Eduardo Mota, a 2021 graduate of the MSc Audio Engineering program, has swiftly transitioned into a dynamic role as a Quality Assurance Engineer and Sound Designer at Sound Particles, a leading audio software company specializing in spatial and 3D audio solutions for the film and gaming industry. Eduardo’s initial passion for electronics remained strong throughout his studies, culminating in his dissertation and final project. However, the course at Derby introduced him to a broader world of audio, including live sound system design and audio software engineering, expanding his horizons. The practical programming skills he acquired, particularly in C++ and Matlab, have become indispensable tools in his current role, where he continually pushes boundaries in audio technology. As he looks to the future, Eduardo aspires to transition into an audio software developer position, building upon the strong foundation Derby provided him. His journey exemplifies the transformative potential of a Derby education in the world of audio engineering and software development.
Eduardo Mota, Class of 2021
Hometown:
Lisbon, Portugal
Current location:
Lisbon, Portugal
Current job + employer:
Quality Assurance Engineer/Sound Designer, Sound Particles
What did you do/study prior to coming to Derby?
BSc Music Technologies, Lisbon Music School
Why did you choose to go to the University of Derby?
I choose to go to the University of Derby mainly due to the professors of my course (after investigating their previous work), the facilities, and the modules on the programme.
Did you start the course with a specific focus or were you undecided?
Yes, I started the course very focused on the electronics modules since I am very passionate about the topic.
Did that focus change on the course? If so, how?
I would say that my focus remained the same since I ended up doing my dissertation and final project in the electronics field as well. Still, through the course, there were other modules that indeed showed me that there are other exciting things out there. They were Live Sound System Design and Optimisation and Audio Software Engineering. The experience of designing a venue in a CAD system and making all the simulations to check how to venue would respond to a given sound system was fascinating and very close to a real-world application. On the other hand, it was also incredible to create my own plugin from scratch on the Audio Software Engineering module. I still use it nowadays in some mixes 🙂
Has that focus changed on graduating? If so, how?
Yes, after graduating I joined Sound Particles, an audio software company. We specialize in spatial audio and 3D audio solutions for the film and gaming industry. For this reason, after graduating, I shifted my focus and dedicated most of my time to software and learning new programming languages. Once again, Bruce’s classes were very helpful here, both Audio Software Engineering and Advanced Surround Sound Systems.
What was the most useful thing you learned on the course?
C++, Matlab
What did you learn on the course that you thought you’d never use, but that has come in handy during your career?
Matlab. I have to confess that I wasn’t a big fan of programming when I started the course, but the course not only made me realize how important that is in today’s world, but it also changed how I face programming in general (from being afraid to seeing it as a tool). Today, I use Matlab almost every day and it is my best friend.
What did you do on the course that you never thought you would enjoy?
The Audio Innovation module. It was very helpful to develop my capabilities of thinking out of the box and also a very funny module.
What was your favourite establishment in Derby (pub, bar, club, restaurant, etc.)?
Britannia Mill Library
What is your most memorable moment from Derby?
The evenings in the labs with my classmates soldering the components in the PCB for the Audio Electronics module. The best part was seeing everyone helping each other out to solve their problems. Things like solder joints that were touching and causing short circuits, setting up the oscilloscope with the right parameters, finding misplaced components, testing the circuit with something bypassed which made everything look perfect… good times!
What/who at Derby most influenced your life, and how/why?
The core of our teaching staff. I feel they really contributed to the professional that I am today because of all the real-world scenarios we were given during the course. I definitely felt a level up in the learning experience (more practical and relatable to real problems) than in previous academic experiences.
What would you say to a Derby first year student, knowing what you know now?
Pay attention to anything related to programming and dedicate time to studying at home. It is very easy to get behind if you don’t keep up with the subjects, but if you do, you will take much more from your stay at Derby. Also, take the most out of the teaching staff while you are there. They are incredible professionals and a reference in their respective fields.
What have you done professionally since graduating?
Since graduating, I have been working mostly as a Quality Assurance Engineer and Sound Designer. I am also mixing for musical theatre (FOH) during the weekends and every once in a while I do studio recordings as well.
Have any Derby alumni or staff opened any doors for you? If so, who?
Even though it might not have opened the door, I believe that the fact of studying with Bruce was valued by my current employer when hiring me.
What is your most memorable moment from your career so far?
Doing presentations about our software for companies like Netflix, Warner Brothers and Sony Pictures.
What are your future career plans/ambitions?
I definetely want to jump to the development side of the products, so I am currently improving my C++ skills to move to an audio software developer position.