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 | 2015/6 |
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 and Continuous Assessment
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.
Background 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).