LAS3020 - Audio Engineering: An Introduction

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

Semester 2

4 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-Time Evening

Audio engineers are responsible for the sounds we hear on the radio, in TV and movies, over the Internet and at live performances. They work at various locales, including recording studios, radio or television stations, motion picture companies, editing and post-production houses, live theatres and commercial studios. The creation of high quality sound effects is today key to the success of many video game productions.

In this Unit, students will become familiar with audio terminology and recording equipment, setting up microphones for recording, live sound reinforcement and using audio recording software to edit and mix multi track recordings. By the end of the Unit they will know how to set up a good listening space with basic room treatment, how to select appropriate microphones for a given recording, how to take care of studio equipment and how to record, edit and mix various instruments, including voice.

The Unit will delve into the theoretical and also the practical component of audio engineering, where students will learn to set up and use their own DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).

Main Reading List

Bobby Owsinski, The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook (3rd or 4th edition), ISBN-13: 978-0998503349 or ISBN-10: 9780998503349
David Miles Huber and Robert E. Runstein. Modern Recording Techniques. (8th or 9th edition), ISBN-13: 978-1138954373 or ISBN-10: 1138954373
David Gibson. The Art of Mixing: A Visual Guide to Recording, Engineering, and Production (2nd edition March 28, 2005), ISBN-10: 1931140456 or ISBN-13: 978-1931140454
F. Alton Everest, Ken C. Pohlmann. Master Handbook of Acoustics (6th edition, 2014), ISBN-10: 0071841040 or ISBN-13: 978-0071841047
Howard Massey. Behind the Glass: Top Record Producers Tell How They Craft the Hits (2000), ISBN-10: 0879306149 or ISBN-13: 978-0879306144

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This micro-credential is offered as part of the programme for the Liberal Arts and Sciences and will only be offered subject to a minimum number of applications received. More information can be found on the PLAS website.

Information for International applicants

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Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the Unit the student will be able to:

Describe the physics of sound;
Explain the difference between digital and analogue;
Discuss the different microphone technologies;
Familiarize themselves with the mixing console and its various sections;
Describe gain staging;
Demonstrate knowledge of compression;
Explain equalization;
Use basic effects, how to set them up and some of their various uses;
Discuss audio terminology and recording equipment.

Learning Outcomes: Skills

By the end of the Unit the student will be able to:

Select and set up microphones for studio recording and live sound recording and reinforcement;
Use audio recording software to edit and mix multi track recordings;
Set up a good listening space with basic room treatment;
Take care of studio equipment;
Learn how to record, edit and mix various instruments, including voice.

Non EU Applicants:

EUR340

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Micro-credentials offer the possibility of providing flexible learning pathways to respond to evolving needs and new developments, thus enabling students to tailor their studies to their needs. Micro-credentials may be combined or transferred into larger credentials, such as certificates, diplomas and degrees, provided that the relevant programme requirements are met. Applicants wishing to transfer micro-credentials to a programme of study are encouraged to seek the advice of the relevant academic entity.