FLM 230 Audio Production and Sound Design

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces the concepts of controlled sound recording, production, and design including Foley effects, and field recording. Audio editing and processing techniques covered may include equalization, bussing, compression, digital signal processing (DSP), general sound workflow, automation, mixing, and mastering.

Prerequisite: ART 120 with a grade of C or better or concurrent enrollment; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate understanding of terminology as used in sound design projects and critiques.
Apply the elements of sound design with the use of a variety of composing and editing software and methods.
Use each stage of audio production and sound design process to generate sound design concepts and strategies.
Synthesize concepts of audio production and sound design and their relationship to other mediums and areas of study and exploration.
Create personally significant works of audio production and sound design, applying contemporary techniques and processes.
Develop creative solutions to audio production and sound design problems.
Participate in all stages of the group critique process.
Apply the techniques of recording, editing, and processing for contemporary methods of sound design and various output mediums.
Explain ethics, rights, and legal issues as related to sound, recordings, music licensing, and creative commons use.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Interpret and engage in the Arts and Letters, making use of the creative process to enrich the quality of life
Critically analyze values and ethics within a range of human experience and expression to engage more fully in local and global issues.

Content Outline

Audio Hardware and Signal Flow
- Understand mic types: condenser and dynamic, small and large diaphragms, etc.
- Troubleshoot signal-flow: follow signal source from analog devices to digital and back to analog output for purposes of quality control and equipment diagnostics
- Use various audio equipment and accessories: XLR and balanced TRS cables, 24bit and 32bit external audio recorder, audio monitors, studio headphones, memory cards, and other associated equipment
Critique (Analysis), Using Both Written and Verbal Forms
- Separate ego and taste from design success
- Test finished work against original design problem requirements
- Articulate areas of success and areas of insufficiency
- Suggest solutions
- Adapt/adopt, critique (analysis) information
- Provide more solutions or variations
- Use industry standard terminology
Revise
- Adapt and adopt critique (analysis) information
- Provide more solutions or variations
- Sound design and audio production basics
- Various mediums uses of recorded audio
- Phonograph and study of early audio recording mediums
- Mic pickup patterns: shotgun, cardioid, omnidirectional, figure eight, hyper-cardioid, etc.
- Recording frequencies and sample rates: 44.1kHz and 48kHz
- Mic placement
- Hard Effects and Foley
Qualities and Categories of Sound Design
- Timbre
- Frequency
- Dynamics
- Rhythm
- ADSR
- Diegetic and non-diegetic
- Categories of sound for video, film, and motion graphics:
  - FX/Foley
  - Soundtrack
  - Ambient
  - Dialogue, speech, and ADR
Sound Editing and Processing
- Original music composition
- Automation
- DSP
- EQ
- Compression
- Transitions
- Exporting, audio formats, and quality
- Editing techniques
- Nondestructive workflow
Recording and Editing Software
- Audacity or other freeware
- Logic or other professional studio recording application
- Adobe Audition and Premier Pro
Ethics and Copyright
- Creative commons
- Licensing
- Copyright