SOUND/BODY
(2023)
author(s): Petar Mrdjen
published in: Research Catalogue
“My sound body is the ghostly embrace that physically envelops the listener, with acoustic energy. Feel my presence, as I hide in plain sight.”
This exposition explores the role of surround sound in filmmaking, its strength and pitfalls in space-making, as well as its viability as an image-making device.
The author challenges conservative usage of surround sound, advocating for a playful and resistant approach; with the aim to create active and immersive spatial soundscapes where each audience member can experience their own "sweet spot." They reflect on the limitations of traditional cinema sound and express their desire to empower listeners with a dense and rich auditory experience.
By focusing on capturing authentic acoustic spaces, challenging traditional recording practices, and exploring a resistant approach to surround sound; the author highlights the unique relationship between sound, image, and space; and how their interplay can evoke various impressions.
The text delves into the author's artistic approach to working with surround-scapes (surround-soundscapes), highlighting different strategies and providing examples from films and games. Three surround-aesthetics are defined and named, which the author refers to as "rooms." The transformative power of sound is underscored, with a focus on embracing vulnerability and fluidity as sources of strength.
Through the context of foley-practice and surround-scaping; this exposition questions the role and reach of the author's body - a sound body.
The Legacy of Broadcast Stereo Sound: The Short Life of MTS, 1984-2009
(2018)
author(s): David Sedman
published in: Journal of Sonic Studies
Multichannel Television Sound (MTS) is an innovation that brought new dimensions in sound to American television from the 1980s to the 2000s. This article explores the brief history of MTS and its rise to prominence, with a particular focus on both the early “experimental” years of MTS sound and its short-lived “golden era.” The article concludes with an evaluation of the lasting impact of the technological shift from monaural to multichannel sound design. Although there were numerous technical and industrial challenges to MTS sound, its introduction was essential to the development of television sound design prior to the introduction of Digital and Dolby surround sound in the early 2000s.