Course Number: VP 102
Course Name: Fundamentals of Audio, Digital sound for Multimedia
Instructor: Woodstrup
Quarter: Spring 2004
Course Prerequisites: IC 112

Course Description:
This course investigates the principles of digital sound and music recording. An introduction to sound includes the study of sound characteristics, basic acoustics, ergonomics, and basic techniques for field recording. Waveform physics and psychoacoustics are also covered. The role of sound/music in video production is explained and exemplified. Techniques to integrate digital audio for Animation, Video, CDROM, and web applications will be explored.

Course Competencies:
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

Record speech
Describe basic audio equipment types, formats, and functions
Define and use basic audio terminology
Select and use appropriate microphones for a given application
Diagram the signal flow of audio in the recording and mix-down processes
Produce appropriate audio effects and transitions in computer animation, video, and multimedia

Student Evaluation:
Project 1 (10 - 10) 10 points
Project 2 (Sound Fix) 10 points
Project 3 (Sound Mixing) 10 points
Quiz 1 10 points
Project 4 (Radio Commercial) 15 points
Project 5 (Sound Effects) 15 points
Quiz 2 15 points
Project 6 (Interactive Sound) 15 points

Total 100 points

Project 1 - 10:10

Objective:
Through experimentation with the software you will record or synthesize using FM synthesis at least 10.wav files 8-12 seconds in duration. Through this process you will learn the basics of recording and sound synthesis. You will also learn how to digitally manipulate sound.

Competencies:
Describe the principles of digital audio
Apply techniques of digital signal processing
Apply sampling technology and techniques
Describe the fundamentals of audio signals
Describe hard disk recording software and hardware packages
Import and export files in digital audio formats

Assignment:
With Sound Forge, create 10 diverse sounds either using FM Synthesis, Simple synthesis, or by importing sound from a CD.

Continue creating sounds, making sure that each is very different and unique from the others that you have created. These sounds do not need to sound "like" anything - they can be completely experimental.

Be aware of the quality of your audio files. Always monitor your sound using the "play meters" this will help you avoid clipping your sound.

Add effects to your sound to enhance it's quality and dynamics.

When you have finished manipulating your sound, make sure that you fade the sound in at the beginning and out at the end.

Save your sound at CD quality audio: 44,100 Hz, 16 bit, stereo, .wav files. Hand in your assignment on compact disc - making sure that you make a DATA CD not an audio CD!!! You will be required to submit documentation for this assignment.

Documentation:
The process used to create each sound must be documented in detail. Keeping a log while working is recommended. This documentation is required when handing the assignment in. It should be in sentence form, using terminology explained during lectures.

Project 2 - Sound Fix

Objective:
Using preexisting sound files provided by the instructor, you will learn to edit sound and remove unwanted noise.

Competencies:
Equalize voice and dialogue for clarity
Adjust audio levels for uniform sound quality
Apply techniques of digital signal processing
Apply sampling technology and techniques

Assignment:
Remove unwanted hiss, pops, or spikes from the audio file entitled "Club Jade."

For the file entitled "noise gate," use the noise gate effect to remove the noise from the sound file while retaining the vocal track. You may wish to incorporate an Equalizer or High-Pass filter.

For the "normalize" file, raise the volume of the file using the normalize effect. Be careful not to clip, distort the sound, or raise the noise floor.

Project 3 - Sound Mixing

Objective:
Using preexisting sound files provided by the instructor, you will learn to mix sound for improved stereo effect and sound clarity.

Competencies:
Set, record, and monitor proper audio levels
Demonstrate use of mixer
Mix multiple tracks of music, voice, and sound effects
Equalize voice and dialogue for clarity
Adjust audio levels for uniform sound quality

Assignment:
Import sound files, from the "mix" folder, into Premiere. Mix these sounds according to their qualities as narration, ambience, or sound effects. Your mix should be at least 30 seconds in length. Use panning, crossfades, and effects (delay and reverb) to enhance the spatial qualities of your mix. Export the sound from Premiere as a 44,100 Hz 16 bit Stereo .wav file (windows waveform). Documentation:
The process used to mix each sound must be documented in detail. Keeping a log while working is recommended. This documentation is required when handing the assignment in. It should be in sentence form, using terminology explained during lectures.

Project 4 - Radio Commercial/Drama

Objective:
Record a thirty-second commercial or drama that will be used solely as sound (without any visual element). Make a clear, decipherable recording of the human voice, while also establishing believable setting and emotion. Information should be conveyed effectively and persuasively depending upon the nature of the work. If you record a radio commercial, it must have a final length of precisely 30, 45, or 60 seconds. If it is longer you must edit it down. NOTE: you must create your OWN original music!

Competencies:
Use different microphones in a variety of production situations
Identify different types of microphones and describe the pick up pattern of each
Demonstrate proper microphone placement
Identify and utilize microphone accessories
Set, record, and monitor proper audio levels
Demonstrate use of mixer
Mix multiple tracks of music, voice, and sound effects
Equalize voice and dialogue for clarity
Adjust audio levels for uniform sound quality
Record sound effects
Record voice over tracks
Select music and sound effects
Use digital audio in music production
Import and export files in digital audio formats

Assignment:
Originate a commercial for a specific product/event, record a dialogue/conversation, or read a story. Create a "sound bed" for the story/commercial that adheres to the setting or emotion of the piece. Strategically place sound effects throughout the piece to add to the sense of setting, emotion, or action.

Documentation:
Include the exact dialogue used for the commercial. State the intended purpose of the commercial (what you are trying to sell). Describe the setting and reasons for each sound effect. Describe the process you went through in order to mix the audio (panning, signal processing, fading, etc.)

Project 5 - SFX

Objective:
Class is required to create music and sound effects for an animation (pre-assigned) using Acid, Premiere, and Sound Forge.

Competencies:
Produce appropriate audio effects and transitions in computer animation.
Integrate audio with animated compositions.
Acquire and analyze sound to produce a timing guide for animation.
Examine sound/image relationship to select suitable audio.
Match Audio effects with specific visual images.
Synchronize audio and video transports.
Describe hard disk recording software and hardware packages
Use digital audio in interactive design
Use digital audio in music production
Import and export files in digital audio formats

Assignment:
Based on lectures in class, choose one of the animations and create original music using Acid. NOTE: you must create your OWN original music! Have reasons for your music, such as "mickymousing" or "leitmotifs".

Create and time music and sound effects. Multi-track the compositions, using appropriate effects such as reverb and echo through Premiere or ACID. Do not use SFX from the internet.

Cut the music within the animation, carefully maintaining mix levels, use of crossfades and cuts. Do not cut or edit the animation.

Create an AVI or MOV, 320 by 240, 15 fps, using Microsoft AVI or Quicktime MOV with Cinepak or Sorenson compression. The audio should be 44.1 kHz, 16 bit, and stereo

Documentation:
The process used to create each sound must be documented in detail. Explain your reasons for the placement of sound into the animation. Keeping a log while working is recommended. This documentation is required when handing the assignment in. It should be in sentence form, using terminology explained during lectures.

Project 6 - Interactive Sound

Objective:
To gain experience using sound effectively in interactive applications such as Director or Flash. Students are to demonstrate a knowledge of a sound’s relationship to visual graphics.

Competencies:
Describe the principles of digital audio
Apply techniques of digital signal processing
Synchronize audio and video transports.
Describe hard disk recording software and hardware packages
Use digital audio in interactive design
Use digital audio in music production
Import and export files in digital audio formats

Assignment:
Create effective sounds or music to be performed interactively using Flash, Director, or HTML. This interactivity must have a specific context – meaning that the sounds and images used must be used with a specific theme or title. Experimental work will be accepted, yet the students must present their concept for experimentation and outline their specific goals. Sounds/music should be used with rollovers, mouse down/up, animated graphics, and/or .mov .avi files.

Documentation:
Describe the process you went through in order to mix the audio (panning, signal processing, fading, etc.) Describe the intended relationship that your sounds have to the visual/graphic action. The process used to create each sound must be documented in detail. Keeping a log while working is recommended. This documentation is required when handing the assignment in. It should be in sentence form, using terminology explained during lectures.