Course Title: Mix live audio

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

Course Code: VART6072C

Course Title: Mix live audio

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4276 - Certificate IV in Sound Production

Course Contact : Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email:mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Course Contact
Program Administration - Adam Lovell
Course Contact Phone
03 9925 4976
Course Contact Email
adam.lovell@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff:

Teacher: Michael Pollard
Phone: 9925 4325
Email: michael.pollard@rmit.edu.au

Teacher: Paul Thomas
Phone: 9925 4325
Email: paul.thomas@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 140

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

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to mix audio for live performance. As such it builds on other units dealing with the set-up and operation of basic audio equipment. With a focus on the basic practical approaches required to work in today’s entry level live sound environment, you will be exposed to a range of preparatory process, audio hardware and interconnectivity standards. The unit defines a minimum standard for the mixing of live audio. This unit will set-up essential approaches to you to develop their own skills.

This is the designated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course for C4276/C4276A Certificate IV in Sound Production. This course includes a WIL experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a workplace context and where feedback from industry and/or community is integral to your experience.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUESOU04C Mix live audio

Element:

1.Tune and balance audio equipment.

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Power up equipment and check to ensure it is in working order.
1.2 Match interfaces between audio and destination in accordance with level, impedance, phase and frequency.
1.3 Route signals to correct signal path.
 

Element:

2. Mix audio sources.

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Mix audio to produce the required audio level and tonal balance in accordance with production requirements.
2.2 Monitor signal paths throughout the performance.
2.3 Select effects in accordance with production requirements.
2.4 Adjust equalisation for required tonal balance.
2.5 Adjust relative fader levels in accordance with the musical context.
2.6 Balance signal levels appropriately.
2.7 Produce transitions between sound signals that are technically accurate and produce the required effect.
2.8 Ensure that the level of the composite signal is within technical limits and the desired dynamic range.
2.9 Maintain overall audio level in accordance with venue requirements and safe noise levels.
 


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements. You will acquire the essential approaches and skills for live sound production and operation of associated 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
• Location/venue exposure

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


Teaching Schedule

SEMESTER 1:

Live sound production sessions are made available to students throughout the year. Students keep a log of hours accrued.
There will be an introductory lecture to the cohort in mid Sem 1 to provide an overview to the course and confirm time and dates of initial guest lectures to be held in Sem 1.

SOLDERING note this is a separate set of classes w/ Mr Paul Thomas -

> Please Note there shall be individual costs for materials to be paid by each student directly to the teacher of the class.

Wk 1 Repair & Maintain Cabling

Wk 2 Construction of TS connectors

Wk 3 Construciton of TRS connectors

Wk 4 Construciton of XLR connectors

Wk 5 Construciton of Y-Cable  connectors

Wk 6 Feedback & Review


SEMESTER 2:
>ANY ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION RECEIVED AFTER DUE DATE CAN ONLY RECEIVE A "CAG" RESULT<


Classroom instruction, practical demonstration, practical application & assessment (See semester 2).
Live sound sessions continue.

MIX LIVE AUDIO note this is a separate set of classes w/ Michael Pollard

Class 1 (wk8) Intro to Mix Live Audio - review of assessment and discussion of technology - intro to documents (Line Lists)

Class 2 (wk9) Tuning - part 1 - monitors -  intro to EQ of a speaker system, signal flow revision and gain structure -Commence assessments B2,3,4

Class 3 (wk10) Tuning - part 2 - FOH - continue of system EQ procedures - Assessments B2,3,4

Class 4 (wk11) Digital - part 1 - overview of the state of digital desk and PreSonus Studio Live - Assessment B5

Class 5 (wk12) Digital - part 2 - continue PreSonus Studio Live mix exercises in small groups as per roster - Assessment B5

Class 6 (wk13) Capture Tools - overview of various DI’s mics, clips, stands and tools for capture of stage sources - intro to Live Sound Kit - Assessment B1 DUE

Class 7 (wk14) System Set-Up - Dry run simulated set-up of full system with rec split - review of Radio Ads from OPAE as signal source. Assessment B6 & 7 DUE

Class 8 (wk15) Location Workshop - practical session held at a venue with a band including full soundcheck and set run with rec split - team task and allocations apply.

 

>ANY ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION RECEIVED AFTER DUE DATE CAN ONLY RECEIVE A "CAG" RESULT<


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

LIVE AUDIO - The Art Of Mixing A Show by Dave Swallow

978-0-240-816

LIVE SOUND MIXING - by Duncan Fry

0 646 11235 X


References


Other Resources

Each student should have a basic tool kit to ensure all practical classes are attended with required equipment.

Students are encouraged to supply their own ear plugs for hearing protection.

Students are encouraged to source their own independant Live Sound experience to suppliment course experiences. The Blog is an excellent opportunity for this experience to be sourced.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment tasks include practical exercises in cable repair & maintenance and microphone-handling , setting up and tuning a speaker system, audio mixing and operating live audio production software and produciton of live sound reinforcement.


Assessment Tasks

>ANY ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION RECEIVED AFTER DUE DATE CAN ONLY RECEIVE A "CAG" RESULT<


Formative Assessment

A1. Construction of TS connector & cable. Due Week 2

A2. Construction of TRS connector & cable. Due Week 3

A3. Construction of XLR connector & cable. Due Week 4

A4. Construction of Y-cable. Due week 5

MIX LIVE AUDIO CLASSES

B2 - SET-UP - Cable rolling, Mic Stand MultiCore - competant demonstration of essential cable skills and stand use DUE MLA CLASS 4

B3 - CONSOLE operation - Gain Structure and basic analog desk set-up and use to achieve basic signal flow control DUE MLA CLASS 4

B6 - ON-LINE VIDEO - view supplied on-line video and complete attached questionare on Blackboard DUE MLA CLASS 7

B7 - BLOG - indivual attendance of at least 3 separate industry located events/shows/gigs with supporting BLOG entry DUE MLA WEEK 7


Summative Assessment

Practical Audio Mixing Skills will be assessed via hands-on practical set-ups in the following key procedures - due week 16 / semester 2 (to be conducted between weeks 9-16, semester 2);


B1 - Line List & Stage Plot - completion of industry standard planning documents - DUE MLA CLASS 7

B4 - System Tuning - Demonstrate ability to tune a speaker system using basics of mic and EQ - DUE MLA CLASS 7

B5 - Mix Operation and Creation - Demonstrate ability to follow instructions and create a basic mix via a digital console - DUE MLA CLASS 7

 


The details of these assessments and the grading criteria for this competency can be found on the course blackboard site.

Grades used in this unit are 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

 

>ANY ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION RECEIVED AFTER DUE DATE CAN ONLY RECEIVE A "CAG" RESULT<
 


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

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.

Cover Sheet for Submissions
All students must complete a submission cover sheet for each piece of submitted work.

Plagiarism - RMIT has a strict policy on plagiarism. For more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity

Copyright
All students have access to the myRMIT copyright shell. The myRMIT copyright shell contains information on copyright, plus also examples on how to use copyright works as part of your projects and assignments.


>ANY ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION RECEIVED AFTER DUE DATE CAN ONLY RECEIVE A "CAG" RESULT<


Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
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. Please refer to the following URL for extensions and special consideration:
www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration/online

Student Progress Committee
This committee promotes the early identification of students who are not achieving acceptable academic performance. The committee provides identified students with assistance and seeks to ensure such students are aware of the range of support services available to them at the University. Student Progress Committee (SPC)

Student Feedback
Students are offered opportunities to provide feedback through a variety of mechanisms including online surveys conducted at the end of each course or semester, student complaints and Student Staff Consultative Committees
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview