Audio systems

Data is displayed for the academic year: 2024./2025.

Lecturers

Prof.
Siniša Fajt
PhD
Prof.
Kristian Jambrošić
PhD
Prof.
Antonio Petošić
PhD

Laboratory exercises

Vedran Planinec
PhD

Course Description

The course Audio Systems is a part of a group of courses that focus on sound production, together with the courses Audio Production and Audio Programming. In this course, advanced knowledge necessary for successful sound production in stereo technology is acquired, but special attention is given to advanced, multi-channel systems for sound recording and reproduction, as well as methods for objective and subjective measurement of audio signal quality. A particular emphasis is placed on practical work in laboratory exercises and independent work at home. Topics covered within the course include perceptual coding and the quality of audio systems determined by listening tests and objective measurements. Binaural systems with head tracking, ambisonics systems, and other multi-channel systems that enable recording and reproduction of sound fields with retained spatial information are also discussed. Special attention is given to the formation of directional characteristics, audio features, and machine learning, as well as real-time audio signal manipulation. Media, interfaces, and audio system formats, as well as sound system design, are also covered.

Prerequisites

To successfully follow the course, knowledge acquired in the courses Mathematical Analysis 1, Physics and Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering from the first year of undergraduate studies at FER, or equivalent courses from other studies, is required.

Study Programmes

University graduate
[FER3-HR] Audio Technologies and Electroacoustics - profile
(2. semester)
[FER3-HR] Communication and Space Technologies - profile
Elective Courses (2. semester)
[FER3-HR] Computational Modelling in Engineering - profile
Elective Courses (2. semester)
[FER3-HR] Computer Engineering - profile
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[FER3-HR] Computer Science - profile
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[FER3-HR] Control Systems and Robotics - profile
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[FER3-HR] Data Science - profile
Elective Courses (2. semester)
[FER3-HR] Electrical Power Engineering - profile
Elective Courses (2. semester)
[FER3-HR] Electric Machines, Drives and Automation - profile
Elective Courses (2. semester)
[FER3-HR] Electronic and Computer Engineering - profile
Elective Courses (2. semester)
[FER3-HR] Electronics - profile
Elective Courses (2. semester)
[FER3-HR] Information and Communication Engineering - profile
Elective Courses (2. semester)
[FER3-HR] Network Science - profile
Elective Courses (2. semester)
[FER3-HR] Software Engineering and Information Systems - profile
Elective Courses (2. semester)

Learning Outcomes

  1. classify typical studio and control room audio system components
  2. analyze media and formats for storage of audio signals
  3. demonstrate perceptual encoding of audio signals
  4. use different digital interfaces for connecting audio systems
  5. analyze input and output audio system components
  6. analyze audio signals using chosen signal features
  7. apply norms for measuring audio systems

Forms of Teaching

Lectures

The theory of audio systems is explained. These phenomena are also explained through demonstrations, where applicable.

Seminars and workshops

Independent processing of a selected topic from the areas covered in the course.

Laboratory

Through exercises in small groups, students will analyze the elements of the audio chain and the functionality of advanced audio systems.

Grading Method

Continuous Assessment Exam
Type Threshold Percent of Grade Threshold Percent of Grade
Laboratory Exercises 0 % 20 % 0 % 20 %
Seminar/Project 0 % 10 % 0 % 10 %
Mid Term Exam: Written 0 % 20 % 0 %
Final Exam: Written 0 % 20 %
Final Exam: Oral 30 %
Exam: Written 0 % 40 %
Exam: Oral 30 %

Week by Week Schedule

  1. Mechanical recording of audio signals, Magnetic recording of audio signals, Electronic recording of audio signals
  2. Optical media (CD, DVD-A, SuperAudio CD), Noise shaping methods
  3. Redundancy and irrelevancy of audio signals, Formats of compressed signals
  4. Special digital audio interfaces; S/PDIF; AES3; MIDI, USB; IEEE1394; HDMI; ISDN; AoE
  5. Multichannel audio systems
  6. Binaural systems with head position tracking
  7. Errors and system's limitations
  8. Midterm exam
  9. Sound fields recording methods
  10. Multi-microphone systems
  11. Microphone arrays
  12. Use of transformations in extraction of audio signals features
  13. Use of signal processing in extraction of audio signals features
  14. Analysis and extraction of audio signals features
  15. Final exam

Literature

Glen Ballou (2015.), Handbook for Sound Engineers, Routledge
David Huber, Robert Runstein (2017.), Modern Recording Techniques, 9th Edition, Routledge
Agnieszka Roginska, Paul Geluso (2017.), Immersive Sound, Taylor & Francis
Bob McCarthy (2016.), Sound Systems: Design and Optimization: Modern Techniques and Tools for Sound System Design and Alignment, Routledge

General

ID 222469
  Summer semester
5 ECTS
L2 English Level
L1 e-Learning
60 Lectures
0 Seminar
0 Exercises
20 Laboratory exercises
0 Project laboratory
0 Physical education excercises

Grading System

89 Excellent
76 Very Good
63 Good
50 Sufficient

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