Module 1: Digital Audio

What We’ll Learn

How Sound Works

We will learn the science behind sound and what it is, then see how humans hear sound. Finally we will learn the process and terms

View the Science of Sound and Hearing Post

Recording and Editing Sound

We will use Audacity to record and edit sound. We will also cover how to find sounds other people have make and include them (legally) in your work.

WORKING WITH SOUND FILES

You will know about different audio file formats and be able to save your work in different formats on your computer and on the web.

Setup and Materials

software

You will need to download and install Audacity on your computer. I also suggest that you follow the FFMPEG install instructions which will give you more export options. While you can do a lot with the basic Audacity, you can also optionally install additional effects/plugins that let you do even more.

hardware

You will need a device to record audio. For most people you can just use your phone. If you want to use another device with a microphone that’s great, just make sure you know how to save a file and get that file onto your computer.

Please let Prof Stein know if you don’t have access to a device to record digital audio.

Audio Module Project

AUDIO PORTRAIT OF A PLACE

The Audio Module Project will be to create an audio portrait of a place. This project will have 2 parts, recording audio and editing audio. You will record sound, using your phone or other devices. In the editing process, you can combine the material that you have recorded with other audio files if they are Creative Commons licensed or in the public domain. The finished audio file must be at least one minute and no longer than three minutes and combine at least five different sounds. 

The full requirements and grading rubric will be on Brightspace.

Audio Tutorials and Resources