Course Title: Record sound
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2011
Course Code: VART6073C
Course Title: Record sound
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4276 - Certificate IV in Sound Production
Course Contact : program Administration
Course Contact Phone: 03 9925 4815
Course Contact Email:mcvet@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Tim Johnston
Phone: 03 9925 4325
Email: timothy.johnston@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 60
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 record sound, including the supervision of sound-recording operations.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUSSOU401A Record sound |
Element: |
1Prepare for sound recording |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1Clarify recording requirements with reference to production documentation and in consultation with relevant personnel |
Element: |
2Place microphones and test record line-up |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1Select, power and position microphones and microphone accessories according to safety, technical and production requirements |
Element: |
3Make sound recordings |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1Ensure run-up time is sufficient to allow stable sound recording |
Element: |
4Finalise sound-recording operations |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1Ensure that recordings are saved in the appropriate format and logged/filed in line with organisational procedures |
Learning Outcomes
Achieve the skills and knowledge required to record sound, including the supervision of sound-recording operations.
Details of Learning Activities
n class activities may include:
• lectures
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
• online research
• independent project based work
• teacher directed group activities/projects
Out of class activities may include:
• online research
• independent project based work
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.
Week | Class content | Other | Elements |
Week1 | Physics of Sound Course overview What is sound, sound wave propagation, Wavelength, Frequency, Phase, Envelope, Velocity. 1,2 |
1,2 | |
Week2 |
The ear Pinna, auditory canal, tympanic membrane, Basilar membrane. Reflection & diffraction of sound |
1,2 | |
Week3 | Decibels & SPL Application of basic formulae Amplitude, Sound Levels, and Decibels Inverse Square Law Sound Intensity, SPL |
1,2 | |
Week4 | Decibels & Hearing Threshold of Hearing Threshold of Feeling Threshold of Pain Equal Loudness contours. |
1,2 | |
Week5 | Reverberation Early reflections & Echoes Pre delay & RT60 Intelligibility of rooms & idealised reverb times. Sabine’s formula |
1,2 | |
Week6 | Acoustics Theory Standing Waves/ Eigentones/ Room modes Room mode calculations. Axial, tangential, oblique |
1,2 | |
Week7 | Acoustics Theory Introduction to Building Acoustics Membrane Absorbers, Porous Absorbers, Diffusers. |
1,2 | |
Week8 | Design & Building Acoustics Noise criteria and Transmission Loss. Room Acoustics and design requirements. |
1,2 | |
Week9 | Practical session for Assignment & Revision | 1 | |
Week10 | Written Test | 1 | |
Week11 | Practical Assignment – Recording in studio | 1,2,3,4 | |
Week12 | Practical Assignment – Recording in studio | 1,2,3,4 | |
Week13 | Practical Assignment – Recording in studio | 1,2,3,4 | |
Week14 | Practical Assignment – Recording in studio | 1,2,3,4 | |
Week15 | Practical Assignment – Recording in studio | 1,2,3,4 | |
Week10 SEM 2 |
Practical Assignment – Recording in studio | 1,2,3,4 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
"Modern Recording Techniques" (7th Edition), Huber and Runstein, Focal Press. 0240810694 |
References
You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information. Students are expected to make full use of the Library facilities. |
Other Resources
External firewire/USB hard drive
1 pair of high quality headphones
Overview of Assessment
Course assessment tasks will include class based practical exercises and project work undertaken in the computer lab for submission.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment tasks in this course are either formative or summative.
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.
To demonstrate competency in this course, you need to complete each one of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard.
Formative Assessment:
Semester 1
1. Application of appropriate formulae/calculations – Week1-10
Semester 2
2. Organise and coordinate personnel for recording – Week 1
3. Plan and itemise equipment and signal chain to be used in the recording – Week 2
4. Select and place microphones based on principles of microphone operation. – Week 2-9
5. Implement appropriate dynamic processing
 - Week 2-10
6. Monitor and control stereo image and depth
 - Week 2-10
7. Apply appropriate use of effects processing
 - Week 2-10
8. Deliver appropriate output level of pre master final mix
 - Week 2-10
Summative Assessment:
9. RECORDING STUDIO PORTFOLIO
- Research, analyse, calculate and submit findings on acoustic properties of a recording environment

- Week 14
- Written multiple choice and short answer theory paper
- Week 11
- Demonstrate adequate individual contribution to completion of
production
 - Week 16
- Submit portfolio with presentation and labeling to industry
standard – Week 16
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 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