Digital Theory Essentials
Introduced in the 1980s, computer technology continues to transform all aspects of sound creation, recording, production and distribution, both live and in-studio. It’s so pervasive that concepts you’ll learn in this course are essential for further study in OIART's Pro Tools, Recording Technology, Computer Management, Sound Design, Audio for Pictures and Production courses.
In one stream of Digital Theory Essentials you’ll examine the more-intricate-than-you-realize relationship between analog and digital audio, and their substantial conversion challenges. In the other, you’ll learn the ins and outs of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), the industry-standard protocol enabling electronic musical instruments, synthesizers and computers to communicate control and synchronize with each other.
Course Outline
| Topic | Format |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Digital Audio Systems | Lecture |
| Digital to Analogue Conversion | Lecture |
| Analogue to Digital Conversion | Lecture |
| Challenges in Digital Conversion | Lecture |
| Digital Clocks and Clock Errors | Lecture |
| Digital I/O Standards | Lecture |
| Digital Transmission | Lecture |
| Introduction to the MIDI Specification | Lecture |
| Modern Synthesizer Overview | Lecture/Lab |
| MIDI Channels and Cabling | Lecture/Lab |
| Advanced MIDI Connections | Lecture/Lab |
| Control Change Messages | Lecture/Lab |
| MIDI Controllers | Lecture/Lab |
| MIDI Signal Flow | Lecture/Lab |
| MIDI Implementation Charts | Lecture |
| Total Class Hours | 12 |
| Total Lab Hours | 6 |
| Course Length | 1 Semester |
