You will be Introduced to the design of recording spaces, both recording and mixing/production rooms. Including the principles and perception of sound, fundamentals of sound propagation and methods of measuring and predicting sound behaviour. You will also learn how to identify acoustic defects along with an introduction to noise and sound isolation.
In semester 2 you will be introduced to further aspects of sound propagation, history and development of the acoustic environment of larger rooms and performance spaces, understanding of the components and specification of sound systems including concepts of system gain and level. A practical session will form the basis of a case study to be completed before the assessment. Students would typically place all equipment, correctly wire it and undertake a series of tests to ascertain its correct function.
To accompany the above their will be a short introduction to the anatomy and function of the ear and psychoacoustics.

PA system rack
Power amplifiers
Graphic equalisers
Crossovers
Compressors
Effects units
Mixing desk
Large venue
Clio measurement system
JBL speakers:
Mid/top
sub
Cabling
Sound level meter

1.DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF FUNDAMENTALS OF SOUND PROPAGATION
[Knowledge and Understanding; Problem Solving]

2.DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE ACOUSTIC ENVIRONMENT AND PROPERTIES OF SOUND IN LISTENING AND RECORDING SPACES
[Analysis; Learning]

3.UNDERSTAND THE FUNDAMENTALS OF RECORDING STUDIO ACOUSTICS
[Analysis; Application]

4. UNDERSTAND THE HISTORY AND FUNDAMENTALS OF VENUE ACOUSTICS INCLUDING CONCERT HALLS AND THEATRES
[Knowledge and Understanding; Problem Solving]

5. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE SET UP AND DESIGN OF SIMPLE PA SYSTEMS
[Analysis; Application]

6. UNDERSTAND THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND WORKINGS OF THE EAR
[Knowledge and Understanding]

26x2 hour lectures plus 26x1 hr tutorials
1x3 hour practical session

50% Written Assignment at the end of semester 1 assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 6. 2000 words
This written assignment is a technical report documenting the design of a recording studio.
The design will include a control room and live room for a typical modern recording studio, students will be given feedback and advice throughout the semester as they work on their design.

50% examination at the end of semester 2 based on a case study and assessing learning outcomes 4 & 5.
This examination will be mainly based around a practical session held during the semester which consists of setting up a small PA system in a venue. Students would typically place the equipment, correctly wire it and undertake a series of tests to ascertain its correct function.
Students will work on a case study of this PA system and similar designs and take their case study notes into the exam, where they will be asked a series of questions to gauge their understanding of the systems and of venue acoustic theory in general.

Davis & Davis. 2013, Sound System Engineering, 4th Ed Focal Press
Everest & Pohlmann. 2014, The Master handbook of Acoustics, 6th Ed Mcgraw Hill
Howard & Angus. 2016, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics. 5th Ed Focal Press
Higham, R. 2015, Introduction to Live Sound, Cambridge Media Group, Cambridge.
Newell. 2017, Recording Studio Design, 34th Ed Focal Press
Stark, S.H. & BCI Media 2005, Live sound reinforcement: a comprehensive guide to P. A. and music reinforcement systems and technology, Bestseller edn, Thomson/Course Technology, Boston, Mass.
JBL Professional. JBL Sound System Design Reference Manual. 1999 (PDF provided in course)

Often the difference between an okay recording and a fantastic recording is the acoustics of the space used during the production process. This module will help you specify and design both recording studios and performance spaces, going into detail about the differences between recording and mixing spaces. Also covered is the use of PA systems and acoustics in performance venues.