Tour - Applications of Audio/Computer Laboratories

Graduate Degree
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Facilities
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The Music Engineering program is intensively involved in the computer applications that are central to today's music recording profession. Students and faculty use computer systems to record music, and perform editing and post production, learn circuit design, design loudspeaker enclosures, model room acoustics, develop proprietary signal processing algorithms using DSP development packages, design proprietary hardware devices such as A/D and D/A converters, research low bit-rate coding using data compression, prepare psychoacoustic testing programs, and perform analytical measuring, as well as other tutorial and research tasks.

Computer systems are used to record, edit and post-produce music from the Frost School of Music's Gusman Concert Hall and Clarke Recital Hall; using audio digitization systems, audio signals are stored on hard disk, and then manipulated using DSP programming. This provides great artistic flexibility and direct hands-on understanding of contemporary post production techniques.

The breadth of skills nurtured in the program spans a wide range of topics. For example, using software packages, students may design loudspeaker enclosures and crossovers using Thiele-Small equations, or develop proprietary signal processing algorithms using DSP development software. Students can perform sophisticated acoustical testing using these systems. They perform tests such as MLS, RT60, anechoic speaker simulation and impulse response. Or, they can design proprietary digitization hardware using A/D and D/A converters. Some of our students research low bit-rate coding algorithms (such as MP3 coding); our graduate students have completed thesis projects on data compression techniques, studying use of windows in low bit-rate coders, and subband coding algorithms. Students employ these systems to prepare psychoacoustic testing programs; a class project studied masking effects on the human minimum threshold of audibility curve. Many of our students and faculty are regularly published in audio journals.  

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University of Miami - Music Engineering - Coral Gables, FL
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