Audio Arts Production I

Digital Audio and Terminology

Digital audio is represented by a discrete series of points per second, called sample rate
- CD quality = 44100
- DVD quality = 48000
Bit depth
- How many volume steps are available to describe the precise intensity of each measurement
- The difference between quietest and loudest sounds, higher bit depth = more dynamic signal
- 16-bit = 65,636 possible values
- 24-bit = 16.7 million possible values
- 32-bit float = for another time...just use 16-bit!

Represented visually in two domains:
- Time domain = waveform - amplitude and phase information
- Frequency domain = spectrogram - frequencies present in sound over time

Amount of energy contained in the compression or rarefaction of molecules that make up soundwaves...
aka VOLUME
Measured in decibels (dB)
- 3dB = sound intensity has doubled
- 10dB = increased PERCEPTION of sound being twice as loud

Graphs showcasing that the human ear does not perceive all frequencies as equally loud
At lower listening levels, the ear is most sensitive to midrange frequencies, while low and very high frequencies need more energy to sound equally loud

Frequency = Pitch
Measured in Hertz (Hz)
- Linear in scale
- Logarithmic in perception
- A440Hz = --> 880Hz is one octave up --> 1760Hz is another octave up
- 440Hz --> 1760Hz = two octaves
Range of human hearing 20Hz - 20000Hz

Parameter/Criteria	More information	Maximum Points
Your group recorded an entire song, original or cover, in Pro Tools and successfully presented it to the class.	As explained in the syllabus, groups must share their work, ideas, techniques, challenges, and approaches of their project. We will listen in class in an environment for constructive criticism and feedback.	10
Recorded and included ALL instruments that your group has available	You can add instruments that are not available or augment available instruments, but not replace! For example, if someone plays the drums, you must record and include the drums! But you can also add a drum machine part.	10
Techically well executed.	All parts are organized/labeled on their respective tracks and session is easy to read/follow.	10
Successful deliverable of Pro Tools session file, complete with audio files and dependencies	Save Session correctly and deliver via USB stick or downloadable link. If your link does not download properly, you cannot be graded on the project and will receive a zero.	10
Successful deliverable of audio file: 48k/16-bit WAV file. (Not MP3, not AIFF, not FLAC, not anything else!)	Export your full song correctly and deliver via USB stick or downloadable link. If your link does not download properly, you cannot be graded on the project and will receive a zero.	10