Course Title: Operate professional audio equipment
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 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: 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: |
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 |
Element: |
Operate audio equipment |
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: |
Participate in technical or creative run-through |
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: |
Prepare for audio operation |
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 personnel as required |
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
• 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<
| 1 | Intro, overview, tool-kit, resources | Review of assessment | 1.1 - 1.5 |
| 2 | Console Designs | 1.1 - 1.5 | |
| 3 | Console Features | 2.1 - 2.3 | |
| 4 | Console Features | 2.1 - 2.3 | |
| 5 | Console Signal Flow | 2.1 - 2.3 | |
| 6 | Console Signal Flow | In Class SIGNAL FLOW Assessment (Assessment 1) | 2.1 - 2.3 |
| 7 | Audio Patch Bays | 3.1 - 3.8 | |
| 8 | Analogue Tape/Machines Overview | 3.1 - 3.8 | |
| 9 | EQ | 3.1 - 3.8 4.1 - 4.3 |
|
| 10 | EQ | 3.1 - 3.8 4.1 - 4.3 |
|
| 11 | Dynamic Processing | 3.1 - 3.8 4.1 - 4.3 |
|
| 12 | Dynamic Processing | 3.1 - 3.8 4.1 - 4.3 |
|
| 13 | FX Processing | 3.1 - 3.8 4.1 - 4.3 |
|
| 14 | FX Processing | 3.1 - 3.8 4.1 - 4.3 |
|
| 15 | Summary Clas |
Assessment 2 due Assessment 4 due |
4.1 - 4.3 |
| 16 | Assessment | Assessment 5A - written test. | 1.1 - 1.5 2.1 - 2.3 3.1 - 3.8 4.1 - 4.3 |
| 17-20 | Further assessment is held in studio sessions – Studios 1, 2 and 3 |
Assessments 3 & 5b due Assessment 5B - Session Plan to be checked on arrival in first studio session. - 1 plan per student required. |
2.1 - 2.3 3.1 - 3.8 4.1 - 4.3 |
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
For information on the assessment and grading criteria, please refer to the course Blackboard site.
Assessment Tasks 1- 5
Assessment Task 1: SIgnal Flow
Complete in-class assessment of In-Line Console Signal Flow
Ungraded Assessment
Completion of this exercise is required for course completion.
Due class 7
Assessment Task 2: Practical session in studio 1 / 2 / 3 (Acoustic Recording Session)
Your session supervisor will check off your adequate completion of the following...
- Written plan for session (as per Pro Forma Session Plan)
- 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 studo monitoring and react to monitored signal quality.
- Set-up and operate key equipment (Mics, Desk, Pro Tools)
Ungraded Assessment
Due class 15
Assessment Task 3:Practical sessions in studio 1 / 2 / 3 (Major Project initial tracking sessions)
Your session supervisor will check off your adequate completion of the following:
- Follow written session plan (as per Pro Forma Session Plan)
- Power up required equipment
- Communicate with artist and offer direction
- Respond to needs and changes in session
- Operate key outboard processing equipment and Pre amps
Ungraded Assessment
Due class / session 19 / 20
Assessment Task 4: Radio Advert
You will complete this exercise in your practical work group outside of class time using either RMIT lab or small edit studio facilities booked via staff in the Google Calender system and submit 1 x CD per group.
- submit Broadcast Standard Advertisement as per a 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.
Ungraded Assessment
- Due class 15.
Assessment Task 5a: Written test held class 16.
- You will be assessed on key theoretical knowledge from the 15 weeks of material covered in weeks 1 - 15 classes.
Graded Assessment
Assessment Task 5b:Written completion of Studio Session Plan (as per Pro Forma Session Plan) - to be checked in initial tracking session with Studio Supervisor.
Ungraded
Major Recording Project:
Assessment is holistically integrated with Record Sound VART6073C, Manage Production Requirements BUSM6224C and Record Sound VART6073C.
Students are assessed on a major project that integrates the following units.
VART6073C - RECORD SOUND
VART6075C - MIX RECORDED MUSIC
BUSM6224C - MANAGE PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Due week: 20
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
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
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
Cover Sheet for Submissions:
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications
Attendance:
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.
Feedback:
You will receive verbal and written feedback on your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student feedback at RMIT
Student Progress:
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.
Student progress policy
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.
Special consideration appeals and discipline:
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview