The Evolution of Sound Technology

Have you ever pondered why performances from classic Hollywood seem dramatically different—more theatrical or exaggerated? The answer lies in technological advancements. In the early era of sound recording, microphones were unwieldy, temperamental, and often hidden in creative ways. Actors had to remain acutely aware of microphone placement, projecting their voices accordingly. Compounding the challenge, all audio was recorded on a single track, regardless of how many actors were present in a scene.

The Craft of Dialogue Editing

Austin Olivia Kendrick, a skilled dialogue editor, describes her role as performing “audio surgery on actors’ words.” The improved sound quality we enjoy today results not just from superior microphones but also from the artistry of professionals like Kendrick.

In the past, dialogue editing was a cumbersome process, often involving manual splicing of analog recordings. If any section of dialogue was unintelligible, actors would need to re-record those lines, a process known as automated dialogue replacement (ADR). While ADR is still used today, it’s generally a last resort due to its high costs.

In contemporary digital editing, sound editors have greater flexibility. During post-production, they collaborate with directors and sound engineers to select the best takes of dialogue. Afterward, they digitally splice together these takes, removing unwanted background noise and ensuring clarity in the dialogue.

Despite technological advancements, many still rely on subtitles. Kendrick is frequently asked, “Why not just turn up the dialogue?” Unfortunately, it isn’t that straightforward.

The Challenge of Dynamic Range

Film sound encompasses a wide spectrum, from soft whispers to explosive climaxes. To achieve an effective sound mix, dynamic range must be preserved. Boosting dialogue too much could diminish the impact of subsequent sound effects. Moreover, increasing volume can lead to distortion, which is why sound editors must carefully balance dialogue, sound effects, and music.

Modern Challenges with Audio Formats

Christopher Nolan, a renowned filmmaker, is well-known for his grand cinematic experiences. However, he often faces criticism regarding inaudible dialogue. Nolan defends his approach, stating that his films are specifically mixed for advanced audio systems like Dolby Atmos, which utilizes a complex multi-channel format to create a realistic sound experience.

The drawback arises when these audio tracks are downmixed for various devices, leading to a decrease in audio quality. This degradation explains why understanding dialogue in films like Tenet can be challenging.

The Limitations of Modern TVs

Recall the bulky televisions of the past? They were designed to accommodate larger speakers. Today’s models, however, are thin and often lack adequate sound systems. Additionally, the speakers face away from the viewer, complicating the issue further. While some newer TVs feature “active voice amplification,” this merely serves as a temporary fix and doesn’t adequately address the core problem.