MMS 208 - Sound for Film and Video

1. Appraise the Principles of Sound
   1. Discuss the science of sound
   2. Discuss the fundamental characteristics of sound
   3. Categorize different audio terminology and nomenclature
   4. Explain sound frequencies and measurements used
   5. Explain sound volume and measurements used
   6. Compare the differences between mono, stereo and surround sound audio
   7. Explain Dynamic Range
   8. Distinguish between different wave forms
   9. Discuss the need for clean sound
   10. Discuss the differences between analog and digital audio (resolution, conversion and audible differences)
   11. Explain the basic caveats to avoid when creating audio
2. Analyze Critical Listening
   1. Identify individual sound sources within a recording
   2. Understand vocal characteristics and performances
   3. Contrast environmental, human, animal, mechanical and cultural ambient sounds
   4. Analyze music’s effect on emotion, mood and story tempo
   5. Discern quiet sounds or “silence” verses acoustically blank space
3. Operate Microphones
   1. Discuss microphone types (dynamic, condenser, shotgun, lavalier, binaural, hydrophone, wired and wireless, etc.)
   2. Explain microphone characteristics and limitations (maximum sound pressure levels, wireless transmission distance, etc.)
   3. Discuss polar patterns, off axis rejection and sensitivity
   4. Explore industry specific microphone models and characteristics
   5. Demonstrate proper microphone placement and application on people, instruments, rooms and ambient sounds
   6. Demonstrate pop filters, wind socks, boom poles and sound isolation techniques for active locations
4. Classify the Process of Using Audio Equipment on a Set and in the Field
   1. Discuss determining the sound quality of a location and how to modify it
   2. Discuss dealing with and solving background and ambient noise issues
   3. Define proper audio settings, levels and documenting audio files
   4. Demonstrate solving audio problems on a set or in a studio, including hums, pops, wind, air conditioners and ambient noise
   5. Discuss the qualities of omnidirectional, super cardoid, parabolic and Lavalier microphones and their operation and placement
   6. Discuss the proper sound cable and connector application, such as XLR, Phone, RCA and Mini connectors
   7. Describe signal path and bandwidth
   8. Demonstrate multi-channel field audio mixing and recording techniques
   9. Demonstrate recording on different types of digital recording devices, video cameras and DSLR cameras
   10. Demonstrate verifying audio quality during playback
5. Examine the Process of Using Audio Equipment for Voice Over (VO) Recording
   1. Determine sound qualities of VO Recording space (or booth)
   2. Describe how to setup for VO recording with appropriate considerations & applications
   3. Demonstrate best techniques for VO recording
   4. Define proper mic positioning for VO recording
   5. Demonstrate various recording devices used in VO recording
   6. Demonstrate recording various VO techniques
   7. Describe and demonstrate proper note taking during VO recording
6. Critique the Process of Recording Using Studio Equipment
   1. Discuss the fundamentals of studio mixing theories
   2. Categorize the purpose of various mixing equipment
   3. Employ appropriate send and record path configurations
   4. Experiment with various audio sources
   5. Experiment with various track and tracking approaches
   6. Modify prerecorded audio from an external source
   7. Explain how to setup for instruments, groups and vocals with appropriate mics and applications
   8. Contrast recording drums, instruments and vocal tracks
   9. Interpret the various challenges of vocal ranges and spoken voice
   10. Produce a mixed track from various sources
   11. Develop multi-track files with appropriate settings
   12. Analyze click track recording
7. Apply the Process of Editing Various Audio Files Using Adobe Audition
   1. Explain the Audition Interface and how to customize it
   2. Explain how to use sound FX and music libraries and copyright restrictions
   3. Explain audio terminology including frequency, sample rate and bit depth
   4. Demonstrate combining audio clips using Multitrack Editor
   5. Demonstrate various techniques to stretch clips, group clips, copy clips
   6. Demonstrate how to sync audio to video
   7. Demonstrate VU meter operation - Digital and Analog
   8. Demonstrate how to EQ sound, alter pitch and adjust timing of sound
   9. Demonstrate how to use different audio effects and their results
   10. Demonstrate how to create mono, stereo and 5.1 surround sound tracks
   11. Demonstrate sonic imagery perspective and placement within a stereo or Surround Sound field
   12. Demonstrate how generate a final mixdown to generate a master mix in different formats
8. Assess the Process of Basic Sound Design for Video and Audio Only Projects
   1. Explain the need for Sound Design
   2. Analyze sound design used in movies, television and commercials
   3. Explain the elements needed for a good sound design
   4. Review the edited video with the director/producer for notes - Spotting Session
   5. Analyze scripts and storyboards in order to identify opportunities for relevant voicing (narration and characters), sound effects, foley and music
   6. Explain music selection for video, including different tempos and rhythms to set the pace of the story, give the illusion of fast and slow movement and evoke a range of emotions and moods.
   7. Explain adding ambiance, sound effects and realism to scenes by layering multiple tracks
   8. Explain how to properly mix instruments, vocals, sound effects and other sound elements to create a music track for songs
   9. Demonstrate how to use multi-track to create a sound design for video
   10. Demonstrate how to use multi-track to create a sound design for music
   11. Demonstrate how to create different sound effects from scratch
   12. Demonstrate how to modify different sounds to create new sounds (i.e. light saber sounds)