Sound Reinforcement

Data is displayed for academic year: 2023./2024.

Lecturers

Prof.
Ivan Đurek
Assoc. Prof.
Marko Horvat

Course Description

Basic terms connected with distribution of sound in space. Reference schematics of sound reinforcement system. Characteristics of audio signal sources, their spectra, levels and dynamics. Active components of a sound reinforcement system. Devices for frequency, dynamic and time processing of audio signal. Devices for mixing, connecting and distribution. Power audio amplifiers. Loudspeaker units, boxes and arrays. Equation of sound reinforcement system with use of parameters of real sources and sound emitters. Calculation of necessary and possible amplification in a system. Determination of parameters of acoustical quality. Topology of sound reinforcement system. Comparison of individual systems. Computer-aided design of a sound reinforcement system.

Study Programmes

University graduate
[FER3-EN] Control Systems and Robotics - profile
Elective courses (2. semester)
[FER3-EN] Electrical Power Engineering - profile
Elective courses (2. semester)

Learning Outcomes

  1. define the basic terms used for describing the sound propagation in space, both open and closed
  2. distinguish between the elements in the sound reinforecement chain according to their purpose and technical characteristics
  3. distinguish between different types of loudspeaker box designs and their advantages and disadvantages in sound reinforcement applications
  4. estimate the interaction between the space and the sound reinforcement system
  5. analyze the problem of instaling a sound reinforcement system in a given space depending on its acoustical properties and intended purpose
  6. design a sound reinforcement system with appropriate charactersitics and topology that will ensure the best possible conditions for transmission of acoustic information and is appropriate for a given space
  7. evaluate the quality of a sound reinforcement system and its adequacy for a given space based on acoustical measurements and computer simulations

Forms of Teaching

Lectures

The theory is explained regarding sound propagation, the elements of the electroacoustic chain, and the calculations of an optimal sound reinforcement system. The lectures are complemented with demonstrations and practical examples.

Exercises

Calculation tasks and examples are solved in class.

Independent assignments

The students are required to complete the final project, in which they design the optimum sound reinforcement system for the space of choice.

Laboratory

The students get acquainted with the practical aspects of sound reinforcement through work in small teams.

Week by Week Schedule

  1. Dynamic microphone; Crystal microphone; Condenser microphone, carbon microphone, electret microphone
  2. Practical constructions of dynamic loudspeakers
  3. Practical constructions of dynamic loudspeakers
  4. Loudspeaker mounting; Loudspeaker construction
  5. Room influence on the loudspeaker reproduction
  6. Delay lines; Filters; Compressor; Expander; Limiter
  7. Delay lines; Filters; Compressor; Expander; Limiter
  8. Midterm exam
  9. Connecting audio devices (input, output impedance)
  10. Connecting audio devices (input, output impedance)
  11. Parts of PA systems
  12. Layout of PA systems
  13. Calculations of PA systems
  14. Calculations of PA systems
  15. Final exam

Literature

Don Davis, Eugene Patronis, Jr., Pat Brown (2013.), Sound System Engineering (4th Edition), Focal Press
W. Ahnert, C. Steffen (1999.), Sound reinforcement engineering, E & FN Spon

For students

General

ID 223092
  Summer semester
5 ECTS
L2 English Level
L2 e-Learning
30 Lectures
0 Seminar
15 Exercises
8 Laboratory exercises
0 Project laboratory
0 Physical education excercises

Grading System

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Very Good
Good
Sufficient

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