A Concise Sound Reference

based on A Concise Guide to Sound

prepared by the Bliss Products Sound Laboratories

©1999 Bliss Products

NEW: Download A Concise Sound Reference
for offline viewing by saving this link:
SoundLab_CSR.zip

I. Acoustics

The science of sound, some terminology and definitions

  1. Qualities of Sound

a. definition of sound
b. frequency
c. amplitude
d. waveforms

  2. Tones

a. definition of a tone
b. timbre
c. envelope

  3. Phase

a. definition of phase
b. interference

  4. The Doppler Effect

a. definition of the Doppler effect
b. Doppler shift
c. sonic boom

II. Music

Some basic elements of modern Western music theory

  1. Elements of Music

a. notes
b. rhythm
c. melody and harmony
d. intervals and scales
e. interval names
f. note-names

III. Audio

The practical application of acoustical and electronic science in the recording of sound


  1. Outline

a. definition of audio technology
b. recording as a linear process
c. the signal chain

  2. Media

a. types of media
b. a comparison of analog and digital formats

  3. Tape Recorders

a. general description
b. magnetic tape
c. tracks

  4. Microphones

a. definition of a microphone
b. pickup patterns
c. types and characteristics of microphones
d. dynamic microphone
e. condenser microphone
f. ribbon microphone

  5. Dynamics Processors

a. compressor
b. limiter
c. expander
d. noise gate

  6. Equalizers

a. general description
b. graphic equalizer
c. parametric equalizer

  7. Echo and Reverberation Devices

a. echo
b. tape delay
c. analog delay
d. digital delay
e. reverberation
f. natural versus artificial reverberation
g. spring reverb
h. plate reverb
i. digital reverb

  8. Phase

a. practical implications of phasing
b. microphones and phasing
c. inline signals and phasing

  9. A Typical Recording Session

a. preparation
b. basic tracks
c. overdubs
d. mixdown

  10. Computer Audio

a. preface
b. MIDI
c. synchronization

  11. Some Typical Specifications

a. analog and digital recording formats