Lecture: 3 hours/week
Lectures, fieldtrips and practical work. Students will work alongside the instructor in the Laura Muir theatre to gain experience of an industry standard in-house system and to learn how to deal with sound reinforcement in a medium to large size acoustic environments, and for diverse applications including theatre and music.
This builds on the basic concepts introduced in MUSC 2173 and introduces large installations and sound for theatre and larger ensembles/venues.
1. Console operation, mixer architecture, signal flow and equalization.
2. Appropriate use of corrective EQ: ringing the system, using appropriate reference material, and graphic equalisers to remove feedback, software analysis and room response plots.
3. Advanced dynamic and effects processing, including Compressors, Exciters and Enhancers, Delay Effects and Reverb and Anti-Feedback Systems.
4. Theory and practice in the design of Sound Systems: Loudspeakers, Crossovers, Power Amps, Bi-amp, Tri-amp, Loudness, Multiple Driver Cabinets, Sub-Bass Considerations, active, passive, flown systems, delay towers, onstage monitors (wedge, side fill, in-ear).
5. Advanced signal flow and processing, including operation of outboard equipment (reverb, delay, chorus, graphic equalization, spectrum analysers, limiters, compressors, gates).
6. Communication and professional skills: interpreting instructions e.g. stage plan, performer’s brief, promoter’s brief, venue requirements, running orders, cue lists, visual clues etc.
7. The Musical Engineer: Ear Training, Mixing Hierarchies, creating an onstage sound suitable to performers’ needs, creating a FOH sound suitable to the style of music or theatre.
8.Troubleshooting.
9. Recording Live Performances (audio/video), DJ/band setups.
10. AV basics: Basic Video projections systems.
Students will learn to use an industry standard large live console and will become aware of the range of sound reinforcement systems available.
They will learn to sound-check and run sound for a variety of theatrical and musical events, with a full understanding of FOH signal flow and monitor systems, communicating effectively with performers and making appropriate stylistic and technical decisions in the live production of rock and pop music, classical music and opera, drama, dance, musical theatre, spoken word and music playback.
Students will understand sound system requirements for a wide range of medium and large-scale performance circumstances, and be aware of large-scale live sound equipment specifications.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.
The following is an example evaluation scheme:
|
Tests/Quizzes (minimum of 2) |
30% |
|
Midterm Practical Exam |
20% |
|
Final Practical Exam |
40% |
|
Professionalism Total |
10% 100% |
Professionalism is assessed on consistent attendance, punctuality, taking responsibility for deadlines, constructive and considerate inter-personal communication and contribution to class discussion and group work.
Textbooks will be assigned at the discretion of the instructor. The following texts serve as examples:
Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook (Hal Leonard Publishing, Current Edition)
White, P — Live Sound for the Performing Musician (Sanctuary Publishing, Current Edition)
None