NOTE: You do not have to do levels 1 to 3 to do the level 4 course
Course Number: VAE4 – The ONLY "one-on-one, self-paced" serious training course in Audio Engineering in Australia!
Duration:
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41 x 2.5hr lessons (minimum - self paced) |
| Pre-requisites: |
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Interview at the studio |
| Cost: |
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Full-time (2.5h/day, 3 days/week) or Part-time (2.5h/day, 1 day/week)= $6,925 (for minimum duration). |
COURSE MODULES:
N.B. The course duration for each subject will vary from student to student based on their comprehension & subject depth.
In the quest for Continual improvement, curriculum content may be subject to change.
MODULE 1: AUDIO BASICS
Understanding how sound is produced, transmitted and perceived. How we control our audio environment. Numerous handouts provided.
1.1. Introduction
1.1.1. Recorded Music Formats
1.1.2. Audio Basics
The Physics of Sound & Basic Acoustics How the Ear Perceives Sound
1.1.3. Instrument Basics
How Sounds are Produced by different types of instruments
1.1.4. CDROM - Musical Instruments
1.1.5. Instrument Relationship Basics
1.1.6. Recording Process Overview
1.2. Studio Setup
1.2.1. Control Room
Construction, Soundproofing, Ergonomics, Air Conditioning, Power, Lighting, Cabling
1.2.2. Studio Rooms
Acoustic Panels, Acoustic Surfaces, Partitions, Headphone Distribution
MODULE 2: AUDIO EQUIPMENT
The equipment used in recording, editing, mixing and mastering, how it works and how to use it. Numerous detailed handouts provided.
2.1. Microphones
2.1.1. Microphone Types and Features
2.1.2. Placement & Techniques
2.2. Multitrack Recorders
2.2.1. Analogue Multitracks & Noise Reduction
Theory, Use
2.2.2. Digital Multitrack Recorders, ADAT & Hard Disk Recorders
Cubase Audio
2.3. Mastering Machines
2.3.1. Analogue: 1/4" Tape, Cassette
2.3.2. Digital: DAT, CD/DVD Recorder, Mini Disk
2.3.3. Mastering Software: Sound Forge
2.4. Live Recording Equipment
2.5. Analogue Console: Live & Studio
Overview & Electronics Basics, Main Section, Master Section, Groups, Meters, Master Output/Input Section
2.6. Digital Console
Overview & Operational Features, Digital Interfaces, Automation
2.7. Outboard Gear
2.7.1. Processors
Compression, Expansion, Limiting, Gates, Exciters
2.7.2. Effects
Reverb, Delay, Chorus/Phaser/Flanger, Pitch Change, Multiple Effects
2.8. Patch Bay
Patch Bay, Patch Leads, Insert Leads, Using a Soldering Iron
2.9. Monitors, Cross-over’s & P.A. Systems
Construction & Wiring, Ohms Law, Studio Monitors, P.A. Systems, Crossovers
2.10. Amplifiers & Power Supplies
Line Amps, Summing Amps & Basic Electronics
2.11. Cabling
2.11.1. Analogue
Cables, Connectors (XLR, TRS, TS, RCA), Balanced & Unbalanced Systems.
2.11.2. Digital
AES/EBU, S/PDIF
MODULE 3: SYNCHRONISATION
The systems used to synchronise various analogue and digital multitracks, videos, sequencers and computers. Comprehensive Studio Connectivity Diagram provided.
3.1. Basic Methods
MIDI Clock and introduction to SMPTE
3.2. SMPTE Synchronisation
3.2.1. SMPTE in detail
3.2.2. Basic Master/Slave
3.3. MIDI Timecode (MTC)
3.4. Word Clock in Digital Systems
MODULE 4: MIDI SEQUENCING & SAMPLING
Musical Instrument Digital Interface - the equipment used to create MIDI sequences and sound sampling. Practical Experience actually creating sequences with the studio’s excellent MIDI facilities. MIDI Connectivity Diagram provided.
4.1. MIDI in detail
IN, THRU, OUT, Voices, Programs, Polyphony, MIDI Messages, Controllers, System Exclusive info, Quantising
4.2. Sequencer Operation: Cubase
4.2.1. MIDI
Recording, Programming & Mixing MIDI Sequences with Kurzweil PC88, Kurzweil K2000, Drum Machines & Drum Pad
4.2.2. Creating that Human feel!
MODULE 5: RECORDING, EDITING, MIXING & MASTERING
5.1. Session Setup
5.1.1. Equipment Preparation
Multitrack, Sequencer, Mics, Headphones, MIDI gear, Outboard Gear, Backups, Technician
5.1.2. General Preparation
Cleanliness, Sanitation, Refreshments, Air Conditioning, Lighting, Track Sheets, Administration Checks
5.2. Recording Process
5.2.1. General
5.2.2. The Process
Microphone placement, Isolation, Experimentation, Equalisation, Pre-processing, Track Allocation, Tricks & Traps, Do’s & Don’ts, Monitoring, Headphones mix, Time/Budget/Perfection/Fatigue management: Keeping things moving smoothly & avoiding conflict.
5.2.3. Analogue Multitrack Specifics
5.2.4. MIDI Sequencer & Hard Disk Recorder Specifics
5.3. Recording Instruments
5.3.1. Live Drum Kits and Percussion
5.3.2. Electronic Drum Pad
5.3.3. Electronic Drum Machine
5.3.4. Guitars
5.3.5. Keyboards
5.3.6. Live Vocals
5.3.7. Strings
5.3.8. Brass
5.3.9. Wind
5.3.10. Instrument Amplifiers
5.4. Editing, Mixing & Mastering
5.4.1. Pre-Mastering & Editing
Non-linear (Non-destructive) & Destructive (Wave Editor) Editing, Digital Noise Reduction, Graphical Frequency Analysis.
5.4.2. The Mixing Process
Rough Mix, Grouping, Equalisation, Panning and the Stereo Image, Automation, Mixing Tracks, Mixing Order, Use of Effects & Processors in Mixing, Managing The Process
5.4.3. Sequencer & Hard Disk Recorder Specifics.
Cubase as a non linear, multitrack editor.
5.4.4. Live Mixing
Setting Up, Sound Check, Feedback Control, Changing Acoustic Environments, Special Mixing Considerations
5.4.5. The Mastering Process
Normalisation, Psychoacoustic Enhancement, Mastering for different Media, Sound Forge, Cubase.
5.5. Assisted Recording Sessions
This is a big part of the course! This is where all your learning comes together.
5.5.1. Recording
Assisted recording of at least 2 songs from a band of your selection with at least: live drums, guitar, bass, vocals, and any other instrument such as percussion, keyboards, strings etc.
5.5.2. Non-linear Editing & Pre-Mastering
Using Cubase Audio to fix up timing and performance problems, and Sound Forge Wave Editor to fix up sound and noise problems
5.5.3. Mixing
Using the Digital Console for balancing and panning , in-board and out-board processors and effects using Automix down to a stereo track
5.5.4. Mastering
Mastering process, Editing, Digital Noise Reduction, Normalisation, Level Matching, Graphical frequency Analysis,
Overall EQ Matching, Top & Tailing, CD burning
Each theory module is accompanied by a written assignment to be completed by the student, after which there will be revision before sitting an exam for that module.
After all of the theory and practical sessions are complete, the student must pass a practical exam before being presented with their certificate of completion.
