Course Title: Mix sound sources

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2012

Course Code: VART5970C

Course Title: Mix sound sources

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4230 - Certificate IV in Audiovisual Technology

Course Contact : Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: 03 9925 4815

Course Contact Email:mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Steven Ward

Phone: (03) 99254345

Email: steven.ward@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 35

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

No pre-requisites or co-requistes are required.

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to provide you with skills and knowledge necessary operate an audio mixing console and to make informed choices regarding a final sound mix.

After satisfactory completion of this course you will be able to:
• Connect multiple sound sources into an audio mixing console.
• Use correct gain structure and EQ settings for a variety of sound sources.
• Use outboard dynamics and effects processing
• Perform a final audio mix down of a multi instrument recording.
• Use the basic features of digital audio recording software.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUSSOU09A Mix sound sources

Element:

1.    Evaluate and optimise the sound sources 

Performance Criteria:

Ensure that the sound sources are appropriate for the technical and creative requirements of the production such as level, tonal quality, balance, perspective, frequency and suitability.
Ensure that audio and decibel levels do not exceed accepted standard reference levels
Check sound sources for audible defects, and if possible ensure that any defects are eliminated before mixing
Where necessary, ensure that sound sources recorded from different mediums have the required compatibility
Complete assessment of sound sources within the constraints of a production requirements
Assess the possibilities and/or difficulties associated with sound sources and explain these clearly to relevant personnel

Element:

2.    Mix sound sources

Performance Criteria:

Mix given tracks and/or other sound sources to achieve required artistic effects
Produce transitions between sounds that are technically accurate and produce the required effect
Apply effects where and as required
Ensure that levels of sound sources meet current safety standards
Ensure that the level of the composite signal is within technical limits and the desired dynamic range

Element:

3.    Evaluate and obtain endorsement from relevant personnel 

Performance Criteria:

Assess the mix on the range of speakers appropriate to the particular end use
Assess each track for correctness and quality and evaluate the sound mix for correctness, quality and required effect
Play back final mix with relevant personnel to assess the quality of the sound mix in relation to production requirements
Discuss and agree upon any changes required to improve the quality of the sound mix
Apply and incorporate any final necessary adjustments to the sound mix
Keep all records as required


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will be able to operate an audio mixing console and be able to demonstrate skills and knowledge necessary create a professional sound mix.


Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will consist of:
• demonstrations
• workshops
• practical exercises
• reading set texts
You will be responsible for your learning and will be expected to engage in independent research, reading and study.


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.

Class # Planned Class Activities Elements
1 • Mix Sound Introduction
• Introduction to the studio environment
• Recording and the DAW
1
2 Microphone techniques for recording
1
3 Signal Processors and Dynamic Control 1, 2
4 Using Effects and mixing techniques 1, 2
5 Planning pre production and organisation for a recording session
1, 3
6 Practical recording exercise 1, 2
7 Practical recording exercise 1, 2
8 Practical recording exercise 1, 2
9 Practical recording exercise 1, 2
10 Practical mixing exercise 2, 3
11 Practical mixing exercise 2, 3
12 Practical mixing exercise 2, 3
13 Practical mixing exercise 2, 3
14 Digital mixing consoles 1
2, 3
15 Digital mixing consoles 2
2, 3
16 Practical Mixing Assessment
1, 2, 3
17 Practical Mixing Assessment 1, 2, 3
18 Practical Mixing Assessment 1, 2, 3
19 Practical Mixing Assessment 1, 2, 3
20 Practical Mixing Assessment 1, 2, 3


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Learning resources and prescribed texts
"Modern Recording Techniques", 5th Edition, Huber & Runstein, Sams Publishing
"The Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook" 3rd Edition, Davis & Jones, Hal Leonard Publishing


References

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


Other Resources

Refer First Year Book and Materials List


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course will involve demonstration of practical tasks and underpinning theory knowledge.


Assessment Tasks


Assessment Tasks
Assessment tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered as essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks. Summative assesment tasks in this unit are graded.

For further information on the assessments and grading criteria, please refer to the course Blackboard site.

To demonstrate competency in this course, you will need to complete each one of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessments and a grade for the summative assessment.


You will be assessed using the following grades:

Formative Assessment
1. Planning and preparing for a recording session, due Class #5

This task requires evidence of skills and knowledge relating to effective communication, documentation and planning.


2. Completion of a recording session, due Class #6-9

This task requires evidence of skills and knowledge required to optimise sound sources relating to acoustics and electronics. It also requires connectivity of multiple sound sources to an audio mixer and recording software.


3. Mix-down due Class #10-13

This task requires skills and knowledge relating to the balance and final mix of a multichannel recording using an analogue audio mixing console


Summative Assessment
1.    Completion of a multi-channel audio mix due Class #16-20

This is an assessment of the learner’s ability to apply a variety of skills and knowledge relating to the use of a digital audio mixing console including signal processors and dynamics control.


For further details on the assessments and information on the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.

Grades used in this course 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


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

This course requires group participation and learners are expected to source talent for the recording session. Further details will be distributed during class time.

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