FUZZBOX PHYSICS AND POPULAR DISTORTION

CalArts CSCM-373 (3 Credits)
Spring 2024

COURSE STAFF

Professor: Douglas Goodwin
Email: dgoodwin@gmail.com, dgoodwin@calarts.edu

COURSE OVERVIEW

Fuzzbox Physics offers a hands-on exploration of sound amplification and distortion. Students will learn the relationship between human perception and acoustic media, examining how acoustic instruments and the human voice are amplified. The course delves into the history of stereo systems and their impact on music, leading to distortion as an aesthetic. Students will experiment with both physical and electronic amplification methods, as well as the types of distortions produced by vacuum tubes, solid-state electronics, and digital effects.

The course explores various sound-capturing technologies including vinyl records, microphones, and guitar pickups. An investigation into mechanical, magnetic, and piezo-electric devices will reveal their unique sound signatures, concluding with digital sound synthesis.

PREREQUISITES

Completion of Level 100 curriculum is required prior to enrolling in this course.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Understand and explain the principles of resonance and sound amplification
  • Differentiate between various types of distortion and their respective origins
  • Analyze the impact of historical sound technology developments on modern music
  • Demonstrate practical skills in creating and manipulating distortion effects
  • Design and document acoustic and electronic projects
  • Present detailed project documentation and outcomes effectively

COURSE MODULES AND SCHEDULE

Module 1: Acoustics and Perception

  • Week 1: Resonance
    • LAB: Find fundamental frequency of pipes (Due Feb 6)
  • Week 2: Wave Physics
    • READ: Music and Scientific Method (Due Feb 7)
    • LAB: Sympathetic vibration (Due Feb 13)
  • Week 3: Sympathetic Vibrations
    • READ: Hearing Sound
    • LAB: Helium voice experiments (Due Feb 27)

Module 2: Amplification and Distortion

  • Week 4: Amplification Strategies
  • Week 5: Amplification in Stereo Systems
  • Week 6: Good Distortion vs. Bad Distortion

Module 3: Transducers and Capture

  • Week 7: Vinyl Records, Microphones, and Guitar Pickups
  • Week 8: Mechanical, Magnetic, and Piezo-Electric Devices

Module 4: Synthesis and Processing

  • Week 9: Vacuum Tubes and Solid-State Electronics
  • Week 10: Spring Break (No Classes)
  • Week 11: Introduction to Digital Sound Synthesis
  • Week 12: Hands-on Digital Sound Synthesis

Module 5: Projects

  • Week 13: Project Proposal (Due Apr 26)
  • Week 14: Final Project Presentations (Due May 3)

KEY ASSIGNMENTS AND DATES

  • Paper Speaker Lab (Mar 22)
  • CMOS Fuzz Basics Workshop (Apr 16)
  • Project Proposal (Apr 26)
  • Final Project Presentations (May 3)

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Project and Lab Documentation (60%)

  • Accuracy and Detail: Clear presentation of experimental process and findings
  • Insight and Analysis: Quality of analysis and conclusions
  • Completeness: Meeting all specified requirements

Participation in Class Labs (40%)

  • Engagement: Active participation in discussions and activities
  • Collaboration: Effective peer work
  • Application: Practical implementation of lecture concepts

Rubric for Creative Projects

Based on Kristin Hughes' "Learning and Grading Rubric"

Percentage Calculation: Total points × 5 = Final percentage
(Example: 15 points = 75%)

TECHNICAL CONTENT

Types of Distortion

  • Overdrive: Smooth, natural sound
  • Distortion: Rougher sound
  • Fuzz: Metallic and abrasive
  • Crunch: Mild overdrive

Distortion Creation Methods

  1. Overdriving Transistors
  2. Hard Diode Clipping
  3. Soft Diode Clipping
  4. Special Methods (Zener diode clipping, CMOS inverters)

Policies

Attendance

  • More than six unexcused absences will result in course failure
  • Regular attendance required for both lectures and labs

Changes to the Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change. Students are responsible for staying informed about updates, which will be communicated via Discord. All assignments should be prepared for the scheduled class day unless noted otherwise.

Zoom Notice

Class meetings held on Zoom may be recorded for educational purposes. These recordings are protected and used solely to support course facilitation. Students and participants are prohibited from making their own recordings. Students needing special accommodations for recordings should coordinate with the instructor.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is crucial to our educational mission. Academic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, multiple submissions, or facilitating misconduct, undermines trust and learning. Plagiarism, the presentation of another author's words or ideas as your own, is a serious offense. Consult your instructor with any questions about documentation or quotations before submission.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Our goal is to make learning accessible for all students. If you face any issues with course materials or requirements, please contact me to discuss potential solutions. Students with disabilities are encouraged to consult the Office of Accessible Education for guidance and official accommodations. If you have approved accommodations, let's meet to devise an implementation plan. We are committed to meeting accessibility standards and welcome your feedback on improving access to course materials.

Inclusive Environment

We are dedicated to an equitable and inclusive learning environment, free from discrimination and harassment such as sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking, which violate college policies and legal standards. This policy applies to all individuals associated with the college. Violations can result in disciplinary actions, including expulsion or termination. A climate of mutual respect and open dialogue is essential, and speech is protected if it doesn't constitute harassment or discrimination.

Diversity

Our diverse community is a strength that fuels innovation and enriches education. We commit to reflecting this diversity within our student body and workforce, ensuring access for talented individuals from all backgrounds. By fostering an environment where ideas are shared respectfully, we enhance innovation and leadership development. We focus on removing barriers for underrepresented groups in all institutional activities.