Course Title: Mix live audio
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2015
Course Code: VART6072C
Course Title: Mix live audio
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4276 - Certificate IV in 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
Teacher: Michael Pollard
Phone: 9925 4325
Email: michael.pollard@rmit.edu.au
(Semester 2, Classes 9-16)
Teacher: Paul Thomas
Phone: 9925 4325
Email: paul.thomas@rmit.edu.au
(Semester 1, Classes 1-6)
Teacher: Martin Koszolko
Phone: 9925 4815
Email: martin.koszolko@rmit.edu.au
(Semester 2, Classes 1-8)
Nominal Hours: 140
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 skills and knowledge required to mix audio for live performance. As such it builds on other units dealing with the set-up and operation of basic audio equipment. With a focus on the basic practical approaches required to work in today’s entry level live sound environment, you will be exposed to a range of preparatory process, audio hardware and interconnectivity standards. The unit defines a minimum standard for the mixing of live audio. This unit will set-up essential approaches to you to develop their own skills.
This is the designated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course for C4276/C4276A Certificate IV in Sound Production. This course includes a WIL experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a workplace context and where feedback from industry and/or community is integral to your experience.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUESOU04C Mix live audio |
Element: |
1.Tune and balance audio equipment. |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Power up equipment and check to ensure it is in working order. |
Element: |
2. Mix audio sources. |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Mix audio to produce the required audio level and tonal balance in accordance with production requirements. |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements. You will acquire the essential approaches and skills for live sound production and operation of associated 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
- Location/venue exposure
- Audio lab work
Out of class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
- Attending live events and documenting methods and equipment used in sound reinforcement
- Online research and reporting
- Webinars
- Reading of provided notes/excerpts of industry publications
- Blogs
Teaching Schedule
SEMESTER 1:
(SEMESTER 2 for Group 1E)
Live sound production sessions are made available to students throughout the year. Students keep a log of hours accrued.
There will be an introductory lecture to the cohort in mid Sem 1 to provide an overview to the course and confirm time and dates of initial guest lectures to be held in Sem 1.
SOLDERINGPlease note this is a separate set of classes w/ Mr Paul Thomas -
> Please Note there shall be individual costs for materials to be paid by each student directly to the teacher of the class.
Class |
Class Content | Assessment | Elements |
Class 1 |
Introduction to course and explanation of assessment. Discussion around OH&S issues Instruction on practice of repair & maintain Cabling |
Element 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 |
|
Class 2 |
Construction of TS connectors Practical class based exercises |
Assessment 1A due |
Element 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 |
Class 3 |
Construction of TRS connectors Practical class based exercises |
Assessment 1B due |
Element 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 |
Class 4 |
Construction of XLR connectors Practical class based exercises |
Assessment 1C due |
Element 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 |
Class 5 |
Construction of Y-Cable connectors Practical class based exercises |
Assessment 1D due |
Element 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 |
Class 6 | Review of assessment and feedback and feedback on cable contructions from teacher |
Element 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 |
|
SEMESTER 2: Classroom instruction, practical demonstration, practical application & assessment (See semester 2).
|
ABLETON LIVE AUDIO (Martin Koszolko) |
Assessment | ||
Class |
Class Content | Elements |
|
Class 1 | Software overview: Ableton Live. Using Midi Controllers iand mapping MIDI |
Elements 1 & 2 | |
Class 2 | Importing audio and creating MIDI clips Warping and time manipulation in Ableton Live |
Elements 1 & 2 | |
Class 3 | Audio effects and racks Macro Controls and Mapping Commence Assessment 4 |
Elements 1 & 2 | |
Class 4 | Editing, mixing, and arranging live sets in Ableton Live Assessment 4: Introductory live production software and midi controller assessment |
Assessment 4 - Introductory live production software and midi controller assessment (Ungraded) | Elements 1 & 2 |
Class 5 | Collaborative techniques Managing files DJing with Ableton Live
|
Elements 1 & 2 | |
Class 6 | Using Ableton Live in live performance contexts Parameter automation Ableton instruments
|
Elements 1 & 2 | |
Class 7 |
Assessment 5: •In-class live performance
|
Assessment 5 - In-class performance in groups using MIDI hardware (Ungraded) | Elements 1 & 2 |
Class 8 | Assessment 5: •In-class performance |
Assessment 5 - In-class performance in groups using MIDI hardware (Ungraded) | Elements 1 & 2 |
|
|||
Class 9 | Intro to Mix Live Audio - review of assessment and discussion of technology - intro to documents commence (Event Planning) Commence assessment 6A |
Assessment Task 2A - SET-UP - Cable rolling, Mic Stand MultiCore - competant demonstration of essential cable skills and stand use DUE CLASS 9 |
Element 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Element 2 |
Class 10 | Tuning - part 1 - Monitors - intro to EQ of a speaker system, signal flow revision and gain structure - Commence assessments 6B & 6C Complete assessment 6A |
Assessment Task 2B - CONSOLE operation - Gain Structure and basic analog desk set-up and use to achieve basic signal flow control DUE CLASS 10 Assessment 6A - Line List & Stage Plot - completion of industry standard planning documents - DUE CLASS 10 |
Element 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Element 2 |
Class 11 | Tuning - part 2 - FOH & Mon - continue of system EQ procedures - Assessment 6B |
Assessment 6B - System Tuning - Demonstrate ability to tune a speaker system using basics of mic and EQ |
Element 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Element 2 |
Class 12 | Digital - part 1 - overview of PreSonus Studio Live -commence grp mix exercise - Assessment 6C |
Assessment 3A - Viewing supplied on-line video and complete a questionare on Blackboard. Assessment 3B - You will then be expected to attend a minimum of 3 separate industry located events/shows/gigs. Durin these events you will need to take note of the methods and equipment used in live sound reinforcement. You will then comment on your findings in a supporting BLOG entry of a minimum of 400 words. All BLOG entries must be completed by Semester 2, CLASS 12 |
Element 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Element 2 |
Class 13 | Digital - part 2 - continue PreSonus Studio Live mix exercises in small groups as per roster - Assessment 6C |
Element 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Element 2 |
|
Class 14 | Digital - part 3 - Allen+Heath iLive introduction. Capture Tools - overview of various DI’s mics, clips, stands and tools for capture of stage sources - intro to Live Sound Kit - |
Element 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Element 2 |
|
Class 15 | System Set-Up - Dry run simulated set-up of full system with rec split - review of Radio Ads from OPAE as signal source. |
Element 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Element 2 |
|
Class 16 | Location Workshop - practical session held at a venue with a band including full soundcheck and set run with rec split - team task and allocations apply. Assessment 6B & C DUE |
Assessment 6C - Mix Operation and Creation - Demonstrate ability to follow instructions and create a basic mix via a digital console |
Element 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Element 2 |
NOTE THAT ASSESSMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY DUE DATE |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
LIVE AUDIO - The Art Of Mixing A Show by Dave Swallow |
978-0-240-816 |
LIVE SOUND MIXING - by Duncan Fry |
0 646 11235 X |
References
Other Resources
Each student should have a basic tool kit to ensure all practical classes are attended with required equipment.
Students are encouraged to supply their own ear plugs for hearing protection.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment tasks include practical exercises in cable repair & maintenance and microphone-handling , setting up and tuning a speaker system, audio mixing and operating live audio production software and produciton of live sound reinforcement.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, and the practical demonstration of skills through your assessment tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on My RMIT.
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 once you have demonstrated competency.
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.
All assessments in this unit are ungrared, but must all be completed to a satisfactory standard as indicated in assessment outlines.
Assessment Task 1: Cable Assessments
- Assessment 1A. Construction of TS connector & cable. Due Class 2
- Assessment 1B. Construction of TRS connector & cable. Due Class 3
- Assessment 1C. Construction of XLR connector & cable. Due Class 4
- Assessment 1D. Construction of Y-cable. Due Class 5
Assessment Task 2: Console operation assessment
- Assessment Task 2A - SET-UP - Cable rolling, Mic Stand MultiCore - competant demonstration of essential cable skills and stand use DUE CLASS 9
- Assessment Task 2B - CONSOLE operation - Gain Structure and basic analog desk set-up and use to achieve basic signal flow control DUE CLASS 10
Assessment Task 3: Live event assessment
- Assessment Task 3A - In preparation for this assessment this assessment you need to view the supplied on-line video and complete a questionare on Blackboard.
- Assessment Task 33 - You will then be expected to attend a minimum of 3 separate industry located events/shows/gigs. During these events you will need to take note of the methods and equipment used in live sound reinforcement. You will then comment on your findings in a supporting BLOG entry of a minimum of 400 words. All BLOG entries must be completed by Semester 2, CLASS 12
Assessment Task 4: Introductory live Production software and midi controller assessment
- For this lab based practical assessment you will industry standard euipment to make links between audio software and hardware Semester 2, Class 4
Assessment 5: Advanced live Production software and midi controller assessment
- In this assessment, you will demonstrate your abiity to utilise specified elements of designated audio software and midi controllers, in order to achieve an interactive live sound production against a set of requirements laid out in your assessment brief. This assessment is conducted in small groups, but you will be assessed individually. It will be conducted in Semester 2, Class 8.
Assessment 6: Practical Audio Mixing Skills
For this assessment you will be providing sound mixing for a live performance in a public venue. You will be completing this assessment in sound production teams but will be assessed individually. via hands-on practical set-ups in the following key procedures - due week 16 / semester 2 (to be conducted between weeks 9-16, semester 2);
- Assessment 6A - Line List & Stage Plot - completion of industry standard planning documents - DUE CLASS 10
- Assessment 6B - System Tuning - Demonstrate ability to tune a speaker system using basics of mic and EQ - DUE CLASS 11
- Assessment 6C - Mix Operation and Creation - Demonstrate ability to follow instructions and create a basic mix via a digital console - DUE CLASS 15 / 16
Grades used in this unit are as follows:
CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment
The details of these assessments and the grading criteria for this competency can be found on the course blackboard site.
Assessment Matrix
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration.
Other Information
Cover Sheet for Submissions:
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications
Attendance:
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.
Feedback:
You will receive verbal and written feedback on your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student feedback at RMIT
Student Progress:
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.
Student progress policy
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.
Special consideration appeals and discipline:
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.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview