2.02E Adding Sounds into

Computer Animations

2.02 Develop Computer Animations

Using Sound in Animations Sound files can be used to enhance an

animation. Sound could include:

MusicNarrationSound Effects

Do not use sound unless it enhances the animation. If the sound is distracting and irrelevant to the animation, do not use it.

Sound File Formats

Sound File Formats

Most animation and video programs enable sound files to be imported in at least two formats: MP3

WAV

Wave files have the highest quality sound.

WAV (Waveform)

The standard format for sound on computers running the Windows operating system.

WAV files produce high-quality sound. Generate large file sizes.

MP3MP3 is a standard format for music files sent over the Internet that compresses music or other types of audio.

The compression process removes sounds that humans cannot hear.

To most listeners, MP3 files sound as good as WAV files.

Recording Sound Files

Recording Sound Files Sounds can be recorded or captured from a

variety of sources. For example, record your voice using a microphone

that is connected to the computer’s sound card. Or, connect a device such as a CD player, MP3

player, or tape player to the sound card Line-in jack to record CD audio or other pre-recorded material.

Some animation software allows you to record narration without having to create the sound in a separate program.

Recording Sound Files When recording, be aware that sound files tend to

be large. Large sound files will increase the size of the

finished animation which means the animation will take longer to download and require more storage space.

Keep sound files as small as possible while maintaining sufficient quality by: Recording WAV files at a lower quality setting. Using recording or conversion software that will save

the sound file in a compressed format such as MP3.

Importing Sound Files

Sound files are usually imported into the animation much like image files.

Most animation programs require or recommend that each sound object be inserted on its own layer.

Importing Sound Files

If the animation is for a Web site, keep the overall file size small for faster downloads by using more compact MP3 files and looping a shorter sound segment.

On the other hand, if the animation is part of a presentation delivered in an auditorium equipped with a high-quality audio system, use the highest quality sound file possible.

When creating or choosing the sounds to include in the animation, keep the intended purpose of the animation in mind.

Guidelines for Using Sound

Remember that in order to avoid a violation of copyright law, only original music can be used in professional productions such as Web animations and presentations.

Fortunately, there is a large number of inexpensive programs that combine sound loops to create original, royalty-free music for animations and movies.

Copyright

Review

Adding Sounds into Computer Animations Recording sound files Importing sound files

Purpose of Compression

To reduce the amount of storage space required by files. This means files will download and upload more quickly.

Professional Productions

Any type of music can be used as long as copyright restrictions are observed. If a copyrighted piece of music is used, royalties will have to be paid to the copyright owner and permission will have to be obtained. If the music is an original, the person who wrote an played the music must give their permission to use it.