Definition of Sound on tape
SOT is an acronym for the phrase sound on tape. It refers to any audio recorded on analog or digital video formats. It is used in scriptwriting for television productions and filmmaking to indicate the portions of the production that will use room tone or other audio from the time of recording, as opposed to audio recorded later (studio voice-over, Foley, etc.).
In broadcast journalism, SOT is generally considered to be audio captured from an individual who is on camera, like an interviewee and may also be referred to as a soundbite.
Related terms
Presence (sound recording)
In filmmaking and television production, presence, also known as room tone, or simply…
Punch in/out
Punch in/out is an audio and video term that originated as a recording technique used on…
Digital Audio Stationary Head
The Digital Audio Stationary Head or DASH standard is a reel-to-reel, digital audio tape…
Comparison of analog and digital recording
Sound can be recorded and stored and played using either digital or analog techniques…
Helical scan
Helical scan is a method of recording high-frequency signals on magnetic tape, used in…
Line level
Line level is the specified strength of an audio signal used to transmit analog sound…
Center channel
Center channel refers to an audio channel common to many surround sound formats. It is…
Wire recording
Wire recording, also known as magnetic wire recording, was the first magnetic recording…
Producing Great Sound for Film and Video
Producing Great Sound for Film and Video: Expert Tips from Preproduction to Final Mix is…
Questions people ask
Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.
- Why do guitarists put tape on their amplifiers? · Music SE
- Why do drummers put (duct) tape on their drums? · Music SE
- What set the speed in a cassette tape recorder? · Electronics SE
- How do I record songs straight from a vinyl record to a cassette tape? · Sound Design SE
- Patching stereo audio into an old car's tape deck · Electronics SE
- Reduce interference over 3.5 mm to cassette tape adapter · Electronics SE
Frequently asked questions
What is Sound on tape?
SOT is an acronym for the phrase sound on tape. It refers to any audio recorded on analog or digital video formats. It is used in scriptwriting for television productions and filmmaking to indicate the portions of the production that will use room tone or…