Course Title: Produce sound recordings

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2024

Course Code: VART6417C

Course Title: Produce sound recordings

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5412 - Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation)

Course Contact: Andrew Harrison

Course Contact Phone: +61399254350

Course Contact Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Mark Johnson

Email: mark.johnson3@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

Nil

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, organise and produce audio recordings.

It applies to individuals who work collaboratively and creatively with artists and performers to produce audio recordings for distribution via any media.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUASOU504 Produce sound recordings

Element:

1. Confirm concept for recording project

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Use knowledge of commercial trends, market niches, new styles and artists to develop the vision and concept for a recording project 1.2 Discuss and confirm vision and concepts with relevant people, and achieve consensus on project outcomes 1.3 Establish and discuss production requirements for recording project with relevant people 1.4 Research copyright requirements to confirm project process and outcomes will comply with legislation

Element:

2. Confirm arrangements for recording project

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Confirm repertoire, artists, project outcomes and operational details with relevant people 2.2 Confirm project outcomes can be achieved within time and budget constraints 2.3 Plan and agree on communication processes and recording schedule with relevant people 2.4 Draw up and distribute rehearsal and recording schedules to relevant people 2.5 Discuss and confirm appropriate recording locations with relevant people

Element:

3. Coordinate and conduct sound recording sessions

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Confirm that sessions are scheduled to allow adequate rehearsal and sound testing prior to main recording sessions 3.2 Confirm recording location, sound equipment and recording format meet production and work health and safety (WHS) requirements 3.3 Assess the acoustic characteristics of the recording location, and provide feedback on instrument/voice placement and settings to relevant people 3.4 Provide balanced, constructive and supportive feedback to artists, to ensure that performance meets project expectations 3.5 Recognise and consider individual perspectives, and negotiate acceptable outcomes to conflicts as required 3.6 Monitor and adjust recording to produce a final product that meets required project outcomes

Element:

4. Evaluate recording process and product

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Use appropriate techniques to evaluate the recording process and completed product 4.2 Seek feedback and opinions from relevant people, and document results of evaluation 4.3 Evaluate own role in the recording process, and note areas for improvement 4.4 Use evaluation results to improve future practice

Learning Outcomes


Refer to Elements and Performance Criteria


Details of Learning Activities

In this program, structured learning occurs in the classroom and through completion of assessment. However, as an independent learner you will also be engaged in unstructured activities such as private study and practice of technical skills required in using cameras, lighting and sound equipment and editing tools . You are also expected to  familiarise yourself with different aspects of the screen and media industry. This includes spending time engaged in attending films and film festivals, watching streamed content, attending industry events and exhibitions and building relationships with industry bodies such as Screen Producers Australia and the Australian Society of Cinematographers.

In-class learning activities include, but are not limited to:

  • demonstrations and practical application
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • group discussions
  • screenings
  • online research
  • independent project based work
  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • Industry examples and case studies

Out-of class activities include, but are not limited to:

  • reading set texts
  • research
  • screenings
  • production work
  • independent project based work 


Teaching Schedule

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.

Week

Class content

Assessment

1

Overview of the course, assessment and facilities

Basic sound theory

Introduction to location sound recording equipment.

Introduction/explanation of production documentation.

WHS: Risks and Hazards, safety requirements for correct equipment handling and technique, safety requirements for the classroom (teaching space)

 

Assessment Task 1 due in week 4

 

2

Revision of week 1

Overview of microphone technology (dynamic, condenser, shotgun condensers) and how they work.

Sound Devices 3 channel mixer/recorder

Introduction to location recording (Dialogue and FX) techniques and methods.

Introduction/explanation of issues typically occurring with/on location sound work and how to address them.

Cables and connectors

Correct cable rolling

Class exercises – practice set up, operation, pack up of equipment

 

 

3

Revision of week 2

Optimum recording level

Calibrating audio input on Sound Devices recorder, and handout of operational instructions.

Difference between mic and line level

Awareness of unwanted noise – handling, background and off-mic noise

Class exercise – set up Sound Devices 3 recorder and microphone/boom/headphones and record audio in different locations, playback and evaluate results.

Transferring audio files from Sound Devices 3  SD card to pc.

 

Assessment Task 1 due next week.

 

4

Revision of week 3

Assessment Task 1: Knowledge Questions and Answers Due

Recording sound effects and atmosphere on location - 1st practice

File management and identifying sound recordings

Includes discussion

Preparation for Assessment 2

 

Assessment Task 1 Knowledge Question & Answer Due

 

 

 

 

 

5

Review and feedback of Assessment Task 1

Assessment Task 2: Record sound effects and atmospheres - (Practice)

Set up and practice recording atmospheres and sound fx

Signal to Noise ratio/Recording level (re-iteration)

Re-iteration of handling noise and background noise elimination

 

 

 

6

Class Exercise: Record atmosphere

Demonstrate using audio equipment atmospheres with Boom (Shotgun mic).

Introduction to software for managing/editing sounds.

 

7

Boom set up, operation and technique (correct stance for Dialogue recording and frame hugging)

Microphone placement

Signal to noise ratio and noise floor

Class exercises – simulated interview dialogue recording; emphasis on correct equipment set up and microphone positions

Preparation for Assessment 2

 

 

8

Demonstrate using audio equipment to record dialogue for an interview

Final preparation for Assessment 2 Record Dialogue for Interview recording.

Camera Implementation (Frame Line)

 

Assessment Task 2 starts next week

 

9

Assessment Task 2: Interview Production

Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read the Assessment 2 Record Dialogue for Interview recording for submission of assessment deliverables on canvas

 

Assessment Task 2: Interview Production & Finalize submission

 

10

Assessment Task 2: Interview Production

Note: Rolling Assessment will take place. Please read Assessment 2 Record Dialogue for Interview recording.

for submission of assessment deliverables on canvas

 

Assessment Task 2: Interview Production & Finalize submission

 

11

Review and feedback of Assessment Task 2

Sound Effects Recording - Boom set up and operation re-iteration

Signal to noise ratio and noise floor.

 

Class exercises – Boom mic; emphasis on correct equipment set up and microphone positions (close and mid shots)

 

 

12

Sound Effects Recording - Boom mic levels.

Mixer control, monitoring and level control

Class exercises – simulated foley recording; emphasis on distortion and noise free audio

Boom Distance (Boom-close and mid shots)

Preparation for Assessment 3

 

Assessment 3 commences next and week 15

13

Assessment Task 3: Boom recording – session 1

Demonstrate using audio equipment to record foley and atmospheres with Boom (Shotgun mic).

 

Assessment Task 3: Foley Recording for Short Narrative

 

14

Assessment Task 3: Boom recording – session 2

Demonstrate using audio equipment to record foley and atmospheres with Boom (Shotgun mic).

Assessment Task 3: Foley Recording for Short Narrative

 

15

Assessment Task 3: Finalize and submit Assessment Task 3. 

 

Assessment Task 3:

Finalise Assessment Submission

 

16

Revision of Assessment 3 course evaluation and review.

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None


References

You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information.


Other Resources

Other resources for this course are available on Canvas.

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through Study Support:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected 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.

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.

Assessment 1  - Unit Knowledge Questions - This assessment is a short-answer knowledge task designed to assess the knowledge required to plan, organise and produce audio recordings. Date Due: week 4

Assessment 2 - Dialogue Interview Production - For this task, students are required to record dialogue for an interview production in response to a brief provided to you. Date Due: weeks 9 to 10

Assessment 3 - Foley and Sound Effects for Short Narrative - For this task, students are required to produce sound recordings to accompany the short narrative provided to you. Due Date: week 15   

Assessment Tasks 1, 2 and 3 are to be finalised by no later than end of Semester 1 Week 16.

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 are available through the course contact in 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 Student Essentials 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