Keele Badge

MUS-20078 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 29 June 2024

MUS-20078 - Live Sound
Coordinator: Tim Canfer
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

no

Barred Combinations

none

Description for 2024/25

Do you want to acquire skills to work as a live sound engineer in the entertainment industry? In this module, you will learn the practical skills, theory, and working practices required to work professionally as a live sound engineer. Taught with an emphasis on practical workshop activities, you will get the hands-on experience to set up PA systems, effectively set up microphones for live sound and best practices of live sound mixing using industry-standard equipment.

Aims
To give students an opportunity to develop concepts, skills and contextual awareness of Live Sound.
To introduce students to live sound music practice and techniques in industry-relevant situations.
To establish an understanding of live sound in a variety of music genres using up-to-date technologies.
To articulate the technical and aesthetic impact of new technology in the practice of live performance.
To acquire an understanding and appreciate the creative potential of the current techniques in various contexts and venues

Intended Learning Outcomes

show awareness of live sound contexts, concepts, frameworks, and issues: 1
detail and explain key live sound equipment, its setup, operation and interconnection: 1,2
apply specific live sound practices using modern industry-standard equipment in sound check and front-of-house mix: 2

Study hours

24 hours of contact time, to include:
8 hours lectures
6 hours seminars, demonstrations
6 hours workshops
4 hours small group tutorials
Individual study:
26 hours of preparation for workshops, group work and tutorials
10 hours of preparation for the summative assessments to include:
16 hours of reflection, revision and consolidation of lecture, workshop and individual supervision content, research through bibliographical and computer mediated sources through individual or group study work
10 hours of listening (recommended works from the repertoire), reflection and revision of aesthetic and technical aspects based on lecture content, bibliographical and computer mediated sources
10 hours of reading and reflection on literature covering the theory and aesthetics of record production and post-production.
50 hours to prepare for the two tasks.
4 hours to prepare and package the material for submission.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Presentation weighted 30%
Live sound setup group presentation and risk assessment supporting document
Students will be split into groups of 3 or 4 (the same groups used for the second assessment). In these groups, they will consider a particular live sound situation, specify the performers' setup (i.e. instruments and backline), and propose a stage plan. They will assess what equipment is required for the PA (including loud speakers, amplifiers, crossovers/speaker management systems, channel count, desk type, effects, processors, microphones, DI boxes, and power sockets required). They will then use this information to detail their setup in a twenty-minute presentation, demonstrating awareness of the required equipment, what the equipment does, how it is setup and interconnected, and notable alternatives. Thorough awareness of the setup and project will be assessed in five minutes of questions and answers following the presentation. (25 minutes in total). Students will also submit a risk assessment of the event as a supporting document, which is to be completed as a group and submitted individually. Submissions do not need to be individualised within the group. (500 words). Students will be marked individually based on their individual contributions and demonstrated ability to work in a group. 20 minute presentation, 5 minute Q&A, 500 word Risk assessment

2: Practical Assessment weighted 70%
Live sound task
In groups of 3 or 4, students will tackle a simulated live performance for which they will be given a group mark. They will need to set up microphones for performers, carry out sound checks and tests, operate the sound equipment for a live performance and ensure the sound mix and balance is adequate. The simulation should last approximately 20 minutes. The presentation will be assessed by a panel. Students will answer questions while tackling this task.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 29 June 2024