Acoustics and Studio Recording - ELE00062I

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2025-26
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

This module covers the theory and practicalities of sound and music recording. This will start with an introduction to the fundamentals of sound, and build to an understanding of room acoustics. This theory will be supported by a series of practical sessions devoted to the handling and analysis of audio signals. The module will also introduce the art and science of recording audio, covering the technical and creative aspects of recording and producing music from microphone to master. The module’s sessions will therefore include lab-based sessions covering key software skills, and studio-based practical support.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2025-26

Module aims

Subject content aims:

  • To introduce the fundamentals of acoustics.

  • To develop from these fundamentals an understanding of the measurement and analysis of room acoustics.

  • To enable the students to develop skills in the handling and analysis of digital audio signals.

  • To introduce the students to the recording studio environment and a range of recording production techniques.

  • To enable the students to develop proficiency in the use of recording technologies.

Graduate skills aims:

  • To establish fundamental skills in technical report writing.

  • To develop effective time and project management skills through the completion of a complex recording task

Module learning outcomes

Subject content learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  • Describe the recording studio environment, recording formats, and the associated signals and systems involved
  • Use a software based Digital Audio Workstation environment together with a range of mixing and processing options for recording, editing and production work
  • Analyse, select and use microphones appropriate for recording live and studio-based scenarios
  • Mix individual component audio tracks into a two track stereo master
  • Discuss the fundamentals of acoustics
  • Explain acoustic impulse responses, the analysis of acoustic impulse responses, and the use of acoustic impulse responses in auralisation
  • Describe the practical use of digital signal processing techniques including convolution and the fourier transform
  • Implement MATLAB code to handle and analyse digital audio signals

Graduate skills learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  • Write a technical report
  • Create technical documentation to support their creative output
  • Assess and self-reflect on their work
  • Demonstrate their ability to work individually to complete creative and technical studio-based tasks
  • Analyse technical issues and competently solve problems.

Module content

  • Introduction to acoustics:

    • Fundamental properties of sound waves

    • Speed of sound

    • Frequency and wavelength

    • Decibels and SPL measurement

  • Sound in spaces: reflection, absorption, and diffusion

  • Standing waves and room modes

  • Sabine reverberation time estimation

  • Acoustic impulse responses (IRs)

  • Introduction to the acoustics of musical instruments

  • IR analysis: the Schroeder curve, RT60, EDT, clarity, definition etc.

  • Convolution and auralisation

  • Time- and frequency- domain audio analysis (the fourier transform, spectral analysis, spectrograms)

  • Audio signals in MATLAB:

    • Handling

    • Synthesis

    • Analysis

    • Resampling

    • Convolution

    • Playback

  • Digital and analogue audio signal types

  • Comb filtering and phase in audio signals

  • Microphone types, function and applications

  • Stereo microphone techniques

  • Recording instruments

  • Dynamic range processing of audio signals

  • Studio effects processing

  • Multitrack audio workflow and mixing

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The portfolio assessment for this module will be comprised of a report and recording exercises

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Formative Feedback

Regular labs will allow students to engage with the module material and receive help with, and feedback on, their practical work.

Emails to the Module Staff with Questions / Comments will be answered as soon as possible.

The studio drop-in sessions will allow students to receive further support for their work on the recording studio exercise.

Summative Feedback

For each summative assessment students will receive a customised feedback sheet, showing the mark breakdown in each of the key areas being assessed along with personalised feedback and suggestions for improvement. The comments explain how well you have met the learning objectives, and also give you feedback about the things you could improve in future assignments).

Indicative reading

  • Howard DM and Angus JAS, (2009). Acoustics and psychoacoustics, 4th Ed., Oxford: Focal Press.

  • Sound recording practice’ edited by John Borwick for the Association of Professional Recording Services, 4th Edition, Oxford University Press 1996. ISBN 0 198 166087

  • Ballou, G,‘editor, ‘Handbook for sound engineers’, Focal Press, 2005, ISBN 0 240 807588 Bartlett, G, and Bartlett J,

  • ‘Practical Recording Techniques’, Focal Press, 2005. ISBN 0 240 80685 9

  • Francis Rumsey, and Tim McCormick ‘Sound & Recording – An Introduction’ 5th Edition, 2005, Focal Press. ISBN: 0 240 51996 5

  • Moylan, William, 'The Art of Recording' Focal Press, 2002. ISBN: 0 240 80483X