104214 - AUDIO AND SOUND

Subject type: Mandatory

Coordinator: Maddalena Fedele

Trimester: First term

Credits: 4

The subject represents an introduction to the world of audio not only from its practical side but also from an analytical and reflective perspective.

It works from two large blocks: one dedicated to the knowledge of the same tools of capture, amplification and sound treatment and the other in the acquisition of tools for the discursive analysis of sound in the audiovisual.

At the end of the course the student must be able to:

1. Explain the basic principles of sound, the forms of capture and the amplification chain.
2. Use sound recording techniques in a wide range of situations.
3. Use the equalization and compression parameters.
4. Identify and correct the noise generated by the recording systems
5. Apply sound analysis tools.
6. Work with Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and Virtual Studio

In addition, the student will also achieve the following learning outcomes:

7. Demonstrate a solid knowledge of the role of sound in audiovisual media.
8. Have strategies for relating technical elements to the discursive elements of the social sciences and humanities.
9. To be able to analyze the role of sound in the audiovisual media beyond strictly technical issues.
10. Have the appropriate communicative tools to convey the importance of sound in audiovisual narrative.

The subject consists of two different parts:

- Large group sessions (3h / week), where theoretical knowledge is taught.

- Practical sessions (small group) (2h fortnightly).

BLOCK 1. Theoretical-practical approach

Basic principles of sound

Recording techniques

Audio processors and editing techniques

Blend

BLOCK 2: Theoretical-discursive approach

Theories of sound in the audiovisual

Sound editing and sound functions

The functions of film music

Sound analysis in the audiovisual

Activity 1. Introduction to DAW systems

Work in pairs in a virtual environment (Reason and Pro Tools) in order to have a first contact with Digital Audio Workstation type systems. 
Learning outcomes: At the end of the activity the student must be able to:
LO3 Use equalization and compression parameters.
LO5 Apply sound analysis tools.
LO6 Work with Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and Virtual Studio.

Skills to be worked on: E9, E10, G2

Activity 2. Audio chain in DAW and hardware environments

Signal route exercise in two inputs: DAW (using the work of activity 1) and hardware, with the material from the studio, where in small groups various configurations will be assembled and the audio chain will be worked on.

Learning outcomes: At the end of the activity the student must be able to:

LO1 Explain the basic principles of sound, the ways of picking up and the amplification chain.
LO3 Use equalization and compression parameters.
LO4 Identify and correct the noise generated by recording systems
LO5 Apply sound analysis tools.

Skills to be worked on: E9, E10, G2

Activity 3. Capture and processing

Recording exercise with various microphones, analysis of the processing through the table channel and the material imported into DAW with graphic analysis tools.

Learning outcomes: At the end of the activity the student must be able to:

LO1 Explain the basic principles of sound, the ways of picking up and the amplification chain.
LO2 Use sound recording techniques in a wide range of situations.
LO3 Use equalization and compression parameters.
LO4 Identify and correct the noise generated by recording systems
LO5 Apply sound analysis tools.

Skills to be worked on: E9, E10, G2, G3

Activity 4: Analysis work

Video where the role of the sound and music of a film is analyzed. This activity is shared with the subject of Film Analysis.

The work will be done in groups and will be presented in class.

Deliverable and links to the evaluation:

A pdf file must be delivered to the eCampus-enabled mailbox. The pdf will contain the presentation and an explanatory script that must include a cue list for the analysis part. This activity will account for 30% of the final grade of the course.

Learning outcomes: At the end of the activity the student must be able to:

LO2 Use sound recording techniques in a wide range of situations.
LO3Use the equalization and compression parameters.
LO4 Identify and correct the noise generated by recording systems
LO6 Work with Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and Virtual Studio
LO7 Demonstrate solid knowledge about the role of sound in audiovisual media.
LO8 Have strategies for relating technical elements to the discursive elements of the social sciences and humanities.
LO9 Be able to analyze the role of sound in audiovisual media beyond strictly technical issues.
LO10 Have the appropriate communicative tools to convey the importance of sound in audiovisual narrative.

Skills to be worked on: E5, E9, E10, E14, G2, G3

Activity 5: Follow-up tests

4 tests distributed throughout the term where theoretical contents and aspects related to the contents worked on in the practical activities will be evaluated. These tests will be done through an online system and their total value will be 10% of the overall grade.

Activity 6: Final test

Final test that will include all the contents of the subject. It is a written test with a test part and a question to be developed. Its weight on the final grade will be 50%.

The subject presents the assessment in three blocks: the analysis work (Activity 4), the four theoretical-practical content tests (Activity 5) and the final test (Activity 6). The weight of these activities is:

Activity 4: 30% of the final grade

Activity 5: 20% of the final grade

Activity 6: 50% of the final grade

To take the average, you must have passed the final test with more than a 5 out of 10. Those students who obtain a grade lower than 5 will have to take a recovery test. The recovery test is passed with a 5. The remaining marks of the partial tests will be kept. In no case will it be possible to opt for recovery to raise a grade. Partial tests and work have no recovery.

Grades may be reviewed at a date and place posted by the teacher through the eCampus.

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