ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

IMW DIPLOMA / BTEC Level 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

2013

Sound Production

Portfolio Content Specification

STUDENT NAME:
BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP Key Technology and Skills Development Objectives By the end of level 3 you will: Be a fully independent user of Logic Pro, ProTools and Ableton Live. Be a fully independent user of the audio and DAW control features of the SSL Nucleus and the SSL Matrix Be an experienced user of the SSL AWS948 through group recording and mixing sessions Be familiar with the use of the SSL Duality as an analogue console and a DAW controller Be able to recognise the similarities between the functions and features of all SSL consoles in use at IMW

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP ASSIGNMENT 1

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Roles, Relationships, and Contracts in the Recording Industry

UNITS and Grading Criteria Covered by this assignment: Unit 39 The Sound and Music Industry GC 2,3

BRIEF: (Including Vocational Context) An understanding of the roles, relationships and contracts in the recording industry is fundamental to successful working relationships and career progression. As part of your work in the recording studio you will be required to work in groups and individually, developing essential communication skills. TASKS 1. Roles, Relationships, and Contracts in the Recording Industry. You are required to write a review of the different roles associated with working in a recording studio and to discuss the range of contracts that people working in the music and sound recording sector may sign. Unit 39 The Sound and Music Industry GC: P2, M2, D2, P3, M3, D3

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY TASK SHEET Assignment 1 Task: 1 Roles, Relationships, and Contracts in the Recording Industry. Unit 39 The Sound and Music Industry GC 2,3 You are required to prepare a report that describes, explains and comments critically on the roles, relationships and contracts in the recording industry. Describe, explain and comment critically on 5 related roles associated with working in recording studios, focussing on: Training and education Working patterns E.g. Freelance, Self-Employed, Employed F/T or P/T Work activities and tasks Working relationships - How do people in these roles work together? Contracts - What different types of contracts might these roles sign? Career opportunities and potential earnings

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP ASSIGNMENT 2

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Sound Theory
UNITS and Grading Criteria Covered by this assignment: Unit 1: Acoustics for Musicians GC: P1, M1, D1, P3, M3, D3 Unit 2: Audio Engineering Principles: GC: P1 M1 D1 BRIEF: (Including Vocational Context) A thorough theoretical understanding of the physics of sound and digital audio is a fundamental part of an engineers skill set, as well as being important knowledge for studio musicians. TASKS 1. Human Hearing Submit a written report covering the structure and function of the human ear, hearing damage and protection, and the limits of hearing, within the context of the studio environment. Unit 1: Acoustics for Musicians GC: P3, M3, D3 2. Audio Theory Submit a written report as a sound engineer that identifies, explains and analyses the fundamentals of the physics of sound. Write a review of digital audio principles and assess the quality of digital equipment. Unit 1: Acoustics for Musicians GC: P1, M1, D1 Unit 2: Audio Engineering Principles: GC: P1 M1 D1

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

TASK SHEET Assignment 2 Task: 1. Human Hearing Unit 1 Acoustics for Musicians GC: P3, M3, D3 Within the context of the recording studio environment: To achieve a Pass you must: Identify the separate parts of the ear (anatomy) using a diagram and key, with appropriate technical terminology. Identify hearing damage and its causes Identify methods for protecting against hearing damage Identify the limits of human hearing (amplitude and frequency)

To achieve a Merit you must: Explain the function of each part Explain hearing damage and how it can be caused Explain methods for protecting against hearing damage Explain the limits of human hearing (amplitude and frequency)

To achieve a Distinction you must: Analyse how the parts work together as a mechanism. Analyse hearing damage and how it can be caused Analyse methods for protecting against hearing damage Analyse the limits of human hearing (amplitude and frequency)

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

Assignment 2 Task 2. Audio Theory Unit 1 Acoustics for Musicians GC: P1, M1, D1 Unit 2: Audio Engineering Principles: GC: P1 M1 D1 To achieve a Pass you must answer the following questions:
Analog Give a definition of sound making reference to the following terms: a) Production b) Propagation c) Perception Give a definition of amplitude. What is the unit of measurement for amplitude? Give a definition of frequency What is the unit of measurement of frequency? Digital Define the following terms: Sampling Rate Pulse Code Modulation Binary Code Quantisation Clipping Dynamic Range Bit Depth Resolution The Nyquist Theorum Dithering Bit Rate Signal-to-noise ratio

To achieve a Merit you must answer the following questions, in addition to those required for a Pass:
Analog Expanding on your definitions above, explain how sound travels through air. Explain the unit of measurement for amplitude Explain the unit of measurement for frequency. Digital Expand on your definitions to explain how sound is converted from an analog to digital signal for recording and/or storage. Expand on your definitions to explain how sound is converted from a digital to an analog signal for playback.

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

To achieve a Distinction you must answer the following questions, in addition to those required for a Pass and a Merit:
Assess the physics of sound by: Analog Analysing how sound energy may travel differently through different mediums / materials. Discussing the relationship between loudness and sound pressure level. Discussing the relationship between wavelength and frequency. Evaluating the impact phase can have when combining sound waves. Discussing why an understanding of the speed of sound and wavelength is relevant to spatial acoustics and sound recording. Digital Give examples of 3 pieces of digital audio equipment, identifying, explaining and assessing their use of digital audio processes.

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP ASSIGNMENT 3

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Sound Studio Principles in Practice

UNITS and Grading Criteria Covered by this assignment: Unit 2: Audio Engineering Principles: GC 2, 3, 4 UNIT 25: Music Production Techniques GC: P1, M1, D1 Unit 1 Acoustics for Musicians GC: P2, M2, D2 Unit 14 Listening Skills for Music Technologists GC: P4, M4, D4 BRIEF: (Including Vocational Context) A sound engineer needs a set of fundamental practical skills, supported by a thorough understanding of the theories and principles that define them. This assignment covers the key principles of sound studio practice, covering interconnection and conversion, interpretation of equipment specifications for recording and the application of effects and processing. TASKS 1. Interconnections, conversion and storage In this task you are required to document the set up and operation of an analogue / digital studio sound system (AWS948), demonstrating knowledge and understanding of interconnection, conversion and storage. Unit 2: Audio Engineering Principles: P2 M2 D2 2. Effects and Processing Produce diagrams that illustrate, explain and compare a range of audio effects and processing possibilities. Unit 2: Audio Engineering Principles: GC: P3 M3 D3 3. Sound Sources and Recording Equipment Specifications Make informed recommendations for microphone choice for recording a range of sound sources, making reference to manufacturer equipment specifications. Unit 2: Audio Engineering Principles: GC: P4 M4 D4 UNIT 25: Music Production Techniques GC: P1, M1, D1 Unit 1 Acoustics for Musicians GC: P2, M2, D2 Unit 14 Listening Skills for Music Technologists GC: P4, M4, D4

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

TASK SHEET Assignment 3 Task: 1. Interconnections, conversion and storage Unit 2: Audio Engineering Principles: P2 M2 D2 A sound engineer needs a set of fundamental skills, whether working in a studio or live environment. In this assignment you are required to document the set up and operation of the IMW main studio, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of interconnection, conversion and storage. To achieve a Pass: Create studio diagram(s) outlining basic signal flow for the AWS948 studio: Recording Mixing Auxiliary sends (to outboard effects) Auxiliary sends (Headphone mixes / foldback) Outlining analogue / digital conversion and storage in your diagrams. To achieve a Merit: Explain how you have implemented signal flow for the AWS948 studio: Recording Mixing Auxiliary sends (to outboard effects) Auxiliary sends (Headphone mixes / foldback) Explain how you have implemented analogue / digital conversion and storage. To achieve a Distinction: Assess the signal flow for the AWS948 studio: Recording Mixing Auxiliary sends (to outboard effects) Auxiliary sends (Headphone mixes / foldback) Assess analogue / digital conversion and storage in your diagrams.

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

TASK SHEET Assignment 3 Task: 2. Effects and Processing Unit 2: Audio Engineering Principles: GC: P3 M3 D3 Illustrate, explain and assess how audio is processed using the following software effects / processes: Compression / Limiting Noise Gate / Expander Parametric EQ (e.g. EQ III 7 Band EQ in ProTools) Delay Reverb (E.g. Dverb)

PASS To achieve a Pass you must complete the following tasks: Use diagrams to illustrate the connections and parameters of each effect listed above. Give examples of where you have used them.

MERIT To achieve a Merit you must complete the following tasks, in addition to those required for a Pass: Using your diagrams, explain the parameters of each of the effects listed above.

DISTINCTION To achieve a Distinction you must complete the following tasks, in addition to those required for a Pass and a Merit: Assess how the use of these effects may contribute to or impair an effective mix. (Give 2 examples / reasons for using each effect).

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

TASK SHEET Assignment 3 Task: 3. Sound Sources and Recording Equipment Specifications Unit 2: Audio Engineering Principles: GC: P4 M4 D4 UNIT 25: Music Production Techniques GC: P1, M1, D1 Unit 1 Acoustics for Musicians GC: P2, M2, D2 Unit 14 Listening Skills for Music Technologists GC: P4, M4, D4 Part 1 Define and explain the principles of the following musical instruments, assessing how these may affect sound production. Discuss instrument types, sound production methods, physical construction and musical attributes. Part 2 Describe, explain and analyse the sound textures of the following sound sources and the effect of different recording environments upon them: Part 3 Recommend microphones and equipment for recording 2 of the sound sources above, making reference to manufacturer equipment specifications (Type, Frequency Response, Polar Pattern). Acoustic Guitar Electric Guitar Bass Guitar Drum Kit Vocalist

PASS To achieve a Pass you must complete the following tasks: Define the principles of musical instruments Describe the textures of varied sound sources and the effect of different recording environments upon them. Recommend pieces of equipment that best suit the specified requirements, with a degree of independence (i.e. some tutor input) BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

MERIT To achieve a Merit you must complete the following tasks, in addition to those required for a Pass: Explain the principles of musical instruments Explain the textures of varied sound sources and the effect of different recording environments upon them. Explain your equipment recommendations with no tutor input.

DISTINCTION To achieve a Distinction you must complete the following tasks, in addition to those required for a Pass and a Merit: Assess how the principles of musical instruments affect sound production Critically comment upon the textures of varied sound sources and the effect of different recording environments upon them. Justify your equipment recommendations and explain the audio principles behind them.

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

ASSIGNMENT 4
BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Sound Recording and Production Project

UNITS and Grading Criteria Covered by this assignment:
UNIT 1: Acoustics for Musicians GC P4, M4, D4 UNIT 14: Listening Skills for Music Technologists GC: 1, 2, 3 UNIT 25: Music Production Techniques GC: 2, 3, 4 UNIT 48: Music Recording GC: 1, 2, 3, 4 UNIT 9: Delivering a Music Product GC: 1, 2, 3, 4 Unit 39 The Sound and Music Industry GC: P4, M4, D4

TASKS 1. Planning, Setting up and Capturing a Multitrack recording Plan recording session/s Set up required equipment Mic up instruments Adapt the recording space/s appropriately Perform tasks required to capture a multitrack recording of a musical performance in the recording studio, taking into consideration the needs of performers Document the planning, setting up and capturing of a multitrack recording
UNIT 1: Acoustics for Musicians GC P4, M4, D4 UNIT 25: Music Production Techniques GC: P2, M2, D2 and P3, M3, D3 UNIT 48: Music Recording GC: P2, M2, D2 and P3, M3, D3 UNIT 9: Delivering a Music Product GC: P1, M1, D1 and GC: P2, M2, D2

2. Post-Production Edit, Mix and Master Edit and mix your multitrack recording, and create a mastered stereo digital audio file.
UNIT 25: Music Production Techniques GC: P4, M4, D4 UNIT 48: Music Recording GC: P4, M4, D4 UNIT 9: Delivering a Music Product GC: P3, M3, D3 and P4, M4, D4

3. Review of recording, mix and master Write a review of your recording, mix and master: Describe, explain and analyse the musical, sonic and production characteristics you hear, and comment on musical and sonic faults apparent.
UNIT 48: Music Recording GC: 1 UNIT 14: Listening Skills for Music Technologists GC: 1, 2, 3

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

4. Business Plan for a CD Production Write a business plan that comprehensively describes and explains the process of creating a CD master of a multi-track recording.
Unit 39 The Sound and Music Industry GC: P4, M4, D4

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

Assignment 4 Task 1: Planning, Setting up and Capturing a Multitrack Recording
UNIT 25: Music Production Techniques GC: P2, M2, D2 and P3, M3, D3 UNIT 48: Music Recording GC: P2, M2, D2 and P3, M3, D3 UNIT 9: Delivering a Music Product GC: P1, M1, D1 and GC: P2, M2, D2

Practical Task Overview: 1. Practical setup for multitrack recording session using the AWS948 (in groups) and the SSL Duality (under tutor demonstration) 2. Multitrack recording using ProTools Evidence to be submitted: Setup sheet Track sheet Session log Photo Tutor observation Session Folder (containing session file and audio files)

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

Tutor Observation Record
Learner Name: Programme: Assignment 4 Task 2: Planning, Setting up and Capturing a Multitrack recording.
UNIT 1: Acoustics for Musicians GC P4, M4, D4 UNIT 25: Music Production Techniques GC: P2, M2, D2 and P3, M3, D3 UNIT 48: Music Recording GC: P2, M2, D2 and P3, M3, D3 UNIT 9: Delivering a Music Product GC: P1, M1, D1 and GC: P2, M2, D2

BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Music Technology

Description of activity undertaken

Setup equipment for a recording session Adapt acoustic characteristics of recording space/s Capture / record audio sources

How the learners activity meets the requirements of the grading criteria
UNIT 25: Music Production Techniques - GC2: P2, M2, D2 / GC3: P3, M3, D3 UNIT 48: Music Recording - GC2: P2, M2, D2 / GC3: P3, M3, D3 UNIT 1: Acoustics for Musicians GC P4, M4, D4

You have setup recording equipment and microphones and adapted the recording space . to capture and store a multtrack recording to . . standard.
UNIT 9: Delivering a Music Product GC: P1, M1, D1 and GC: P2, M2, D2

You have planned and setup for a multitrack recording Learner Signature: Assessor Signature: Assessor Name: BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Date: Date:

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TASK SHEET Assignment 4 Task: 2. Post-Production Edit, Mix and Master
UNIT 25: Music Production Techniques GC: P4, M4, D4 UNIT 48: Music Recording GC: P4, M4, D4 UNIT 9: Delivering a Music Product GC: P3, M3, D3 and P4, M4, D4

Edit Multitrack Recording Mix Multitrack Recording and create a stereo bounce Master stereo bounce Evidence Required: Mix log Photos and/or screenshots Mix Protools session folder Stereo Bounce of mix Mastering Log Mastering ProTools session folder Mastered Stereo Bounce

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

TASK SHEET Assignment 4 Task 3 Review of recording, mix and master Write a review of your recording, mix and master: Describe, explain and analyse the musical, sonic and production characteristics you hear, and comment on musical and sonic faults apparent.
UNIT 48: Music Recording GC: 1 UNIT 14: Listening Skills for Music Technologists GC: 1, 2, 3

Musical, sonic and production characteristics Describe (Pass), explain (Merit) and analyse (Distinction) the musical, sonic and production characteristics of your recording project track. Comment on areas such as: Style or Genre Instrumentation Tonality (Melody, Harmony, Key etc...) Rhythm Texture Dynamics Comment on production characteristics and sonic components such as: Balance Stereo image Clarity Depth Added effects (Reverb, Delay, Echo, Chorus, Flange etc...) Musical Faults Describe (Pass), explain (Merit) and comment critically on (Distinction) the musical and sonic faults you hear, referring to the following parameters: Musical Faults in Performance Tuning Timing Instrumental Technique Dynamic Control Sonic Faults Recording Quality Balance Stereo Image Processing and Effects

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ISLINGTON MUSIC WORKSHOP

TASK SHEET Assignment 4 Task 4: Business Plan for a digital audio file Production
Unit 39 The Sound and Music Industry GC: P4, M4, D4

Write a business plan that describes and explains the process of creating a digital master of a mixed multi-track recording, based on your own sound recording and production project (Assignment 5 Task 1, 2). You must include all key stages, including pre-production and planning, production (recording), and post-production (mixing and mastering). You must outline expected income and expenditure based on the requirements of your project at IMW. E.g. include costs for relevant personnel, hiring of equipment and services etc Your business plan must partially meet the needs of a CD production to achieve a pass grade, fully meet the needs of a CD production to achieve a merit and completely and in detail meet the needs of a CD production for a distinction grade.

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY