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Acoustics and Studio Recording - ELE00062I

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Frank Stevens
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module covers the theory and practicalities of sound and music recording. This will start with an introduction to the fundamentals of sound, and build to an understanding of room acoustics. This theory will be supported by a series of practical sessions devoted to the handling and analysis of audio signals. The module will also introduce the art and science of recording audio, covering the technical and creative aspects of recording and producing music from microphone to master. The module’s sessions will therefore include lab-based sessions covering key software skills, and studio-based practical support.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

Subject content aims:

  • To introduce the fundamentals of acoustics.

  • To develop from these fundamentals an understanding of the measurement and analysis of room acoustics.

  • To enable the students to develop skills in the handling and analysis of digital audio signals.

  • To introduce the students to the recording studio environment and a range of recording production techniques.

  • To enable the students to develop proficiency in the use of recording technologies.

Graduate skills aims:

  • To establish fundamental skills in technical report writing.

  • To develop effective time and project management skills through the completion of a complex recording task

Module learning outcomes

Subject content learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Describe the recording studio environment, recording formats, and the associated signals and systems involved

  • Be able to use a software based Digital Audio Workstation environment together with a range of mixing and processing options for recording, editing and production work

  • Be able to select and use microphones appropriate for recording live and studio-based scenarios

  • Be able to mix individual component audio tracks into a two track stereo master

  • Discuss the fundamentals of acoustics

  • Explain acoustic impulse responses, the analysis of acoustic impulse responses, and the use of acoustic impulse responses in auralisation

  • Describe the practical use of digital signal processing techniques including convolution and the fourier transform

  • Be able to use MATLAB to handle and analyse digital audio signals.

Graduate skills learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Be able to write a technical report

  • Be able to produce technical documentation to support their creative output

  • Have developed the ability to self-reflect on their work

  • Be able to demonstrate their ability to work individually to complete creative and technical studio-based tasks

  • Have developed skills in technical analysis and problem solving.

Module content

  • Introduction to acoustics:

    • Fundamental properties of sound waves

    • Speed of sound

    • Frequency and wavelength

    • Decibels and SPL measurement

  • Sound in spaces: reflection, absorption, and diffusion

  • Standing waves and room modes

  • Sabine reverberation time estimation

  • Acoustic impulse responses (IRs)

  • Introduction to the acoustics of musical instruments

  • IR analysis: the Schroeder curve, RT60, EDT, clarity, definition etc.

  • Convolution and auralisation

  • Time- and frequency- domain audio analysis (the fourier transform, spectral analysis, spectrograms)

  • Audio signals in MATLAB:

    • Handling

    • Synthesis

    • Analysis

    • Resampling

    • Convolution

    • Playback

  • Digital and analogue audio signal types

  • Comb filtering and phase in audio signals

  • Microphone types, function and applications

  • Stereo microphone techniques

  • Recording instruments

  • Dynamic range processing of audio signals

  • Studio effects processing

  • Multitrack audio workflow and mixing

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay : Acoustic Analysis Exercise		 N/A 50
Essay/coursework
Essay : Studio Recording Exercise		 N/A 50

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

There are 2 assessments for this module, which will be issued towards the start of the teaching sessions.

  1. Studio Recording Exercise: Students will produce a multitrack musical recording using a variety of microphone and mixing techniques. The mix will incorporate at least one element recorded using a stereo microphone pair of a type covered on the course. Students will be required to deliver their finished mix, as well as isolated stems from the stereo pair. An accompanying report will describe their stereo recording work, how this was incorporated into their mix, and any additional recording, mixing or mastering work performed on their mix.

  2. Acoustic Analysis Exercise: Students will create an example of auralisation by making use of an anechoic recording of a musical instrument and an acoustic impulse response. The student should record the anechoic material themselves and make use of an acoustic impulse response from OpenAIR (although they will be provided with the tools required for acoustic impulse response measurement). The students will conduct an analysis of the musical recording, the impulse response, and the auralisation result and will relate these analyses to the acoustic properties of the chosen musical instrument and the acoustic features of the impulse response measurement space. The results will be presented in a technical report (making suitable use of time- and frequency-domain analysis), submitted along with the audio files and MATLAB analysis code

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay : Acoustic Analysis Exercise		 N/A 50
Essay/coursework
Essay : Studio Recording Exercise		 N/A 50

Module feedback

Formative Feedback

Regular labs will allow students to engage with the module material and receive help with, and feedback on, their practical work.

Emails to the Module Staff with Questions / Comments will be answered as soon as possible.

The studio drop-in sessions will allow students to receive further support for their work on the recording studio exercise.

Summative Feedback

For each summative assessment students will receive a customised feedback sheet, showing the mark breakdown in each of the key areas being assessed along with personalised feedback and suggestions for improvement. The comments explain how well you have met the learning objectives, and also give you feedback about the things you could improve in future assignments).

Indicative reading

  • Howard DM and Angus JAS, (2009). Acoustics and psychoacoustics, 4th Ed., Oxford: Focal Press.

  • Sound recording practice’ edited by John Borwick for the Association of Professional Recording Services, 4th Edition, Oxford University Press 1996. ISBN 0 198 166087

  • Ballou, G,‘editor, ‘Handbook for sound engineers’, Focal Press, 2005, ISBN 0 240 807588 Bartlett, G, and Bartlett J,

  • ‘Practical Recording Techniques’, Focal Press, 2005. ISBN 0 240 80685 9

  • Francis Rumsey, and Tim McCormick ‘Sound & Recording – An Introduction’ 5th Edition, 2005, Focal Press. ISBN: 0 240 51996 5

  • Moylan, William, 'The Art of Recording' Focal Press, 2002. ISBN: 0 240 80483X


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.