Sound Production: Acoustics 1 (Lvl8)

General

 
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Description

 

Acoustics (SCQF Level 8) gives you clear knowledge and understanding of the basics of acoustics. It provides you with an understanding of the nature of sound, how the human hearing system receives sound and how sound behaves in certain environments. It prepares you for any practical sound recording by underpinning key knowledge of the nature of sound and it is intended primarily for those who are interested in pursuing a career in all aspects of sound production.

Outcomes

1. Describe the physical properties of sound
  • describe the physical characteristics of a sound wave using correct terminology.
  • describe the way in which sound propagates from source, and how certain physical and atmospheric factors affect this.
  • describe the measurement of sound waves.

2. Explain the human hearing mechanism
  • describe the operation and anatomy of the human hearing mechanism.
  • explain the human perception of loudness in relation to the linear response characteristics of the ear.
  • describe the hearing mechanism’s perception of pitch, relating frequency to pitch and using simple and complex waveforms.
  • describe the process of masking for sound waves with regard to placement of frequencies on the critical bands.
  • explain the factors that affect the human perception of the directivity of sound.
  • explain how hearing loss can and will occur, with relation to over-exposure to loud sounds and age.
  • explain the current legislative guidelines for preventing damage to the hearing mechanism, making reference to time of exposure and sound levels.

3. Analyse the acoustic properties of enclosed spaces
  • explain the causes of reverberation.
  • describe the absorption properties of materials with relation to reverberation and frequency response.
  • describe the acoustic properties of enclosed spaces and identify defects in the acoustics of spaces — standing waves; flutter echo; frequency response and sound field.
  • describe treatments to improve the acoustics of rooms — non-parallel walls; diffusers; Helmholtz resonators and sound reinforcement systems.
  • describe the criteria for desirable acoustics of rooms — room dimension ratios and optimum reverb time for enclosed spaces.
Skill Level: Beginner