Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2023
Course Code: VART6382C
Course Title: Create a final sound balance
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 & Program Coordinator: John Phillips
Nominal Hours: 85
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
In this course you will acquire the skills and knowledge required to create a final sound balance for a production.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUASOU506 Create a final sound balance |
Element: |
1. Assess sound sources for simultaneous balance |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Assess compatibility of sound sources against requirements in production documentation 1.2 Discuss with relevant people creative options for achieving simultaneous balance 1.3 Propose options for meeting production requirements to relevant people |
Element: |
2. Identify creative and artistic possibilities |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Explore the creative possibilities of sound sources, and agree on best options with relevant people 2.2 Consider requirements in production documentation when developing creative options 2.3 Confirm with relevant people that the position and blend of sound sources meet production requirements |
Element: |
3. Create final sound balance |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Confirm that level of the composite signal is within technical limits and required dynamic range 3.2 Confirm transitions between sound sources meet production requirements 3.3 Adapt and adjust sound balance to meet production requirements 3.4 Confirm sound balance and sound characteristics meet production requirements 3.5 Identify and rectify problems with minimum disruption to production 3.6 Work collaboratively and constructively with relevant people to ensure final sound balance meets requirements 3.7 Listen critically to final sound balance to confirm sound quality meets requirements 3.8 Clean and restore work environment to pre-use condition |
Element: |
4. Evaluate final sound balance |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Evaluate process of creating final sound balance in consultation with relevant people 4.2 Evaluate own role, and note areas for improvement 4.3 Provide feedback to team members on their performance as required 4.4 Document evaluation outcomes according to organisational procedures |
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.\
Through the application of these skills and this knowledge, you will:
- gain a historical view of recording
- apply sound to vision
- assess sound sources for simultaneous balance
- identify creative and artistic possibilities
- synchronise sound sources
- post produce sound
- create final sound balance for various mediums
- evaluate the final sound balance
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
Weekly Guide & Assessment
CUASOU506 Create a Final Sound Balance.
Week |
Schedule of Planned activities and assessment |
|
Week 1
|
Course overview and introduction · Discussion of assessments · What is a DAW? A brief introduction. · Pro Tools introduction. · Logic Pro introduction. · IN CLASS PRAC: * Mix song with vocals muted and thunder atmos included |
|
Week 2
|
Sound in film Sound Design roles Balancing sound in screen media Crazy Hamlet Exercise =============== RADIO AD GROUP WORK Please review and make sure you are assigned to a group. Your group is responsible for recording audio, and then you will each individually mix and submit assessments. |
Week 3 |
PRO TOOLS USE: Edit & Mix pages =================================================================== RADIO AD WORK GROUPS continues |
|
Week 4
|
ON SITE STUDIO CLASS ====================================================== REVIEW OF PRO-TOOLS - FURTHER FUNCTIONS: Recording into Pro Tools (Review) Importing files (Review) Auxes / Busses Audio Hardware assignment (EG internal / interface...) Bouncing - Audio & Video ====================================================== Cinema Sound Surround sound in Cinema Sound Production roles in film (KK)
2) We will look at the use of sound in film production: Apocalypse Now ====================================================== Assessment #1 for Create a final sound balance due |
|
Week 5
|
======================================================
SOUND FOR RADIO AD - IN CLASS PROJECT:
* Download & open supplied PRO TOOLS Session
* Examine components (SFX & Music) - Note Bus & AUX on Music
* Record Dialogue in class
* Use Compression & EQ to bring up your recorded dialogue / Voice Over
* Mix in SFX
* Mix in Music
* EQ Music / SFX as necessary
* Mix & bounce from Pro Tools
==================
REVIEW Assessment 1 |
|
Week 6
|
COMPRESSION / SIDECHAIN / DUCKING: The role of compression and techniques Frequency sensitive compression Sidechaining Look at and listen to examples (Lecturer will demonstrate examples)
* Examine components (SFX & Music) - Note Bus & AUX on Music
* Record Dialogue in class
* (Use supplied script or your own creation)
* Edit SFX & Music to suit / Edit dialogue to suit
* Use Compression & EQ to bring up your recorded dialogue / Voice Over
* Mix in SFX
* Mix in Music
* EQ Music / SFX as necessary
* Mix & bounce from Pro Tools
INTRODUCTION TO OTHER APPS - LOGIC PRO Demonstration of Logic Pro - Explanations of differences / similarities to Pro Tools Audio, routing, plug ins, MIDI |
|
Week 7
|
MIXING LIVE MUSIC RECORDINGS PRAC:
Download song & begin to mix / balance in class Discuss routing Discuss insert options
* Listen to song * Review tracks in solo * Solo Safe * Name as necessary * Consider tonal improvements * Examine insert possibilities: * EQ * Compression * Gate * Consider overall mix * Consider tracks necessary * Create Master Output * Create AUX reverb sends * Create aux send group outputs =================================== * Groups * Automation =================================== INTRODUCTION TO OTHER APPS - LOGIC PRO (Part 2 - catching up if not completed previous week) Demonstration of Logic Pro - Explanations of differences / similarities to Pro Tools Audio, routing, plug ins, MIDI |
|
Week 8
|
COMMENCE ASSESSMENT 3: MUSIC MIX (See Assessment #3 for details) Look at Assessment Tools 3 Reflect on Week 7 Prac ===================== Continue V/O Recordings Continue Radio edits |
|
Week 9
|
Pro Tools - Radio Ad Project edit In class review / discussion Pro Tools - Music Mix In class review / discussion
MIDI In PRO TOOLS
|
|
Week 10
|
PRO TOOLS MIXING REVIEW: * Solo Safe * Aux Inputs - Sends (EG Reverb Sends) (Inputs and outputs) * Aux inputs - group outputs * Automation - automating reverb sends * Levels / distortion
====================================================================================
COMPRESSION / SIDECHAIN / DUCKING: REVIEW The role of compression and techniques Frequency sensitive compression Sidechaining Look at and listen to examples (Lecturer will demonstrate examples)
==================================================================================== TRANSFERRING FILES FROM LOGIC TO PRO TOOLS In class Prac CHRIS HILL MIXING PROJECT |
|
Week 11
|
FOLEY: Wilhelm Scream Doco Games Foley (Vegetables) Ben Burtt / SW
LISTENING TESTS: Listening Test - Flute (Mic positions) Listening Test - Bass (playing techniques)
GENRES: Punk Squatters Reggae / dub Metal
==================================================================================== Music mixing in Pro Tools In class demonstration / review / discussion |
|
Week 12
|
Pro Tools Radio Ad Project edit, mix and bounce Assessment #2 for Create a final sound balance due
MASTERING What is mastering and why is it used? Mixing live recordings in Pro Tools
Review original multi tracks Review previous mixes Compare ==================================================================================== REMIXING SONGS
CHRIS HILL MIXING PROJECT |
|
Week 13
|
Music Mixing * Review AUX sends for reverbs * Review AUX sends for sub groups * Groups * Automation * Master fader control * Mastering * Mastering for various media - look at "Emptiness" example. |
|
Week 14
|
Parallel Compression explained Assessment 3 work / review / consultation |
|
Week 15
|
Assessment #3 for Create a final sound balance due |
|
Week 16
|
Final Class * Production strategy examples (T Visconti etc) * Review of Sound Design projects (Various) * Documentary Film Production Process (Seidler) * Pro Tools mix example - mixing Chris Hill song |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
See Canvas.
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: SFX Comp. Completing this project allows you to demonstrate your ability to create a final sound balance for a range of recorded and live productions. Due by Week 4.
Assessment Task 2: Radio Advertisement. Completing this project allows you to demonstrate your ability to create a final sound balance for a range of recorded and live productions. Due by Week 11.
Assessment Task 3: Music Mix. Completing this assessment task allows you to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to create a
final sound balance for a production. This assessment task is in two parts.
· Part A requires you to create a "mix" (aka Final Sound Balance) of a music song recording that uses common
attributes found in music production
· Part B requires you to answer 11 knowledge-based and task reflection questions
Due by Week 15.
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