electroacoustic

Electroacoustic is a multidisciplinary term describing approaches to sound that rely on electronic means for generation, manipulation, storage, transmission, or reproduction of acoustic energy. The scope spans both technical engineering applications and artistic music practice.

In engineering and acoustics, electroacoustics covers the design and use of devices that convert sound to electrical signals and vice versa, such as microphones, loudspeakers, hydrophones, and pickups; as well as associated electronics, signal processing, measurement, and room or architectural acoustics. It includes transducer design, audio amplification, digital signal processing, and telecommunications.

In music, electroacoustic music refers to works where electronic or computational processes are integral to the sound. It originated in the early to mid-20th century with experiments in sound recording and synthesis, and evolved through tape music, computer music, and live electronics. Common techniques include sampling, granulation, spectral processing, synthesis, and spatialization, often with emphasis on timbre and listener immersion.

Today the term remains in use across research, industry, and the arts, encompassing studios, universities, and concerts that explore the interaction between acoustic phenomena and electronic technologies.