Course Title: Operate sound mixing console
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2007
Course Code: VART5723C
Course Title: Operate sound mixing console
School: 345T Creative Media
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4128 - Certificate IV in Music Industry (Technical Production)
Course Contact : Adam Lovell
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4976
Course Contact Email:adam.lovell@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 60
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
Students will learn the skills and knowledge to operate a basic sound studio including, sound mixing console/desk, major outboard sound processing equipment and develop basic skills to monitor sound quality and develop creative and technical judgements.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUSSOU11A Operate sound mixing console |
Element: |
Complete work operations, including all studio outboard and mixing console |
Performance Criteria: |
- Complete all necessary documentation in accordance with organisational procedures and production requirements |
Element: |
Monitor technical quality of all studio equipment during production |
Performance Criteria: |
- Monitor the level of sources and mix and balance them so that relative loudness of sources in the output is within the required technical limits, and satisfies the creative requirements |
Element: |
Operate console and additional studio processing during production |
Performance Criteria: |
- Observe OHS requirements for operating the sound mixing console |
Element: |
Prepare sound mixing console and outboard studio processing for operation |
Performance Criteria: |
- Liaise with relevant personnel and/or read production documents to interpret and confirm the sound requirements so that technical and creative requirements are met |
Learning Outcomes
.
Details of Learning Activities
Students explore the major studio equipment - theory of operation and practical application, through a series of class based lectures/tutorials/discussion.
The central emphasis will be on mixing console and outboard processing equipment, use and applications to achieve usable industry acceptable results.
Students will have the opportunity to gain practical insights into operational functions and user tips and tricks within class activities, and these will form the foundation of skills that will underpin the various Tasks and assessments throughout the semester. .
Teaching Schedule
WEEK |
TOPIC |
DESCRIPTION |
1 |
INTRODUCTION |
Introduction to tutor / background / present industry involvement Introduction to class/expectations/start-finish times/subject and overview of topics. |
2 | MIXER DESIGN |
Split-monitor v’s In-Line Off tape monitoring – how, why. Mackie Manual handout |
3 | MACKIE |
Commence review of Mackie mixer with reference to the Mackie console user guide handout. Front panel controls / layout Channel Strip Controls Commence Assessment Task 1.2 |
4 |
MACKIE |
Continue front panel definitions via manual Master Output Section 8 Subgroup master busses Monitor Section H/P Masters – what options for HP mixes in RMIT studio 1 AUX – what do they do – when to use them Mix-B – description and examples of application |
5 |
SIGNAL FLOW | Introduction to reading Block Diagrams Commence review of Mackie Block Diagram. |
6 |
SIGNAL FLOW Cont’d |
Channel Path/Mix-B pathway features and applications. |
7 | SIGNAL FLOW REVISION + PATCHBAYS |
ANALOG/DIGITAL Balanced/Unbalanced Why required/advantages/concerns Types/Sizes/configurations Bantam (TT) Jack 1/4”, 6.5mm. Normalling modes Applications Examples of patches |
8 |
ANALOG | Tape Construction + Formats/sizes/speed/length Basic machine tape path and travel Head layouts Basic alignment issues Path cleaning Basic SMPTE frame rates |
9 | EQ | Why/when to apply Studio/Live applications Types Parameters Variations between software and hardware (patching points/plug-in location) Applications Rec/mix/master Considerations/restrictions Freq revision Description of effect |
10 |
DYNAMICS Part 1 |
Compressors/Limiters VCA, Opto Types Differences Parameters Commence Assessment Task 1.1 |
11 |
DYNAMICS Part II |
Gates/Expanders Setup guidelines Applications Considerations In-class practical of gating, comp and Side-chain processing |
12 | TIME BASED FX | Delay FX Reverb FX Harmonizers/Pitch Shifters/Correction Tools |
13 | FX & MIXING APPLICATIONS | FX continued with Parameters Setup Applications In studio examples within Pro Tools of how a mix can be completed including application of FX and general revue of mix strategies. |
14 |
FX & MIXING APPLICATIONS | In studio examples within Pro Tools of how a mix can be completed including application of FX and general revue of mix strategies. Review of Studio Etiquitte THE STUDIO/GENERAL Monitoring set-up – speaker control and options Power up/down procedures Preamp options and general differences Headphone mixes and amp options Session etiquettes (neutralize desk, collapse stands etc..) |
15 |
THEORY EXAMINATION |
Assessment Task 2.1 THEORY EXAMINATION |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
"Modern Recording Techniques" (6th Edition), Huber and Runstein, Focal Press |
0240806255 |
"Sound Reinforcement Handbook", Davis and Jones, Yamaha |
0881889008 |
"Audio For Media", Alten, Wadsworth |
0534630464 |
Other Resources
HANDOUTS
Learners will be provided subject/course material handouts in class.
-These will form a critical component of the course work and will be crucial in preparing for assessment.
-Only ONE (1) copy per student will be allocated - DO NOT LOOSE THEM!
-Bring them to all classes.
-DO NOT LOOSE THEM!
PRACTICAL RESOURCES
Each learner MUST provide the following items:-
• Professional quality headphones
• External firewire hard drive - formated to be Mac/PC compatible (ask if unsure)
• CD-R + DVD-R media as required in studio sessions to back-up and submit material.
WORLD WIDE WEB
(these are just the beginning - take the time to look at each and every site listed below, some will provide very valuable resources for the months/years ahead)
www.digidesign.com
www.mackie.com
www.recordingconsoles.com
www.harddisklife.com
www.prosoundweb.com
www.apple.com.au
www.allen-heath.com
www.remixmag.com
www.mixonline.com
www.mixbooks.com
www.record-producer.com
www.audiomedia.com
MAGAZINES
Tape Op (USA)
Audio Technology (AUS)
CX (AUS)
Mix (USA)
Sound On Sound (EUR)
Future Music (UK)
Audio Media (UK/USA)
Overview of Assessment
Assessment will incorporate a variety of methods including one-on-one practical assessment, studio based practical tasks and written assessment.
Students are advised that some tasks will be conducted in Semester 2 to allow sufficient familiarisation of practical facilities.
Assessment Tasks
Task 1. Practical competency assessment
Task 1.1 10% - In-class creation of an advertisement for broadcast.
a. 2% - develop concept
b. 2% - complete recording and edit
c. 3% - mix material to standards required for format
d. 3% - submit for assessment as per guidelines required
Task 1.2 10% - Completion of supervised studio tasks - Competency based assessment to check individual performance within group activites.
Task 1.2 10% - One-on-One practical studio assessment covering basic studio navigation
(to allow learner sufficient familiarisation time - this is held in Semester 2)
Task 2. Written examination (held at end of Semester 1)
Task 2.1 70% - Written multiple choice and short answer question paper covering major theory and practical material.
Assessment Matrix
Not Applicable
Other Information
Course Overview: Access Course Overview