Public learning track
Acoustics, Psychoacoustics, and Principles of Sound
11th Grade · Arts · UK A-Level
9 lessons
Goal
Master the physics of sound propagation, harmonic structures, human auditory perception, and room acoustic treatment in recording environments.
Featured Diagrams
Sound Waves, Harmonics, and Fourier Theory
9 lessons
0 of 9 done
- 1Sound Waves, Harmonics, and Fourier TheoryUp nextStart
- 2The Audible Frequency Spectrum and Critical BandsPremiumNot started yet
- 3Phase Relationships and the Three-to-One RuleNot started yet
- 4Acoustics, Sound Propagation, and Room TreatmentNot started yet
- 5Psychoacoustics: Binaural Localisation and the Haas EffectNot started yet
- 6Audio System Specifications: SNR, THD, Headroom, and Dynamic RangeNot started yet
- 7Decibels in Audio: dBFS, dBu, and dBSPLNot started yet
- 8Dynamic Response Graphs, Transfer Curves, and Saturation LinearityNot started yet
- 9Analysing Frequency Response Curves in Microphones and MonitorsNot started yet
Standards Covered
- MUSTECH-1.1General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11understand the principles of sound and audio technology and how they are used in creative and professional practice
- MUSTECH-1.9General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11understand the basic principles of acoustics, psycho-acoustics, and the digitalisation of sound
- MUSTECH-2.2General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11principles of sound and audio technology
- MUSTECH-1.3General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11develop recording skills to demonstrate an understanding of sound and its capture
- MUSTECH-3.2General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11capture of sound
- MUSTECH-1.7General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11understand the interdependence of sound engineering knowledge, understanding and skills
- MUSTECH-3.1General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11software and hardware
- MUSTECH-1.5General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11develop skills in critical and analytical listening to evaluate the use of sound and audio technology in students’ own and others’ work
Curriculum Framework
11th Grade · Arts · UK A-Level
1
9 lessons
Acoustics, Psychoacoustics, and Principles of Sound
Master the physics of sound propagation, harmonic structures, human auditory perception, and room acoustic treatment in recording environments.
2
9 lessons
Digital Audio Principles and Studio Hardware
Understand analogue-to-digital conversion, digital audio parameters, studio signal routing, cabling, and audio interface hardware.
3
9 lessons
Microphones and Sound Capture Techniques
Select and place appropriate microphone transducers and polar configurations for multi-track acoustic and electric studio tracking.
4
9 lessons
Audio Editing, Vocal Tuning, and Restoration
Execute corrective audio edits, pitch and timing correction, comping, and spectral restoration to professional standards.
5
9 lessons
Equalisation and Filtering
Utilise corrective and creative equalisation and filtering across tracks, buses, and mixes to shape frequency response and carve space.
6
9 lessons
Dynamic Range Processing
Control dynamic range, transient attack, sustained energy, and noise using compressors, limiters, expanders, and gates.
7
9 lessons
Time-Based, Modulation, and Spatial Effects
Design acoustic space, stereo depth, temporal echoes, and harmonic modulation using reverbs, delays, and modulation processors.
8
10 lessons
Synthesis, Sampling, and MIDI Sequencing
Build electronic sounds via subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis, manipulate multi-samples, and sequence expressive MIDI arrangements.
9
10 lessons
Mixing, Stereo Field, and Mastering
Balance multi-track projects into polished stereo mixes and master them to commercial streaming loudness standards.
10
10 lessons
History of Recording Technology and Production Analysis
Analyse the historical evolution of studio recording eras from 1950 to the present and critically appraise commercial productions.
11
8 lessons
Advanced Sound Design: Synthesis and Sampling Techniques
Design bespoke sounds, instruments, and textures using advanced synthesis architectures and sampling manipulation workflows.
12
7 lessons
DAW Editing, Audio Manipulation, and Automation
Execute precision corrective editing, pitch and timing alignment, spectral repair, and dynamic parameter automation within a digital audio workstation.
13
7 lessons
Stereo Imaging, Mix Bus Processing, and Mastering
Control stereo spatial placement, apply mix bus conditioning, and master audio tracks to commercial loudness, dynamic range, and technical specifications.