Course Title: Create a final sound balance

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

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
Phone: 9925 4815
Email: john.phillips@rmit.edu.au
Email: timothy.johnston@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

Performance Criteria:

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
 

Element:

Element 2      Identify creative and artistic possibilities

Performance Criteria:

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 requireme
 

Element:

Element 3      Direct the final mix

Performance Criteria:

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 user
 

Element:

Element 4      Evaluate completed audio master

Performance Criteria:

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
 


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

Includes: Lecture, presentation and practical sound studio work.

Note:

Classes for "Direct Project Integration" (BUSM6399c) run weeks 7-10 in same timeslot, as indicated below.
 

Week Class content          Elements
  SEMESTER 1 (Classes):    
#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
 
 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

 
 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
 
 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
 
 2, 3, 4
#7
TAFE WEEK 7
SEM 1
 
 Advanced Live Sound Sound reinforcement
 for DIRECT PROJECT INTEGRATION
BUSM6399C
 
 Michael Pollard
Lecture room
 
 N/A
#8
TAFE WEEK 8
SEM 1
 
 Advanced Live Sound Sound reinforcement
 for DIRECT PROJECT INTEGRATION
BUSM6399C
 Michael Pollard
Lecture room
 
N/A
#9
TAFE WEEK 9
SEM 1
 
 Advanced Live Sound Sound reinforcement
 for DIRECT PROJECT INTEGRATION
BUSM6399C
 Michael Pollard
Lecture room
 
N/A
#10
TAFE WEEK 10
SEM 1
 
Advanced Live Sound Sound reinforcement
 for DIRECT PROJECT INTEGRATION
BUSM6399C
 Michael Pollard
Lecture room
 
N/A
#11
TAFE WEEK 11
SEM 1
 
 Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pre- Production
Includes: Lecture & presentation
 
 Tim Johnston
Lecture room
 
2, 3
#12
TAFE WEEK 12
SEM 1
 
 Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pre- Production
Includes: Lecture & practical demonstration
 
 Tim Johnston
Surround Mixing Studio
 
 2, 3, 4
#13
TAFE WEEK 13
SEM 1
 
 Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pre- Production
Includes: Lecture & practical demonstration
 
 Tim Johnston
Surround Mixing Studio
 
 3, 4
#14
TAFE WEEK 14
SEM 1
 
 Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pre- Production
Includes: Lecture & practical demonstration
 
 Tim Johnston
Surround Mixing Studio
 
 3, 4
#15
TAFE WEEK 15
SEM 1
 
 Mix Match Review
 
 Tim Johnston
Surround Mixing Studio
 
 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
  SEMESTERS 1 & 2:    

#12-16 & #17-28
TAFE WEEKS 12-16 SEM 1 + 1-12 SEM 2
 

 Studio Mixing Practical Training & Assessment
Pre- Production
Includes: Work on stereo & surround music mixes
 3 hours per week in post production sound studio.
 
 Tim Johnston
Paul Thomas
Anthony Norris
Surround Mixing Studio
 
 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.

ASSESSMENT

1 - Knowledge Test (Semester 1 - Week 16) - Formative

2 - Session Setup - (Semester 2 - Week 14) - Formative

3 - Surround Mix - (Semester 2 - Week 15) - Summative

4 - Mix Match - (Semester 2 - Week 8) - Summative

Students must achieve the required result for all 4 assessments to be deemed competent.

Grades used in this unit are as follows:

Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also use graded assessment:
CHD 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

Note:

Assessments that are submitted beyond the due date will only be capable of a maximum CAG result.


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

Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that students attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

 

Cover Sheet for Submissions
All students must complete a submission cover sheet for each piece of submitted work.

Plagiarism - RMIT has a strict policy on plagiarism. For more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity

Copyright
All students have access to the myRMIT copyright shell. The myRMIT copyright shell contains information on copyright, plus also examples on how to use copyright works as part of your projects and assignments.

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:
www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration/online

Student Progress Committee
This committee promotes the early identification of students who are not achieving acceptable academic performance. The committee provides identified students with assistance and seeks to ensure such students are aware of the range of support services available to them at the University. Student Progress Committee (SPC)

Student Feedback
Students are offered opportunities to provide feedback through a variety of mechanisms including online surveys conducted at the end of each course or semester, student complaints and Student Staff Consultative Committees
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview