Course Title: Create a final sound balance

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

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:
Timothy Johnston
Phone: 9925 4325
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.

 

Class / Week Class content          Elements                                           
  SEMESTER 1 (Classes):                                                    
#1
WEEK 1
SEM 1
 

Assessment outline / Material outline/ Group confirmations – listening examples – pre post mix examples

 

Tim Johnston
Lecture room
 
Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2

#2
WEEK 2
SEM 1
 
Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pro Tools & Studio skills
Tutorial and Practical Demonstrations
 
Tim Johnston
Studio 2
Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2

Element 3
3.1 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8

 

#3
WEEK 3
SEM 1
 
Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pro Tools & Studio skills
Tutorial and Practical Demonstrations
Tim Johnston
Studio 2
Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2

Element 3
3.1 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8

#4
WEEK 4
SEM 1
 
Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pro Tools & Studio skills
Tutorial and Practical Demonstrations
 
Tim Johnston
Studio 2
Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2

Element 3
3.1 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8

#5
WEEK 5
SEM
 
Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pro Tools & Studio skills
Tutorial and Practical Demonstrations
 
Tim Johnston
Studio 2
Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2

Element 3
3.1 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8

#6
WEEK 6
SEM 1
 
Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pro Tools & Studio skills
Tutorial and Practical Demonstrations
 
Tim Johnston
Studio 2
Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2

Element 3
3.1 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8

WEEK 7
SEM 1
Studio 2 mixing practical assignment Tim Johnston
Studio 2
Element 1
1.1, 1.2

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Element 3
3.1 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9

Element 4
4.1, 4.2

 

WEEK 8
SEM 1

Studio 2 mixing practical assignment

Tim Johnston
Studio 2
Element 1
1.1, 1.2

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Element 3
3.1 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9

Element 4
4.1, 4.2

WEEK 9
SEM 1
Studio 2 mixing practical assignment Tim Johnston
Studio 2
Element 1
1.1, 1.2

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Element 3
3.1 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9

Element 4
4.1, 4.2

WEEK 10
SEM 1
Studio 2 mixing practical assignment Tim Johnston
Studio 2
Element 1
1.1, 1.2

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Element 3
3.1 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9

Element 4
4.1, 4.2

#7
WEEK 11
SEM 1
 
Advanced Mixing Techniques
Large console formats – SSL / Neve - Genesys signal flow – diagrams
Tim Johnston
Lecture room
 
Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2

#8
WEEK 12
SEM 1
 
Advanced Mixing Techniques
Large console formats – SSL / Neve - Genesys signal flow – diagrams
Tim Johnston
Lecture room
 
Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2

 

#9
WEEK 13
SEM 1
 
2” Tape Machine – architecture - line up procedure Tim Johnston
Studio 2
 
Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2

 

#10
WEEK 14
SEM 1
 
Synchronization- timecode formats Tim Johnston
Studio 2
 
Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2

 

#11
WEEK 15
SEM 1
 
Mix Match Review
 
Tim Johnston
Studio 2
 
Element 4
4.1, 4.2, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4
#12
WEEK 16
SEM 1
 
SPAVIS - Major Event Capture/Mix/Post Production
 
Tim Johnston
Lecture room
 
Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Element 2
2.1, 2.2

  SEMESTERS 1 & 2:    

WEEKS 7-15: SEM 1

WEEKS 1-15: SEM 2
 

Studio Mixing Practical Training & Assessment
Work on stereo & surround music mixes -STUDIO 2/3


Neve Console/Tape mixing - Studio 1
 

Tim Johnston
Studio 1
 
Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Element 3
3.1 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9

Element 4
4.1, 4.2, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4


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) and/or Thunderbolt external Hard Drive >=1tb.


Overview of Assessment

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


Assessment Tasks

You must submit all pieces of assessment in order for your competency to be assessed in this course.

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 semester 1, and 2 “summative assessments, one in each semester as follows;

ASSESSMENT

Formative

1 - Advanced mixing Knowledge Test (Semester 1 - Week 6)

2 - Synchronization Test - (Semester 2 - Week 15)

Summative
3 - Mix Match - (Semester 1 - Week 15)

4 - Neve Mix - (Semester 2 - Week 1-16)

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
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Feedback - You will receive spoken and written feedback from teachers on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student feedback at RMIT http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=9pp3ic9obks7


Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=vj2g89cve4uj1


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. You can apply in writing for up to a week’s extension from your course teacher. If you need a longer extension, you wil need to apply for special consideration. Special consideration, appeals and discipline http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y



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 go to Academic Integrity
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n

Work Placement:
It is a requirement of this program that all students participate in authentic work related tasks. These may be either simulated or in a real work environment. On occasion, we are approached by industry and given opportunities for students to apply for short term placements. When these placement opportunities arise, students are required to negotiate the specific details with the relevant program coordinator or teacher. All industry placements require students, RMIT staff and host organisations to sign a written agreement prior to the commencement of the placement.
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview