Sound Definitions

Sound effects : history

The use of sound effects originated in theater; by some accounts sound effects were already in use in Classical Antiquity. Various devices were used to simulate such sounds as thunder or approaching horse hooves off stage. The repertory of early theatrical sound effects became more elaborate in the early modern era, and various mechanical devices were constructed to produce more and better sounds. Large urban theaters often had large collections of such devices. Samples of such vintage sound effects can occasionally be heard in early audio recordings of Vaudeville acts, although by contemporary accounts the effects in the primitive early recording studios were less elaborate than those in theaters.

The field of sound effects advanced considerably in the 1920s, first with the impetus of radio. Most early radio was live, and featured many live theatrical productions which made much use of sound effects. The better radio studios often employed several sound effects men working at the same time on productions. In the mid 1920s, the advances in recording technology with improved electronic microphones allowed for the practice of having pre-recorded repertories of sound effects on 78 rpm records. Actual recordings of motorcars, airplanes, large crowds laughing or shouting, etc. could then be added to radio dramas via the discs. In the late 1920s motion picture studios switched from silent film to sound, opening up another venue for sound effects.

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