Course Title: Operate professional audio equipment

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: VART6071C

Course Title: Operate professional audio equipment

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4276 - Certificate IV in Sound Production

Course Contact : Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: 03 9925 4976

Course Contact Email:mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Michael Pollard
Phone: 9925 4325 (email is best contact pls)
Email: michael.pollard@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 100

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 audio mixing equipment, including, major outboard sound processing equipment, software 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:

CUESOU03C Operate professional audio equipment

Element:

Complete post-performance procedures

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Liaise with relevant personnel and accurately interpret documentation to determine audio requirements
1.2 Position and prepare equipment in accordance with requirements
1.3 Plot and run through cues on direction from relevant colleagues and in accordance with equipment, sequencing, timing and speed requirements
1.4 Implement appropriate changes to audio operation and document in accordance with organisational procedures
1.5 Communicate appropriate technical information to performers/presenters
 

Element:

Operate audio equipment

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Power up equipment at the appropriate time and check to ensure correct functioning
2.2 Complete audio check and implement and document any adjustments in accordance with organisational procedures
2.3 Promptly identify, rectify and/or refer any equipment faults/problems to the relevant personnelas required
 

Element:

Participate in technical or creative run-through

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Execute all audio cues in accordance with the running sheet, directions from colleagues and performance requirements
3.2 Promptly identify the need for change during the performance and modify cues as required to cater for unexpected events and to minimise negative impact on the performance
3.3 Operate console to produce the required technical level and tonal balances
3.4 Adjust equalisation for required tonal balance
3.5 Balance signal levels appropriately
3.6 Maintain overall audio level within the requirements of the venue
3.7 Play back audio effects at the required level through the appropriate speakers
3.8 Monitor equipment for correct operation throughout the performance and identify and action any problems appropriately
 

Element:

Prepare for audio operation

Performance Criteria:

4. 1 Safely power down equipment at the appropriate time in accordance with manufacturer instructions and organisational procedures
4.2 Identify and complete necessary equipment adjustments, including maintenance and re-setting where appropriate in preparation for the next performance
4.3 Make accurate changes to documentation and process in accordance with organisational procedures
 

Learning Outcomes


You learn the theoretical and practical operation of audio production equipment


Details of Learning Activities

In class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
• Class lectures
• Group activities
• Hands-on activities in small groups

Out of class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
• Online research and reporting
• Reading of provided notes/excerpts of industry publications


Teaching Schedule

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources. 
 ANY ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION RCEIVED AFTER DUE DATE CAN ONLY RECIEVE A "CAG" RESULT

Class            
Class content Other Elements    
Class 1 Intro, overview, toolkit, resources  Review of assessment Element 4
4.1, 4.3
Class 2 Console Designs   Element 2
2.1

Element 3
3.3
Class 3 Console Features
 		   Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Element 3
3.3, 3.7
Class 4 Console Features
 		   Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

Element 3
3.3, 3.7

 
Class 5 Console Signal Flow   Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

Element 3
3.3, 3.7
Class 6 Console Signal Flow Prepare for Assessment Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

Element 3
3.3, 3.7
Class 7 Audio Patch Bays   In Class SIGNAL FLOW assessment Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3
Class 8 EQ 1
 		   Element 3
3.3, 3.4
Class 9 EQ 2   Element 3
3.3, 3.4
Class 10 Dynamic Processing   Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8
Class 11 Dynamic Processing   Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8
Class 12 Analog Tape   Element 3
  3.3, 3.4
Class 13 FX Processing   Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8
Class 14 FX Processing   Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8

Element 4
4.1, 4.2, 4.3
Class 15 Summary Class
 		 Radio Ad Due Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8

Element 4
4.1, 4.2, 4.3
Class 16 Assessment Summative 5A - written exam. Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5

SEM 2 Week  1-10

 Further assessment is held in studio sessions in Semester 2 – Studio 1 Summative 5B - Session Plan to be checked on arrival in Sem 2 session 1. - 1 plan per student required. Monitor technical quality during production


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

You will be supplied course notes that will form the basis of the written assessment and act as a central information point.You must take individual responsibility to keep the supplied notes for reference both in class and at home. There shall be a pdf copy of supplied handouts available on Blackboard for back-up.


References

You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information. Students are expected to make full use of the University library facilities.


Other Resources

Webinars, Web, in-class videos, Apps (such as QuizTones app for ear training) and many in-studio examples.

Students are advised that many of the principles and production procedures covered will be best absorbed into the learners work-flow and industry habits via regular consistant practice and application - access to suitable production tools such as software will allow this developement to occur.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment tasks include in-studio practical session completion and written assessment.


Assessment Tasks

Some are imbedded practical tasks that are completed as you attend studio sessions and are ‘non-graded’.
Some tasks such as the written test, demonstrate how the student retains critical material (theory) and are ‘graded’.
Please ensure you understand how this mixed assessment works - NON-GRADED tasks MUST be achieved successfully to permit GRADED assessment to be awarded to you.

ANY ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION RECEIVED or COMPLETED AFTER DUE DATE CAN ONLY RECIEVE A "CAG" RESULT

Assessment

1. Semester 1 - SIgnal Flow  NON-GRADED
Complete in-class assessment of In-Line Console Signal Flow
Completion of this exercise is required for course completion. Due Semester 1, Class 7

2. Semester 1 - practical session task completion in studio 3 (Acoustic Recording Session)  NON-GRADED
You session supervisor will check-off your adequate completion of the following...
- Ability to direct artist within session - clear communication, basic instructions and professional engagement during the session activities.
- Monitor required levels and adjust for tone - control the studio monitoring and react to monitored signal quality.
- Set-up and operate key equipment (Mics, Desk, Pro Tools)
- Participate in technical or creative run-through - session management and guidance
Due Semester 1, week 15
 
3. Semester 2 - Major Project Session Planner  NON-GRADED
- Written plan for session (as per Pro Forma Session Plan)
- this standard document will be completed by EACH student and submitted as part of ToK’s EMPR (Establish & Manage Production Requirements) presentation exercise.
- The Pro Forma Session Planner is available via Blackboard as either a pdf or Speadsheet .doc. and also a copy is included as part of this Class 1 handout.


4. Semester 2 Major Project session in studio 1 (Major Project initial tracking sessions)  NON-GRADED
You participation within this session will allow your supervisor to check-off your adequate completion of the following.
- Power up required equipment in correct sequence and prepare for use
- Communicate with artist and offer direction - production of session including being involved in the direction of artist and process of recording steps
- Respond to needs and changes in session - change in sessions to the expected is often inevitable and a students ability to facilitate and respond to the sessions progress is critical
- Operate key Outboard Processing equipment and Console controls and mic Pre-Amps and recording/mixing software (Pro Tools) and required plug-ins.
Due Semester 2, week 15

 
5. Radio Advert (Broadcast Advertisement) NON-GRADED
You will complete this exercise in your practical work group outside of class time using either RMIT lab, personal equipment or small edit studio facilities booked via staff in the Google Calender system and submit 1 x CD-R (Red Book Standard) per group.
- submit Broadcast Standard Advertisement as per supplied brief
- record voice-over and mix with suitable sound fx and music bed
- add complimentary processing including compression, limiting & EQ
- submit on CD-R as Production Master labelled with Sound Production CD Template
Due Semester 2, week 5


6. Written Examination GRADED
- held Semester 2, week 4/5 - tbc.
- you will be assessed on key theoretical knowledge from the 15 classes of material covered in OPAE.
The details on these assessments and the grading criteria for this competency can be found on the course blackboard site.


Graded assessment used in this unit is as follows:

CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved-Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment

Assessment of this unit is integrated with the assessment of the following units:

* Record Sound - VART 6073c

* Mix Recorded Music - VART 6075c

* Establish & Manage Production Requirements - BUSM 6224c

* Effective Workplace Relationships - EMPL 5641c


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrated alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are
available through the course contact in Program administration

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students

Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that students attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency. Non-attendance may seriously jeopardise the chances of success in a course. Clearly, non-attendance at an assessment will result in failure of that assessment. Where visa conditions apply, attendance is compulsory.

Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (web link)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process through which people can gain entry to, or credit in, recognised courses based on competencies gained. The competencies may have been gained through experience in the workplace, in voluntary work, in social or domestic activities or through informal or formal training or other life experiences. Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) applies if a student has previously successfully completed the requirements of a unit of competency or module and is now required to be reassessed to ensure that the competency has been maintained

Assessment and Feedback (web link)
You will receive verbal feedback during scheduled class times, and written feedback from teachers on your work . Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

Student Progress (web link)
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.

Special consideration for Late Submission (web link)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. You can apply in writing for up to a week’s extension from your course teacher. If you need a longer extension, you wil need to apply for special consideration

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism (web link)
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity

Course Overview: Access Course Overview