Sound and Music Research

Sound and Music Research

Non – Linear Sounds

Sounds are classed as non-linear when they become too loud for the normal musical range of an instrument or an animal's vocal chords. Alternatively, they can be produced by the sudden frequency changes of acoustic instruments. These sounds are used to enhance the emotional impact of scenes. A variety of animals produce nonlinear vocalizations when they are under duress, which further adds to the emotional impact of scenes.

·         King Kong (1933): first use of recorded animal sounds that were subsequently manipulated to produce non-linear sounds.

Isolated Instruments

Fear is also activated by the means of isolated instruments. Isolated instruments are often used before a key event and links the idea of vulnerability to the audience and builds anticipation.

Echoed Voices - This creates a ghostly feel and heightens the audience’s senses.

Alien Effects - These sound effects catch the attention of the viewer because they don’t sound humanly natural.

Classic Well Known Sounds - There are many sounds that have spooky connotations which make them iconic and recognisable to the audience such as – bats, crows, squawking, owls hooting, witches cackling, church bells ringing and cats etc.…

Long Suspenseful Notes

Long suspenseful notes increase the audience’s anxiety levels as the tension gradually increases (while viewer adrenaline increases). When these long notes are contrasted with short, sharp notes it shocks the audience.