Sound Production Practice

Outcome 1

For the first outcome of Sound Production Practice I had to demonstrate the correct procedure for connecting audio systems. This module was completed within two other modules; Sound Production: Sound Re-inforcement and Multi-track Mixing/Recording. The key points from the module descriptor are:

Cables and connectors required for audio systems.
Correct procedure for the interconnection of audio recording and reproduction devices.
Correct observance of current Health and Safety legislation while connecting audio systems.

I passed this outcome by submitting a studio schematic and by:

Being able to select the appropriate cables to use with different audio systems, including balanced and unbalanced types.
Being able to handle cables.
Being able to set up a session in a studio and in a live situation, laying cables so that they comply with the current Health and Safety legislation.
Produce a wiring schematic for the connected audio of a digital studio.

Outcome 2

The second outcome was within the Sound Re-inforcement class and I had to demonstrate the correct procedure for testing audio systems. The key points of this outcome were to know and understand the:

Correct procedure for a visual inspection of audio system prior to power up.
Correct procedure for powering up audio systems.
Correct procedure for adjusting and controlling gain structure within an audio system.
Correct procedure for establishing signal paths in an audio system.
Correct identification of any fault in the audio system.
Correct repair and/or remediation of any faults found within the system.
Correct observance of current Health and Safety legislation while testing audio systems.

I passed this outcome by completing a “ticket” in a group of three. The ticket involved setting up a fully working analogue live system, the steps we carried out were:

To carry out a visual inspection and make any required adjustments prior to the power up stage.
To power up the audio system correctly and safely at the start and power down the system at the end.
Get playback through the FOH speakers and on-stage monitors.
Carry out fault-finding procedures.
Repair any fault if found.
Observe and implement safe working practice.

Outcome 3

The third outcome for this module was part of the Multi-track mixing/recording modules and was to demonstrate the correct process for recording audio signals from various sources. The key points of this outcome were to know and understand the:

Correct procedure to configure recording devices.
Correct procedure for recording sound sources.
Record various sound sources ensuring the resultant recording is undistorted and acceptable in terms of level and clarity.
Correct observance of current Health and Safety legislation while producing recordings.

I passed this outcome by completing another two tickets. One was in a digital studio and the other an analogue studio. The ticket involved setting up sessions/desk ready for recording, the steps for the digital ticket were:

To perform the power up procedure for the digital studio.
To set up a Pro Tools session for a recording.
Set up and record a sound source safely.
Apply time and dynamic effect processors.
Perform the power down procedure correctly and safely.

I enjoyed this module and learning about how studios are all connected up and drawing up a schematic. I also found learning about and setting up a live system interesting. Being able to record and practice on both analogue and digital desks was very fun and I think that it was good practice.

I think the Sound Production Practice module will be kind of useful if I wish to continue down the audio for multimedia side of the industry. I think the studio side of it will be useful if I decide to go into the Foley or ADR side of audio for multimedia as I will know how to use both analogue and digital recording desks and have experience recording in studios.