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
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:

Element 2 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:

Element 3 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:

Element 4 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


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


You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information.


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