Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

This class introduces the fundamental sound technology of digital signal processing from the viewpoint of sound synthesis and digital audio effects. Signal processing is concerned with the theory and practice behind acquisition, analysis, modification, and reconstruction of signals. It involves such theory as sampling and quantization, linear time-invariant systems, difference equations, the Fourier transform in its various forms, and the z-transform. The proper application and development of such systems requires competences in the acquisition and manipulation of sounds.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who complete the course module will obtain the following qualifications:

• Understand the application of transforms to analyze signals and systems
• Understand digital sampling, quantization, and reconstruction of audio signals, and the variety of technical specifications that accompany such systems, e.g., sampling rate, bit rate, quantization resolution, etc.
• Understand linear discrete-time systems
• Understand the z-transform for analyzing systems
• Understand transfer functions and frequency response
• Understand the Fourier transform in its various forms (including windowing)
• Understand the basic filter types, such as low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, etc., filters
• Understand filter implementations (IIR, FIR, forms) and their differences
• Understand delay lines and delay based effects (flangers, vibrato, chorus, echo)
• Understanding modulators and demodulators
• Understand different filter design methods
• Understand dynamic range control (e.g., compressor, expander, noise gate)
• Understanding spatial effects

Skills

Students who complete the course module will obtain the following qualifications:

• Design, implement and apply filters to sound and music signals and evaluate the results
• Apply the Fourier transform to analyzing signals and systems
• Apply the z-transform to analysis and design of filters
• Apply signal processing theory to the design of filters and digital audio effects.

Competences

Students who complete the course module will obtain the following qualifications:

• Apply appropriate methods and tools to analyze a sampled audio signal and evaluate with a high level of detail the content represented in the data
• Apply appropriate methods and tools to the design of a sound processing system comprising filters and/or audio effects
• Apply appropriate methods and tools to analyze a digital system and evaluate with a high level of detail how it affects sampled audio data passed through it.

Type of instruction

Lectures and laboratories.

Exam

Exams