Audio Engineering Diploma - Subject Overview
- General Requirements
- Subject Overview
The list below shows only the main topics covered during the course. For a complete list please see our curriculums displayed at each SAE location.
Acoustics
The human ear, psychoacoustics, the anatomy of the ear, principles of sound propagation, understanding the Decibel (dB) and other reference levels, behaviour of sound in enclosed spaces, studio design and construction, reverberation and modal characteristics, room analysis and evaluation and various acoustic treatments.
Advanced MIDI & Sequencing
Using industry-standard programming software, synthesizers and samplers, working on various MIDI based projects, synchronising MIDI/ timecode, how to work with MIDI/live musicians in the studio, MIDI theory.
Audio Post Production
This module examines the creation and use of sound in motion picture and video production. Audio post-production equipment and work flow are studied as well as sound design concepts and audio mixing techniques for picture. Topics include: Synchronisation, dialog recording, foley recording, the use of sound effects in picture, the creation & use of music in picture, surround sound concepts, location recording and the history of sound in film production.
Advanced Studio Studies
This module focuses on studio recording techniques and concepts. It covers the operation of more advanced studio equipment and aims to prepare students for the workplace. Topics include: Advanced production techniques, mix analysis, advanced mixing and recording techniques, studio workflow, advanced microphone techniques, digital audio software operation, mixing for surround sound and working with a producer.
Basic Sound Theory
This module explores the basic physical properties and characteristics of sound and human auditory perception. Topics include: Sound fundamentals, decibel theory and human perception of loudness, stereo imaging, space and basic acoustic principles.
Basic Electronics
This module covers the basic concepts of electronics and electricity as they relate to audio technology. Topics include: Basic electrical theory, power, voltage, resistance and current, Ohm's Law, electrical circuits, electrical decibel scales, standard operating levels and audio connectors & cabling and studio fault finding.
Basic Web Design for Audio Engineering
This module includes basics of HTML and web design. Topics include: Use of web-design software, historical development of the worldwide- web and the implementation of content into a web page, designing a CD cover, basics of working with digital images for print and web and some graphic design concepts.
Digital Audio
In this module students are introduced to digital audio theory including binary and hexadecimal numbering systems, A/D conversion, digital processing and digital audio formats, understanding various formats, digital storage media and future digital developments, DAW and recording audio in the digital domain.
Introduction to Studios & Recording
This module covers the equipment and processes used in small recording studios. It further looks at the operation and the recording process from beginning to completion. Topics include: Analog mixing console operation, gain structure, recording session procedures, multi-track recorders, reading schematic diagrams and basic recording techniques.
Live Sound Engineering
This module covers the live sound engineering principles for a club, concert hall, stadium or live theatre shows. Topics include: Understanding the components of the PA system, the monitoring systems and live sound signal flow, live consoles, crossovers, FOH, power amplifiers and loudspeakers, live recording, working in a team, cabling for a 'live' show, power requirements, fault finding methods and working with broadcasters.
Mastering & Media Preparation
This module looks at the role and process of mastering in producing a final product. It further focuses on the preparation of various media formats and examines the history of audio media formats. Topics include: Mastering techniques & equipment, CD/DVD production and duplication, analog and digital audio formats.
Mixing Consoles and Signal Flow
This module covers the use and design concepts of various studio mixing consoles. Topics include: Console design and different types of consoles, analog and digital consoles, control surfaces, sound studio signal flow, broadcast and TV sound signal flow, equipment features and specifications.
Microphones and Loudspeakers
This module covers microphone and loudspeaker design. Topics include: Transducer principles, microphone and loudspeaker design, speaker placements, choosing the right microphone, working with multiple microphones, using microphones in the studio and in live recording situations, different types of studio monitors, various stereo microphone techniques, location microphones and techniques.
Music Production
This module covers the link between creative and technical elements of professional music production. Topics include: Planning and pre-production, studio team work, working with musicians, post production and mastering, understanding music styles, the role of a producer/engineer, various mixing rules and examples.
Signal Processing
This module covers the design principles and operation of studio effect units. Topics include: Description of all types of effects processors, dynamics processing, time based processing, equalisers and filters, explanantion of plug-in type signal processing, when to use effects, understanding parameters of effects.
Synchronisation
This module covers the concept and hardware and software used to synchronise music. Topics include: Synchronising using ProTools, music to film, synchronising tape machines, sequencer, hard disc systems and other hardware synchronisation using SMPTE and MIDI time code and other proprietary systems including those which facilitate mixing console automation.