Solving Acoustic and Noise Problems Encountered in Recording for Motion Pictures

More and more attention is being given to the naturalness and clarity of reproduction of sound in motion picture theaters. To accomplish these it is necessary to improve not only the equipment in both the theater and the studio, but also the acoustics, and to reduce noise in both the theater and in the sets where the sound is recorded. — It is the purpose of this paper to describe the acoustic and noise problems encountered in recording, and to describe ways in which these problems have been met. This includes a discussion of the ways of minimizing reverberation in outdoor scenes on a sound-stage; of reducing sound resonance between ceiling and floor, and between parallel walls of sets; of reducing reflection from concave surfaces, nearby hard walls, windows, table and desk tops; of reducing resonance in small rooms such as telephone booths, boat and train interiors. Also included is a discussion of the progress recently made in reducing equipment noises such as those from cameras, background projection machines, arc lamps, wind machines, treadmills, etc., and ways of reducing noises caused by actors and horses on hardwood floors, gravel walks, and on raised structures, such as artificial hills built of wood; and of noise created by artificial rain. The control of outside noises such as those of traffic, aeroplanes, and wind is discussed.

Print ISSN

0097-5834

Published

1941-11

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J01252