Intermediate 2 SOUND ENGINEERING and PRODUCTION

SUMMARY

This unit seeks to develop the ability to  use multi-track recording equipment to record and mix musical performances from a variety of sources to the appropriate standard; demonstrating strong conceptual understanding of the techniques involved and musical judgement.

Please note that this is a freestanding unit and not a complete course. In order to gain an Intermediate 2 course award, candidates would need to be successful in completing this unit along with the Performing, Inventing and Listening unit.

OUTCOMES

1.      Demonstrate secure understanding of concepts and techniques involved in recording on multi-track equipment.

2.      Demonstrate discriminatory awareness and musicality involved in mixing on multi-track equipment.

RECOMMENDED ENTRY

This is at the discretion of the school/college, candidates will normally benefit from having attained:

·         A unit in Sound Engineering and Production at Intermediate 1

·         Experience of recording.

·         A Standard Grade Music award at general level

·         Experience of performing

CREDIT VALUE

1 credit at Intermediate 2

UNIT              Music : Sound Engineering and Production (Intermediate 2)

Acceptable performance in this unit will be the satisfactory achievement of the standards set out in this part of the unit specification.  All sections of the statement of standards are mandatory and cannot be altered without reference to the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

OUTCOME 1

Demonstrate secure understanding of concepts and techniques involved in recording on multi-track equipment.

Performance criteria

a)      Management of recording sessions is constructive and creative.

b)                  Deployment of recording techniques is accurate and creative.

c)                  Understanding of concepts and techniques involved in recording is sound.

d)                 Comparison and evaluation of recordings and performances is effective.

Note on range for the outcome

Management of recording sessions: setting up; connecting equipment; organising performers; storing and labelling recordings.

Recording techniques: microphone selection and positioning; gain; level; equalisation;  overdubbibg; headphone and loudspeaker monitoring.

Evidence requirements

Performance evidence of candidate’s ability to organise, set up, engineer and produce a recording of two contrasting pieces performed by an ensemble in at least four parts and of 4-6 minutes’ duration.  At least one part should be overdubbed.  Evidence, in the form of a session log, detailing progress of the session, including comments on each take.  Evidence from a listening  is required to demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and techniques stated in PC(b) and (d).

OUTCOME 2

Demonstrate discriminatory awareness and musicality involved in mixing on multi-track equipment.

Performance criteria

a)                  Deployment of mixing techniques is accurate and creative.

b)                  Comparison of mixes or takes is objective and constructive.

c)                  Understanding of concepts and techniques involved in mixing is sound.

Note on range for the outcome

Mixing techniques: gain, level, panning, equalisation, effects send and returns; reverberation; control of faders and mutes (where appropriate).

Evidence requirements

Recorded evidence of final mix; evidence, in the form of a session log, detailing the progress of the session, with comments on each take.  Evidence from a test paper to demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and techniques stated in PC (a) and (b).

Moderation requirements

Details of the moderation arrangements which will apply to the internal assessment of this unit will be issued in due course by the SQA.