We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/qyd4x5/audio
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?
Read more
Syllabus
Welcome
Fundamental Theory
Sound
What is sound?
Read more
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Activities
Coming soon
We're preparing activities for
Audio Theory Fundamentals for Sound Design.
These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.
Career center
Learners who complete Audio Theory Fundamentals for Sound Design will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/qyd4x5/audio
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.
Save
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Save
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.
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.
Save
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.
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.
Save
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Save
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.
Save
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.
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.
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/qyd4x5/audio
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser