THE BASIC ACOUSTICS AUDIO SERIES

The Basic Acoustics Series deals with the fundamental principles of acoustics, the science of sound. A little bit of knowledge in this area will go a long way to helping you find the solutions you need for your recording environment.

The following series of audio lectures outline the basic principles of acoustics and studio design. I have attempted to present this information, in its most basic form, so that each succeeding program builds upon the principles of the program before it. No heavy mathematical formulas or calculators are necessary. Each lecture uses practical examples and applications that can be applied to your own studio.

The audio programs listed below are for convenient access to the whole series. By clicking on the links for each subject title, you will open a page that displays additional information about the subject. The linked pages are written to outline the information provided in the audio programs.

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1. Basic Acoustics

This audio is an overview of the whole Basic Acoustics Series. It will outline the content of the program and lend perspective to the series as a whole. Unlike the descriptions for each subject below, this audio weaves together all of the individual topics to show how they relate to each other.

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2. Binaural Hearing

Binaural hearing is the fundamental starting place for the whole study of acoustics. Without this valuable information the study of sound is completely meaningless. The fundamentals of basic acoustics starts with a deeper understanding of how we perceive sound and localize it in our environment.

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3. The Reverberant Field

Understanding the reverberant field and it's components is a key starting place for learning how to design and control it for recording and monitoring purposes. This valuable information is helpful for all phases of engineering work including how to understand and use your reverb plugins better.

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4. Acoustics of the Recording Space

The acoustics of the recording space is where the rubber hits the road in basic acoustics. Without this basic understanding, the design and treatment of a recording room is merely guesswork. The basic principles outlined here set the foundation for all studio design work.

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5. Recording Studio Design

This audio in the Basic Acoustics Series discusses recording studio design from both the professional and home studio design perspective. Understanding how professional studios are designed will help you to make intelligent choices in the design of a home studio. This program outlines the process for studio planning, design and construction.

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6. What is Noise

Noise is unwanted sound. The study of this "unwanted sound" helps us understand how we can best control it. Noise is a natural part of every acoustic environment. Noise comes from many sources including environmental, mechanical and the noise you create. Remember, one persons noise is another's masterpiece!

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7. Sound Isolation

Sound isolation is the primary focus of the acoustician before any construction work \ begins. The basic acoustics principles outlined in this audio will determine how quiet a recording and monitoring space can be. Sound isolation is often the most expensive part of any studio design.

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8. Studio Size, Dimensions and Shape

This basic acoustics principle quantifies the size, dimensions and shape of a recording space. Each of these three factors are affected by the style of music that will be recorded in the studio. All three characteristics will greatly affect the tonal quality and balance of the recording space.

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9. Acoustic Treatments

Acoustic treatments help to make a recording space sound balanced and a mixing space accurate. There are 2 basic forms of acoustic treatments, sound absorption and sound reflection. This audio gives an overview of how and when these types of treatments are applied.

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10. Sound Absorption

The basic acoustics principles of sound absorption are, by far the most used in professional and home studio design. Sound absorption principles apply at every level of the studio construction process. Especially in the sound isolation phase. The application of sound absorption techniques is vital to creating an evan and balanced sound field.

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11. Sound Reflection and Diffusion

The amount of sound reflection in a recording or monitoring space is a primary consideration for all studio spaces. How that acoustic energy is redistributed back into the recording or monitoring space is the primary focus of these 2 audio programs on reflection and diffusion.

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Conclusion:

I hope you find the Basic Acoustics Series audio programs helpful. The basic principles outline in these audios are the foundation for all the work that you do and will profoundly affect all of the work you do in a recording studio. Careful consideration of these principles will help you to make informed decisions about the design and layout of your own recording and monitoring space.

Revisiting these audio programs regularly will help you to understand the concepts more fully. These audio programs will help you to understand, the many issues that you will encounter in a recording studio. They should help you to make better decisions in your own studio design plans and also help you make better recordings.

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