Course Title: Manage audio system control networks

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2022

Course Code: COMM7397C

Course Title: Manage audio system control networks

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption. 

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus 


Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5408 - Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services

Course Contact: Rebekha Naim

Course Contact Phone: +61399254849

Course Contact Email: rebekha.naim@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Greg Long

Email: greg.long@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 120

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 course describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to set up a basic data network for remote control and distribution of digital system processing (DSP) audio in the screen, media, entertainment and events industries.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUASOU413 Manage audio system control networks

Element:

1. Determine audio network requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Establish system requirements in consultation with required personnel and with reference to production documentation

1.2 Investigate and determine capabilities of available system resources

1.3 Draw system flow charts according to requirements

1.4 Allocate audio stage boxes where analogue audio is required

1.5 Determine audio schedules and allow for pre-set system configurations and dynamic system changes

1.6 Discuss and finalise plans for audio system control networks that meet production requirements and timelines

Element:

2. Test and commission network

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Assemble hardware components and network topography according to system requirements and safety procedures

2.2 Complete interface with analogue audio as required

2.3 Test network topography and resources to confirm functionality meets requirements

2.4 Commission analogue audio components according to requirements

2.5 Activate and implement all DSP system pre-sets

Element:

3. Monitor network

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Crosscheck performance of amplifiers and loudspeakers according to DSP system assignments

3.2 Apply knowledge of data interfacing and protocols to work activities

3.3 Identify problems with network and resolve them or report to required personnel as required

3.4 Evaluate effectiveness of audio network operations and note areas for future improvement in consultation with required personnel


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. 


Details of Learning Activities

In class activities will include a range of teacher directed group activities, projects, class exercises, review discussions/lectures and independent project based work.

Out-of-class activities include completion of individual design and pre-production work, preparation for class presentations and production work. Online research and occasional outside of class time group discussions will be required to maintain project work.


Teaching Schedule


WeekDateTopicAssessment / Learning activities
Week 1

Introduction

Learning Activity (Evidence of participation ) Dante Network Certification.

A look at various audio control network technologies and platforms including:
  • Cabling requirements;
  • Network Hardware
    • Switches;
    • Bridges;
    • Hubs;
    • Routers;



Software control of hardware devices forms the backbone of network configuration for audio control networks. Topics, this week, include:
  • Domain Name System -DNS;
  • TCP networks;
  • UDP networks
  • VPNs;
  • Firewalls;
  • Gateways and Default Gateways; and 
  • DHCP Servers.
Week 2

Network Topologies and Network Applications

Various network configurations and how they apply to audio control networks.


Network Addresses and Interfaces     



An exploration of different network topologies and how they can be applied to audio control networks.    Where does all the data go? From where? To Whom?Lots to look at this week including:
  • The anatomy of an IP address;
  • Subnets;
  • MAC addresses;
  • IP addresses vs MAC addresses (i.e. Network addresses vs. Device addresses);
  • IP address ranges for audio control networks - What to use and what not to use.

Week 3






Class Activity - Network Simulator 



 This week things get practical. Using the Malkiah network simulator we learn network setup and administration. In doing so, we will apply the knowledge we have acquired so far around IP addressed. (Students are to up load their work to help understand the Canvas Learning Management System.)





Week 4


     Network Communication Protocols 

Open System System Interconnection Model;  



Network Configuration Troubleshooting Tools



  • Command line utilities (Windows);
  • Software utilities; and
  • Cable sniffers and testers.


 Audio Over Ethernet Network Protocols

We look at platforms and protocols from a range of developers, manufacturers and constortia:
  • Cobranet;
  • Ethersound;
  • Dante;
  • AVB; and
  • Q-Sys.
Week 4 

Audio Control System Network Protocols - Dante 

Introduction and commencement of the Dante Level 1 Industry Certification.
Week 5

Audio Control System Network Platforms - Dante (Continued)
Continue and complete the Dante Level 1 Industry Certification.
Week 6
Documenting Audio Control Networks - Schematics How to draw audio control system network schematics.
  • Industry best practice.
  • Things to include.
  • Things to avoid.

Week 7







Q-Sys - Deep Dive

An in depth introduction to the main audio control system platform studied in this course - Q-Sys Platform. Q-Sys platform topics include:
  • Basic functionality;
  • Features and limitations;
  • Advanced functionality;
  • Deployment examples;
  • System design concepts.
Week 8
Q - Sys Peripherals, On Ramps and Off Ramps aka Inputs and Outputs This weeks class explores ways to get signals in and out of Q-Sys audio control networks wireless technologies as both transport mediums and auxiliary control protocols and how they are incorporated into audio control networks.Battery powered devices and the management of LiPo batteries with audio control network environments.
Week 9
Assessment Task 1 - Practical Task - Theatre Paging System

In class run through of assessment requirements. Students are to work in class, and outside class, to complete AT1. 

Equipment to test and configure audio control network designs is provided.

Week 10
Assessment Task 1 - Practical Task - Theatre Paging System

AT1 continued. Students are to work in class, and outside class, to complete AT1. 

Equipment to test and configure audio control network designs is provided.

Week 11
Assessment Task 1 - Practical Task - Theatre Paging System

AT1 continued. Students are to work in class, and outside class, to complete AT1. 

Equipment to test and configure audio control network designs is provided.

Students will be able to complete this practical assessment in class as they complete design, troubleshooting and monitoring of their DSP files.

Week 12
Assessment Task 2 - Practical Task - Nightclub Audio System 

In class run through of assessment requirements. Students are to work in class, and outside class, to complete AT2. 

Equipment to test and configure audio control network designs is provided.

Week 13
Assessment Task 2 - Practical Task - Nightclub Audio System 

AT2 continued. Students are to work in class, and outside class, to complete AT1. 

Equipment to test and configure audio control network designs is provided.

Students will be able to complete this practical assessment in class as they complete design, troubleshooting and monitoring of their DSP files.

Week 14
Assessment Task 2 - Practical Task - Nightclub Audio System 

AT2 continued. Students are to work in class, and outside class, to complete AT1. 

Equipment to test and configure audio control network designs is provided.

Students will be able to complete this practical assessment in class as they complete design, troubleshooting and monitoring of their DSP files.

Week 15
Assessment Task 2 - Practical Task - Nightclub Audio System 

AT2 continued. Students are to work in class, and outside class, to complete AT1. 

Equipment to test and configure audio control network designs is provided.

Students will be able to complete this practical assessment in class as they complete design, troubleshooting and monitoring of their DSP files.

Week 16
Assessment Task 3 - Knowledge Test Formal in-class theory test of concepts and terminology learned in class.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

You are advised to look at myRMIT for ongoing updated information.

It is recommended that you bring materials to classes to make notes, for example;

a pen and notepaper or a laptop computer. You will need to have either a USB thumb drive or a USB/Thunderbolt Harddrive (or both) to store and manage your media. Your teacher will advise you what to get when classes commence.

The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. Lynda.com is available via your Library login.

The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.



Assessment Tasks

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment tasks to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessments and once you have demonstrated competency you will also receive a result after your final assessment task.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Theatre Paging System.

This collaborative assessment is designed to test your ability to design, document, configure and manage audio networks to meet production requirements. Due by Week 4, Semester 1.

Assessment Task 2: Night Club Audio System.

Design, document, install and monitor a data network for the remote control and distribution of audio using a Digital System Processor (DSP). Due by Week 16, Semester 1.

Assessment Task 3: Knowledge Assessment.

Demonstrate your knowledge of the unit. Due by Week 8, Semester 2.

 

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available on myRMIT for full assessment criteria.

Results that apply to Ungraded courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA      Competency Achieved

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 matrices are available through 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: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students

Cover Sheet for Submissions:

You must complete and sign a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions.

http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s1llva641yxuz.pdf

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Assessment Feedback:

You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work.  Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy

Student Progress:

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/acadprogress

Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):

If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/adjustment

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.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview