Objectives Discuss the basics of a sound system Understand
implementations & various uses, for both live and recorded
music.
Slide 4
What is a sound system? The basic function of a sound system is
to reinforce the sound. Whether it is a public speaker with one
microphone or a live band in a concert hall, the function is the
same....to reinforce the sound.
The Mixer This is the control center The mixer receives the
input from a microphone, a direct connection from an instrument, or
pre-recorded audio. We process the signal for volume level and tone
quality, and then it sent to the output speakers, headphones, or
another recording device.
Slide 7
A mixer can change the individual quality of a sound: what is
called the timbre (tone color). A mixer can combine multiple sounds
together A mixer can blend multiple sounds together
Slide 8
Amplifier A device that changes the amplitude (overall volume)
of a signal. Amplitude = height of a sound wave Without an
amplifier, we can not hear sound. Size range from mp3 players to
multiple units used in concerts and studios The opposite of an
amplifier is an attenuator
Slide 9
Terms How much an amplifier increases the original level is
referred to as its gain. As you increase the signal strength,
electrical noise is inherent (you hear it as a hum or hiss).
Slide 10
Types of Mixers Powered Mixer Amplifier is built in Unpowered
Mixer Separate amplifier required
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What would be the benefits/drawbacks of the two options?
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Channels Mixers are classified by how many CHANNELS input
sources they can accept Channels can either be configured for MONO
or STEREO input MONO for a direct input from a microphone or
instrument STEREO for a direct input from a stereo source (perhaps
a prerecorded input) Each channel appears in a CHANNEL STRIP.
The Input Sound what we PERCEIVE as sound is our ear picking up
on small variances of pressure waves in the air. A microphone does
exactly that but converts the pressure waves into electrical
signals.
Slide 15
Dynamic Microphone Takes advantage of an electromagnet
electromagnet When a magnet moves past a wire (or coil of wire),
the magnet induces current to flow in the wire. The diaphragm moves
either a magnet or a coil when sound waves hit the diaphragm, and
the movement creates a small current
Slide 16
Condenser Microphone Similar to a capacitor (an electronic
device that stores current like a battery). One plate of the
capacitor moving in response to sound waves. The movement changes
the storage amount of the capacitor, and these changes are
amplified to create a measurable signal. Usually need a small
battery or electrical current to run. This is typically called
phantom power, and is usually rated at 48v.
http://www.youtube.com/watch
?v=OMs_tuBEo2Qhttp://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=OMs_tuBEo2Q
Slide 17
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP jUB-KQ3_Q They all have some
sort of diaphragm that collects the signal. The differences are how
they convert that signal to a sound wave. Today: we use dynamic and
condenser microphones. Most efficient in processing acoustical
sound into electrical sound.
Slide 18
Other types of microphones Parabolic mic Shotgun mic Lavalier
mic Wireless mic Pressure Zone mic Kick Drum mic Omnidirectional
mic Cardioid Mic Bi-Directional mic http://www.youtube.com/wat
ch?v=_MMHi8bQVv0http://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=_MMHi8bQVv0
Slide 19
Speakers In a perfect world the 100% opposite of a microphone
What basic components do you think there are in a speaker?
Slide 20
Speakers 101 The cone, usually made of paper, plastic or metal,
is attached on the wide end to the suspension. The suspension, or
surround, is a rim of flexible material that allows the cone to
move, and is attached to the driver's metal frame, called the
basket. The narrow end of the cone is connected to the voice coil.
The coil is attached to the basket by the spider, a ring of
flexible material. The spider holds the coil in position, but
allows it to move freely back and forth. Some drivers have a dome
instead of a cone. A dome is just a diaphragm that extends out
instead of tapering in.
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Three types TweeterMid RangeWoofer
Slide 22
Size reasoning To create higher frequency waves -- waves in
which the points of high pressure and low pressure are closer
together -- the driver diaphragm must vibrate more quickly. This is
harder to do with a large cone because of the mass of the cone.
Conversely, it's harder to get a small driver to vibrate slowly
enough to produce very low frequency sounds. It's more suited to
rapid movement.
Slide 23
Usually are combined into an enclosure.
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Types of Enclosures Sealed enclosureBass reflex enclosure No
air can escape. Internal air pressure changes constantly based on
which way the wave (cone) is moving. Requires more energy to
overcome air pressure More precise sound reproduction. Redirect the
inward pressure outward, using it to supplement the forward sound
wave. Accomplished by a small port in the enclosure. Requires less
energy Less precise sound reproduction.
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Similar to the enclosure system The PASSIVE speaker is not
hooked to current. Relies only on the pressure waves created by the
active speaker. Used in rear-speakers of surround sound
systems.
Slide 28
Your assignment Surround Sound Research How is surround sound
achieved? What role did DOLBY have in this? What was one of the
earliest movies to employ surround sound? What does the term 5.1
mean?
Slide 29
Effects EFFECTS are alterations done to the original signal.
These can be either GAIN-based or TIME-based Gain based alters the
amplitude of the signal Time based alters via time
manipulation
Slide 30
Reverberation http://www.mcsquared.com/reverb.htm Reverb
happens naturally based on what reflects the wave in a room. From
any sound source, say a speaker of your stereo, there is a direct
path that the sounds covers to reach our ears. But that's not the
only way the sound can reach us. Sound waves can also take a
slightly longer path by reflecting off a wall or the ceiling,
before arriving at your ears.
Slide 31
Delay You can use a long delay to layer notes. Create
interesting rhythms as a result
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delay_%28audio_
effect%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delay_%28audio_
effect%29
Slide 32
Multi-Tap Delay In some cases, you might want more flexibility
in a delay unit, and a multi-tap delay offers gives you just this.
Multi-tap delays are interesting because they allow you to create
more complex patterns that can add a rhythmic quality to the
instrument.
Slide 33
Ping-Pong Delay The ping-pong delay produces a bouncing sound,
where it's typically bouncing between the left and right channels
of a stereo signal.
Slide 34
Flanging Flanging has a very characteristic sound that many
people refer to as a "whooshing" sound, or a sound similar to the
sound of a jet plane flying overhead. Clip first time, normal,
second time with effect http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flanging
Slide 35
Chorusing Just as a chorus is a group of singers, the chorus
effect can make a single instrument sound like there are actually
several instruments being played. It adds some thickness to the
sound, and is often described as 'lush' or 'rich'. First time
normal, second time with effect
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chorus_effect
Slide 36
Connections Speakers Speakon Jacks Standard Speaker Wire
Microphones XLR Cables
Slide 37
Microphone Cables XLR Cannon X Series (original maker) Latch
(so they dont fall out) Rubber (surrounding the female end for
insulation) Typically have 3 connectors 1 is a ground for
electrical current Other two are positive/negative leads Which
types of microphones need phantom power?
Slide 38
Slide 39
Speaker Cables
Slide 40
Standard Speaker Cable Typically used in home wiring Two wires
positive & negative
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TRS Connectors The positive/negative charge comes from the
rings on the plug
Slide 42
Also known as A TRS connector has TIP RING SLEEVE Invented for
telephone switchboards Also used for electrical instruments such as
guitars and keyboards.
Slide 43
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Speakon Cables
Slide 45
Newest of the technologies Used in professional settings
Drastically eliminates Shock possibilities Loose connections during
a performance
Slide 46
A combo jack all 3!
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RCA Cables
Slide 48
A stylized version of the standard speaker wire Are quite
universal. Red Right Channel White Left Channel (or a MONO channel)
Yellow Video Used in a wide variety of applications Disadvantage:
Each channel requires its own cable
Slide 49
Optic Cable (aka Fiber Optics) TOSLink Toshiba Link Carries the
signal using light, not electricity Primarily found in home theater
systems. Not really used on the pro level.