Lecture: 2 hours/week
and
Lab: 2 hours/week
Lecture, demonstration and hands-on practical experience.
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The live audio team
- overview of roles and responsibilities
- professional skills and communication between all parts of a live production set
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The role of the A2 (assistant) Audio Engineer
- back of house setup with wireless microphones
- speaker assembly
- running cables
- microphone stands, microphone set up
- monitor mix operation
- communication with performers
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The role of the A1 (primary) Audio Engineer
- supervising the direct setup and strike in the venue
- setup, operation, and strike of FOH equipment
- compiling show-specific input/output lists
- operating audio consoles and playback during soundcheck and show
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Technical design and specification of sound system
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Systems Engineering
- acoustics optimization
- rigging and mathematics
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System Measurement Acoustical Analysis in Real time (SMAART)
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RF Systems
- Setup and operation of radio frequencies in various environments
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Work conditions, pay structures, contracting and invoicing
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
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Fulfill Radio Frequency (RF) technician role: set up transmitters and receivers, select appropriate frequencies and guarantee the operation of the system in a professional situation;
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Fulfill the assistant audio engineer (A2) middle-tier audio professional role with an overview of skill-distribution, hierarchy, and structure of the live audio team;
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Fulfill the acoustician role with a knowledge of noise, vibration, and acoustics in order to measure the room response, adjust equipment placement, tune the audio system and use electronic room correction;
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Successfully install, optimize, maintain and breakdown the sound systems used in live performances;
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Fulfill the front of house (FOH) engineer role by operating the mixing board located in the audience;
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Critically analyze a work contract with sufficient knowledge to assess appropriate pay scale and conditions for the responsibilities of a given role, on-site requirements, and work safety.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.
An example evaluation scheme is included below.
|
Practical Assignment I Design, set up and strike an Audio Assistant A2 station for microphone/podium and ten-piece band |
20% |
|
Practical Assignment II Set up and strike a RF station for 10 inputs and 6 outputs, set up and tune a sound system using SMAART |
20% |
|
Practical Assignment III Set up, sound-check and operate a FOH A1 station for microphone/podium and ten-piece band |
20% |
|
Quiz Systems Engineering, SMAART, RF |
10% |
|
Midterm Exam Fulfill the A2 role at a simulated live event, combining six RF inputs, three RF outputs and three floor wedges |
15% |
|
Final Exam Fulfill the A1 role at a simulated live event, using SMAART to tune the room and the Midas M32 to mix FOH |
15% |
|
TOTAL |
100% |
N/A