Course Title: Create a final sound balance

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

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

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 requirement
 

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):                                                    
CLASS 1
 

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

 

Tim Johnston
Lecture room
 
1, 2
CLASS 2
 
Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pro Tools & Studio skills
Tutorial and Practical Demonstrations
 
Tim Johnston
Studio 2
1, 2, 3

 


CLASS 3
 
Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pro Tools & Studio skills
Tutorial and Practical Demonstrations
Tim Johnston
Studio 2
1, 2, 3

CLASS 4
 
Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pro Tools & Studio skills
Tutorial and Practical Demonstrations
 
Tim Johnston
Studio 2
1, 2, 3
CLASS 5
 
Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pro Tools & Studio skills
Tutorial and Practical Demonstrations
 
Tim Johnston
Studio 2
1, 2, 3
CLASS 6
 
Advanced Mixing Techniques
Pro Tools & Studio skills
Tutorial and Practical Demonstrations
 
Tim Johnston
Studio 2
1, 2, 3
CLASS 7 Studio 2 mixing practical assignment Tim Johnston
Studio 2
1, 2, 3, 4

 

CLASS 8

Studio 2 mixing practical assignment

Tim Johnston
Studio 2
1, 2, 3, 4

 

CLASS 9 Studio 2 mixing practical assignment Tim Johnston
Studio 2
1, 2, 3, 4

 

CLASS 10

Studio 2 mixing practical assignment Tim Johnston
Studio 2
1, 2, 3, 4
CLASS 11 Advanced Mixing Techniques
Large console formats – SSL / Neve - Genesys signal flow – diagrams
Tim Johnston
Lecture room
 
1, 2
CLASS 12 Advanced Mixing Techniques
Large console formats – SSL / Neve - Genesys signal flow – diagrams
Tim Johnston
Lecture room
 
1, 2

 

CLASS 13 2” Tape Machine – architecture - line up procedure Tim Johnston
Studio 1
 
1, 2

 

CLASS 14 Synchronization- timecode formats Tim Johnston
Studio 2
 
1, 2

 

CLASS 15
 
Mix Match Review
 
Tim Johnston
Studio 2
 
4
CLASS 16
 
SPAVIS - Major Event Capture/Mix/Post Production
 
Tim Johnston
Lecture room
 
1, 2
  SEMESTERS 2:    

 

WEEKS 1-16: SEM 2
 

Studio Mixing - Practical Training & Assessment - See blackboard/google calendar for individual/group studio session times


Neve Console/Tape mixing - STUDIO 1

Practical sessions - individual & group - stereo & surround music mixes - STUDIO 2 & 3
 

Tim Johnston
Studio 1, 2, 3
 
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:


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

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback on all assessment and where indicated, you will receive a grade. Graded assessment tasks are equally weighted and will determine your final result for this course.

ASSESSMENT

Non Graded

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

- Synchronization Test - (Semester 1 - Week 15)

- Neve Mix - Complete mix from 2"Tape through discreet channels on Neve Console using all outboard equipment. (Semester 2 - Week 1-16)

Graded
- Mix Match - Using provided multitrack raw material, and final stereo mix bounce, apply knowledge obtained from class lectures to complete a mix matched as close to original as possible. (Semester 1 - Week 15)

- SPAVIS surround sound mix - Using material recorded as part of Direct the Integration of Projects, complete a surround sound mix of live show to provided HD video capture (Semester 2 - Week 15)



Students must achieve the required result for all 5 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

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students
 

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. Non-attendance may seriously jeopardise the chances of success in a course. Clearly, non-attendance at an assessment will result in failure of that assessment. Where visa conditions apply, attendance is compulsory.
 

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.
 

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (web link)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process through which people can gain entry to, or credit in, recognised courses based on competencies gained. The competencies may have been gained through experience in the workplace, in voluntary work, in social or domestic activities or through informal or formal training or other life experiences. Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) applies if a student has previously successfully completed the requirements of a unit of competency or module and is now required to be reassessed to ensure that the competency has been maintained.
 

Assessment and Feedback (web link)
You will receive verbal feedback during scheduled class times, 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 Progress (web link)
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.


Special consideration for Late Submission (web link)
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 will need to apply for special consideration.
 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism (web link)
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

Course Overview: Access Course Overview