Desktop Multi-Media Audio Production

Transcription

1 The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) was set up as a statutory body on 11 June 2001 by the Minister for Education and Science. Under the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999, FETAC now has responsibility for making awards previously made by NCVA. Module Descriptor Desktop Multi-Media Audio Production Level 5 L

2 1 Title Desktop Multi-Media Audio Production 2 Code L Level 5 4 Value 1 5 Purpose The desktop multi-media audio production module is offered as a practical introduction to multi-media audio production, meeting the needs of a range of learners following multi- media-oriented courses. The treatment of multimedia audio production in this module is structured by the three key elements of Process, Craft and Technology. Alongside these practical elements the module specifies learning outcomes contributing to the development of Media Awareness. This design stresses the importance of breadth in Level 3 studies, combining practical training and experience with theoretical appreciation and an awareness of contemporary sound media. The module (a) offers the learner a wide and comprehensive Introduction to the area of sound and computers and (b)will establish a Level 3 from which the learner may progress to further study and/or training. It should draw on and interact with other modules on the course, in particular 3d animation and story boarding. While discovering and encouraging a learner's talent and creativity, it should impart a basic working knowledge of both the practical and theoretical areas of desktop audio production. 6 Preferred Entry Level Leaving Certificate, Level 4 Certificate or equivalent. 7 Special Requirements: 8 General Aims Adequate computer hardware and software This module aims to enable the learner to: 8.1 take responsibility for creative output 8.2 develop a critical viewpoint and awareness 8.3 become familiar with the process, craft and technology of production in desktop audio. 8.4 integrate theoretical knowledge with practical processes 8.5 gain confidence in a new role, working independently or with others to formulate a range of viable practical or creative solutions to course learning problems 8.6 develop creativity 8.7 develop good work practises in areas such as time keeping, meeting deadlines, care of equipment and software and personal safety. 2

3 9 Units Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4 Unit 5 The module consists of 5 interactive core study units The Principles of Sound Digital Editing MIDI sequencing Web site Sound Game sound design 10 Specific Learning Outcomes Learning outcomes for each Unit are developed under the headings of Format Analysis, Process, Craft and Technology. These key elements in multi-media audio production are defined as follows: Sound file format Analysis: Awareness of the various sound file formats and of the structure and function of different kinds of output. Process: The working practices which bring a piece of workthrough stages of production from brief to completion. Craft: The knowledge and developed abilities of the worker applied in the production process. Technology: The equipment and materials used. For each Unit the main group of learning outcomes describe the competence to be gained by the learner in process, craft and technology. Unit 1 The Principles of Sound understand the theory and nature of sound, referring specifically to: sonic structure? frequency and pitch?amplitude and loudness velocity and wavelengths sound waves?transmitters and receivers?hearing and human response 3

4 Unit 2 Digital Editing demonstrate understanding of the audio wave editing software use software to record to industry standards demonstrate an understanding of computer hardware and software including - types, cost, features, applications, compatibility and upgrades operate audio hardware and software including:?desktop audio mixing console recording equipment: DAT machines, Hard disc audio recorders, microphones and amplifiers playback equipment: CD-ROM, DVD and speaker systems back up systems Computer Network select appropriate audio inputs,outputs and connections set up and maintain appropriate levels balance multiple sound sources understand the necessity for distortion precautions perform at an appropriate level all the roles associated with production work, e.g., Recording, Mixing, Editing, Mastering Unit 3 MIDI sequencing load the midi sequencer application program set up tracks and parts to the correct midi output port use the key, drum and event editing pages to modify and create music save the files produced in different format and cross platform compatibility 4

5 Unit 4 Web site Sound show an understanding of Internet and network technologies understand network bandwidth issues when coding audio for netcasting Produce content using encoding and streaming software applications The web mime types of audio file formats. Layout of audio selections on webpage The maintenance of good audio quality Encoding content in real media, shockwave and mp3 format HTML file references Debugging HTML code Unit 5 Game sound design show an understanding of sound design display an understanding of the production process: - pre-production, production and post-production hold planning meetings to select storyboard ideas research and select audio material locate and evaluate potential sound fx and music stings prepare audio material using editing software produce necessary documentation - e.g. story board script, programme timing,, in/out cues etc work co-operatively and competently in any production role follow programme briefs meet deadlines use sound processing, sound fx and production music libraries where appropriate 5

6 11 Assessment Summary Editing Assignment 20% Audio/visual Assignment 20% Midi Sequencing Assignment 20% Web site Project 20% Summary Written Examination 20% 11.1 Audio/visual assignment 2 hours Details See 12 (Performance Criteria) below 11.2 Coursework Edit Assignment Mode School-based with external moderation by FETAC. 2 hours Details See 12 (Performance Criteria) below 11.3 Coursework Midi Sequencing Assignment 3 hours Details See 12 (Performance Criteria) below 11.4 Web site Project 1 month Details See 12 (Performance Criteria) below 11.5 Summary Written Examination Details 2 hours See 12 (Performance Criteria) below 6

7 12 Performance Criteria 12.1 Coursework Edit Assignment This assignment requires the learner to edit 5 section of music into one continuous passage using audio editing software. The unedited file is distributed across the network and saved work is stored on the server and local hard disk. Each edit is valued at 20% and graded according to accuracy. The remaining 20% is awarded for disk management procedures and fade processing Coursework Audio/Visual Assignment 20% This project will integrate with a visual module within the Multi-media course. This could be a 3d animation file in avi format. E.g 3d MAX. Sound fx,narration and a music bed must be applied to the visual file using soundforge and the mix/paste feature to create an aural accompaniment. See appendix for grading criteria 12.3 Coursework Midi Sequencing Assignment This sequencing assignment is designed to test the learners ability to operate midi hardware and software effectively to sequence a musical passage with a minimum of 4 tracks.these tracks should contain drums, bass, chords and melody. Using a Multi-Media PC running Cubase sequencing software. The sound outputs used in this assignment must be General midi compliant. Learners are expected initially to complete practice sessions to familiarise themselves with the Cubase software package. This involves using all the editing tools and various editing pages. All learners should have attended these sessions before taking on this assignment Web site Project This assignment requires learners to author and design a basic WWW page. Learners are allocated time and resources to prepare work and given clear criteria on file standards of audio and music files. Learners will then design a hypertext (HTML) web page utilising these materials and Netscape communicator for HTML editing and progressive network s G2 producer for encoding audio and video streams. 7

8 12.5 Summary Written Examination Learners should initially work alone to research material on the content and form of the project. Learners are expected to acquire any materials such as audio and music files needed for the project. Learners will have supervised access to multi-media computers with soundcards. This time will be also use to digitise and prepare material to standards. The examination paper will be taken at the end of the module. It will assess the learners over the five core areas of the module: The principles of sound Digital editing Midi sequencing Web site sound Game sound design 13 Grading The exam will be of two hours duration Section one will consist of a bank of 20 short questions covering the above-mentioned categories, all questions to be answered. Each question is valued at 5 marks Pass 50-64% Merit 65-79% Distinction % 8

9 Individual Candidate Marking Sheet Desktop Multi-Media Audio Production L21796 Candidate Name: PPSN: Centre: Centre No: Date: Performance Criteria Maximum Mark Learner Mark Editing Assignment 20% Midi Sequencing Assignment 20% Audio/visual Assignment 20% Web site Project 20% Summary Written Examination 20% Total 100% Assessor Signature: Date: External Authenticator's Signature: Date: 9