What is the term for the sound present in a room without any sound sources?

The term for the sound present in a room without any sound sources is ambient noise. Ambient noise refers to the background sounds that naturally occur in an environment, which can include very faint sounds like air conditioning hum, distant traffic, or even the rustle of leaves. This sound is important in theatre and audio production because it sets the atmosphere of a space and can impact how other sounds or performances are perceived by an audience.

In contrast, background sound typically refers to sounds that are consciously included in a scene or performance, while static is associated with electronic interference or noise in sound reproduction. White noise is a specific sound that consists of a wide spectrum of frequencies played together, often used to mask other sounds rather than representing the natural ambient sound of a space. Therefore, ambient noise is the most accurate choice for describing the inherent sound of a room when no active sound sources are present.