Course Title: Operate professional audio equipment

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

Course Code: VART6071C

Course Title: Operate professional audio equipment

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4276 - Certificate IV in Sound Production

Course Contact : Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: 03 9925 4976

Course Contact Email:mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Michael Pollard
Phone: 9925 4325
Email: michael.pollard@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 100

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

Students will learn the skills and knowledge to operate a audio mixing equipment, including, major outboard sound processing equipment, software and develop basic skills to monitor sound quality and develop creative and technical judgements.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUESOU03C Operate professional audio equipment

Element:

Complete post-performance procedures

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Liaise with relevant personnel and accurately interpret documentation to determine audio requirements
1.2 Position and prepare equipment in accordance with requirements
1.3 Plot and run through cues on direction from relevant colleagues and in accordance with equipment, sequencing, timing and speed requirements
1.4 Implement appropriate changes to audio operation and document in accordance with organisational procedures
1.5 Communicate appropriate technical information to performers/presenters

Element:

Operate audio equipment

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Power up equipment at the appropriate time and check to ensure correct functioning
2.2 Complete audio check and implement and document any adjustments in accordance with organisational procedures
2.3 Promptly identify, rectify and/or refer any equipment faults/problems to the relevant personnelas required

Element:

Participate in technical or creative run-through

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Execute all audio cues in accordance with the running sheet, directions from colleagues and performance requirements
3.2 Promptly identify the need for change during the performance and modify cues as required to cater for unexpected events and to minimise negative impact on the performance
3.3 Operate console to produce the required technical level and tonal balances
3.4 Adjust equalisation for required tonal balance
3.5 Balance signal levels appropriately
3.6 Maintain overall audio level within the requirements of the venue
3.7 Play back audio effects at the required level through the appropriate speakers
3.8 Monitor equipment for correct operation throughout the performance and identify and action any problems appropriately

Element:

Prepare for audio operation

Performance Criteria:

4. 1 Safely power down equipment at the appropriate time in accordance with manufacturer instructions and organisational procedures
4.2 Identify and complete necessary equipment adjustments, including maintenance and re-setting where appropriate in preparation for the next performance
4.3 Make accurate changes to documentation and process in accordance with organisational procedures

Learning Outcomes


You learn the theoretical and practical operation of audio production equipment


Details of Learning Activities

In class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
• Class lectures
• Group activities
• Hands-on activities in small groups

Out of class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
• Online research and reporting
• Reading of provided notes/excerpts of industry publications


Teaching Schedule

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
 >ANY ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION RCEIVED AFTER DUE DATE CAN ONLY RECIEVE A "CAG" RESULT<

Week                
Class content Other Elements    
Week 1 Intro, overview, toolkit, resources  Review of assessment Element 4
4.1, 4.3
Week 2 Console Designs   Element 2
2.1

Element 3
3.3
Week 3 Console Features
 		   Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Element 3
3.3, 3.7
Week 4 Console Features
 		   Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

Element 3
3.3, 3.7

 
Week 5 Console Signal Flow   Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

Element 3
3.3, 3.7
Week 6 Console Signal Flow   Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

Element 3
3.3, 3.7
Week 7 Audio Patch Bays   In Class SIGNAL FLOW assessment Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3
Week 8 Analogue Tape/Machines Overview
 		   Element 3
3.3, 3.4
Week 9 EQ   Element 3
3.3, 3.4
Week 10 EQ   Element 3
3.3, 3.4
Week 11 Dynamic Processing   Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8
Week 12 Dynamic Processing   Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8
Week 13 FX Processing   Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8
Week 14 FX Processing   Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8

Element 4
4.1, 4.2, 4.3
Week1 5 Summary Class
 		 Radio Ad Due Element 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8

Element 4
4.1, 4.2, 4.3
Week 16 Assessment Summative 5A - written exam. Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5

SEM 2 Week  1-10

 Further assessment is held in studio sessions in Semester 2 – Studio 1 Summative 5B - Session Plan to be checked on arrival in Sem 2 session 1. - 1 plan per student required. Monitor technical quality during production


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

You will be supplied course notes that will form the basis of the written assessment and act as a central information point.You must take individual responsibility to keep the supplied notes for reference both in class and at home. There shall be a pdf copy of supplied handouts available on Blackboard for back-up.


References

You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information. Students are expected to make full use of the University library facilities.


Other Resources

Webinars, Web, in-class videos, Apps (such as QuizTones app for ear training) and many in-studio examples.

Students are advised that many of the principles and production procedures covered will be best absorbed into the learners work-flow and industry habits via regular consistant practice and application - access to suitable production tools such as software will allow this developement to occur.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment tasks include in-studio practical session completion and written assessment.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment tasks in this course are either Formative or Summative.

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

Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered as essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks.
Summative assessment tasks in this unit are graded.

For further information on the assessment and grading criteria, please refer to the course Blackboard site.

DEADLINES - If you cannot meet a submission date or assessment date the student must apply for an extension to RMIT.

Submissions cannot be made after the end of the teaching period without a Special Consideration application for extension.

>ANY ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION RECEIVED AFTER DUE DATE CAN ONLY RECEIVE A "CAG" RESULT<
To demonstrate competency in this course, you need to complete each one of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard.
 

Formative Assessment

1. Semester 1 - SIgnal Flow

Complete in-class assessment of In-Line Console Signal Flow

Completion of this exercise is required for course completion. Due Semester 1, week 7
 

2. Semester 1 practical session in studio 1 (Acoustic Recording Session)

You session supervisor will check off your adequate completion of the following...

- Written plan for session (as per Pro Forma Session Plan)
- Ability to direct artist within session - clear communication, basic instructions and professional engagement during the session activities.
- Monitor required levels and adjust for tone - control the studo monitoring and react to monitored signal quality.
- Set-up and operate key equipment (Mics, Desk, Pro Tools)  Due Semester 1, week 15

3. Semester 2 practical sessions in studio 1 (Major Project initial tracking sessions)

You session supervisor will check off your adequate completion of the following..

- Follow written session plan (as per Pro Forma Session Plan)
- Power up required equipment
- Communicate with artist and offer direction
- Respond to needs and changes in session
- Operate key outboard processing equipment and Pre amps Due Semester 2, week 15

4. Radio Advert

You will complete this exercise in your practical work group outside of class time using either RMIT lab or small edit studio facilities booked via staff in the Google Calender system and submit 1 x CD per group.

- submit Broadcast Standard Advertisement as per a supplied brief
- record voice-over and mix with suitable sound fx and music bed
- add complimentary processing including compression, limiting & EQ
- submit on CD-R as Production Master labelled with Sound Production CD Template. Due Semester 1, week 15

Summative Assessment

1a. Written examination held Semester 1, week 16.
- you will be assessed on key theoretical knowledge from the 15 weeks of material covered in Semester 1 classes.
1b. Written completion of Studio Session Plan (as per Pro Forma Session Plan) - to be checked in initial tracking session with Studio Supervisor.

The details on these assessments and the grading criteria for this competency can be found on the course blackboard site.

Grades used in this unit are as follows:

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

 

Assessment of this unit is integrated with the assessments for the following units:

VART6073C RECORD SOUND


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 achieve competency in this unit.

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=9pp3ic9obks
 

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