Course detail

Introduction to Sound

FaVU-2AUDITEAcad. year: 2024/2025

Introduction to Sound is an introductory course for working with sound that provides master's level students with an introduction to both studio work and music production. The course focuses on orientation to audio studio equipment (microphones, preamps, compressors, virtual synthesizers, samplers, effects processors, DAW software). The course teaches participants professional procedures for recording, editing, and mixing recordings; as well as working with microphones, recording chain, and DAW audio editing programs. The course will offer an introduction to the basics of music production and mixing.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

MgA. Jiří Suchánek, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Audiovisual Technology (KAT)

Offered to foreign students

The home faculty only

Entry knowledge

Active interest in own music and sound creation

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The following is required for credit:

active participation
attendance of at least 70%
creation of an original composition.

Teaching takes place in the audio studio of the KAT FFA BUT in the hours determined by the timetable. Attendance is compulsory, the maximum number of absences is 30%. Higher amount of absences can be compensated by submitting an alternative assignment after agreement with the lecturers.

Aims

The aim of the course is to introduce the students of the Master's degree to the possibilities of working in the sound studio of FaVU BUT and the basics of music production and sound postproduction. The course will introduce how to proceed in recording voice, instruments, editing, mixing and processing of sound material into the final form

Students will learn to independently record and edit recordings into their intended form. They will also learn the basic procedures of music production, mixing and orientation in software and hardware equipment of the sound studio. The course also includes an introduction to technical terminology and the principles of the audio technologies presented.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Bohumil Geist, Akustika – jevy a souvislosti v hudební teorii a praxi, Muzikus, 2005 (CS)
Brian Eno, Oblique Strategies, Brian Eno, 1979 (EN)
Dennis DeSantis, Making Music, Ableton AG, 2015 (EN)
J.T.Cloutier, The Bedroom Super Producer, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017 (EN)
Milan Guštar, Elektrofony I, II, Uvnitř, 2008 (CS)
Miller Puckete, The Theory and Technique of Electronic Music, University of California, San Diego, 2007 (CS)
Rick Rubin, In the studio, ECW Press, 2009 (EN)
Václav Syrový, Hudební zvuk, Nakladatelství Akademie múzických umění v Praze, 2013 (CS)

Type of course unit

Lecture

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

MgA. Jiří Suchánek, Ph.D.

Syllabus

Orientation in the sound studio
Microphones and preamplifiers - types and characteristics
Signal routing - interconnecting equipment in the studio and monitoring signal dynamics
DAW - what are the possibilities, basics of work, settings, editing, mixing
Practice of recording and editing, creating audio loops
MIDI, OSC, CV - controlling musical signals
Sampler - creative uses
Synthesis - introduction to types and characters of synthesis
Timeline - composing on a timeline, automating parameters
Frequency and dynamic signal adjustments - compressors and equalizers
Delay and spatial effects - delay, reverb, chorus, flanger
Basics of music production - song dramaturgy, concept, design, goal, aesthetics
Mixing - practice of acquired knowledge, listening, practice

Practical class

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Alexis Raverdy