Course work

Course Work Sound Technology

This credit is assessed by means of four practical exams, one in April, one in August and two in October. An outline of what is to be covered in each exam is made available to students. In addition, there will be 4 assignments and 2 mixdowns (the bands will be recorded as class projects) to be handed in throughout the year. One three hour written examination is held at the end of each semester.  

The final mark will consist of the following breakdown:
Assignments     6%
Mixdowns     4%
April prac exam   10%
August prac exam       5%
October prac exams   25% (12,5% each)
June written exam  20%
Nov written exam  30%

Students with insufficient music theory background are required to study with tutors during Term 1 and 2 for ten weeks (one hour per week).
At least eight hours per week of supervised studio time are available to students registered for this course.  Tutors provide assistance.  Included in the course are two compulsory extra practicals, during which bands are recorded, and these  are held in term 3. These necessarily take place after hours.

The course content covers the following modules: 

• What is sound?
• The analogue mixing desk
• Audio signal routing
• Signal processing (including equalisation, compression and effects)
• Public address systems
• Microphones
• Digital audio theory 
• Multitrack recording using Cubase
• Mixing down techniques in both analogue and digital domains
• Introduction to mastering using Wavelab
• Critical listening

Course Work Sound Technology 2

This credit is assessed by means of one practical exam held in August. In addition, there will be eight assignments (four in each semester) and 2 portfolios to be handed in (one in each semester). One three hour written examination is held at the end of each semester. The practical examination requires the students to record and mix down using a digital mixing console. Two written exams cover the theoretical content of the course. Studio time will be available to students registered for this course. Included in the course are compulsory extra recording practicals, during which bands are recorded and these will be held in both semesters.

The final mark will consist of the following breakdown:

8 x Assignments 20% (2,5% each)

June written exam 20%

September portfolio 10%

November portfolio 10%

Practical exam 10%

November written exam 30%

The course content covers most of the content of Sound Technology 1 in much more depth.  The following extra modules are added:

• The digital mixing desk
• MIDI and the use of samples
• Microphone placement techniques

 

Last Modified: Thu, 11 May 2017 10:52:19 SAST