SMI

Course Subject Basic Sound Theory: This module explores the basic physical properties and characteristics of sound and human auditory perception. Topics include: Sound fundamentals, decibel theory and human perception of loudness, stereo imaging, space and basic acoustic principles.
Acoustics: The human ear, psychoacoustics, the anatomy of the ear, principles of sound propagation, understanding the Decibel (dB) and other reference levels, behaviour of sound in enclosed spaces, studio design and construction, reverberation and modal characteristics, room analysis and evaluation and various acoustic treatments.
Introduction to Studios & Recording: This module covers the equipment and processes used in small recording studios. It further looks at the operation and the recording process from beginning to completion. Topics include: Analogue mixing console operation, gain structure, recording session procedures, multi-track recorders, reading schematic diagrams and basic recording techniques.
Mixing Consoles and Signal Flow: This module covers the use and design concepts of various studio mixing con-soles. Topics include: Console design and different types of consoles, analogue and digital consoles, control surfaces, sound studio signal flow, broadcast and TV sound signal flow, equipment features and specifications.
Basic Electronics: Basic Electronics: This module covers the basic concepts of electronics and electricity as they relate to audio technology. Topics include: Basic electrical theory, power, voltage, resistance and current, Ohm’s Law, electrical circuits, electrical decibel scales, standard operating levels and audio connectors & cabling and studio fault finding.
Digital Audio: In this module students are introduced to digital audio theory including binary and hexadecimal numbering sys-tems, A/D conversion, digital processing and digital audio formats, understanding various formats, digital storage media and future digital developments, DAW and recording audio in the digital domain.
Microphones and Loudspeakers: This module covers microphone and loudspeaker design. Topics include: Transducer principles, microphone and loudspeaker design, speaker placements, choosing the right microphone, working with multiple microphones, using microphones in the studio and in live recording situations, different types of studio monitors, various stereo microphone techniques, location microphones and techniques.
Signal Processing: This module covers the design principles and operation of studio effect units. Topics include: Description of all types of effects processors, dynamics processing, time based processing, equalisers and filters, explanantion of plug-in type signal processing, when to use effects, understanding parameters of effects.
Music Production: This module covers the link between creative and technical elements of professional music production. Topics include: Planning and pre-production, studio team work, working with musicians, post production and mastering, understanding music styles, the role of a producer/engineer, various mixing rules and examples.
Advanced MIDI & Sequencing: Using industry-standard programming software, synthesizers and samplers, working on various MIDI based projects, synchronising MIDI/ timecode, how to work with MIDI/ live musicians in the studio, MIDI theory.
Audio Post Production: This module examines the creation and use of sound in motion picture and video production. Audio post-production equipment and work flow are studied as well as sound design concepts and audio mixing techniques for picture. Topics include: Synchronisation, dialogue recording, foley recording, the use of sound effects in picture, the creation & use of music in picture, surround sound concepts, location recording and the history of sound in film production.
Live Sound Engineering: This module covers the live sound engineering principles for a club, concert hall, stadium or live theatre shows. Topics include: Understanding the components of the PA system, the monitoring systems and live sound signal flow, live consoles, crossovers, FOH, power amplifiers and loudspeakers, live recording, working in a team, cabling for a ‘live’ show, power requirements, fault finding methods and working with broadcasters.
Synchronisation: This module covers the concept of hardware and software used to synchronise music. Topics include: Synchronising using ProTools, music to film, synchronising tape machines, sequencer, hard disc systems and other hardware synchronisation using SMPTE and MIDI time code and other proprietary systems including those which facilitate mixing console automation.
Mastering & Media Preparation: This module looks at the role and process of mastering in producing a final product. It further focuses on the preparation of various media formats and examines the history of audio media formats. Topics include: Mastering techniques & equipment, CD/DVD production and duplication, analogue and digital audio formats.
Advanced Studio Studies: This module focuses on studio recording techniques and concepts. It covers the operation of more advanced studio equipment and aims to prepare students for the workplace. Topics include: Advanced production techniques, mix analysis, advanced mixing and recording techniques, studio workflow, advanced microphone techniques, digital audio software operation, mixing for surround sound and working with a producer.