BASIC SOUND ENGINEERING

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE
 What is Sound Engineering?

Definition
Sound Engineering is a multifaceted discipline
that combines:
Technical expertise in audio equipment and
acoustics
Creative skills in sound manipulation and
production
Scientific understanding of sound physics
 Core Functions
1. Recording
- Studio session management
- Multi-track recording
- Voice-over recording
- Live recording
2. Mixing
- Balance and blend multiple audio sources
- Apply effects and processing
- Create sonic space and depth
- Enhance sound quality
3. Production
- Music production
- Sound design
- Audio post-production
- Live sound reinforcement
 COURSE OBJECTIVES
Technical Knowledge
1. Understanding Sound Fundamentals
- Properties of sound waves
- Frequency and amplitude
- Digital audio concepts
- Signal flow principles
2. Equipment Proficiency
- Microphone techniques
- Audio interface operation
- Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) skills
- Signal processing tools
3. Production Skills
- Recording techniques
- Mixing methods
- Basic mastering concepts and Troubleshooting abilities
 Practical Applications
1. Studio Work
- Setting up recording sessions
- Managing multiple tracks
- Applying effects and processing
- Project organization
2. Live Sound
- PA system setup
- Monitor mixing
- Feedback prevention
- Live recording
3. Post-Production
- Audio editing
- Sound restoration
- Format conversion
 WHO CAN BECOME A
SOUND ENGINEER?
Required Qualities
1. Personal Attributes
- Good hearing and listening skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving ability
- Patience and persistence
- Creative mindset
2. Technical Aptitude
- Understanding of technology
- Mathematical basics
- Computer literacy
- Mechanical inclination
3. Professional Skills
- Communication ability
- Team collaboration
- Time management and Project organization
 Career Paths
1. Studio-Based Roles
- Recording engineer
- Mix engineer
- Mastering engineer
- Music producer
2. Live Sound Positions
- Front of house engineer
- Monitor engineer
- System technician
- Tour sound engineer
3. Specialized Fields
- Broadcast audio
- Film/TV sound
- Game audio
- Installation sound
 WHAT IS SOUND?
Basic Definition
Sound is a form of energy that
travels through matter (usually air)
as a vibration in the form of waves.
These waves are created by:
- Vibrating objects
- Air pressure variations
- Molecular movement
 Properties of Sound
1. Frequency Waves

- Definition: Number of wave cycles per

second
- Measured in: Hertz (Hz)
- Examples:
* Low frequencies (20-250 Hz): Bass drums,
bass guitar
* Mid frequencies (250-2000 Hz): Human
voice, guitar
Properties of Sound
Waves
 Properties of Sound
Waves
2. Amplitude
- Definition: The strength or power of a sound wave
- Measured in: Decibels (dB)
- Common Reference Points:
* Whisper: 30 dB
* Normal conversation: 60 dB
* City traffic: 80 dB
* Rock concert: 110 dB
* Pain threshold: 130 dB
Properties of Sound
Waves
 Properties of Sound
Waves
3. Wavelength
- Definition: Distance between two
consecutive wave peaks
- Relationship: Speed of Sound ÷
Frequency
- Example:
* At 1 kHz: Wavelength = 343 m/s ÷
Properties of Sound
Waves
 Sound Wave Types

1. Sine Waves
- Pure tones
- Single frequency
- No harmonics
- Used as reference tones
Sound Wave Types
 Sound Wave Types
2. Complex Waves
- Multiple frequencies
- Contains harmonics
- Most natural sounds
- Musical instruments
Sound Wave Types
 Sound Wave Types
3. Noise
- Random frequencies
- No definite pitch
- Types:
* White noise (equal energy)
* Pink noise (balanced spectrum)
* Brown noise (bass heavy)
Sound Wave Types
 SOUND WAVE BEHAVIOR

1. Reflection
- Bouncing off surfaces
- Creates echoes and reverb
- Affected by surface material
- Important in room acoustics
 SOUND WAVE BEHAVIOR

2. Absorption
- Sound energy converted to heat
- Materials:
* Foam
* Fiberglass
* Heavy curtains
* Acoustic panels
 SOUND WAVE BEHAVIOR

3. Diffusion
- Scattering of sound waves
- Creates even sound distribution
- Used in studio design
- Reduces standing waves
 SOUND WAVE BEHAVIOR

4. Diffraction
- Sound bending around objects
- Affects low frequencies more
- Important for speaker placement
- Room design consideration
 SOUND IN DIFFERENT
MEDIUMS

1. Air
- Speed: 343 m/s (at 20°C)
- Affected by:
* Temperature
* Humidity
* Atmospheric pressure
 SOUND IN DIFFERENT
MEDIUMS

2. Solids
- Faster transmission
- Better conductivity
- Structure-borne sound
- Vibration isolation needed
 SOUND IN DIFFERENT
MEDIUMS

3. Liquids
- Higher density than air
- Faster transmission
- Used in underwater acoustics
 PSYCHOACOUSTICS

1. Perceived Loudness
- Not linear with amplitude
- Fletcher-Munson curves
- Frequency dependent
- Context sensitive
 PSYCHOACOUSTICS

2. Critical Bands
- Frequency masking
- Auditory processing
- Important for mixing
- EQ considerations
 PSYCHOACOUSTICS

3. Spatial Hearing
- Stereo perception
- Head-related transfer function
- Precedence effect
- Important for mixing
 The Human Ear
How We Hear Sound
1. **External Ear (Pinna)**
- Collects sound waves
- Helps determine sound
direction
- Funnels sound into ear canal
 The Human Ear
Middle Ear
- Eardrum (Tympanic
membrane) receives sound
vibrations
- Three small bones (ossicles)
amplify sound
 The Human Ear
Inner Ear (Cochlea)
- Converts sound waves to nerve
signals
- Contains thousands of tiny hair
cells
- Different areas respond to
The Human Ear
 Frequency Range
Human hearing: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
(20 kHz)
- Most sensitive range: 2,000 -
5,000 Hz
- Speech frequencies: 250 - 6,000
Hz
 VOLUME LEVELS (DB SCALE)

- 0 dB: Threshold of hearing

- 30 dB: Whisper
- 60 dB: Normal conversation
- 85 dB: Safe exposure limit for 8
hours
- 120 dB: Pain threshold
 Hearing Protection Tips

- Use earplugs in loud environments

- Take regular breaks when mixing
- Monitor at moderate levels
- Regular hearing tests
- Avoid prolonged exposure to loud
sounds