All activities within the Signal Processor Emulation module require the use of a Macintosh G3 computer (or better) and Digital Performer 2.7 (or higher) software. To conduct the following activities in their entirety, you will need to download a StuffIt archive containing sample audio files and a Quick Time movie. Clicking on the link below will begin the download process.

Important Note: The archive file is quite large. It is not recommended that you attempt to download it if you are connected to the Internet using anything less than a high-speed connection (i.e. cable modem, T-1 line, DSL, etc.) If you do not have access to a high-speed Internet connection, please send a message to the Texas Collaborative Clearinghouse to request a copy of a CD-ROM containing all files for the Signal Processor Emulation module.

Download the StuffIt Archive for Topic 1: Parametric Equalizers
[File size: 19,327 KB Contains all files associated with Topic 1 Activities]

If you do not have StuffIt, you can download a trial version at http://www.stuffit.com

Download an Adobe Acrobat file titled "General Instructions for Signal Processor Emulation" used by all activities in the module.

Activity 1.1
Parametric EQ Demonstration

Purpose
Demonstrate common uses for equalizers.

Description
The instructor prepares sound files that contain excessive rumble, hiss or hum. The Pro Tools or Digital Performer (PT/DP) files include plug-in settings that effectively remove these artifacts. Students experiment with these settings to hear their effect.

Concepts/Assessment
The demo sheet discusses the use of equalization (EQ) to correct the defects.

Materials Provided
Sound files that contain these defects. Download EQ Demo instruction sheet (.doc or .pdf).


Activity 1.2
Parametric Equalizer Drills

Purpose
Match one EQ setting in a prerecorded example.

Description
Using a single audio file source and plug-in automation, the instructor prepares:

  1. A file that uses a high pass filter. The student must match the cut off frequency by ear.
  2. A file that uses a low pass filter. The student must match the cut off frequency by ear.
  3. A file that uses a low shelving filter. The student must match the turnover frequency by ear
  4. A file that uses a high shelving filter. The student must match the turnover frequency by ear
  5. Three files that use peaking filters. The student must match the center frequencies by ear.
  6. Two files that use peaking filter. The student must match the bandwidth by ear.
  7. Two files that use peaking filter. The student must match the gain by ear.

Concepts/Assessments
The drill instruction sheet poses 11 questions concerning the EQ frequencies, bandwidth or gain of each example. The student identifies the specified parameter by matching the EQ plug-in of a ‘flat’ file to the example.

Materials Provided
One commercial mix that is equalized 11 times, serving as the examples to be matched by the students;
QuickTime movie giving the instructions aloud;
EQ Drill instruction sheet (.doc or .pdf)