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SoundEngineering_ClassNotes

The document outlines a comprehensive curriculum for a Sound Processing & Engineering course, covering topics from the basics of sound physics to advanced audio editing and mastering techniques. It includes practical applications in music production, film, and gaming, as well as emerging trends like AI in sound engineering. Key takeaways emphasize the blend of technical and creative skills necessary for high-quality audio production.

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12 views

SoundEngineering_ClassNotes

The document outlines a comprehensive curriculum for a Sound Processing & Engineering course, covering topics from the basics of sound physics to advanced audio editing and mastering techniques. It includes practical applications in music production, film, and gaming, as well as emerging trends like AI in sound engineering. Key takeaways emphasize the blend of technical and creative skills necessary for high-quality audio production.

Uploaded by

adnlovesreading
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Sound Processing & Engineering

Class Notes

Week 1: Introduction to Sound Processing & Engineering

●​ Definition and scope of sound processing and audio engineering.


●​ Basic physics of sound:
○​ Sound waves: frequency, amplitude, wavelength.
○​ Speed of sound in different mediums.
○​ Harmonics and overtones.
●​ Introduction to digital vs. analog sound processing.
●​ Overview of common applications: music production, film sound, broadcasting, gaming
audio.

Week 2: Fundamentals of Acoustics

●​ How sound interacts with environments.


●​ Reverberation, reflection, absorption, diffraction, and diffusion.
●​ The role of room acoustics in audio quality.
●​ Understanding soundproofing vs. sound treatment.
●​ Practical considerations for studio design.

Week 3: Audio Signals and Signal Flow

●​ Analog vs. digital signals.


●​ Understanding dB levels and gain staging.
●​ Signal chain in a recording setup:
○​ Microphone → Preamp → Audio Interface → DAW.
●​ Types of connections: XLR, TRS, RCA, Optical, MIDI.
●​ Importance of balanced and unbalanced signals.

Week 4: Microphones and Recording Techniques

●​ Microphone types: dynamic, condenser, ribbon, contact mics.


●​ Polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, shotgun.
●​ Placement techniques for different instruments:
○​ Vocals, acoustic guitar, drums, piano, orchestral recording.
●​ Stereo recording techniques: XY, AB, ORTF, Mid-Side.
●​ Direct input (DI) recording vs. mic recording.

Week 5: Digital Audio Fundamentals

●​ Sample rate and bit depth: 44.1kHz vs. 48kHz vs. 96kHz.
●​ Nyquist Theorem and avoiding aliasing.
●​ Quantization and dithering.
Sound Processing & Engineering
Class Notes

●​ Lossy vs. lossless audio formats (MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC).


●​ Understanding audio latency and buffer size.

Week 6: Mixing & Equalization (EQ)

●​ The frequency spectrum: sub-bass, bass, midrange, treble.


●​ Parametric vs. graphic vs. shelving EQ.
●​ Techniques for EQing different instruments.
●​ Cutting vs. boosting frequencies: importance of subtractive EQ.
●​ Common EQ mistakes and how to avoid them.

Week 7: Dynamic Processing (Compression & Limiting)

●​ Understanding dynamic range and why compression is necessary.


●​ Parameters of a compressor:
○​ Threshold, ratio, attack, release, knee, makeup gain.
●​ Different types of compressors: optical, FET, VCA, tube.
●​ Multiband compression and parallel compression techniques.
●​ Limiting vs. compression: preventing audio clipping.

Week 8: Reverb, Delay, and Time-Based Effects

●​ Types of reverb: hall, plate, room, convolution, spring.


●​ Pre-delay and decay time in reverb processing.
●​ Delay types: slapback, ping-pong, tape echo.
●​ How to use modulation effects: chorus, flanger, phaser.
●​ Creating depth and space in a mix.

Week 9: Synthesis & Sound Design

●​ Overview of subtractive, additive, FM, wavetable, and granular synthesis.


●​ Key components of a synthesizer:
○​ Oscillators, filters, LFOs, envelopes (ADSR).
●​ Sampling and resampling techniques.
●​ Creating sound textures for film, gaming, and electronic music.
●​ Basics of sound layering and stacking techniques.

Week 10: Audio Editing and Restoration

●​ Common editing techniques: fades, crossfades, clip gain.


●​ Noise reduction and de-noising tools (Izotope RX, Waves NS1).
●​ Fixing phase issues and aligning transients.
●​ Removing unwanted clicks, pops, and hum.
Sound Processing & Engineering
Class Notes

●​ Time stretching and pitch correction (Melodyne, Auto-Tune).

Week 11: Mastering Techniques

●​ The role of mastering in the production process.


●​ EQ, multiband compression, stereo widening, and limiting in mastering.
●​ Loudness standards (LUFS) for streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube).
●​ The importance of headroom and dynamic range.
●​ Using reference tracks for mastering balance.

Week 12: Live Sound Engineering

●​ Basics of PA systems and stage monitoring.


●​ Setting up a front-of-house (FOH) and monitor mix.
●​ Gain structure and feedback control techniques.
●​ Digital vs. analog mixing consoles.
●​ Wireless systems and microphone management.

Week 13: Surround Sound & Spatial Audio

●​ 5.1, 7.1, and Dolby Atmos setups.


●​ Binaural audio and 3D sound design.
●​ Ambisonics and VR/AR sound implementation.
●​ Mixing for immersive experiences.
●​ Case studies on surround sound in film and gaming.

Week 14: Audio for Film & Game Sound

●​ Foley recording and sound effects design.


●​ ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) and voiceover techniques.
●​ Layering sound effects and ambiance.
●​ Interactive audio in video games (Wwise, FMOD).
●​ Music scoring and synchronization techniques.

Week 15: Future Trends in Sound Engineering

●​ AI and machine learning in sound processing.


●​ Real-time audio processing and cloud-based production.
●​ The evolution of streaming audio quality.
●​ Holographic sound and next-gen music experiences.
●​ Ethical considerations in AI-generated music.
Sound Processing & Engineering
Class Notes

Key Takeaways:

●​ Sound processing and engineering involve both technical and creative skills.
●​ Understanding acoustics, recording techniques, and digital audio fundamentals is
essential for high-quality sound.
●​ Mixing, mastering, and sound design techniques help shape professional audio
production.
●​ Advances in spatial audio, AI, and immersive sound technologies are transforming the
industry.
●​ Live sound engineering and film/game audio require unique skill sets and specialized
knowledge.

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