What Are Non-Linear Sounds?

Sometimes known as the secret to a good horror or drama, non-linear sounds are sounds that are too loud for the normal musical range of an instrument or an animal’s vocal chords. Examples of non-linear sounds include the distress calls of wild animals, a child’s cry, and sudden and unpredictable frequency changes of acoustic instruments.

It is very common for scary scenes in movies to be accompanied by non-linear sounds to exploit the human brain’s natural aversion to distressing sounds. The shower curtain scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 film Psycho is a great example of discordant musical notes used to create feelings of fright and terror in audience members.

In a study of more than a hundred film soundtracks across four major genres (adventure, horror, drama, and war), non-linear sounds were found in all genres. However, they were more frequently used in drama and horror. In dramas, they were used to enhance sad moments.

In another study conducted by UCLA evolutionary biologist Daniel Blumstein (with the help of film score composer Peter Kaye and communications professor Greg Bryant), participants were asked to listen to two groups of original music. One contained emotionally neutral film scores and the other contained nonlinear sounds. The results of the study showed that the music that contained nonlinear sounds evoked the highest level of emotional stimulation as well as the most negative feeling.

However, in a separate experiment, participants were asked to not only listen to the music but also watch neutral videos at the same time (like someone drinking coffee or turning pages of a book). When paired with the neutral videos, the music with nonlinear elements did not elicit the same level of emotional stimulation, thereby illustrating that the visual elements of a scene need to be just as powerful as the audio in order for filmmakers to get the desired effect.

If you are looking for a professional to help you add sound effects and non-linear sounds to enhance your movie production, check out our online Nevada Production Directory to find post-production audio services and sound designers. You can also drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory!

If you offer production and film-related services in Nevada and are not yet listed in our Production Directory, you can learn more about how to sign up for the NPD here.

Sources:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/why-calls-of-the-wild-are-the-secret-of-a-good-horror-film-1982965.html
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/06/12/154853739/putting-fear-in-your-ears-what-makes-music-sound-scary

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be accurate and true to the best of our knowledge. All data and information provided on this site is for informational/entertainment purposes only. If there are any inaccuracies, you may submit corrections and sources by visiting our Contact page. Nevada Film Office makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site & will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. We do not sponsor or endorse anyone in our posts nor do we receive compensation of any kind in exchange for providing information about specific websites or resources unless otherwise noted, so please check for references, business licenses or credentials as you feel necessary.