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Theoretical sessions include the audio-visualization of materials in English as well as some exercises based on written material (articles, manuals, technical specifications) also in English.
E5_Design and make an audiovisual product (consisting of still or moving images), taking into account both its technical and artistic aspects, in all its components
E9_Apply the mechanical, electronic and digital principles of sound capture, amplification and recording for application to different platforms: shows, radio, television, audiovisual and multimedia. Postproduce the audio and add the sound effects of an audiovisual production
E10_Apply processes, methods and techniques to develop creativity and innovation in audiovisual production, multimedia development and video game programming
E14_Acquire knowledge of the history, aesthetics, evolution and dynamics of cinema, television, radio, press, Internet and video games, how to recognize aesthetics through viewing and analysis
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.
This subject has methodological and digital resources to make possible its continuity in non-contact mode in the case of being necessary for reasons related to the Covid-19.
In this way, the achievement of the same knowledge and skills that are specified in this teaching plan will be ensured.
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:
- Theory sessions with large group (3h / week)
- Small group practical sessions (2h fortnightly)
This course, due to the situation generated by COVID, some of the large group sessions will be held in hybrid format: face-to-face and online (via streaming). This will allow students to rotate to face-to-face classes, respecting the maximum number of students per classroom imposed by the distance measures. When they are not in contact, they will be able to follow the class online from home.
With regard to internship sessions in smaller spaces (such as laboratories, studios or sets), where appropriate, work will be carried out simultaneously in several spaces in order to ensure that the conditions established by the safety protocols are met.
BLOCK 1. Theoretical-practical approach
Basic principles of sound
Introduction to recording
Audio processors and editing techniques
BLOCK 2: Theoretical-discursive approach
Theories of sound in the audiovisual
The functions of film music
Sound analysis in the audiovisual
Activity 1. Introduction to DAW systems
Work in a virtual environment (using Reason, Pro Tools and free software) in order to have a first contact with Digital Audio Workstation 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 path exercise in two entrances: DAW (taking advantage of the work of activity 1) and hardware (with the study material) where in small groups various configurations will be mounted to understand the audio chain.
This activity involves between one and two practice sessions.
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
Exercise of recording a voice in off, analysis of the processing through the table channel and introduction to editing within the DAW. This activity involves two practice sessions.
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.
This activity involves between one and two practice sessions.
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 20% 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%.
In case of confinement, the following changes will be applied:
The hardware devices of Activity 2 will be worked from the virtual simulations offered by Reason in its free version.
Activity 3 tasks that involve the use of specific microphones can be performed perfectly with capture devices available at home such as computers, tablets, and cell phones.
The subject proposes the evaluation in three blocks:
Activity 4 (analysis work): 30% of the final grade.
Activity 5 (four tests of theoretical-practical contents): 20% of the final mark.
Activity 6 (final test): 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.
In case of confinement, the final test of the subject will also be done through a telematic system.
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MILES, Huber David (2014): Modern Recording Techniques. Abingdon: Focal Press.
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