ABSTRACT
To compile a good audio product, one must select quality material that complements the message in the segment. One must then mix the various elements of voice, music and sound effects (FX), and evaluate the mix to decide if it will work well on the station. The three major elements in any mix are: voice; music and FX. Choosing the right voice for the copy is one's first challenge. The timbre, frequency and natural tone of a voice is a creative choice, and may be the only creative element in the material. If properly used, music should heighten the impact of the spoken word. FX have always been used in radio, particularly where they strengthen the visualisation and thus the impact of the program. There are two types of FX—realistic and unrealistic. An example of an unrealistic FX would be a slide-whistle denoting a falling object. Reverberation is the effect most commonly added to advertisements and sponsorships.
