Studio Design, Acoustics and Noise Measurement

Please note

This document only provides information for the academic year selected and does not form part of the student contract

School:

School of Computing and Engineering

Credit Rating:

Level (including FHEQ):

M (FHEQ Level 7)

Graded or Non Graded:

Graded

Version Valid From:

2022-09-01

Module Leader:

Andrew Bourbon

Version Number

2023.01

Learning Methods

Practical Classes and Demonstrations

Lecture

Guided Independent Study

Synopsis

The module is designed to educate you in the measurements used within acoustics and how these measurements relate to the principles of acoustics. Acoustic principles range from the physics of waves and vibration through to the design of structures. The measurements will use industry standard methods with reference to international standards and regulations where you will be asked to produce reports that adhere to commercial practice. Not only will you be able to produce reports with measurements but also by understanding the core principles, you should be able to suggest improvements to structures and designs. We will develop your skills ranging from acoustics, physics and basic architecture through to report writing, time management and safe working practices. We will also consider measurement of and solutions for the provision of multichannel immersive environments. Studio layout and workflow will also be considered in this module, with design proposals including cable schedules and patchbay layouts where appropriate.

Learning Strategy

Lectures, with integrated tutorial and seminar activity will be employed to address all the outcomes. Supervised laboratory sessions will be run to support the practical assignments. Students will undertake self-directed tasks in groups to satisfy the learning outcomes. Unsupervised time will be used for tutorial work, guided reading, research, report … For more content click the Read More button below.

Outline Syllabus

• Acoustic principles of waves – propagation and prediction
• Measurement terminology (LAeq, LA90, etc.)
• Room acoustics – reverberation and absorption
• Room acoustics – echoes, delays, masking and intelligibility
• Measurement of sound – the equipment and methods.
• Measurement of sound – frequency weighting and application
• Noise and regulation in the real world – workplace
• Noise and regulation in the real world – construction, venues, delivery
• Sound insulation and noise management
• Measurement of insulation and flanking transmissions
• Acoustic design – approved document E.
• Acoustic design – recording studios and specialist facilities
• Cable schedules and planning an install
• Patchbay layout design
• Designing for specific spaces- traditional studios, concert halls and multi-channel audio reproduction spaces

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will

Have a systematic understanding of the behaviour of sound in an enclosed space and apply this knowledge in proposing acoustic solutions for internal acoustic performance and noise control.

Show an awareness of regulation, standards and government advice around noise regarding major implications of noise. Noise at work, noise from construction and noise management within a context of music in developing an acoustic report.

Collect data through acoustic measurement and to formulate planned improvements in response to those measurements.

Propose bespoke solutions based on specific creative requirements for a space to be used for music creation.

Create a report that adheres to regulation standards both highlighting acoustical characteristics and to suggest improvements if appropriate.

Formative Assessment

Assessment 1: Other

Assessment 2: Other

Summative Assessment

Assessment 1: Portfolio

Description:Create a portfolio that includes · Acoustic measurement 2500 word report for a given space · Noise impact analysis including reference to legal standards · Proposal of Acoustic solution to either an existing space or a bespoke space with agreement of the module leader. This space can be for traditional stereo mixing, single plane surround or immersive audio environments.

Assessment Weight:100

Assessment Length:30 Hours (Typical Effort)

Module Learning Outcomes:MLO1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4, MLO5

Individual or Group:Individual

Final Assessment Component:Yes

Marked Anonymously:No

Eligible for Tutor Reassessment:Yes

Assessment Criteria

1. Quality of theory, regulation and mathematical calculation and appropriate use of standards. 2. Effectively develop a testing strategy for a detailed analysis of room characteristics.3. Competently test and measure the environmental room characteristics using recognised industry standard techniques (background noise measurements, transmission measurements). 4. Clear presentation results and relevant … For more content click the Read More button below.

1. Quality of theory, regulation and mathematical calculation and appropriate use of standards.
2. Effectively develop a testing strategy for a detailed analysis of room characteristics.
3. Competently test and measure the environmental room characteristics using recognised industry standard techniques (background noise measurements, transmission measurements).
4. Clear presentation results and relevant plots in a report and extract and appropriately identify relevant solutions to any characteristics that are undesired or to highlight any that are desired.

Course and Module Catalogue