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Sound Production Theory

 

​Outcome 1

 

For the first outcome of Sound Production Theory I had to demonstrate an understanding of common components found in the audio recording and reproduction process. The key points of the module descriptor are:

 

  • Types of audio inputs.

  • Types of audio outputs.

  • Audio interconnections (cables and connectors).

  • Monitoring.

  • Metering.

 

I passed this outcome by undergoing an assessment in which I was asked in closed booked conditions, 10 multiple choice questions where I had to:

 

  • Identify different types of audio inputs and outputs found in studios.

  • Identify different types of interconnection.

  • Describe what RMS/Average, Peak, PPM and VU metering in sound production is.

 

​Outcome 2

 

The second outcome was about demonstrating an understanding of microphones and microphone techniques. The key points of the outcome were:

 

  • Common types of microphone construction.

  • Microphone polar patterns.

  • Mono microphone techniques and microphone placement.

  • Stereo microphone techniques and microphone placement.

 

To pass this outcome I underwent an assessment in which 10 multiple choice questions were asked in closed booked conditions. I had to know and understand:

 

  • The advantages/disadvantages of each type of microphone.

  • The polar patterns of common microphones.

  • Stereo microphone techniques.

 

​Outcome 3

 

For the third outcome I had to be able to understand and describe the principles of stereo audio imaging. The key points of this outcome were to know:

 

  • How the stereo image is recorded and reproduced.

  • How the recorded and reproduced stereo image relates to human hearing.

  • The difference between mono and stereo recordings.

  • The difference between pan-potted mono and spatial reproduction.

 

I passed this outcome again by undergoing a closed book assessment involving 10 multiple choice questions on:

 

  • How the audio image is captured by microphones in mono and stereo recordings.

  • How mono and stereo recordings are reproduced through stereo speakers and headphones.

  • The difference in audio images when there has been panning applied and spatial reproduction techniques for stereo reproduction systems.

 

Outcome 4

 

For the fourth outcome I had to demonstrate an understanding of audio signal processing. The key points of the outcome were to know and understand about:

 

  • Gain structure

  • Equalisation

  • Compression/limiting

  • Gating/expansion

  • Time domain effects

 

I passed this outcome by undertaking an assessment where I was asked 10 multiple choice questions in closed book conditions. The questions were about:

 

  • Gain structure in the recording and reproduction process.

  • The application of equalisation.

  • The application of compression/limiting.

  • The application of gating/expanding.

  • The application of reverb.

  • The application of delay.

 

I enjoyed this module as it went more in depth about the use of time and dynamic effect processing and the use and placement of microphones for the best sound. It was good to learn about how microphones work and all the different microphone techniques.

 

I feel that Sound Production Theory will be useful to me in the future as it goes through microphone placement and all the different time and dynamic processes that could be applied to audio. If I go into either Foley or ADR recording then Sound Production Theory will have shown me how best to record a range of different sources of sound and what microphones to choose.  

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