hz
• Low-pass filters (LPF) can help reduce high-frequency hiss and sibilance, usually above 10-12 kHz
• Boosting frequencies in the 2-5 kHz range can improve speech clarity and presence
• Cutting frequencies around 250-500 Hz can reduce muddiness and improve overall intelligibility
• Be cautious when applying EQ – small adjustments can make a big difference, and overuse can lead to unnatural-sounding results

Mixing It Up: Balancing Multiple Voices

• Mixing multiple microphones requires careful balancing to ensure all actors can be heard clearly
• Start by setting a rough balance between all mics, adjusting levels so that each actor is audible
• Use the "solo" function to listen to each mic individually and identify any issues (noise, distortion, EQ needs)
• Apply EQ, compression, and effects as needed to enhance the sound of each voice
  • Compression can help even out volume differences and add sustain to the voice
• Create groups or submixes for easier management of multiple mics (e.g., group all lavaliers, group all boom mics)
• Continuously adjust levels during the performance to maintain a consistent balance and accommodate changes in dynamics

Tech Talk: Gear You'll Need to Know

• Mixing console: The central hub for processing and combining all microphone signals
  • Digital consoles offer advanced features, such as built-in effects, automixing, and scene recall
• Wireless microphone systems: Transmitters, receivers, and antennas for wireless operation
  • Diversity receivers help minimize dropouts and interference
• Wired microphones: Dynamic, condenser, and ribbon mics for various applications
• Microphone accessories: Stands, clips, windscreens, and pop filters for optimal performance
• Speakers and amplifiers: Mains, monitors, and amplifiers for sound reinforcement
• Cabling and connectors: XLR, TRS, and TS cables for connecting mics, consoles, and speakers
• In-ear monitors (IEMs): Wireless earpieces that allow actors to hear themselves and other cues