SL2S206 - Sound System Engineering 01 Jul 2023 - 31 Aug 2029 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: SL2S206
Module Title: Sound System Engineering
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Music and Drama
Faculty Sub Group: Music
Module Leader: Philip Hughes
Module Team: Ian Williams, Rob Locke, Lucy Squire
First Intended Intake: APR 2024 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100703 - stage management
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Jul 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2029

Module Aims

To develop knowledge and understanding of the nature of sound, and its electro-acoustic reproduction in a range of environments.

To gain knowledge of the design of audio reproduction systems, suitable for specific artist and venue profiles, utilising a range of software tools.

To gain experience in the practical deployment of a variety of sound systems at all scales.

Content Summary

The module will broadly cover subject matter in the following areas:

Equal Loudness Curves

Understanding of SPL

Use of software tools to predict and tune sound system performance.

Acoustic Efficacy vs System Efficiency

PA Design vs Venue Permeameters / Artist Profile

Speaker design basics

Point source, Virtual point source & Line array systems

Manufacturer specific system architecture

Constant Voltage / Constant Current systems

Audio system matrixing concepts

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Study 120
Directed Study 44
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Analyse the application of the nature of sound systems in relation to the requirements of the environment
LO2 Categorise solutions to achieve identified sound reproduction requirements.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Project 1 Design, Specify & Build a Sound reproduction system 0 2000 50 No 40
Synchronous Online Assessment (Exam) Online Open Book Examination (Not Proctored) 1 Examination of a variety of topics taught throughout the module 60 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Project 1
Online Open Book Examination (Not Proctored) 1

Reading List

Gibson, B (2020) The Ultimate Live Sound Operator's Handbook (Music Pro Guides). Rowman & Littlefield

Davies, G et al (1990) Sound Reinforcement Handbook. Hal Leonard

McCarthy, B (2016) Sound Systems: Design and Optimization: Modern Techniques and Tools for Sound System Design and Alignment

Lawrence, M (2022) Between the Lines: Concepts in Sound System Design and Alignment. Precision Audio Services