Digital @ The Arts Unit Creative Classes
Audio fundamentals – inputs and outputs
Learn the fundamental elements of a basic audio system
Student VET entertainment, music and drama resource developed by The Arts Unit
Years 9 to 12 music and drama, Years 11 and 12 VET entertainment
What will I learn?
You will:
identify the basic principles of an audio system
explore the different uses for microphones.
1. Inputs
Microphones
Watch the videos 'A quick guide to microphones' and 'Types of microphones'.
A quick guide to microphones
Duration: 03:20How to mix live music – microphones
Duration: 10:34
Task
Complete the following questions:
Describe, in detail, what a microphone is.
Define the characteristics of a DYNAMIC microphone.
List different uses for the dynamic microphone.
Identify at least 2 different examples of dynamic microphones.
Define the characteristics of a CONDENSER microphone.
List different uses for the condenser microphone.
Identify at least 2 different examples of condenser microphones.
Make a list of the best microphones to use with different instruments.
Pick up patterns
Watch the video 'How to choose the best microphone'.
How to choose the best microphone
Duration: 04:05
Task
Identify the following diagram examples of pick up patterns and the different uses for each in performance.
Cables and connectors
Many different types of cables and connectors are used to connect the various components of an audio system together.
Watch the video 'Understanding audio cables and connectors' to learn about these different cables and connectors.
Understanding audio cables and connectors
Duration: 14:59Task
Identify the following 5 audio connectors in the image carousel and describe each of their characteristics, uses or functions, as well as the types of equipment that use each connection.
You could create an audio equipment table to collate this information.
Cable rolling
Watch the video 'How to roll a cable' with Mark Zovaro from The Arts Unit.
To ensure your audio leads are always going to be in the best working order and be stored in the safest way, it is essential to roll them correctly.
How to roll a cable
Duration: 01:54
Task
Practise rolling all the audio cables you have correctly.
Other audio input devices used in basic PA systems include:
CD Player
iPad / iPod / iPhone / Computer
Instruments – through a DI Box
A DI Box converts unbalanced instrument signal into balanced microphone signal.
They are used with instruments like guitars and keyboards into an audio mixing desk.
2. Outputs
Speakers
A speaker is the component that takes the electronic signal and turns it back into actual sound that we can hear.
Watch the video 'First hornless loudspeaker 1921 prototype' to see how speakers have been developed.
First hornless loudspeaker 1921 prototype
Duration: 02:05
Research loudspeakers further online or in textbooks you have access to and complete the following tasks.
Loudspeakers include 3 different dynamic drivers:
tweeters
mid-range
woofers
Task
Identify which driver is labelled 1, 2 and 3 in the diagram.
A speaker driver is made up of 4 common parts:
diaphragm
magnet
suspension
voicecoil.
Task
Identify the labelled components 1, 2, 3 and 4 of a speaker driver in the diagram.
Active and passive speakers
Passive speakers do not have their own power source and require external power from an amplifier in the audio system.
Active speakers have their own internal amplifier.
Watch the video 'Active speakers vs passive speakers' to see the difference between each speaker and when they can each be used.
Active speakers vs. passive speakers
Duration: 04:02Amplifiers
Amplifiers are electronic devices that take an existing electrical signal and make it bigger, hence the name, ‘amplifiers’.
They take an analogue line-level audio signal and convert it to something that can properly cause a loudspeaker to vibrate and thus make noise. An amplifier must be used between the outputs of a mixer and the speakers.
Watch the video 'What is a power amplifier?' to learn about the applications of an amplifier.
What is a power amplifier? (Watch up to 01:42)
Duration: 01:42Task
Identify different events or times you would be best to use either an active or passive speaker and why.
Foldback speakers
Often known as a stage monitor, a foldback speaker is used for performers to hear their own mix of vocals and instruments while performing. They are often active speakers in the shape of a wedge.
It is now very common for foldback to be used with radio in ear headphones with a transmitter to reduce the number of speakers on the stage.
They are sent through the auxiliary send outputs on the audio mixing desk.
Watch the video 'Singers: are you using your monitor mix correctly?' to see how singers should use their foldback and how you could mix it successfully.
Singers: are you using your monitor mix correctly?
Duration: 01:53Task
Set up a foldback speaker on the stage as part of your PA system. Turn off your main front of house speakers and play an audio track through the foldback only, to ensure you are sending the music correctly to the foldback.
With a singer on stage with various instruments or a backing track, mix different inputs into the foldback as they request them. If you have multiple foldback speakers, send different mixes to each speaker.
Well done, you have done some great work!
In the next lesson, you will continue to learn about audio fundamentals.
Third-party content attributions
Schools Spectacular image, photographer: Anna Warr.