Course Title: Record sound
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2020
Course Code: VART6411C
Course Title: Record sound
School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5378 - Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)
Course Contact: Rebekha Naim
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254815
Course Contact Email: svdsc.mac@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
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 skills and knowledge required to record sound and supervise sound recording operations.
It applies to individuals who work as part of a production team to record sound in a recording studio environment.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUASOU405 Record sound |
Element: |
1. Prepare for sound recording operations |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Interpret production documentation to identify recording requirements, and confirm with relevant people 1.2 Prepare a recording plan as required and brief people accordingly, including work health and safety (WHS) procedures and safe work practices 1.3 Confirm sound equipment and accessories are in working order 1.4 Confirm sound equipment and accessories are set up, connected and aligned according to safety, technical and production requirements 1.5 Confirm selected sound equipment and accessories meet required standards 1.6 Confirm recording media have sufficient capacity for expected duration of sound recording 1.7 Check that other consumables required are available for duration of sound recording 1.8 Anticipate problems that may arise during sound recording and plan accordingly |
Element: |
2. Place microphones and test recorded line-up |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Select microphones to suit the sound source and give the desired tonal and dynamic quality to the recording 2.2 Place and move microphones to capture the sound with the desired quality and to reject unwanted sounds 2.3 Confirm microphone placement is safe and unobtrusive, and avoids extraneous and unwanted noise 2.4 Check that microphones and other equipment in the signal path are operating correctly. 2.5 Conduct a check with artists to ensure that the sound will be recorded with sufficient level and signal-to-noise ratio and the desired quality 2.6 Listen critically to the acoustic characteristics of the recording environment, and adjust microphone position as required |
Element: |
3. Make sound recordings |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Apply signal processing for optimal sound quality, and make test recordings to ensure no audible defects are present 3.2 Continuously monitor sound recording for quality, audible defects and extraneous background sound 3.3 Confirm recorded sound supports and enhances production requirements 3.4 Complete recording sessions in line with production timelines. |
Element: |
4. Finalise sound recording operations |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Label and log sound recording according to production requirements 4.2 Produce master and backup copies of sound recording in required format 4.3 Prepare set-up report according to production requirements 4.4 Confirm sound equipment and accessories are de-rigged, checked and cleaned according to safety and production requirements 4.5 Confirm work environment is cleaned and restored to pre-recording condition 4.6 Provide feedback to production team members as required 4.7 Evaluate own performance against production requirements, and note areas for improvement |
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. Achieve the skills and knowledge required to record sound, including the supervision of sound-recording operations.
Details of Learning Activities
In class activities may include:
- lectures
- practical studio sessions
- peer teaching
- group discussion
- online research
- independent project based work
- teacher directed group activities/projects
Out of class activities may include:
- online research
- written assignments
- independent project based work
Teaching Schedule
Week |
SEMESTER 1 |
Assessment |
Week 1 |
Physics of Sound |
|
Week 2 |
The ear |
|
Week 3 |
Decibels & SPL |
|
Week 4 |
Decibels & Hearing Decibel formula - Logarithms |
|
Week 5 |
Reverberation |
|
Week 6 |
Acoustics Theory |
|
Week 7 |
Acoustics Theory |
|
Week 8 |
Design & Building Acoustics |
|
Week 9 |
Revision |
|
Week 10 |
Analysing and calculating the acoustic properties of a recording environment . |
|
Week 11 to 13 |
Analysing and calculating the acoustic properties of a recording environment . |
|
Week 14 |
Self directed learning - Preparation for recording project in Semester 2. |
|
Week 15 and 16 |
Self directed learning - Preparation for recording project in Semester 2. |
Assessment 1 due |
|
SEMESTER 2 |
|
Weeks 1-15 |
In Semester 2 you will be applying what you have learned in Semester 1 to a substantial practical project. Working in a supervised environment, you will be making a professional recording in an industry standard sound studio. You will be working in groups of approximately 4 students and recording session times will be timetabled by your teachers in consultation with your group - see Canvas for studio session times. |
|
Week 16 |
Final mix to be completed. |
Assessment 2 due |
Please Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist
expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The Learning Lab
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-
Overview of Assessment
Assessment is ongoing throughout the course, and will involve a sound studio based practical recording project, and submissions of portfolio work to be assessed by a panel of teachers.
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, you will receive a grade for Assessment Task 5 (refer to MyRMIT for grading rubric).
Assessment Tasks
Assessment 1: Equipment & Safety Analysis
Knowledge task based on all relevant equipment to be used in recording studio, and operating this in a safe manner/environment. Due Week 15 of Semester 1
Assessment 2: Recording project
For this assessment you will be working together in groups of approximately 5 people to make a sound recording of an artist(s)’ work. You will be expected to coordinate the artists, schedule the recording sessions, organize the necessary equipment and set up the recording process. Over a period of 5 weeks, you will record the artist and over the following 5 weeks, you will complete the post-production process.
This is a group project but you will be assessed individually.
For this assessment you will submit a recording portfolio with presentation and labelling to industry standard – This will include final mixes from major recording project studio 1 sessions - see blackboard for details - Due Week 16 of Semester 2
Assessment is ongoing throughout the course and will include a range of practical
and theory components. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found
on Canvas.
This is a Vocational Education and Training qualification and is assessed for
Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the
required knowledge and skills at a standard required in the workplace. To be assessed as
Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory
standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment
task.
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with
competency-based assessment are:
CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the
relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program
Administration.
Other Information
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion,
demonstration and practical exercises
It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to
engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity
to complete this course successfully.
Information about your studies:
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about
timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Assessment:
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to
assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-
exams/assessment
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.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-
exams/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an
officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to
demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in
the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or
RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-
credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview