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Sound · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Audio Production and Sound Design

Sound is the emotional heartbeat of media. This course combines technical engineering with artistic design. Students will learn to capture pristine audio in the studio, but also to manipulate sound waves to create new worlds. The curriculum covers the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), synthesis, Foley art, and the psychological impact of sound in film, games, and music production.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master the Digital Audio Workstation (Pro Tools/Ableton Live) workflow
  2. Understand Signal Flow, EQ, Compression, and spatial effects (Reverb/Delay)
  3. Execute "Foley" techniques to create realistic sound effects for picture
  4. Utilize synthesis (Subtractive/Granular) to design original sonic textures
  5. Mix and Master audio projects to industry loudness standards (LUFS)
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01Physics of Sound: Frequency & Amplitude
  2. 02The DAW: Interface & Signal Flow
  3. 03Recording Techniques: Mics & Preamps
  4. 04Editing Audio: Crossfades & Comping
  5. 05Mixing I: Equalization (EQ) Strategies
  6. 06Mixing II: Dynamics (Compression/Gating)
  7. 07Mixing III: Space (Reverb & Delay)
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Sound Design: Layering Effects
  10. 10Synthesis 101: Oscillators & Envelopes
  11. 11Foley Art: Performing Sound
  12. 12Sound for Picture: Spotting a Scene
  13. 13Game Audio: Loops & Assets
  14. 14Automation & Modulation
  15. 15Mastering Basics & Exporting
  16. 16Final Project: The Sound Design Capstone

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Sound Design Capstone

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Designing Sound by Andy Farnell
  2. Modern Recording Techniques by David Miles Huber
  3. The Sound Effects Bible by Ric Viers
  4. Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio by Mike Senior
  5. Audio-Vision by Michel Chion
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