Extended Unit Outline (EUO)

Australian Institute of Music

Unit Name: Audio Technology 1 Unit Code: A1AT1 Teaching Period: Trimester 1, 2013

Staff
Role Unit Coordinator Teacher(s) Staff Member Richard Hundy Greg Simmons Email / Extension rhundy@aim.edu.au gsimmons@aim.edu.au

Location and Times

Lesson Class (a) Class (b) Class (c) Class (d) Location B204 B204 B204 B204 Time Monday 9:00am 11:00am Monday 11:00am 1:00pm Wednesday 11:00am 1:00pm Monday 4:00pm 6:00pm

NOTE: Classes commence 5 mins after the hour, and finish 5 mins before the hour

Unit Rationale
A1AT1 is a unit that is positioned in the first stage of the Bachelor Music program and the 3rd stage of the Diploma music program. It is a compulsory study unit for both Composition/Music Production students as well as Audio students. This major study stream has a focus on the theoretical concepts of sound engineering and is complemented by the application of these concepts in the other audio major study units (Recording Technology and Digital Technology).

Unit Description
This foundation unit introduces students to fundamental audio theoretical concepts. Students gain an understanding of the elements sound, the factors affecting sound propagation and the perception of hearing. These essential concepts are complemented by critical listening exercises that develop a students ability to identify different sonic elements. Students perform simple calculations relating to sound and hearing, and are introduced to the design principles of signal processors and equipment used for the balance of sound.

Weekly Topics
Week Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Topics Elements of sound - Frequency and amplitude Elements of sound - Velocity, wavelength and timbre Elements of sound - Octaves, harmonics, envelope and phase Sound propagation - Comb filtering, polarity Sound propagation - Acoustics Mid Semester Exam/Revision MID SEMESTER BREAK (or makeup classes for Public Holidays]
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Extended Unit Outline (EUO)

Australian Institute of Music

Week Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12

Topics Sound Perception - The human ear Sound perception - Equal loudness contours and the phon Balance - Signal levels, microphone preamplifiers Shaping sound - Filters and equalisation Shaping sound - Microphone Fundamentals End Semester Exam

Learning Outcomes
At the successful completion of this unit, a student should be able to: a. b. c. d. Describe fundamental concepts relating to sound and hearing Demonstrate fundamental critical listening skills Perform basic problem solving skills relating to fundamental acoustic concepts Describe the basic design principles of signal processors as used in audio-related environments e. Describe the design principles of equipment used to balance sound in audio-related environments

Assessments
Summary
Description Written Exam - Mid Trimester Exam Written Exam - End Trimester Exam Weighting Week 6 Week 12 Submission Date 40% 60% Learning Outcomes Assessed a, b, c a, b, c, d, e

Assessment Descriptions
Assessment 1 Written Exam Mid Trimester Exam
Description A 50-minute written exam consisting of multiple choice questions, short answer questions. This is immediately followed by an exam review during which the correct answers and solutions are discussed and demonstrated. Assessment Criteria Principles of sound and hearing 10% Audio terminology and definitions 10% Acoustic calculations 60% Acoustic concepts 20%

Assessment 2 Written Exam End Trimester Exam

Description A 50-minute written exam consisting of multiple choice questions, short answer questions. This is immediately followed by an exam review during which the correct answers and solutions are discussed and demonstrated.
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Extended Unit Outline (EUO)

Australian Institute of Music

Assessment Criteria Principles of sound and hearing 10% Audio terminology and definitions 30% Acoustic calculations 10% Acoustic concepts 50%

Assessment Delivery Requirements

Papers submitted at the end of the exam.

Texts
TEXTS: Huber D M & Runstein R E, 2009, Modern Recording Techniques, Seventh Edition Focal Press, Burlington MA USA Rumsey F, 2009, Sound and Recording, Sixth Edition, Focal Press, Burlington MA USA

FURTHER READING:
Shea Michael 2012 How to Build A Small Budget Recording Studio From Scratch (Fourth Edition) (TAB Mastering Electronics Series) McGraw Hill/TAB Electronics, Columbus OH, USA Owsinski B, 2009, The Recording Engineer's Handbook, Second Edition, Course Technology PTR, Boston MA, USA Everest F A 2009 Master Handbook of Acoustics, Fifth Edition McGraw Hill/TAB Electronics, Columbus OH, USA Ballou G, 2008, Handbook for Sound Engineers, Fourth Edition, Focal Press, Burlington MA USA

Student Rules
Please refer to Section 5 of the AIM Student Handbook for details regarding policies on Assessment, Examinations, Grading, Late Penalties and Student Conduct.

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