AUDIO DESIGN AND

SOUND ENGINEERING
 MODULE I
Fundamentals of Sound
 What is
Recording

Capturing SOUND for future playback and/or processing

The first device that could record sound mechanically (but could not
play it back) was the phonautograph, developed in 1857 by Edouard-
Leon Scoot de Martinville

In 1877, while seeking to improve the telephone. Thomas Edison

invented the Phonograph (patented in 1878) which was the first
working recording device

In 1877, the Gramophone was invented by Emile Berliner. The

Gramophone used a non-wax disc with lateral cut grooves to capture
sound. The first singers recorded in 1893. ( Grammy Awards named
after Gramophone)

AUDIO DESIGN AND

SOUND ENGINEERING
 What is
Recording

Capturing SOUND for future playback and/or processing

In 1928, Fritz Pfleumer (Germany) received a patent for the
Magnetophone, the first tape-based, or analog, recording device.

Magnetic tape is comprised of several layers. One layer is evenly

coated with magnetic oxide ( smallest known magnets). When a
recording is made, the magnets reorient themselves in order to
reproduce what is being recorded.

The audio cassette and recorder were invented in 1965

AUDIO DESIGN AND

SOUND ENGINEERING
 What is
Recording

Capturing SOUND for future playback and/or processing

In the early 1970s, researchers for Philips began to experiment with
optical disc technology. In 1980, the compact disc (CD) standard was
implemented. CDs became commercially available in 1982.

In 1989, Digidesign invented Sound Tools, a MAc-based 2-track digital

recording/editing system, Sound Tools was the first sodtware-based
recording program,

In 1991, Sound Tools was renamed Pro Tools. There are now
numerous computer-based recording programs

AUDIO DESIGN AND

SOUND ENGINEERING
 What is Sound

Vibration that travel through the air or another medium (water, solid, liquid) and can
be heard when they reach a person`s or animal`s ear. These vibrations are called
"Sound Pressure Waves".

Image of soundwaves Sound is vibration

AUDIO DESIGN AND

SOUND ENGINEERING
 What is Sound

Individual sounds (i.e. voices, instruments, animal sounds, etc.) differ based on
amplitude, frequency, and timbre. These are the primary characteristics that help us
distinguish one sound from another.
Amplitude - Loudness
The acoustic intensity of Sound Pressure Waves is called Sound Pressure Level
(SPL). We measure SPL in decibels (dB)
Threshold of Sound = 0 dB
Ideal Mixing Level = 85 dB
Threshold of Pain = 125 - 130 dB
Frequency - The rate at which a sound vibrates ( measured in Hertz (Hz)

AUDIO DESIGN AND

SOUND ENGINEERING
 What is Sound

Timbre - Tone color or tone quality

Timbre is what makes a particular sound different form another, even when they
have the same pitch and loudness
-Sound produces a fundamental frequency (lowest frequency or pitch)
and, possibly, a dominant frequency ( the tome most heard by the sound),
which may or may not be the same tone.
-There are also harmonics (multiples of the fundamental frequency) and
partials (other overtones)
-The way a sound attacks, decays, sustains and releases also are a major
aspect of the timbre

Trumpet Violin Flute Guitar Keyboard

AUDIO DESIGN AND

SOUND ENGINEERING
 Audio
Engineering

Audio Engineering is the science and art of recording and reproducing sounds
through mechanical, electronic, and digital means. It includes the process of
recording, editing, mixing, and mastering.

Audio Engineers work in recording studios, radio stations, film studios, and
venues where sound is recorded and reproduced.

Audio Engineering is a craft. It is a trade that takes many years of study

(structured and/or independent) and experience to fully understand and become
proficient

Audio Engineers must understand the fundamentals and traditions of the craft,
and stay abreast of, and be in tune with technological advancements in the field.

AUDIO DESIGN AND

SOUND ENGINEERING
 Audio
Engineering
Audio Engineers are responsible for recording and mixing/mastering music and
audio so that is sounds accurate. consistent and balanced (based on the genre) on a
wide variety of mediums and listening sources (i.e home and car stereo speakers,
CDs, iPods, headphones, computers, T.Vs, etc)

AUDIO DESIGN AND

SOUND ENGINEERING