Overview
Through a series of practical and theoretical activities you will explore the fundamental principles of sound theory, live sound and studio recording, including signal flow, appropriate use of microphones, fundamentals of recording and basic elements of mixing. You will learn the fundamentals of Pro Tools software and apply this in the learning tasks for this unit.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2020
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Staff
The unit is somewhat unfocussed in its content covering both live sound production and studio production.
The content in this unit could be split into two units and further specialised to give students strong fundamental knowledge in the areas of live sound and studio production.
- Describe music technology fundamentals associated with audio, including signal flow, microphones, Pro Tools software, recording, and mixing
- Demonstrate music technology fundamentals associated with audio, including signal flow, microphones, Pro Tools software, recording, and mixing
- Install and operate live sound equipment for music performance.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - In-class Test(s) - 30% | |||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 10% | |||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 15% | |||
| 4 - Portfolio - 45% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||
| 5 - Team Work | |||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | |
| 1 - In-class Test(s) - 30% | |||||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 10% | |||||||||||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 15% | |||||||||||
| 4 - Portfolio - 45% | |||||||||||
Textbooks
Pro Tools 101: Pro Tools Fundamentals I - Version 12.8
- (2017)
- Authors: Frank D. Cook
- Avid
- USA
- ISBN: 978-1-943446-47-6
- Binding: Spiral
Additional Textbook Information
This is not a required text. Paper copies can be purchased at a reduced price can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Creative Arts Studio Facility
- Pro Tools software
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
p.preece@cqu.edu.au
Week 1 - Introduction to Music Production
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2020Module/Topic
Studio: Introduction to digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).
Live Sound: Fundamental audio concepts.
Chapter
Lesson 1: Getting to Know Pro Tools.
Lesson 2: Getting Inside Pro Tools
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2
Begin Date: 16 Mar 2020Module/Topic
Studio: Pro Tools; navigating, modes and track types.
Live Sound: Fundamental audio concepts continued.
Chapter
Lesson 3: Creating Your First Session
Lesson 7: Selecting and Navigating
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 23 Mar 2020Module/Topic
Studio: Pro Tools; recording, click tracks, importing media.
Live Sound: Audio building blocks.
Chapter
Lesson 4: Making Your First Audio Recording
Events and Submissions/Topic
In class test 1. Wednesday March 25, 10am
Week 4
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2020Module/Topic
Studio: Planning for a recording session.
Live Sound: Microphones.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2020Module/Topic
Studio: Pro Tools audio editing.
Live Sound: Introduction to the PA system.
Chapter
Lesson 8: Basic Editing Techniques
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2020Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2: Recording Plan Due.
Friday April 17, 5pm.
Recording Plan Due: Vacation Week Friday (17 Apr 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 6
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2020Module/Topic
Studio: Pro Tools introduction to mixing audio.
Live Sound: Analog console signal flow.
Chapter
Lesson 9: Basic Mixing Techniques
Events and Submissions/Topic
In class test 2. Wednesday 12h April, 10am.
Week 7
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2020Module/Topic
Studio: Introduction to the recording studio.
Live Sound: Digital console signal flow; creating a front of house mix.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 04 May 2020Module/Topic
Studio: Creating guide tracks.
Live Sound: Digital console signal flow continued; creating monitor mixes.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 11 May 2020Module/Topic
Studio: Approaches to recording.
Live Sound: Tuning the PA system.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
In class test 3. Wednesday 13th May, 10am.
In Class Test(s) Due: Week 9 Wednesday (13 May 2020) 10:00 am AEST
Week 10
Begin Date: 18 May 2020Module/Topic
Studio: Studio microphone techniques.
Live Sound: Tech riders and sound check.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 25 May 2020Module/Topic
Studio: Studio microphone techniques continued.
Live Sound: In class assessment.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3: Live Sound Event Due.
Thursday 27th May, 10am.
Live Sound Event Due: Week 11 Thursday (28 May 2020) 10:00 am AEST
Week 12
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2020Module/Topic
Studio: Mix down and media preparation
Chapter
Lesson 10: Finishing Your Work
Events and Submissions/Topic
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2020Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2020Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 4: Portfolio Project Due
Wednesday 17th June, 11:55 PM
Portfolio of Studio Recordings Due: Exam Week Wednesday (17 June 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
1 In-class Test(s)
Assessment one of CART11009 is comprised of a series of three in class tests undertaken online in weeks three, six, nine.
- Some questions will assess materials from the readings or the lectures.
- The questions may be short or long answer and marks will be assigned based on the difficulty of the question and the format.
- The in class tests are closed book. Web browsing, text books or class notes may not be used during the test.
- A time limit of thirty minutes will be assigned.
- Only one attempt at the test will be permitted.
- The in class tests are each worth 10%.
Week 9 Wednesday (13 May 2020) 10:00 am AEST
Tests will be held during class time in Weeks 3, 6 and 9. Refer to Moodle for more information.
Week 12 Monday (1 June 2020)
After they have been marked results will be uploaded to the Moodle gradebook.
Subject knowledge of music technology fundamentals.
Subject knowledge of audio including signal flow, microphones, recording, and mixing.
- Describe music technology fundamentals associated with audio, including signal flow, microphones, Pro Tools software, recording, and mixing
- Communication
2 Written Assessment
Your recording plan should address the following:
- Outline the goals of the portfolio project
- Song and artist information (including lyric sheet, chord chart if applicable)
- Research
- Production timeline
- Equipment requirements
- Input and output table (for hardware and software connections)
- WHS considerations
- Contact list of all key stakeholders
- Address how you will receive and implement artist, peer and lecturer feedback
Your recording plan will use APA referencing style and a template will be provided on the Moodle site.
Vacation Week Friday (17 Apr 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
Recording plan to be submitted via Moodle.
Week 7 Friday (1 May 2020)
After they have been marked results will be uploaded to the Moodle gradebook.
Identifies key audio technology and shows evidence of research into current industry trends: 40%
Clearly identifies realistic and achievable recording goals – 30%
Lists realistic OHS considerations and ways to avoid hazards - 30%
- Describe music technology fundamentals associated with audio, including signal flow, microphones, Pro Tools software, recording, and mixing
- Demonstrate music technology fundamentals associated with audio, including signal flow, microphones, Pro Tools software, recording, and mixing
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
3 Practical Assessment
As a live sound engineer, you are often required to undertake a myriad of tasks to ensure that performers are able to communicate their message to an audience. In this assessment you will be required to independently undertake a series of tasks to facilitate a live sound event. You will be required to:
- Install a full PA system, including digital console, FOH and monitor speakers
- Tune the PA system to suit the room so that all problem frequencies are managed
- Operate a digital mixing console to sound check designated instruments
- Bump out all equipment at the end of the task
- Identify and observe WH&S
Week 11 Thursday (28 May 2020) 10:00 am AEST
Practical assessment during class time. Class time subject to change due to timetabling.
Review/Exam Week Friday (12 June 2020)
After they have been marked results will be uploaded to the Moodle gradebook.
Signal flow - 25%
Sound check microphone - 25%
Tune foldback speaker to eliminate problem frequencies - 25%
Cable management - 25%
Digital console operation - 25%
- Install and operate live sound equipment for music performance.
- Problem Solving
- Information Technology Competence
4 Portfolio
As a sound engineer, it is important to be able to capture music at a high quality, so that artists may disseminate their work on a multitude of platforms (Soundcloud, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube). This assessment will ask you to follow the recording plan that you created in assessment 2 to record and mix a song for a local artist. You will not be required to master the song. The local artist may be someone from your cohort or someone outside the University. You may seek assistance from your lecturer to identify a suitable artist for your project.
You will record the song in the campus studios using Pro Tools Software and other supplied equipment, including microphones, leads and headphones. The song should be at least 3 minutes in length and should contain at least 2 acoustic instruments; Eg Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Percussion. The song may not contain an acoustic drum kit.
The recording should be mixed and 'bounced' according to the submission guidelines (see Moodle for details).
Feedback is an essential part of the recording and mixing process. Your recording and mix will be shared with your cohort in each phase of the production process. You will participate in feedback sessions during class time to develop your work.
Assessment Requirements
Your final graded submission will be the delivery of the final music product. Your submission will include:
- A stereo bounce – ready for mastering. 24 bit 48kHz
- An mp3 ‘listener’ for the artist. 320kbp/s
- A Pro Tools Sessions at the final stage of the mix
- The session must contain no unused or missing audio files.
See Moodle for detailed submission guidelines.
Exam Week Wednesday (17 June 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
Online submission of portfolio will be via Google Drive. You will be supplied a link to the Drive in Moodle.
Exam Week Friday (19 June 2020)
After they have been marked results will be uploaded to the Moodle gradebook.
Recordings comply with the requirements of the task – 20%
Recordings should be free from extraneous noise and distortion – 20%
Mixing: level balance, pan, EQ, compression and effects are implemented effectively – 20%
Recordings should be saved and exported according to the submission guidelines - 20%
Pro Tools Sessions should not contain any unused or missing audio files - 10%
Audio edits are applied effectively – 10%
- Demonstrate music technology fundamentals associated with audio, including signal flow, microphones, Pro Tools software, recording, and mixing
- Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Competence
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
