Sound Effects

	The card's front face	The card's back face

Synopsis

Sounds that make abstract or imaginary objects concrete.

Relationships

Many contexts, including:
Engagement , Achievement , Failure , Beacon Locator , Window of Opportunity , Menus , Signature , ....
Close to:
Foley .
Relates to:
Acoustic Ecology .
Calls for:
Variety .
May call for:
Subtitles and Captions .

Description

Sound Effects constitutes one of the Sound Layers of an Acoustic Ecology, along with Foley, Ambiance, Music, and Dialogue [Peck (pending)]. We are adopting one definition [Peck (pending)] that allows to differentiate them from Foley, which constitute a common discussion. Whilst Foley consists of the set sounds that characterize an entity or event (e.g., closing a door), Sound Effects are sounds that are created ("invented") so that they may be associated to an entity or aspect whose own sonic expression does not exist or is not perceptible. The most quoted example of Sound Effects is the sound of the laser sword from the Star Wars movie series. Still, it is worth mentioning that many authors/designers use both terms interchangeably.

Examples

Lego Star Wars: The sound of the laser swords in the 'Star Wars' media franchise is perhaps the most well known example Sound Effects

Half-Life 2: Picking this objects is accompanied representative Sound Effects.

Tetris: Sound Effects are used to accompany flipping and sliding movements. The effect chosen for the impacts is closer to be considered Foley, given the resemblance to the sound of actual blocks falling on top of others.

Papa Sangre: Notice the explanation: "That sparkle sound is the sound of the light".

[show less examples...]

Pac Man:

Ico:

FlOw:

Hexic:

Pinball FX:

External Resources

The history of the sound of laser sword