Course Title: Create a final sound balance

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2011

Course Code: VART6068C

Course Title: Create a final sound balance

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6104 - Advanced Diploma of 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

Teachers:
John Phillips
Timothy Johnstone
Michael Pollard

Phone: 9925 9413
Email: john.phillips@rmit.edu.au


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

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to create a final sound balance for a production. Thorough understanding of a wide range of sound equipment and techniques for mixing and recording sound is required, along with the ability to supervise others, including engineers, sound mixers, sound editors and other studio technicians. The ability to solve problems that arise in the context of creating a final sound balance is essential.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUSSOU504A Create a final sound balance

Element:

Element 1       Assess sound sources for simultaneous balance

1.1
Assess the compatibility of sound sources for
productions
1.2
Discuss creative possibilities for achieving the simultaneous balance with relevant personnel
1.3
Propose options for meeting production requirements to relevant personnel as required
1.4
Collaborate effectively with others during the assessment process

Performance Criteria:

.

Element:

Element 2      Identify creative and artistic possibilities

2.1
Explore creative possibilities of sound sources and seek
agreement on best options with relevant personnel
2.2
Take account of relevant information contained in
production documentation when developing options
2.3
In consultation with relevant personnel ensure that the
position and blend of sound sources meet artistic/creative requirements

Performance Criteria:

.

Element:

Element 3      Direct the final mix

3.1
Ensure that the relative levels of sound sources conform to loudness parameters
3.2
Ensure that transitions between sound sources are technically accurate and artistically appropriate
3.3
Adapt and adjust balance techniques to meet production requirements
3.4
Confirm that the sound balance and characteristics of sound are artistically and technically appropriate
3.5
Identify and remedy problems promptly as required to minimise disruption to the production process
3.6
Ensure that the level of the composite signal is within technical limits and the desired dynamic range
3.7
Work sensitively and constructively with relevant personnel to achieve best production outcomes
3.8
Apply critical listening throughout production to ensure that sound quality meets production requirements 3.9 Complete all work to meet production requirements and ensure that the work environment is cleaned and ready for the next userApply

Performance Criteria:

.

Element:

Element 4      Evaluate completed audio master

4.1
In consultation with relevant personnel identify aspects of the process of creating the final sound balance that worked well and those that could be improved
4.2
Evaluate own role in operations and note areas for improvement
4.3
Provide feedback to team members on their performance as required
4.4
Document evaluation of operations in line with enterprise procedures

Performance Criteria:

.


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit, you will have the knowledge and skills to effectively complete a final sound mix / bounce in a multi-channel audio production environment for both stereo and surround sound productions.


Details of Learning Activities

In class learning activities include, but are not limited to:

• Class delivery (face to face lectures)
• Peer teaching & class presentations
• Group Discussions

Out of class learning activities include, but are not limited to:

• Sound Studio based mixing
• Music production project based work
• Collaboarative group work
• Teacher directed activities


Teaching Schedule

Advanced Live Sound Major Project preparation
Includes: Lecture & presentation

Week Class content          Elements
  SEMESTER 1:    
#1
TAFE WEEK 1
SEM 1
 Surround sound in audio production Introduction to the Course Guide, resources, assessments and expectations.
History of film sound
Includes: Lecture & presentation
 John Phillips
Lecture room 94.1.002
 1
#2
TAFE WEEK 2
SEM 1
 Surround sound in audio production Cinema surround sound formats
Includes: Lecture & presentation
 John Phillips
Lecture room 94.1.002
 1
#3
TAFE WEEK 3
SEM 1
 Surround sound in audio production Domestic surround sound
Mixing in surround
Includes: Lecture
5.1 demonstration
 John Phillips
Lecture room 94.1.002
 1, 2
#4
27 May
TAFE WEEK 4
SEM 1
 Surround sound in audio production Setting up surround sessions in Pro-Tools
Includes: Lecture & presentation
 John Phillips
Lecture room 94.1.002

 1, 3
#5
TAFE WEEK 5
SEM
 Surround sound in audio production Setting up surround sessions in Logic & other platforms
Includes: Lecture & presentation
 John Phillips
Lecture room 94.1.002
 1, 3
#6
TAFE WEEK 6
SEM 1
 Surround sound in audio production Surround mixing, AC3 & DVD authoring
Includes: Lecture & presentation
 John Phillips
Lecture room 94.1.002
 2, 3, 4
#7
TAFE WEEK 7
SEM 1
 Advanced Live Sound Sound reinforcement
Includes: Lecture & presentation
 Michael Pollard
Lecture room 94.1.002
 3
#8
TAFE WEEK 8
SEM 1
 Advanced Live Sound Major project preparation
Includes: Lecture & presentation
 Michael Pollard
Lecture room 94.1.002
 3, 4
#9
TAFE WEEK 9
SEM 1
 Advanced Live Sound Major Project preparation
Includes: Lecture & presentation
 Michael Pollard
Lecture room 94.1.002
 3, 4
#10
TAFE WEEK 10
SEM 1
 Advanced Live Sound Major Project preparation
Includes: Lecture & presentation
 Michael Pollard
Lecture room 94.1.002
 3, 4
#11
TAFE WEEK 11
SEM 1
 Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pre- Production
Includes: Lecture & presentation
 Tim Johnston
Lecture room 94.1.002
 1, 2, 3
#12
TAFE WEEK 12
SEM 1
 Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pre- Production
Includes: Lecture & practical demonstration
 Tim Johnston
Surround Mixing Studio 14.2.29
 2, 3, 4
#13
TAFE WEEK 13
SEM 1
 Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pre- Production
Includes: Lecture & practical demonstration
 Tim Johnston
Surround Mixing Studio 14.2.29
 3, 4
#14
TAFE WEEK 14
SEM 1
 Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pre- Production
Includes: Lecture & practical demonstration
 Tim Johnston
Surround Mixing Studio 14.2.29
 3, 4
#15
TAFE WEEK 15
SEM 1
 Final Examination Short answer & multiple choice examination
Includes: Pain
 Tim Johnston
Surround Mixing Studio 14.2.29
 3, 4
#16
TAFE WEEK 16
SEM 1
 Final Examination Short answer & multiple choice examination
Includes: Pain
 John Phillips
Lecture room 94.1.002
 1.1
  SEMESTER 2:    
#17-32
TAFE WEEKS 1-16
SEM 2
 Studio Mixing Practical Training & Assessment
Pre- Production
Includes: Work on stereo & surround music mixes
4 hours per week in studio.
 Tim Johnston
Paul Thomas
Anthony Norris
Surround Mixing Studio 14.2.29
 1, 2, 3, 4


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Blackboard, Media Annotation Tool.
Additional texts will be referred to throughout the unit delivery, all of which will be available in RMIT Carlton library.


References

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


Other Resources

You are expected to supply:

Note paper & pen.
Data storage, EG external Firewire (800+400) Hard Drive >=1tb.


Overview of Assessment

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


Assessment Tasks

Assessment for this course will involve demonstration of practical tasks and testing of underpinning theoretical knowledge.
Assessemnt will be made through 2 “formative” assessments, which will be conducted through the year, and 2 “summative assessments, which will presented for the assessment period of semester 2 – IE at or before week 17 of semester 2.
Students must achieve the required result for all 4 assessments to be deemed competent.


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrated alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are
available through the course contact in Program administration

Other Information

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