Forensic Audio Fundamentals

August 19- 23, 2024

Forensic Audio Fundamentals:  A 5 day hands-on class that will introduce the principles of recorded sound, basic processing techniques, and best practices for working with, and clarifying digital audio.

Location:  Regional Organized Crime Information Center (ROCIC)  545 Marriott Drive, Nashville, TN 37214 – 8th Floor, Suite 820.

Parking at ROCIC: Above the garage and straight back is available for attendee parking. Do not park under the garage OR in the 2-hour Visitor Parking.

Who should attend? Anyone performing audio analysis or wanting to learn.  No previous experience necessary.

Who can apply?  LEVA membership is NOT required. No academic pre-requisites.

Note: Basic computer skills are required to complete this training. Students must provide own laptop with admin rights (to load demo software) and the following operating system:

Mac: OS X 10.8.5 Mountain Lion–macOS 10.15 Catalina,

PC: Win 7–Win 10

In addition…please bring a pair of earbuds or headphones to use when doing practical exercises.

OVERVIEW:  Students will learn how to improve audio recording issues with currently available software tools, including an in depth review of the iZotope RX software features and processes.  Attendees will also receive information on forensic audio reference resources.

Students will learn through lecture and hands-on exercises, to identify, and address common audio issues using currently available tools. Multiple hands-on exercises will be included during each module.

OBJECTIVES:

• Audio Core Competencies
  • Basic Terminology / Concepts
  • Science and Physics of Sound
  • Speech Characteristics
  • Types and Makeup of Noise
  • Fundamentals of Recording and Playback Devices
  • Analog vs. Digital Considerations
  • Viewing Audio Signal and Analysis
  • Basic Audio Processing techniques
  • Critical Listening

   Working with Audio

  • Overview of Software Tools
  • Equipment Configuration / Verification
  • Preliminary Examination / Basic Enhancement Techniques
  • Special Considerations for Audio from Video Files
  • Audio Enhancement Workflow

   Forensic Audio Best Practices

  • Audio Evidence Handling
  • Documentation
  • Court Issues
  • Standards
  • Resources

Instructor: Allen Combs is LEVA Certified and chief forensic analyst for Combs Forensic Services. He has completed hundreds of forensic audio, video, and image investigations for criminal and civil cases in the United States and abroad. Allen provides forensic audio and video training to top law enforcement agencies, foreign governments, and public and private sector forensic specialists from all over the world. Allen also serves as a technical assessor for the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, has provided consultation to several media outlets, and is an active member of multiple professional industry organizations.

Credits / Certificate: This course provides 40 credit hours toward LEVA Certification. LEVA will also issue a certificate to each student who completes the course.

Tuition: $1875

Payment / Refund policy: Can be found here.

Register HERE

Disclaimer:

Graduates of the course receive a LEVA certificate indicating completion of the 40-hour curriculum. That certificate should NOT be interpreted as a certification of any type. Registering for any LEVA class indicates they fully understand they are not receiving any certification from any one LEVA course and must refer to this training as LEVA’s on their resume, CV or any discoverable document. This class is not conducted to officially endorse any product or service.

Additional Information Needed:

Contact Troy Lawrence, LEVA Deputy Executive Director, at: troy.lawrence@leva.org