Prerequisite Modules
Description
Computers have been used for decades
to generate process and analyse musical sounds. Their ability to
perform these tasks has grown so great that a single computer with
appropriate hardware and software can provide the functionality of a
traditional recording studio. Digital audio and computer music are now
ubiquitous, whether part of a multi-media application, a computer
game, the latest singles in the charts or streaming audio over the
Internet. The aim of this module is to provide students with the
necessary knowledge and experience to be able to apply the various
digital audio and music technology tools and techniques in a variety
of application areas. A number of popular digital audio and music
software packages will be utilised throughout the course to illustrate
appropriate principles and techniques.
Aims
The aim of this module is to provide
students with the necessary knowledge and experience to be able to
apply the various digital audio and music technology tools and
techniques in a variety of application areas.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this
module, the student will be able to
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demonstrate practical experience
in using popular music and digital audio software packages
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demonstrate an understanding of
the underlying principles and techniques used by these packages.
-
describe and critique the various
audio formats.
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demonstrate an appreciation of the
impact of Digital Audio on the various areas of music and technology
Learning and Teaching Methods
Lectures, self-study, labs,
tutorials, and any combination of discussion, case study,
problem-solving exercises, readings, seminars, and computer-based
learning.
Content
Digital Audio Concepts:
Basics of sound signals, Digital representation of sound, Analog-to-digital
conversion, Sampling
Soundcards and Sound Production:
Digital Oscillators, FM Synthesis, Wavetables, Soundcard Architectures
Sound Effects Processing:
Applying digital filters to samples, Creating effects: reverb, echo,
etc.
Sound Mixing: Mixing
Consoles, Software Mixing Consoles, Multitrack Recording and Remixing
Sound Spatialisation and Reverberation:
Localization Cues: linear panning, reflections, Doppler shift, sound
radiation.
Reverberation: impulse
responses, artificial reverberation, digital reverberation algorithms.
Modelling Sound Spaces.
Compression and Digital Sound Formats:
Compression Principles, Sub-band Coding, Transform Coding,
Programming Sound Applications and MIDI:
Programming music. Representing rhythm and pitch. Producing sound
output. Introduction to MIDI, MIDI Format: tracks, events, timing,
channels, instruments, wire protocol. Programming MIDI. MIDI
standards.
Digital Music and Copyright:
Issues with ease of copying and transmission of digital music. Ethical
issues. Peer-to-Peer networks and music distribution. Security and
watermarking digital music.
Digital Audio and Music Technology Application
Areas: Impact of technology on music
production. Digital music in multi-media, the Internet and streaming
audio, computer games
Assessment
The methods of assessment to be
used to measure the learning objectives stated above are written
examination and continuous assessment including one or more of
assignment, essay, problem-solving exercise, oral presentation, and
class or lab tests.
-
Continuous Assessment: 30%
-
Examination: 70%
Recommended
Reading
-
Curtis Roads, The Computer Music
Tutorial, MIT Press, 2000
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Eduardo Reck Miranda, Composing
Music with Computers, Focal Press, 2001
-
Richard Boulanger, The Csound
Book: Perspectives in Software Synthesis Sound Design, Signal
Processing and Programming, MIT Press; Bk&CD-Rom edition (March 6,
2000) ISBN 0262522616
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For more information contact
Ciarán O'Leary
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