General information


Subject type: Mandatory

Coordinator: Maddalena Fedele

Trimester: Third term

Credits: 4

Teaching staff: 

Jordi Roquer González
Angel Valverde Vilabella 
Angel Valverde Vilabella 

Skills


Specific skills
  • 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

  • E11_Apply musical rules and languages ​​for music creation and sound recording in music production and the creation of electronic music for use as soundtracks in audiovisual productions

Transversal competences
  • T2_That students have the ability to work as members of an interdisciplinary team either as one more member, or performing management tasks in order to contribute to developing projects with pragmatism and a sense of responsibility, making commitments taking into account the available resources

Description


The main focus of the course is sound production (recording, editing and mixing) outdoors, set and studio.

Class dynamics combine theoretical sessions in the classroom and practical classes in the laboratory, outdoor and set. 

Concepts worked on in Audio and Sound and also in Musical Creation are consolidated through both praxis and analysis.

At the end of the course the student will take on the sound production of an audiovisual work in order to consolidate the concepts, techniques and tools of the course.

 

Learning outcomes


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

Capture and create sounds to complement audiovisual productions such as commercials, films, short films, television spaces, video games.

Organize and direct a recording of sound effects in the studio and on set.

Identify quality problems and know how to solve them, before or after recording

Have a generic view of the possibilities of applying technologies related to sound production.

Have practical vocabulary to have a better understanding of the analysis and description of any sound phenomenon. 

Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects and methodology of work in their field of study with a depth that reaches the forefront of knowledge.

Apply their knowledge, understanding of these and their problem-solving skills in complex or professional and specialized work areas that require the use of creative and innovative ideas.

Collect and interpret data and information on which to base their conclusions, including, when necessary and relevant, reflection on issues of a social, scientific or ethical nature in the field of their field of study.

Develop in complex situations or that require the development of new solutions both in the academic field and work or professional within their field of study.

Communicate to all types of audiences (specialized or not) in a clear and precise way, knowledge, methodologies, ideas, problems and solutions in the field of their field of study. Be able to identify their own training needs in their field. of study and work or professional environment and to organize their own learning with a high degree of autonomy in all kinds of contexts (structured or not).

 

These results are specified in the following specific competencies:

E9 - Apply the mechanical, electronic and digital principles of capturing, amplifying and recording sound.

T2 - Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

E11 - Apply musical rules and languages ​​to musical creation.

G5 - Undertake studies with a high level of autonomy.

Working methodology


The course combines theoretical classes in the classroom and practical classes in the laboratory. In the theoretical classes the teacher presents concepts and examples while encouraging student participation while in the practical classes students make use of specialized audio post-production software in various situations proposed in the various practices.

All materials will be published on the virtual campus. Notices to students will also be made by this means; it is the student's responsibility to consult this virtual space regularly.

Contents


1. Review of audio basics

Intensity, tone and timbre

Mono / stereo

Decibels. Isophonic curves and their application

Audio technology in audiovisual production

 

2. Microphone and capture during filming

Cannon microphones

Lavalier microphones

Wireless systems

Techniques: hanger

Recording systems

Mono vs stereo recording

Wildtracks, wildlines, room tone and related concepts

 

3. Introduction to digital audio.

Fundamentals of AD / DA conversion

Analog Vs. digital

Interfaces

Routing and transmission formats

Digital recording formats

Common problems: distortion, aliasing, levels

 

4. Systems

Common features in DAW systems

File management

Edicio

Routing

Mixer

Plug-ins: audio processing and virtual instruments

Audio tracks, MIDI, auxiliaries, Master.

Interfaces and drivers

Synchronization

 

5. Production analysis

During the course, the sound of various audiovisual productions will be analyzed.

 

Learning activities


Production analysis:

Exercises with DAW software related to the recording, production, editing and mixing of sound in various audiovisual products. Non-evaluable activity.

 

Dubbing exercise:

Recording of the voices of an advertising spot. Group work, not evaluable. (E9, T2, G5)

 

Foley Exercises:

Recording Foley effects for a short film. Group work, not evaluable. (E9, T2, G5)

 

Outdoor sound capture:

Shooting of a small sequence, using all the necessary equipment for a correct capture of the sound. Group work, evaluable by means of delivery in audio format and written memory. (E9, T2, G5)

 

Audio editing and mixing:

Continuation of the previous practice, focused on the editing and mixing part of the project. Group work, evaluable by means of delivery in audio format and written memory. (E9, T2, G5)

 

Final project: production of a small audiovisual work: 

Recording, editing and mixing of the sound part (dialogues, dubbing, ambient sound and music)

Group work, with evaluation of the part related to sound. (E9, E11, T2, G5)

 

Evaluation system


4 partial tests distributed throughout the quarter. These tests will be done through an online system and their total value (the sum of the four) will be 10% of the overall grade of the subject.

1 project based on outdoor capture, editing and mixing of recorded material. It will be delivered following the indications published in the Moodle of the subject (eCampus). Its weight on the final grade will be 10%.

1 final project to be delivered following the instructions published in the Moodle of the subject (eCampus). Its weight on the final grade will be 30%.

1 final exam that will include all the contents of the subject, its weight on the final grade will be 50%.

To take the average, you must have passed the final exam. Those students who score below 5 on the final exam will be required to take a resit exam; the rest of the marks of the partial exams and the practices will be maintained. In no case will it be possible to opt for recovery to raise a grade. Internships and midterm exams have no recovery.

The exams and grades on the practices may be reviewed at a date and place advertised by the teacher through the Moodle of the subject.

 

REFERENCES


Basic

BARTLETT, Bruce (1995) “Techniques of microphones in stereo” Official Institute of Spanish Radio Television

BUTLER, Tom (1994) ”Fender Audio Manual” Trad. by Alberto Gutiérrez Marín. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.

MAS, Carles P. (2002) “Manual of live sound”. Barcelona: A publication

MILES, Huber David (2014) “Modern Recording Techniques” Abingdon: Focal Press.

WHITE, Glenn; LOUIE, GJ (2005) “The Audio Dictionary (3rd ed.)”. Seattle: Washington Press. 

AVID. "Protools 101 v12". AVID

Complementary

KATZ, Mark. (2004) “Capturing Sound: How Technology Has Changed Music” Berkeley: University of California Press.

MARTIN, George (1979) “All you need is ears” New York: St. Martin's Griffin.

AVID. "Protools 110 v12". AVID