Podcast 5
Modern Audio Manipulation Techniques

Objectives:

• Define and explore concepts such as waveforms, digital audio, Random Access Memory (RAM), and sampling
• Explore differences between analog and digital recording platforms
• Gain knowledge of basic sound design techniques used in musical composition and audio podcasts

National Music Education Standards Addressed:

• Standard 6: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
• Standard 7: Evaluating music and music performances.
• Standard 8: Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.

Time/Materials Required:

• 15-20 minutes
• Digital media player or computer access to the Internet

Activity Summary:

Whether recording a podcast or mixing a musical composition, today's audio engineers use digital audio editing software to create new sounds and sonic textures. The same technology, which is often available on the Internet for little or no cost, allows amateur and professional sound engineers alike to manipulate digital recordings and enhance their musical compositions. In this activity, students will explore several digital audio manipulation techniques that illustrate the power of computer-based, audio editing technology. The activity also examines how digital arranging and composition techniques can be used in students' audio blogs, podcasts, and musical compositions.

Download Audio Activity and Worksheet:

Click on the links below to download and listen to this activity. Print the worksheet to input your answers.
Click here to download this podcast
Click here to download Student Worksheet

digital audio: sound recording and reproduction systems which work by using a digital representation of the audio waveform.
groove: a combination of repetitive rhythmic ideas that create a steady beat.
loop: a finite element of sound which is repeated by technical means.
phrase: a musical thought-a series of pitches that make sense.
pitch: the highness or lowness of sound determined by its frequency of vibration.
random access: the ability to access data at random, such as on a CD or computer.
reverb: an effect that resounds in a succession of echoes, produced in recorded music by electronic means.
rhythm: combinations of long and short sounds that convey a sense of movement.
tempo: the pace with which music moves.
waveform: A graphic representation of the shape of a sound wave.