THTR 353: Introduction to Audio Technology
INSTRUCTOR: Davin Huston 4-7726
OFFICE: KNOY177, By Appointment
CLASS SCHEDULE: Fall 2012
DATE
dhhuston@purdue.edu
DESCRIPTION
21-Aug
23-Aug
28-Aug
4-Sep
Introduction to Course
Lecture 1A: Acoustical Fundamentals (JBL 1 pg. 5-12)
Lecture 1B: Acoustical Fundamentals continued (JBL 1 pg. 13-24)
Lecture 2: Psychoacoustics – How We Hear (JBL 2)
6-Sep
Lecture 3: Loudspeaker Comparison
11-Sep
13-Sep
18-Sep
20-Sep
25-Sep
27-Sep
30-Sep
2-Oct
4-Oct
9-Oct
11-Oct
16-Oct
18-Oct
23-Oct
25-Oct
30-Oct
1-Nov
6-Nov
8-Nov
13-Nov
15-Nov
20-Nov
22-Nov
27-Nov
29-Nov
4-Dec
6-Dec
TBA
Lecture 4: Microphone Comparison (JBL 5)
Lecture 5: Consoles (JBL 6)
TBA/Review 1
Review 1
EXAM 1 Online – No Class
Review Exam
Lecture 6: Electrical Fundamentals (JBL 3)
Lecture 7: Amplifiers & Signal Processors (JBL 7)
Lecture 8: Audio Signals and Analysis (JBL 15)
OCTOBER BREAK
Lecture 9: Radiating Elements (JBL 10)
Lecture 10: Generic Speaker Systems for Sound Reinforcement (JBL 13)
Field Trip: Elliott Hall of Music
Review 2
EXAM 2 Online – No Class
Review Exam
Sound System Calibration / Setup Tools
Design of Sound Reinforcement: Day 1
Design of Sound Reinforcement: Day 2
Design of Sound Reinforcement: Day 3
Design of Sound Reinforcement: Day 4
Soldering Demo/Lab
THANKSGIVING BREAK
Review 3
EXAM 3
Review Exam 3/Soldering Cables DUE!
Review Final
FINAL EXAM AS SCHEDULED
HMWRK
DUE
QUIZ
HMWRK 1A
HMWRK 1B
QUIZ 1A
QUIZ 1B
HMWRK 2
QUIZ 2
HMWRK 3
QUIZ 3
HMWRK 4
QUIZ 4
HMWRK 5
QUIZ 5
HMWRK 6
QUIZ 6
HMWRK 7
QUIZ 7
HMWRK 8
QUIZ 8
In the event of a major campus emergency, course requirements, deadlines and grading percentages
are subject to changes that may be necessitated by a revised semester calendar or other
circumstances.
Here are ways to get information about changes in this course: Blackboard Learn, my email address:
dhhuston@purdue.edu, office phone 494-7726.
Page 2
Course Objectives
Theatre 353 is the first of a two-course sequence in audio technology offered by the Purdue
University Theatre Division. In this two-course sequence, a fundamental question is posed:
If a talker emits a sound on a stage, what will the sound pressure be when
measured at the listener’s ear?
The question is deceptively simple, and embraces a myriad of variables that affect the quality of
the an-swer. The acoustic characteristics of the talker, the sound system used to amplify the
talker’s voice, and the acoustic environment of the listener are just some of the variables that
have an impact on an answer to this question. The major factors influencing the answer will be
examined in this two-course sequence. The first course of this sequence focuses on
fundamental concepts related to acoustic, electro-acoustic, electrical properties, and specific
components of sound systems. The second course in this sequence culminates in projects in
which students team up to design and specify sound systems for specific venues.
Attendance, Attitude and Participation
Attendance is the student's responsibility. The professors will provide lectures and demos
during the class periods scheduled. It is not possible in our schedule to repeat lectures, demos
or quizzes on a private basis for students who have missed classes. We strongly recommend
that you have someone else in the class record classes that you miss.
Textbook
Required: Audio Engineering for Sound Reinforcement. John Eargle and Chris Foreman, Hal
Leonard Publishing Corp., 2002.
Strongly Recommended for anyone serious about a career in professional audio: Sound
Systems: Design and Optimization. Bob McCarthy. Elsefier Ltd. 3rd Edition, 2010.
Exams:
There will be three exams and a cumulative final exam. See class schedule for dates.
Homework and Quizzes
Students are responsible for reading and thoroughly digesting reading assignments before the
class period in which the chapter will be discussed. Homework and Quizzes will be given to
test this understanding. Homework and quizzes will not be allowed to be made up for any
reason.
Page 3
Evaluation:
The Final Grade and Grade Components will be assigned based upon the following
percentages:
A
B
C
D
F
900 - 1000
800 - 900
700 - 800
600 - 700
599 or below
Homework Assignments (16 X 10): 160
Quizzes (16 X 20):
320
Exams (3 X 80):
Final Exam (160)
160
Soldering/Attendance, Attitude, Part.
TOTAL
1,000
THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
240
120