The industry is full of innovators, those who have gone before us and those who’ve tried and failed, and tried again, and earned their spots in the halls of CE history. One such savant is Floyd Toole, Ph.D., and if you’re interested in getting more in-depth with audio, he’s the guy you want to learn from.
Floyd Toole’s popular audio acoustics courses have been updated and released in the CEDIA resource library. The self-paced e-courses are part of a three-part series, and each course—once passed—is worth 3 CEUs. Each course consists of a video of slides with in-depth instructor narration and an MP3 download. A post-assessment test is included. A 70 percent is needed in order to receive CEUs. Here are the course offerings:
Home Theater Audio & Acoustics Part I (ESD301): To excel as a designer, you must thoroughly understand audio and acoustics. In the first course in this comprehensive three-part series, Dr. Toole will explain the basic dimensions of sound so you are able to deliver the best possible results with your surround-sound system designs. Topics include the basics of sound and sound reproduction, sound transmission and reflection in rooms, and using room size and shape to predict performance.
Home Theater Audio & Acoustics Part II (ESD302): In part two of this series, Dr. Toole cranks the dial up another notch, addressing different types of loudspeakers, the consequences of using each kind, and the intricate parts of each. Dr. Toole’s expertise and detailed instruction will help you walk away with a comprehensive understanding of surround sound configurations for different audiences and room sizes, loudspeaker characteristics and performance goals, and the difference between fact and fallacy with loudspeaker specification.
Home Theater Audio & Acoustics Part III (ESD303): For the final course of this series, Dr. Toole helps you apply your audio and acoustics knowledge to simulations of real-world situations. Learn how to properly design surround systems that meet performance benchmarks as well as the client’s budget, room size, and other constraints. Key topics include surround system design in the real world, speaker selection and placement for the best coverage, and managing room modes and subwoofer placement for smooth bass response.
