Ambience, effects & Foley · Core
Sound effect
Also called: SFX, FX
ELI5
A created, recorded or edited sound used to represent or enhance an event.
Used in conversation
“Let’s hear the sound effect against picture before the next review.”
Pitch context
You may encounter “Sound effect” in sound, music & voice conversations or materials.
Why it matters: Explains dialogue, effects, atmosphere, music, voice and the technical work of making them intelligible.
Connected terms
- FoleyFoley is performed in sync to picture, often for human movement and props; sound effects can be recorded, designed or library-based and need not be performed live.
- Special effectsThe search label “SFX” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 4
Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.
- European Broadcasting Union — EBU R 128 Loudness Normalisation and Permitted Maximum Level of Audio SignalsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Dolby — Dolby Atmos Content CreationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- World Wide Web Consortium — Making Audio and Video Media AccessibleSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Netflix — Partner Help Center Delivery SpecificationsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14