Ear Training For Audio Engineers - Quiz Apps

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Revision as of 17:23, 1 March 2023 by NicholasBernstein (talk | contribs)

The CONCEPT of LISTENING to basic FREQUENCIES is 100% on point!! And, you can do this with any DAW. Simply set up a basic Sine Wave generator (and also other waveforms like sawtooth, pink noise etc) and LISTEN. Learn what 1kHz sounds like. Learn what 100 Hz sounds like! Then, put that stuff through a FILTER (eq) and LISTEN!

And, BTW, the next step? Would/will be using music instead of just a test tone generator. So that, you will TRAIN your ears to HEAR what a Hi Pass filter sounds like on MUSIC...(or vocals, drums, guitars etc...)


Overview

Ear training is very important for both musicians and audio engineers. For musicians, traditional ear training includes: identifying intervals (Major, Minor, Diminished, etc) and chord changes (I-IV-V, ii-V-I, etc.). While audio engineers generally need to recognize specific frequencies. For example, they need to understand that Middle C (C3) = 261hz. Here is helpful cheat sheet for finding the Frequencies of Musical Notes

To complete this assignment, you will need the following tools:

  1. DAW
    • As always, you can work in the DAW of your choice
  2. Some type of oscillator (hardware synth, virtual synth/plugin, tone generator, etc)
    • The oscillator must be able to generate basic wave forms (sine, sawtooth, square, pink noise, white noise), and must be able to control the frequency and the waveform
    • If there isn't a synth or tone generator that comes with your DAW, you can find a free one [here]
  3. Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer
    • So you can identify and see the frequency that you’re playing
  4. Filters
    • At least High-Pass Filter (HPF) and Low-Pass Filter (LPF)

Instructions

  1. Instantiate a sine wave and listen to these basic frequencies (100hz, 500hz, 1000hz, 4000hz, 8000hz, 12000 hz).
    • A sine wave is a pure tone with no harmonic overtones.
  2. Watch the Real-Time Analyzer as you listen.
    • What you hear will be dependent upon your speakers and/or your headphones. If your speakers aren't capable of reporducing 100hz, you will see the frequency on the analyzer, but you won't hear it.
  3. After listening to different frequencies using a sine waves, listen using a complex wave form like sawtooth wave.
    • A sawtooth wave is comprised of sine waves and contains both even and odd harmonics.
    • Use this to train your ears to hear the difference between sawtooth and sine wave. Notice it has a buzzy sound and that your RTA is displaying all of the frequencies that are comprising the sawtooth wave.
  4. Change the fundamental frequency of the sawtooth wave and see how the corresponding harmonics change. Now listen to the same frequencies you did using the sine wave (100hz, 500hz, 1000hz, 4000hz, 8000hz, 12000 hz).
  5. On the same track, instantiate a filter. Apply the filter to the sawtooth wave.
  6. Watch and listen to how the different filters (High Pass, Low Pass, etc) affect the sound.

To Deliver

  1. Create a 1 min video of you listening back to different waveforms while using your analyzer.



Old

Instructions

  1. Practice the Frequency Quiz on PureMix here: Ear Training Frequency Quiz - PureMix
  2. After practicing with the quiz, reply to the discussion prompts below.
    • Note: Make sure to practice the quiz with quality headphones and/or monitors.

Reply in Canvas Discussion

  1. How many times did you practice the quiz?
  2. Did you do all levels?
  3. How did you do on the frequency quiz?
  4. Do you recognize any frequency ranges or specific frequencies you have trouble with?
  5. What headphones and/or monitors did you use?

Additional Ear Training Exercises

  1. https://audiouniversityonline.com/ear-training-for-mixing-engineers/
  2. https://webtet.net/apcl/#/parametric
  3. https://www.renegadeproducer.com/audio-ear-training.html

Bruce's Response

Aha! Ya, I see that (unfortunately) this "quiz" on PureMix is no longer active. But, no worries! This is a common thing in the world of "Music Technology" - a field that is constantly evolving at the speed of light!

The ultimate solution for something like this (on a granular level) would be to directly reach out to customer service and support at PureMix and ask them what's up.

The best way to get help from me, to trouble shoot an issue like this would be to contact my support channel (support@brucetambling.com) and include the EXACT link (page URL) to this Canvas Discussion assignment https://foothillcollege.instructure.com/courses/22691/discussion_topics/677685 And ALSO include a clear description of EXACTLY what the issue is.


I will "update" this assignment...

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