Sound Processing & Engineering
Class Notes
Week 1: Introduction to Sound Processing & Engineering
● Definition and scope of sound processing and audio engineering.
● Basic physics of sound:
○ Sound waves: frequency, amplitude, wavelength.
○ Speed of sound in different mediums.
○ Harmonics and overtones.
● Introduction to digital vs. analog sound processing.
● Overview of common applications: music production, film sound, broadcasting, gaming
audio.
Week 2: Fundamentals of Acoustics
● How sound interacts with environments.
● Reverberation, reflection, absorption, diffraction, and diffusion.
● The role of room acoustics in audio quality.
● Understanding soundproofing vs. sound treatment.
● Practical considerations for studio design.
Week 3: Audio Signals and Signal Flow
● Analog vs. digital signals.
● Understanding dB levels and gain staging.
● Signal chain in a recording setup:
○ Microphone → Preamp → Audio Interface → DAW.
● Types of connections: XLR, TRS, RCA, Optical, MIDI.
● Importance of balanced and unbalanced signals.
Week 4: Microphones and Recording Techniques
● Microphone types: dynamic, condenser, ribbon, contact mics.
● Polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, shotgun.
● Placement techniques for different instruments:
○ Vocals, acoustic guitar, drums, piano, orchestral recording.
● Stereo recording techniques: XY, AB, ORTF, Mid-Side.
● Direct input (DI) recording vs. mic recording.
Week 5: Digital Audio Fundamentals
● Sample rate and bit depth: 44.1kHz vs. 48kHz vs. 96kHz.
● Nyquist Theorem and avoiding aliasing.
● Quantization and dithering.
Sound Processing & Engineering
Class Notes
● Lossy vs. lossless audio formats (MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC).
● Understanding audio latency and buffer size.
Week 6: Mixing & Equalization (EQ)
● The frequency spectrum: sub-bass, bass, midrange, treble.
● Parametric vs. graphic vs. shelving EQ.
● Techniques for EQing different instruments.
● Cutting vs. boosting frequencies: importance of subtractive EQ.
● Common EQ mistakes and how to avoid them.
Week 7: Dynamic Processing (Compression & Limiting)
● Understanding dynamic range and why compression is necessary.
● Parameters of a compressor:
○ Threshold, ratio, attack, release, knee, makeup gain.
● Different types of compressors: optical, FET, VCA, tube.
● Multiband compression and parallel compression techniques.
● Limiting vs. compression: preventing audio clipping.
Week 8: Reverb, Delay, and Time-Based Effects
● Types of reverb: hall, plate, room, convolution, spring.
● Pre-delay and decay time in reverb processing.
● Delay types: slapback, ping-pong, tape echo.
● How to use modulation effects: chorus, flanger, phaser.
● Creating depth and space in a mix.
Week 9: Synthesis & Sound Design
● Overview of subtractive, additive, FM, wavetable, and granular synthesis.
● Key components of a synthesizer:
○ Oscillators, filters, LFOs, envelopes (ADSR).
● Sampling and resampling techniques.
● Creating sound textures for film, gaming, and electronic music.
● Basics of sound layering and stacking techniques.
Week 10: Audio Editing and Restoration
● Common editing techniques: fades, crossfades, clip gain.
● Noise reduction and de-noising tools (Izotope RX, Waves NS1).
● Fixing phase issues and aligning transients.
● Removing unwanted clicks, pops, and hum.
Sound Processing & Engineering
Class Notes
● Time stretching and pitch correction (Melodyne, Auto-Tune).
Week 11: Mastering Techniques
● The role of mastering in the production process.
● EQ, multiband compression, stereo widening, and limiting in mastering.
● Loudness standards (LUFS) for streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube).
● The importance of headroom and dynamic range.
● Using reference tracks for mastering balance.
Week 12: Live Sound Engineering
● Basics of PA systems and stage monitoring.
● Setting up a front-of-house (FOH) and monitor mix.
● Gain structure and feedback control techniques.
● Digital vs. analog mixing consoles.
● Wireless systems and microphone management.
Week 13: Surround Sound & Spatial Audio
● 5.1, 7.1, and Dolby Atmos setups.
● Binaural audio and 3D sound design.
● Ambisonics and VR/AR sound implementation.
● Mixing for immersive experiences.
● Case studies on surround sound in film and gaming.
Week 14: Audio for Film & Game Sound
● Foley recording and sound effects design.
● ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) and voiceover techniques.
● Layering sound effects and ambiance.
● Interactive audio in video games (Wwise, FMOD).
● Music scoring and synchronization techniques.
Week 15: Future Trends in Sound Engineering
● AI and machine learning in sound processing.
● Real-time audio processing and cloud-based production.
● The evolution of streaming audio quality.
● Holographic sound and next-gen music experiences.
● Ethical considerations in AI-generated music.
Sound Processing & Engineering
Class Notes
Key Takeaways:
● Sound processing and engineering involve both technical and creative skills.
● Understanding acoustics, recording techniques, and digital audio fundamentals is
essential for high-quality sound.
● Mixing, mastering, and sound design techniques help shape professional audio
production.
● Advances in spatial audio, AI, and immersive sound technologies are transforming the
industry.
● Live sound engineering and film/game audio require unique skill sets and specialized
knowledge.
