Module Code - Title:
CS4025
-
DIGITAL AUDIO FUNDAMENTALS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
An introduction to digital audio aimed toward preparation for studio applications.
Syllabus:
Nature of analog and digital sound;
Principles of digital signal processing for audio including sampling theory and spectral representation, digital sound synthesis techniques;
Digital audio recording techniques including selection and use of microphones;
Multitrack recording;
Manipulation of digital audio files;
Digital audio and compression;
Digital audio distribution including storage, internet and digital audio broadcasting.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Describe the analog to digital and digital to analog conversion process.
2. Define the steps in the ADC and DAC chain.
3. Discuss the relative merits of different data compression schemes for audio (e.g., MP3, MP4, AAC, etc).
4. Demonstrate the application of microphone principles.
5. Apply basic recording and mixing techniques
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Assemble a simple recording chain using a microphone and computer.
2. Troubleshoot a simple audio setup that includes microphones, audio interfaces, audio devices and computers.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Frances Rumsey and Tim McCormack (1996)
Sound and Recording: An Introduction
, Focal Press
Barlett and Bartlett (2009)
Practical Recording Techniques
, Focal Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Neil.OConnor@ul.ie