Introduction to audio electronics (1/4)

Introduction to audio-electronics

This four-piece seminar-series is meant to teach some of the underlying principles of audio-amplification, frequency-filtering and signal-processing that apply to amplifiers, guitar stompboxes and microphone preamps. During this course you will be introduced to the fundamental building blocks of analog circuits (resistors, capacitors, transistors and op-amps), learn how to distinguish circuit-building blocks and how to apply some simple calculators for frequency-filtering. Lastly, we'll dissect some schematics to understand the function of each and every component.
The workshop will conclude with a 'practical' involving the building of your own DIY distortion- or fuzz pedal, for which kits will be supplied. The supply of these is limited, so make sure you sign up timely.

-Basic knowledge of electronics is useful, but I'll try to accommodate all attendees
-Some mathematics might be introduced, but they'll be approached from a pragmatists' perspective

Part 1. (Wednesday 19:00 - 21:00 --- 13/06/2018---)
We all know what sound is, but what does it look like in its electronic form? We'll see how a speaker works and how it is able to produce sound. Then we’ll look at various waveforms (sines, square waves and other sinusoids) and the translation between the ‘frequency-domain’ and ‘time-domain’. When the crowd is math-savvy we could try a Taylor-expansion of a square wave. Otherwise we’ll indulge in the knowledge that Fourier-transformations give us.
With our knowledge of waveforms, we will assess various types of signal distortion. Some more pleasant than others.

Part 2. (Wednesday 19:00 - 21:00 --- 20/06/2018---)
Time to get into some real electronics here. We’ll be introduced to the basic drawing elements and shapes of circuits and take a look at the principal components of analog circuits: Resistors, capacitors, diodes and transistors. With the latter, some basic equations will (have to) be introduced / recapitulated.
With our knowledge of peripheral components, we’ll introduce the Operational Amplifier and review the usage of these so-called OPAMPS in audio circuits.

Part 3. (Wednesday 19:00 - 21:00 --- 27/06/2018---)
This course we’ll look at the filters we could think up with the knowledge of our last course. Resistor-capacitor networks will be discussed, and basic calculations for cutoff-frequencies will be demonstrated. Secondly, fundamental building blocks of audio circuits are on the program: Buffer stages, gain stages, clipping stages, frequency filters and power supplies .
Part 4. (Wednesday 19:00 - 21:00 --- 4/07/2018---)
Our last theoretical escapade will be the analysis of real-life circuits. With the knowledge of previous lectures, we should be able to dissect a variety of well-known and interesting real life circuits. A selection of circuits will be up for discussion, depending on the preferences of the attendees. If time permits, we’ll draw out the good ‘ole oscilloscope and tinker with some breadboarded circuits to see- and hear the consequences of our modifications.

Praxis in practice (Saturday 12:00 onwards --- 7/07/2018---)
If there is any participants left after this fourfold technical torture, allow me to remind you that nothing tastes (or sounds) quite as good as the fruits of your own labour. Three types of kits will be available for this session: A distortion pedal , a fuzz pedal and a third yet-to-be developed secret kit. They’ll consist of a Pre-drilled enclosure, a PCB, all peripheral components and a solid explanation of how-to-put-the-thing-together. This will def be an afternoon session, and I’ll be there to assist everyone in their soldering-and-assembly process. To pay for the enclosure, pots and the PCB-manufacturing, a fee of € 35,- will be charged. The three circuits available are HSBXL-only and loosely based on the sickest sounds the streets have to offer. All hail King Buzzo, Dimebag Amen.