COM3135 Audio Techniques

Advanced · 1 credit · MDC - Media, Design, and Communication Arts

Description: Students expand on audio production techniques to plan, develop and produce specific audio projects.
Prerequisite: COM2115: AV Production 1
Parameters: Access to audio equipment (e.g., microphones, mixer, amplifier, speakers), a basic studio facility and audio editing equipment/facility.
Supporting courses: COM3105: AV Preproduction 2

Outcomes The student will:

1 apply preproduction, production and postproduction techniques and strategies to complete an audio project
- 1.1 create a project proposal for an audio production, for a target audience, that recognizes and includes elements of preproduction, production and postproduction
- 1.2 devise a treatment for the proposal outlining project details/criteria; e.g., project concept (script, genre) on-location/studio-based requirements, recording list, sound effects/clips, anticipated technical requirements, time line with key benchmarks, final file type
- 1.3 follow production plans (e.g., script, storyboard, playlist, sheet music) to produce an audio project (e.g., radio drama, music tracks, video voiceovers, soundtracks)
2 use correct terminology in describing equipment, techniques, processes and procedures
3 use audio equipment and various sound-recording techniques to enhance the production
- 3.1 select and implement postproduction techniques; e.g., fade, filters
- 3.2 enhance audio equipment operation skills through producing audio projects; e.g., on-location recording and studio recording, microphone placement for recording, sound layering, dubbing, editing, special effects
- 3.3 investigate new audio technologies; e.g., capture, manipulation, translation
- 3.4 produce a separate audio project that is experimental in nature, concentrating on exploring the properties of sound and various sound-recording, editing and manipulation techniques
4 identify copyright restrictions and permissions and put them into practice
5 present a selection of work completed in this course to an audience
- 5.1 assess work regarding:
  - 5.1.1 the technical and creative aspects of the work; e.g., sound quality, effects, volume
  - 5.1.2 areas of concern/difficulty (if applicable)
  - 5.1.3 the use of tools and equipment
  - 5.1.4 relationship of the script to the story told in final product
  - 5.1.5 the quality of the completed project
  - 5.1.6 meeting school and community standards; e.g., appropriate language
- 5.2 participate in peer/teacher assessment
- 5.3 based on feedback, revise and re-present the project, if necessary
- 5.4 add the selected work to a portfolio
6 apply consistent and appropriate work station routines
- 6.1 demonstrate good health and safety practices; e.g., posture, positioning of hardware and furniture
- 6.2 demonstrate security for hardware, software, supplies and personal work
7 demonstrate basic competencies
- 7.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
  - 7.1.1 communicate
  - 7.1.2 manage information
  - 7.1.3 use numbers
  - 7.1.4 think and solve problems
- 7.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
  - 7.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
  - 7.2.2 be responsible
  - 7.2.3 be adaptable
  - 7.2.4 learn continuously
  - 7.2.5 work safely
- 7.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
  - 7.3.1 work with others
  - 7.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
8 create a transitional strategy to accommodate personal changes and build personal values
- 8.1 identify short-term and long-term goals
- 8.2 identify steps to achieve goals