Discipline: Broadcasting Technology (Film/Television) Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Film/Television 71


COURSE DESCRIPTION
71 Sound Engineering for Audio in Media Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
Introduction to sound engineering techniques used to record and reinforce audio in television, radio, theatre, multimedia and music; emphasis on small-group lecture and demonstration with hands-on practice and experience in the use of microphones, cables, mixing boards, signal processors, computers and digital-audio software. Students work with others in theater, television, digital media and music to record and reinforce audio in a variety of settings. Subsequent enrollment will provide an opportunity for additional skills and competency within the subject area. May be taken a total of four times. 36 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Sound engineering techniques used to record and reinforce audio in a variety of settings using microphones, mixing boards, signal processors, and digital audio software.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Describe basic principles of sound including pitch, frequency, 
      volume, amplitude, dynamics and sound measurement.

2.   Identify the characteristics and pick-up patterns of condenser, 
      ribbon, dynamic and contact microphones.

3.   Operate a mixing board and studio processors.

4.   Use a multi-track tape and hard disk system for audio recording 
      in studio and in live-audio settings.

5.   Compare and contrast audio recording requirements for 
      live-audio and in-studio for a variety of media and other 
      applications.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. Characteristics and principles of sound
    1. Pitch
    2. Frequency
    3. Volume
    4. Amplitude
    5. Dynamics
    6. Sound Measurement
  2. Types and characteristics of microphones
    1. Characteristics of ribbon, dynamic, condenser and contact microphones
    2. Microphone pick-up patterns
    3. Choosing microphones for a variety of applications
    4. Microphone placement for instruments, voice and sfx
  3. Mixing Consoles, equalizers and signal routing
  4. Effects of room acoustics and signal processing
    1. Live sound
    2. In-studio
  5. Analog tape machines
    1. Parts of analog tape machine
    2. Tape transport system
    3. Setup and maintenance
  6. Digital audio recording
    1. Audio software and hard drive recorders
    2. Digital multi-track recorders
  7. Signal processing
    1. Noise reduction
    2. Effects
  8. Studio design, procedures and setup
  9. Reference monitors and amplification
  10. Mixing lab
    1. Multi-track recording
    2. Mix downs

Students are also assigned reading, writing and other outside assignments equivalent to two hours per one hour lecture.
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Present class lectures, discussions and demonstrations in order to introduce students to principles, concepts and equipment.
  • Assign cooperative learning tasks that enable students to practice skills in a variety of settings with artists from television, radio, theatre, multimedia, gaming and music. 
  • Assign small group activities that give students experience in working in a team environment to create and problem solve.
  • Invite guest lecturers to share industry perspectives and expectations.
  • Take field trips to expose students to state-of-the-industry workplace environments. 
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Class and small-group exercises that give students an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of skills in a real or simulated recording environment.
  • Quizzes and exams that enable instructor to assess students’ comprehension of key concepts and principles
  • Final applied project that demonstrates student’s ability to make appropriate decisions based on accepted principles, specific recording situation and desired outcome.
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Runstein, Robert E/David Miles Huber. Modern Recording Techniques. 6 ed. Focal Press, 2005.
  • Alten, Stanley R. . Audio in Media. 7 ed. Wadsworth Publishing, 2004.
  • Copland, Aaron. What to Listen for in Music. Signet Classics, 2002.
  • Periodicals:
    1. Mix, Primedia Business Magazines and Media Inc.
    2. Electronic Musician, Primedia Business Magazines and Media Inc.
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