Hardware Applications

Base Knowledge

N/A

Teaching Methodologies

Since this is an eminently practical discipline, the methodology to be used will be based on a posture based on learning from experience, as a corollary of the previous theoretical exposition. Indeed, the different subjects under study will be presented, leaving the students immediately for a practical realization, allowing students to apply the knowledge and techniques exposed. This is an eminently practical subject, so the assessment is carried out on a continuous basis throughout the semester, involving the completion by the students of a set of tasks that allow them to demonstrate their knowledge of the knowledge and techniques acquired in the meantime.
Interest, autonomy, attendance and punctuality 20%
Simple average of the various proposed works 80%

Learning Results

Students should be able to manage and optimize the different situations that involve sound capture/recording/reproduction, namely with regard to physical media (hardware). This ability to operate translates into concrete terms in the knowledge of the different elements that make up a sound system (signal source, microphone, pre-amplifier, mixing desk, effects unit and amplifiers/sound reinforcement systems), its criterion of interconnection and correct use.

Program

1. THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL
the electrical signal
Ohm’s Law.
The Multimeter.

2. THE AUDIO SIGNAL
Audio signal: balanced and unbalanced.
Connections: shielded and unshielded cable; the coaxial cable.
Terminals: TS and TRS; XLR and RCA.

3. SOUND SYSTEM
The concept of a sound system: the Public Address (PA).
Constituent elements of a sound system: sound source, pre-amplifier, amplifier, speakers.
Operating criteria of an audio system.

4. SIGNAL SOURCES: Microphones: dynamic and condenser. Phantom power. Polarity diagrams; Capture techniques: mono and stereo (MS, XY, Blumlein, ORTF, NOS, AB) Line signals: Characteristics and specifics: signal and conductors
5. PRE-AMPLIFIERS: Characteristics and working principle.
Sound gain.
Equalization

6. AMPLIFIERS: Features: power supply, power stage, power transistors/valves, power capacitors
Architecture: class A, AB

Curricular Unit Teachers

Grading Methods

Continuing Evaluation
  • - Attendance and Participation - 20.0%
  • - Individual and/or Group Work - 80.0%

Internship(s)

NAO

Bibliography

BARTLETT, B., & Bartlett, J. (2017). Practical recording techniques: The step-by-step approach to professional audio recording. Routledge.

COREY, J., & Benson, D. H. (2017). Audio production and critical listening: Technical ear training. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

DAVIS, G., & Jones, R. (2000). The Sound Reinforcement Handbook. Hal Leonard Corporation.

EVEREST, F. A., & Pohlmann, K. C. (2022). Master handbook of acoustics. McGraw-Hill Education.

FONSECA, Nuno (2012). Introdução à Engenharia de som. FCA

HENRIQUE, L. L. (2014). Acústica Musical. Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian.

HOSKEN, D. (2018). Introduction to music technology. Taylor & Francis.

HUBER, D. M. (2021). The Midi manual: A practical guide to Midi within Modern Music production. Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group.

HUBER, D. M. & Runstein, R. E. (2018). Modern Recording Techniques. Focal Press.

MARQUES, M. P. (2014). Sistemas e Técnicas de Produção Áudio. Ed. FCA.

RAYBURN, R. (2019). Eargle’s microphone book: From Mon