About this course: In this course students learn the basic concepts of acoustics and electronics and how they can applied to understand musical sound and make music with electronic instruments. Topics include: sound waves, musical sound, basic electronics, and applications of these basic principles in amplifiers and speaker design.
Created by: University of Rochester
Taught by: Robert Clark, Dean of the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences and Professor
Mechanical Engineering
Taught by: Mark Bocko, Distinguished Professor and Chair
Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Commitment | 12 hours of lectures and assignments |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Week 1 - Introduction RC & Introduction to Electrical Circuits MB
Introduction to oscillations and sound waves, simple oscillating systems, sound pressure, sound waves, the speed of sound, wavelength, frequency and pitch, sound pressure level, loudness, making sound, properties of musical sound versus “noise”. Electronics fu...
13 videos, 8 readings
WEEK 2
Week 2 - Acoustic Resonance RC & Electrical Circuits MB
Reflection and absorption of sound, resonances in air columns, resonances in enclosures and rooms, diffraction and diffusion of sound, reverberation, principles of designing a good music studio. AC signals, phase and complex numbers, capacitors, inductors, tra...
13 videos
Graded: Test for Weeks 1 and 2
WEEK 3
Week 3 - Some Necessary Mathematics MB & AC Circuit Analysis
Transistors, vacuum tubes, opamps, amplification, power gain, single-stage amplifiers.
Converting sound to electrical signals –microphones and guitar pickups, converting electrical signals to sound – loudspeakers
18 videos
WEEK 4
Week 4 - AC Signals & Loudspeakers and Radiation RC
Electric guitar electronics, pickup design, pickup placement and tone, volume control circuits, tone control circuits. Overview of a simple guitar amplifier, power supply, volume control, preamp, tone control, power amp section.
15 videos
Graded: Test for Weeks 3 and 4
WEEK 5
Week 5 - Closed Box Loudspeaker Design RC & Ported Loudspeaker Design
Designing speaker enclosures, basic principles, interaction of speaker driver with the cabinet, why a cabinet at all? Speaker designs for home stereo, crossover networks, guitar amplifier (open) speaker enclosures, bass amplifier (closed and vented) speaker en...
8 videos
WEEK 6
Week 6 - Guitar Pickup and Effects Analysis MB & Design and Construction of a Guitar Amplifier MB
Building the guitar amplifier, how to solder, getting the amp to work - systematic testing and troubleshooting. Visualizing sound waves, frequency content and tone, signal modification in electro-acoustic systems, tube amplifiers and distortion, wah pedal, tal...
14 videos
Graded: Final Exam
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Creators
University of Rochester
The University of Rochester is one of the nation's leading private universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University provides exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College, School of Arts and Sciences, and Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences are complemented by its Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, School of Nursing, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, and the Memorial Art Gallery.
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