Course Title: Mix live audio

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2015

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

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

(Classes 9-16)

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

(Classes 1-6)

Teacher: Martin Koszolko
Phone: 9925 4815
Email: martin.koszolko@rmit.edu.au

(Classes 1-8)
 

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.
1.4 Operate faders to produce an audio level in accordance with production requirements
1.5 Operate audio controls in accordance with acoustic and dynamic requirements to produce an audio level in accordance with production requirements
1.6 Promptly identify faults and problems and take appropriate action to rectify or report to relevant personnel
1.7 Complete audio check, implement any required adjustments and document accurately in accordance with organisational requirements

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
  • Audio lab work

    Out of class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
  • Attending live events and documenting methods and equipment used in sound reinforcement
  • Online research and reporting
  • Webinars
  • Reading of provided notes/excerpts of industry publications
  • Blogs


Teaching Schedule

Live sound production sessions are made available to students throughout the year. Students keep a log of hours accrued.

SOLDERINGPlease 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.

Class            
Class Content Assessment Elements                             
Class 1

Introduction to course and explanation of assessment.

Discussion around OH&S issues

Instruction on practice of repair & maintain Cabling

  Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3
Class 2

Construction of TS connectors

Practical class based exercises

Assessment 1A due Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3
Class 3

Construction of TRS connectors

Practical class based exercises

Assessment 1B due Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3
Class 4

Construction of XLR connectors

Practical class based exercises

Assessment 1C due Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3
Class 5

Construction of Y-Cable connectors

Practical class based exercises

Assessment 1D due Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3
Class 6 Review of assessment and feedback and feedback on cable contructions from teacher   Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

 

 

 

 
ABLETON LIVE AUDIO (Martin Koszolko)
 
Assessment  
Class            
Class Content   Elements                                                 
Class 7 Software overview: Ableton Live.
Using Midi Controllers iand mapping MIDI
   Elements 1 & 2
Class 8 Importing audio and creating MIDI clips
Warping and time manipulation in Ableton Live
   Elements 1 & 2
Class 9 Audio effects and racks
Macro Controls and Mapping
Commence Assessment 4
   Elements 1 & 2
Class 10 Editing, mixing, and arranging live sets in Ableton Live
Assessment 4: Introductory live production software and midi controller assessment
Assessment 4 - Introductory live production software and midi controller assessment (Ungraded)  Elements 1 & 2
Class 11 Collaborative techniques
Managing files
DJing with Ableton Live

 

   Elements 1 & 2
Class 12 Using Ableton Live in live performance contexts
Parameter automation
Ableton instruments

 

   Elements 1 & 2
Class 13 Assessment 5:
•In-class live performance

 

 Assessment 5 - In-class performance in groups using MIDI hardware (Ungraded)  Elements 1 & 2
Class 14 Assessment 5:
•In-class performance 
 Assessment 5 - In-class performance in groups using MIDI hardware (Ungraded)  Elements 1 & 2
 


LIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT (Michael Pollard)

   
Class 15 Intro to Mix Live Audio - review of assessment and discussion of technology - intro to documents commence (Event Planning)
Commence assessment 6A
Assessment Task 2A - SET-UP - Cable rolling, Mic Stand MultiCore - competant demonstration of essential cable skills and stand use DUE CLASS 18 Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9

Class 16 Tuning - part 1 - Monitors - intro to EQ of a speaker system, signal flow revision and gain structure -
Commence assessments 6B & 6C
Complete assessment 6A

Assessment Task 2B - CONSOLE operation - Gain Structure and basic analog desk set-up and use to achieve basic signal flow control DUE CLASS 18

Assessment 6A - Line List & Stage Plot - completion of industry standard planning documents - DUE CLASS 19

Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9

Class 17 Tuning - part 2 - FOH & Mon - continue of system EQ procedures -
Assessment 6B
Assessment 6B - System Tuning - Demonstrate ability to tune a speaker system using basics of mic and EQ Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9

Class 18 Digital - part 1 - overview of PreSonus Studio Live -commence grp mix exercise - Assessment 6C
Assessment 3A - Viewing supplied on-line video and complete a questionare on Blackboard.
Assessment 3B - You will then be expected to attend a minimum of 3 separate industry located events/shows/gigs. Durin these events you will need to take note of the methods and equipment used in live sound reinforcement. You will then comment on your findings in a supporting BLOG entry of a minimum of 400 words. All BLOG entries must be completed by  CLASS 20
Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9

Class 19 Digital - part 2 - continue PreSonus Studio Live mix exercises in small groups as per roster -
Assessment 6C
  Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9

Class 20 Digital - part 3 - Allen+Heath iLive introduction. Capture Tools - overview of various DI’s mics, clips, stands and tools for capture of stage sources - intro to Live Sound Kit -   Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9

Class 21 System Set-Up - Dry run simulated set-up of full system with rec split - review of Radio Ads from OPAE as signal source.   Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9

Class 22 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.
Assessment 6B & C DUE
Assessment 6C - Mix Operation and Creation - Demonstrate ability to follow instructions and create a basic mix via a digital console Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9

  NOTE THAT ASSESSMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY DUE DATE    


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.


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

Assessment is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, and the practical demonstration of skills through your assessment tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on My RMIT.


Assessment Tasks

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback on all assessment and once you have demonstrated competency.
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback on all assessment.
All assessments in this unit are ungrared, but must all be completed to a satisfactory standard as indicated in assessment outlines.

Assessment Task 1: Cable Assessments

  • Assessment 1A. Construction of TS connector & cable. Due Class 2
  • Assessment 1B. Construction of TRS connector & cable. Due Class 3
  • Assessment 1C. Construction of XLR connector & cable. Due Class 4
  • Assessment 1D. Construction of Y-cable. Due Class 5

Assessment Task 2: Console operation assessment

  • Assessment Task 2A - SET-UP - Cable rolling, Mic Stand MultiCore - competant demonstration of essential cable skills and stand use DUE CLASS
  • Assessment Task 2B  - CONSOLE operation - Gain Structure and basic analog desk set-up and use to achieve basic signal flow control DUE CLASS 10

Assessment Task 3: Live event assessment

  • Assessment Task 3A - In preparation for this assessment this assessment you need to view the supplied on-line video and complete a questionare on Blackboard.
  • Assessment Task 33 - You will then be expected to attend a minimum of 3 separate industry located events/shows/gigs. During these events you will need to take note of the methods and equipment used in live sound reinforcement. You will then comment on your findings in a supporting BLOG entry of a minimum of 400 words. All BLOG entries must be completed by Semester 2, CLASS 12

Assessment Task 4: Introductory live Production software and midi controller assessment

  • For this lab based practical assessment you will industry standard euipment to make links between audio software and hardware Semester 2, Class 4


Assessment 5: Advanced live Production software and midi controller assessment

  • In this assessment, you will demonstrate your abiity to utilise specified elements of designated audio software and midi controllers, in order to achieve an interactive live sound production against a set of requirements laid out in your assessment brief. This assessment is conducted in small groups, but you will be assessed individually. It will be conducted in Semester 2, Class 8.

Assessment 6: Practical Audio Mixing Skills

For this assessment you will be providing sound mixing for a live performance in a public venue. You will be completing this assessment in sound production teams but will be assessed individually. via hands-on practical set-ups in the following key procedures -

  • Assessment 6A - Line List & Stage Plot - completion of industry standard planning documents - DUE CLASS 18
  • Assessment 6B - System Tuning - Demonstrate ability to tune a speaker system using basics of mic and EQ - DUE CLASS 19
  • Assessment 6C - Mix Operation and Creation - Demonstrate ability to follow instructions and create a basic mix via a digital console - DUE  CLASS 21 / 22



Grades used in this unit are as follows:


CA   Competency Achieved
NYC   Not Yet Competent
DNS   Did Not Submit for Assessment


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


Assessment Matrix

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

 

 

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