Course Title: Mix live audio

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2011

Course Code: VART6072C

Course Title: Mix live audio

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5231 - Diploma of 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) 9925 4345
Email: steven.ward@rmit.edu.au

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

The purpose of this course is to provide you with skills and knowledge required to mix audio for live performance.

After satisfactory completion of this course you will be able to:
• Identify the various components of a concert sound system
• Understand the advanced features of dynamics, EQ and system management
• Understand the technical requirements of a sound system relating to amplifiers, speakers, power and impedance.
• Become familiar with modern DSP use and digital mixing consoles
• Understand the role of cross-overs and filters in multi band speaker systems


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUESOU04C Mix live audio

Element:

1Tune and balance audio equipment

Performance Criteria:

1.Power up equipment and ensure it is in working order
2.Assess the acoustic properties of the installation area to determine the Match interfaces between audio and destination in accordance with level, impedance, phase and frequency
3.Route signals to correct signal path
4.Operate faders to produce an audio level in accordance with production requirements
5.Operate audio controls in accordance with acoustic and dynamic requirements
6.Promptly identify faults and problems and take appropriate action to rectify or report to relevant personnel
7.Complete audio check, implement any required adjustments and document accurately in accordance with organisational requirements

Element:

2Mix audio sources

Performance Criteria:

1.Mix audio to produce the required audio level and tonal balance in accordance with production requirements
2.Monitor signal paths throughout the performance
3.Select effects in accordance with production requirements
4.Adjust equalisation for required tonal balance
5.Adjust relative fader levels in accordance with the musical context
6.Balance signal levels appropriately
7.Produce transitions between sound signals that are technically accurate and produce the required effect
8.Ensure that the level of the composite signal is within technical limits and the desired dynamic range
9.Maintain overall audio level in accordance with venue requirements and safe noise levels

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will be able to make informed decisions regarding the setup and tuning of a sound system and have the ability to perform a live 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

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 • Basic Principles
• Relevant OH&S Practices
• System Components
• Using Graphic Equalizers
• Cable rolling revisited Microphones and DI’s
• Mic Techniques for Voice and Instruments
• Setting up and Using the Radio Mic
• Foldback/Monitor Setups 		1,2
2 • Effects and Signal Processors
• Mixing Theory
• Dynamics Control
• Mixing Psychology 		1,2
3 • Amplifiers
• Speakers
• Speaker management
• Connectivity
• Impedance and power calculations		 1,2
4 • Cross over Networks
• Concert PA Systems
• Installation PA Concepts
• Time alignment
• Real Time analysis 		1,2
5 • Introduction to Ethersound and digital topology
• Digital mixing consoles
• New technologies 		1,2
6 Revision & Practice test 1,2
7 Practical testing session #1 1,2
8 Practical testing session #2 1,2
9 Practical testing session #3 1,2
10 Written Test,
Practical testing session #4 (if required)		 1,2



Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

"The Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook" 3rd Edition, Davis & Jones, Hal Leonard Publishing
“Rane Pro Audio Reference Handbook”, Rane Corporation


References

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


Other Resources

Refer First Year Book and Materials List


Overview of Assessment

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


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 assessment tasks in this unit are graded.

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


To demonstrate competency in this course, you need to complete each one of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard.

Formative Assessment
1. Channel List Assignment, due TBA.
This task requires evidence of skills and knowledge relating to effective communication and planning of a live event
2. Written Test, to be conducted in week 10.
This task serves as a revision of the material learned during the course

Summative Assessment
1. Setup, alignment and performance of a live mix, to be conducted in weeks 7-9.
This is an assessment of the learner’s ability to apply a variety of skills and knowledge relating to the tuning of a sound system and ability to perform a live mix

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:

             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

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 assessment tasks in this unit are graded.
For further information on the assessment and grading criteria, please refer to the course Blackboard site.
To demonstrate competency in this course, you need to complete each one of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard.

Other Information

1. This course requires students to observe OH&S procedures at all times including manual handling and working within prescribed noise limits
2. Further study is to be undertaken outside scheduled class time for in situ and event based mixing exercises.

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