Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

The student understands sound as a physical phenomenon, learns about the generation and perception of sound, taking into account the characteristics of different instruments, and gets information about the effect of different conditions on the behavior of sound.
The student hears the width and depth ratios of the stereo image, is able to analyze the structure of the acoustic space, the directional effect created by the upper mid-range sounds and the stuffiness of the sound image created by the lower mid-range sounds. The student identifies the microphone techniques and effect devices used in the construction of an audible sound image.
The student understands the differences between analog and digital systems. He is familiar with different file formats and knows how to convert between file formats. By editing, he is able to compile wholes from recorded material and to produce files suitable for electronic publication, for example online distribution, from recordings.
The student understands the operating principles of microphones and masters practical microphone techniques. He knows how to work as a recording artist in multi-track recording and editing work. He knows how to plan, schedule and implement a recording project. The student gets to know the studio environment not only as a recording artist but also as a studio musician.

Content (course unit)

• physical acoustics
• basics of room acoustics
• the basics of psychoacoustics
• listening exercises and making sound image maps
• using a spectrum analyzer and developing your own frequency hearing
• analysis of technically incorrect recordings
• terminology
• the basics of digital audio
• file formats
• audio compression algorithms
• microphones and microphone technologies
• sound desks
• signal routing
• stereophonic and stereo microphone technologies
• multitrack working
• effects and processing devices
• digital audio editing
• mixing

Further information (course unit)

Participation 80 %

Assessment criteria, pass/fail (course unit)

Successful completion requires the student’s active participation in the course’s face-to-face meetings and the satisfactory completion of assigned tasks.

Assessment methods and criteria

Participation in the course activities, written exam, and the execution of personal recording projects of various styles with accompanying reports.

Assessment scale

Pass/Fail

Teaching methods

In-person teaching
Demonstrations
Presentations
Teaching discussions
Exercises
Assignments
Report
Work description
Laboratory work
Workshop work

Student workload

A total of 216 hours, of which 96 hours are in-person teaching.

Further information

Learning Objectives

The student understands sound as a physical phenomenon, explores the generation and perception of sound considering the characteristics of different instruments, and gains knowledge about the impact of various environments on sound behavior. The student comprehends the differences between analog and digital systems. They become familiar with different file formats and can perform conversions between them. They are capable of editing recorded material to create cohesive pieces and producing files suitable for electronic publication, such as online distribution.

The student understands the principles of microphone operation and masters practical microphone techniques. They can work as a sound engineer in multi-track recording and editing. They are able to plan, schedule, and execute a recording project. The student gets acquainted with the studio environment not only in the role of a sound engineer but also as a studio musician.