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Audio Theory Fundamentals for Sound Design

David Lauritsen

4.6

Based on 18 ratings

David Lauritsen

One of the things that I reiterate in the final video of the course is that the theoretical knowledge you gain in this course are tools in your belt that you are able to access when things are going wrong. If something sounds like "A" but I need it to sound like "B" how do I get there? Or I "expected it to sound like 'C' but instead it sounds like 'D,' why would that be the case?" This course will give you the tools and knowledge to troubleshoot issues, predict the quality of sound before the fact, and allow you to get where you need to go faster.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Learners will gain a solid foundation of audio theory knowledge relevant to the sound design disciplines
Learners will be able to predict and explain results of audio recordings based on theoretical knowledge

Students will be given a solid basis of knowledge regarding microphone and recording theory
Students will gain a good foundation of knowledge of audio effects and signal processes

Learners will gain a solid foundation of audio theory knowledge relevant to the sound design disciplines
Learners will be able to predict and explain results of audio recordings based on theoretical knowledge
Students will be given a solid basis of knowledge regarding microphone and recording theory
Students will gain a good foundation of knowledge of audio effects and signal processes

Syllabus

Welcome

Fundamental Theory

Sound

What is sound?

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Activities

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Learners who complete Audio Theory Fundamentals for Sound Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 21 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Audio Theory Fundamentals for Sound Design.

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Sound and Recording

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This text provides a deep dive into the principles of sound, including wave interference, phase, and the perception of loudness. It useful reference for students who want to understand the 'under the hood' mechanics of digital audio and signal processing. The book is frequently used as a textbook in higher education for its rigorous approach to audio theory.

Sound and Recording

Sound and Recording

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Modern Recording Techniques

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Is widely considered the industry standard for audio engineering and provides a comprehensive foundation in recording technology. It is highly useful for learners needing background knowledge on signal flow, microphone types, and digital audio basics. As a textbook used in many academic programs, it offers significant breadth that supplements the course's focus on sound design theory.

Modern Recording Techniques (Audio Engineering...

Modern Recording Techniques (Audio Engineering...

Modern Recording Techniques (Audio Engineering...

Modern Recording Techniques by Huber David Miles...

Unknown Binding

Modern Recording Techniques 5th (fifth) Edition by...

Modern Recording Techniques by David Miles Huber...

Modern Recording Techniques (Audio Engineering...

Modern Recording Techniques (Audio Engineering...

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The Recording Engineer's Handbook

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This handbook is an essential reference tool for understanding microphone placement and recording techniques, directly supporting the course's recording modules. It offers practical industry insights that bridge the gap between theoretical audio physics and real-world studio application. It is particularly valuable for its breakdown of polar patterns and stereo recording techniques like XY and Mid-Side.

The Recording Engineer's Handbook

The Recording Engineer's Handbook

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Master Handbook of Acoustics

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Provides the necessary prerequisite knowledge regarding the physics of sound, including frequency, wavelengths, and comb filtering. It is more valuable as a deep technical reference for acoustics than a casual read. It adds significant depth to the course's sections on how sound behaves in physical spaces and through speakers.

Master Handbook of Acoustics, Seventh Edition

Master Handbook of Acoustics, Sixth Edition

Master Handbook of Acoustics, Seventh Edition

Master Handbook of Acoustics, Sixth Edition

Stop Recording Amateur Vocals

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Focuses specifically on microphone theory and recording, making it a perfect supplement for the course's units on transducers and polar patterns. It explains the proximity effect and impedance in great detail, which helps students troubleshoot recording issues. It modern, highly relevant guide for both students and professional sound designers.

Stop Recording Amateur Vocals: The Simple Step-by...

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Sound for Film and Television

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Written by the creator of THX, this book is an authoritative guide to sound design within the context of visual media. It provides broad context for how audio theory translates to the cinematic experience, covering everything from microphones to sync. It staple textbook for anyone looking to apply audio theory to professional sound design careers.

Sound for Film and Television

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Digital Audio Theory

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This recent publication offers a clear and practical explanation of digital audio fundamentals like sampling, quantization, and aliasing. It is exceptionally helpful for providing the background knowledge required to grasp the Nyquist Theorem and bit depth. It serves as both a current reference and a preparatory text for advanced signal processing.

Digital Audio Theory

Digital Audio Theory

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Production Sound Mixing

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Is excellent for providing the foundational concepts of sound design for those just starting out. It mirrors the course's introductory sections on 'what is sound' and basic waveforms. While it is more of an introductory text, it provides the breadth needed to understand the creative application of audio theory.

Production Sound Mixing

Production Sound Mixing

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Designing Sound

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This text explores the physics of sound from a procedural perspective, providing deep theoretical knowledge on how sounds are constructed. It challenging but rewarding book that adds immense depth to the 'Fundamental Theory' section of the course. It is widely used by sound designers who want to move beyond presets and understand sound synthesis.

Designing Sound (Mit Press)

Designing Sound

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Handbook for Sound Engineers

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This massive volume is the ultimate reference tool for all things audio engineering, from cables to digital theory. It provides incredible breadth, covering many niche topics that a standard course might only touch upon. It is best used as a comprehensive encyclopedia for troubleshooting and deep research into audio hardware.

Handbook for Sound Engineers, 4th Edition

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The Audio Expert

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This comprehensive volume covers nearly every topic in the course syllabus, from decibels to signal processing and digital audio. It valuable reference tool for debunking common audio myths and understanding the science of hearing. It adds significant depth to the course's discussion on EQs, compressors, and dither.

The Audio Expert

The Audio Expert: Everything You Need to Know About...

The Audio Expert: Everything You Need to Know About...

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iTunes Music: Mastering High Resolution Audio...

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Legendary resource for understanding loudness, decibels, and the nuances of digital audio. It provides professional-level depth on 32-bit floating point and dither, which are key components of the course. It must-read for any sound designer looking to understand the final stages of audio production and quality control.

iTunes Music: Mastering High Resolution Audio...

iTunes Music: Mastering High Resolution Audio...

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The Sound Effects Bible

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Focusing on the practical side of sound design, this book is an excellent companion for the course's recording and microphone sections. It provides industry-standard tips for capturing high-quality audio in the field. It highly popular and reputable resource among professional sound designers and foley artists.

The Sound Effects Bible: How to Create and Record...

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The Art of Digital Audio

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This high-level engineering text that provides a rigorous look at the mathematics of digital audio. It useful reference for advanced students who want to go beyond the course's explanation of the Nyquist theorem and aliasing. It is widely respected as one of the most authoritative books on digital audio technology.

The Art of Digital Audio

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Audio Engineering: Know It All

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Compiles chapters from several audio experts to cover a vast array of topics, from preamplifiers to digital converters. It provides excellent breadth for students who want to understand the hardware side of audio theory in detail. It useful reference tool for those interested in the 'how' and 'why' of audio electronics.

Audio Engineering: Know It All (The Newnes Know It...

Audio Engineering: Know It All (Newnes Know It All...

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Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound

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Provides a historical and practical perspective on sound design for the film industry. It is highly authoritative and gives learners a clear picture of how theoretical recording techniques are applied on a professional set. It is more valuable for its industry wisdom and breadth than as a current technical manual.

Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound

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This classic text focuses on the creative and psychological aspects of sound design. While less focused on the 'under the hood' physics, it provides the necessary context for why we use the tools discussed in the course. It is an excellent supplement for students who want to apply their theoretical knowledge to storytelling.

Sound Design: The Expressive Power of Music, Voice...

Sound Design: The Expressive Power of Music, Voice...

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Understanding Audio

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Produced by Berklee Press, this book offers a clear explanation of audio theory tailored for studio users. It covers decibels, hearing, and signal flow in a way that aligns perfectly with the course's learning objectives. It serves as both a great introductory textbook and a reliable reference for common studio tasks.

Understanding Audio

Understanding Audio

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Music Habits - The Mental Game of Electronic Music...

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Provides a gentle introduction to audio fundamentals and is ideal for students who find the technical aspects of the course challenging. It covers the basics of signal flow, microphones, and effects in an accessible manner. It is best used as a preparatory read before diving into the more advanced modules of the course.

Music Habits - The Mental Game of Electronic Music...

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Foundations in Sound Design for Linear Media

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Provides a solid academic framework for sound design, emphasizing the theoretical foundations of audio in media. It helps students connect the technical audio theory from the course to broader narrative and aesthetic goals. It valuable textbook for those pursuing professional development in the film and game industries.

Foundations in Sound Design for Linear Media: A...

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Rating

4.6

Effort

20.5 total hours

Via

Udemy

Instructor

David Lauritsen

Language

English

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