Audio Engineering and Digital Sound Basics

Vocabulary and concepts related to digital audio editing, file formats, and auditory health based on the lecture transcript.

7-Band Eq

An Audio Suite item that helps balance different frequencies in audio, making it sound clearer and separating it from background music and sound effects.

De-esser

An Audio Suite item that helps reduce sibilance in audio recording by identifying a specific high frequency range and compressing it.

BF-76 Compressor/Limiter

An Audio Suite item that helps lower the volume of sounds that are too loud and turn it up for the sounds that are too quiet.

.wav (wave)

The sound file designation for the PC.

aiff (.aif)

The sound file designation for the Mac computer.

mp3

A compressed audio file designation that is high in quality but smaller in size for electronic transfer.

Standard CD Sample Rate

$$44.1\,kHz$$

Standard Video Sample Rate

$$48.0\,kHz$$

Digital Sound Editing Programs

Software tools used for audio production, including Pro Tools, Sound Forge, Audition, Audacity, and Reaper.

Digital Domain Advantages

Benefits including low noise, low distortion, the ability to copy infinitely without degradation, and long-term storage stability unlike analog tape.

Proximity Effect

A muffled or muddy sound caused by a low frequency boost when a narrator or performer is too close to the microphone.

Proximity Effect Prevention

To avoid this effect, a performer must stand $4$ to $6\,\text{inches}$ away from the microphone.

Distortion

A change in the original audio signal, causing it to sound different from what was wanted.

Digital Storage Devices

Hardware used to store digital audio, such as a flash drive, portable hard drive, or DVD.

Acoustic trauma

Hearing loss that happens when the ear is exposed to a sudden noise in excess of $140\,dB$.

Temporary threshold shift

Temporary hearing loss that occurs when the ear is exposed to long term, loud noise.

Permanent threshold shift

Hearing loss resulting from long term exposure of loud noises in a specific or broad hearing range.

Hearing Care Methods

Practices including wearing protection devices, limiting exposure times, taking $15\,\text{minute}$ quiet breaks, and having regular checks by a licensed audiologist.