PX3148: Acoustics and Studio Sound
School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
Department Code | PHYSX |
Module Code | PX3148 |
External Subject Code | 100425 |
Number of Credits | 10 |
Level | L6 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Dr Bernard Richardson |
Semester | Autumn Semester |
Academic Year | 2014/5 |
Outline Description of Module
- To introduce basic concepts of physical acoustics, especially that relating to musical acoustics, and the physiology of hearing.
- To provide knowledge and experience of practical studio techniques and acoustical measurements.
- To introduce the physical characteristics of sounds, especially musical sounds, and those features of importance to the perception of sounds.
- To give an introduction to the production, recording and reproduction of musical sounds.
- To introduce analogue and digital techniques of sound synthesis.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Discuss the structure and function of the human ear and compare objective and subjective properties of musical sounds.
- Describe the physical principles involved in recording and reproducing sounds, including the mechanical and acoustical functions of microphones and loudspeakers.
- Show an appreciation of different recording hardware and the concepts of dynamic range and noise reduction.
- Recall basic ideas of architectural and room acoustics.
- Describe the mechanisms by which conventional musical instruments create musical sounds and identify those features of a waveform which are important for perception, including its time-varying spectral content.
- Show competency in using computational methods to analyse and synthesise musical sounds.
- Undertake practical assignments using a range of studio equipment to demonstrate competence in using microphones, recording equipment and the manipulation of sound.
- Demonstrate skill in making and interpreting acoustical measurements.
How the module will be delivered
Lectures 14 x 1 hr, assessed Studio and Lab work 8 x 2 hr.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Experimental physics. Communications skills. Investigative skills. Computing skills. Analytical skills. Mathematics. Personal skills.
How the module will be assessed
Examination 50%. Coursework 50%. [Examination duration: 1 hour]
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Exam - Autumn Semester | 50 | Acoustics And Studio Sound | 1 |
Written Assessment | 50 | Acoustics And Studio Sound | N/A |
Syllabus content
- The human auditory system: The human auditory system and some basic psychoacoustics. Objective and subjective properties of sound. Frequency and pitch. Intensity and loudness. Sound localisation.
- Musical sounds: Envelopes, waveforms and spectra. Transients. The harmonic series. Noise.
- Sound recording and reproduction: Microphones and loudspeakers. Physical principles; analogue and digital methods; function and dynamic range of ADCs and DACs; metering; compression; noise and distortion.
- Room acoustics: Acoustics of acoustical spaces. Studio design and construction; sound insulation; sound absorption; reverberation time.
- Analogue and digital synthesis: An introduction to the history of sound synthesis. Analogue synthesis, AM and FM synthesis, digital synthesis and signal processing. Physical modelling of musical instruments.
- Practical work: Sound recording techniques. Acoustical measurements including sound reduction and reverberation time. Access to the Sound Studio for practical assignments and a mini-project with an optional creative element. The use of Audition and Python for generating, analysing and editing musical sounds.
Essential Reading and Resource List
The Art of Digital Audio, J Watkinson, 2nd Edn (Focal Press, 1994).
Sound Recording Practice, J Borwick, 4th Edn (Oxford University Press, 2001).
Fundamentals of Acoustics, Kinsler, Frey, Coppens & Sanders 4th Edn (John Wiley, 2000).
Sound Synthesis and Sampling, M Russ (Focal Press, 1996).
Background Reading and Resource List
Not applicable.
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