Advanced Live Sound Applications

Curriculum guideline

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Course
MUSC 3273
Discontinued
No
Course code
MUSC 3273
Descriptive
Advanced Live Sound Applications
Department
Music
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
26
Course designation
None
Industry designation
AMA
Contact hours

Lecture: 2 hours/week

and

Lab: 2 hours/week

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Learning activities

Lecture, demonstration and hands-on practical experience.

Course description
This course builds on the concepts explored in MUSC 2273: Live Sound and Recording II and introduces students to the specific skills and responsibilities of a range of intermediate professional roles in the live sound industry.
Course content

  • The live audio team

    • overview of roles and responsibilities
    • professional skills and communication between all parts of a live production set

  • 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

  • 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

  • Technical design and specification of sound system

  • Systems Engineering

    • acoustics optimization
    • rigging and mathematics

  • System Measurement Acoustical Analysis in Real time (SMAART)

  • RF Systems

    • Setup and operation of radio frequencies in various environments

  • Work conditions, pay structures, contracting and invoicing

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 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;

  • 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;

  • 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;

  • Successfully install, optimize, maintain and breakdown the sound systems used in live performances;

  • Fulfill the front of house (FOH) engineer role by operating the mixing board located in the audience;

  • 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.

 

Means of assessment

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%

 

 

 

Textbook materials

N/A

Prerequisites

MUSC 2273

Or

Equivalent