Fundamentals of Sound and Studio

Week 1: Understanding Sound and Field Recording

Objective: Introduce the basic concepts of sound, explore the nature of audio waves, and gain practical experience in field recording.

Topics Covered:

• What is Sound?
  • Introduction to sound waves, frequency, amplitude, and the science of sound.
  • The relationship between sound and human perception (pitch, loudness, timbre).
• Introduction to Field Recording:
  • Overview of field recording techniques and their applications.
  • Introduction to portable audio recorders and their settings.
  • Understanding the environment's impact on sound recording.

Activities:

• Hands-on field recording exercises: Capture environmental sounds around the neighborhood.
• Group discussion on the sounds recorded and their characteristics.

Assignment:

• Record a 2-3 minute field recording of a unique environment or soundscape.

Week 2: Microphones - Types, Frequency Response, and Polar Patterns

Objective: Familiarize students with various types of microphones, their specific uses, and how to read frequency charts and polar patterns.

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Microphones:
  • Overview of microphone types: Dynamic, Condenser, Ribbon, Lavalier, etc.
  • Microphone applications in different recording scenarios.
• Frequency Response Charts:
  • Understanding and interpreting microphone frequency response.
  • Practical examples of frequency charts and their impact on sound capture.
• Polar Patterns:
  • Explanation of polar patterns: Omni-directional, Cardioid, Bi-directional, etc.
  • Selecting the right microphone and polar pattern for different recording situations.

Activities:

• Demonstration of different microphones and their polar patterns.
• Practical exercise: Record the same sound source using different microphones and compare results.

Assignment:

• Choose a microphone and record a 1-2 minute audio clip that highlights its unique characteristics.

Week 3: Introduction to Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and Sound Library Creation

Objective: Teach students the basics of using DAWs for recording, editing, and organizing audio, and start contributing to a collective sound library.

Topics Covered:

• Basics of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs):
  • Introduction to popular DAWs (e.g., Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro).
  • Basic navigation, recording, editing, and arranging audio in a DAW.
  • Overview of key DAW tools: Timeline, Mixer, Plugins, and Effects.
• Creating a Sound Library:
  • Organizing and categorizing field recordings and other sounds.
  • Contributing to a shared class sound library.

Activities:

• Guided tutorial on setting up and recording in a DAW.
• Import and edit field recordings from Week 1 into the DAW.
• Begin building a personal and class sound library.

Assignment:

• Edit and contribute 3-5 unique sounds to the class sound library.

Week 4: Introduction to Mixing, Mastering, and Creative Sound Manipulation

Objective: Introduce students to the fundamentals of mixing and mastering, and explore creative techniques for processing and manipulating audio.

Topics Covered:

• Basics of Mixing and Mastering:
  • Understanding the mixing process: Balancing levels, EQ, panning, and adding effects.
  • Introduction to mastering: Finalizing audio for distribution.
• Looping and Processing Audio:
  • Techniques for creating loops and layering sounds.
  • Using effects and plugins to creatively manipulate audio samples.
• Project Sharing and Feedback:
  • Preparing and exporting a final audio project.
  • Sharing creations with the class and providing constructive feedback.

Assignment:

• Mix and master a short audio project using samples from the class sound library.
• Create a loop-based track or soundscape using field recordings.
• Class listening session and feedback on final projects.

Final Project:

• Submit a mixed and mastered audio piece (1-3 minutes) that incorporates field recordings, loops, and creative processing.

End of Course:

• Completion: Successful students will be eligible to register for the Spatial Audio course and obtain studio access.
• Reflection: Discuss the learning experience and how it can be applied to future projects.

This course outline balances theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on activities, ensuring that students develop a solid foundation in audio that will prepare them for more advanced studies and creative endeavors.