Course Title: Operate professional audio equipment
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2011
Course Code: VART6071C
Course Title: Operate professional audio equipment
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4197 - Certificate IV in Creative Industries
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
Teacher: Simon Moro
Phone:
Email: simon.moro@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: |
Element 1 Complete post-performance procedures |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 |
Element: |
Element 2 Operate audio equipment |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 |
Element: |
Element 3 Participate in technical or creative run-through |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 |
Element: |
Element 4 Prepare for audio operation |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will have the knowledge and skills to operate professional audio equipment.
Details of Learning Activities
In class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
• Class delivery (face to face lectures)
• Peer teaching & class presentations
• Group discussions
Out of class learning activites include, but are not limited to:
• Online reasearch
• Music production project based work
• Teacher directed activities
Teaching Schedule
Week | Content | ELEMENTS | |
Week1 | INTRODUCTION Introduction to tutor / background / present industry involvement Introduction to class/expectations/start-finish times/subject and overview of topics. |
1.1 1.4 2.3 |
|
Week2 | MIXER DESIGN Split-monitor vs. In-Line Off tape monitoring |
1.2 2.1 |
|
Week3 | CONSOLE Commence review of mixer Front panel controls / layout Channel Strip Controls Commence Assessment Task 1 |
2.2 | |
Week4 | CONSOLE Continue front panel definitions Master Output Section 8 Subgroup master busses Monitor Section H/P Masters – what options for HP mixes in RMIT studio AUX – what do they do – when to use them Mix-B – description and examples of application |
1.5 | |
Week5 | SIGNAL FLOW Introduction to reading Block Diagrams Commence review of Block Diagram. |
1.5 2.2 |
|
Week6 | SIGNAL FLOW Channel Path/Mix-B pathway features and applications. |
1.5 | |
Week7 | SIGNAL FLOW REVISION/PATCH BAYS Balanced/Unbalanced Why required/advantages/concerns Types/Sizes/configurations Bantam (TT) Jack 1/4”, 6.5mm. Normalling modes Applications Examples of patches |
2.2 | |
Week8 | THEORY EXAM 1 | ||
Week9 | ANALOG Tape Construction + Formats/sizes/speed/length Basic machine tape path and travel Head layouts Basic alignment issues Path cleaning Basic SMPTE frame rates |
4.2 | |
Week10 | 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 |
3.4 | |
Week11 | DYNAMICS PRT 1 Compressors/Limiters VCA, Opto Types Differences Parameters |
3.6 3.7 |
|
Week12 | DYNAMICS PRT 2 Gates/Expanders
 Setup guidelines
 Applications
Considerations

 Assessment - In-class practical of gating, comp and Side-chain processing |
3.6 | |
Week13 | TIME BASED EFFECTS Delay FX
Reverb FX
Harmonizers/Pitch Shifters/Correction Tools |
1.3 | |
Week14 | FX AND MIXING APPLICATIONS FX continued... In studio examples within Pro Tools of how a mix can be completed including application of FX and general revue of mix strategies. |
3.1 3.3 3.5 |
|
Week15 | FX AND 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
 In class mixing project |
3.5 3.3 3.8 4.1 4.2 |
|
Week16 | 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..) In class mixing project |
4.1 4.2 |
|
Week17 | In class mixing project cont’d | ||
Week18 | FX AND MIX APPLICATIONS A review of mix strategies In class mixing project cont’d |
3.5 3.3 3.8 |
|
Week19 | THEROY EXAM 2 | ||
Week20 | Critical listening and discussion |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
|
Other Resources
It is recommended that you bring materials to classes and productions to make notes, for example;
• An external Hard Drive (FW400 or FW800) 500GB+
• A pen and notepaper
• Additional resources will be amentioned in week 1
Overview of Assessment
Assessment tasks include in-studio practical session completion and written assessment.
Assessment Tasks
*Semester Project Issued - Mix a song (Week 3)
*Assessment - Theory Exam (Week 8)
*Assessment - Use of simple dynamics processors in Pro Tools (Week 12)
*Assessment - Theory Exam 2 (Week 19)
*Semester Project Due - Create Simple Music Piece (Week 20)
80 – 100% HD High Distinction
70 – 79% DI Distinction
60 – 69% CR Credit
50 – 59% PA Pass
Under 50% NN Fail
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration
Other Information
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:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y;STATUS=A;PAGE_AUTHOR=Andrea%20Syers;SECTION=1;
Course Overview: Access Course Overview