Sound

Sound is what Audio Drama is all about.

Sound must be created at an original source. Then it must be manipulated and processed, usually by some technological equipment. Finally it is presented to the consumer who can listen to the final sound.

There are three forms of original sources of sound:

• The human voice, live at the time of creation (Acting)
• Sounds created by humans using props and parts of their bodies (Foley)
• Recorded sound effects (Recorded SFX)

After the sound is created it must be captured by microphones (for Acting and Foley) or played on machine, such as a CD player or a computer (for Recorded SFX). The sound is then conveyed by cables (sometimes called "wires") to Audio Processing Equipment (such as a mixer), and the finally delivered to the ears of the consumer.

Whether the audio drama is being created in a live performance or a recorded one the steps are the same. During the live performance the final processed sound is presented to the live audience with the help of amplifiers and speakers. Recorded audio drama is presented to the audience by being recorded on CDs or tapes (in the old days) or some computer delivered forms such as MP3s. Then the consumer uses some devices to turn the recorded sound into something audible by using a speakers or headphones.