“Cakes (and sound) have layers” – Donkey (Shrek 2001)

Ok fine. So the quote doesn’t quite go like that. But perceived sound does indeed have layers. These layers can be defined in three categories:

Figure – focus of interest (immediate) This would be like talking to a person face to face

Ground – setting or context (support or middle) This would be like the score of a film

Field – where the observation takes place (background). This is the ambiance; the rustling leaves, far off traffic and other sounds that usually melt into an unnoticed hum in the background.

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