FOLEY FUNDAMENTALS
What is foley?
The creation of live sound effects for film or theatre.
What is sound design?
The intentional planning and creation of sound for storytelling.
What does a soundboard control?
Volume and mixing of audio signals.
What is signal flow?
The path sound takes from source to speaker.
If you hear loud squealing, what is happening?
Feedback
Who is foley named after?
Jack Foley
Name two types of sound in a production.
Dialogue, music, sound effects, ambient sound.
What does “gain” control?
The input sensitivity/strength of the signal.
What converts sound waves into electrical signals?
Microphone
Name one cause of feedback.
Mic too close to speaker, gain too high, etc.
Give one example of a common foley sound and how it’s created.
Example: Footsteps using shoes on gravel, celery snapping for bones, etc.
What is the difference between a soundscape and a soundtrack?
What does a fader control?
Output volume level of a channel.
What type of cable is commonly used for microphones?
XLR Cables
If a mic is on but no sound is coming out, name one thing to check.
Mute button, gain, cable connection, phantom power.
Why is foley often recorded separately instead of during filming?
Because on-set sound is unclear, missing, or noisy.
Why might a designer choose live sound instead of prerecorded?
Control, timing, realism, interaction with actors.
What happens if gain is too high?
Distortion or feedback.
What is the correct flow from the microphone to the main speakers?
Microphone, body pack, transmitter, receiver, sound board, channel, (subgroup), main volume control, speakers
If sound is distorted, what should you adjust first?
Lower the gain.
Around what year was Foley created?
1920
How can sound affect the audience emotionally?
Builds tension, fear, excitement, sadness, etc.
What is phantom power used for?
To power condenser microphones.
What are the first steps you take if a microphone is not working?
Check batteries, check mute button, ensure cables are all connected
You need 6 microphones but only have 4 channels. What is the problem?
Not enough inputs/channels on the board.