Course Content

Sound Technician 

Skill Set 1: Sound System

Analyze the project's requirements and adapt them to the acoustics of both open and enclosed environments.

Write, read, and understand a technical specification sheet; master acoustic parameters and simulate sound production; identify the characteristics of a performance venue; apply the principles of acoustics to locate sounds and implement spatialization; determine the type and placement of sound equipment; install sound equipment; ensure that sound equipment is functioning properly.

Manage a live set and mix an artistic production.

use parametric and graphic equalizers; manage sound volume while adhering to decibel levels and acoustic measurements, the principles of stereo imaging and amplification, and the principles of ground loops and phasing; prevent and control feedback; use various sound effects (delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, phaser, delay line, and Haas effect); aural recognition (mixing with effects, aesthetic choices based on musical styles).

Manage the logistics of the live sound system on set and at the broadcast venue.

Understand, use, and adapt various technologies, including different types of microphones, their uses and applications, loudspeakers, filters, speakers, stereo pair recording, and digital, analog, and virtual mixing consoles; understand and select the appropriate cables, and perform cable assembly and soldering; conduct a complete soundcheck (musical balance) while directing the musicians.

Repair a damaged audio file.

be familiar with and use leading audio restoration software (IZOTOPE RX4).

Assessment Criteria

Theoretical assessment, written starting in the fifth week of training. Graded out of 20.
Practical assessment before a panel: real-time sound mixing for a live performance or concert. Graded out of 20.

Evaluation Criteria

Implementation of the patch and stage plan.
Knowledge of the equipment used, adherence to deadlines, ability to adapt to the artistic and technical environment, organizational skills, independence, attention to detail, artistic sensibility, ability to work in a team.

Hearing acuity, harmonic masks, understanding auditory illusions and the Fletcher-Munson curves…

Tonal and frequency recognition, intensity discrimination.

Proficiency in routing and signal processing tailored to specific needs
Auditory, spectral, and sound pressure recognition
Recognition of interaural differences in time and intensity
Ability to analyze microphone requirements based on sound sources and specific needs

Auditory recognition of natural sounds.

Mixing with artificial reverb, aesthetic choices based on musical styles

Ability to master all aspects of programming, synchronization, and arrangement

Full-service sound and production
Live performances with respect for and mastery of the equipment and the basic principles of music.
Live and its applicable regulations and standards.

Skills Module 2: Production and Studio Production

Analyzing project requirements and preparing the studio, including wiring and selecting microphones.

Identify equipment needs and adapt them accordingly. Understand and adapt the use of various technologies and types of microphones, as well as their uses and applications. Select the appropriate cables and perform splicing.

Sound recording, editing, mixing, encoding, and complete sound and music production.

Proficiency in Logic Studio and Pro Tools software for editing, mixing, and stereo mixing, as well as the ability to select and adapt the appropriate spatialization based on the environment of various recording studios, mixing studios, post-production studios, and mobile studios. Record vocals, instruments, and additional sounds. Edit recorded tracks. Manage track groups. Perform synchronization on the ProTools timeline.

Composition and arrangement for an original work.

"Trigger" the drums using samples previously recorded in the studio. Adjust the performance of the tracks (correcting pitch and rhythmic placement). Create arrangements using electronic music sequences. Create string arrangements using orchestral sample libraries. Create an arrangement that adheres to the stylistic conventions of the project.

Mixing and mastering.

Mixing the drum track group. Balancing bass and drums. Mixing guitars, synths, and electronic sequences. Re-amping. Vocal processing. Overall balance. Pre-mastering. CD mastering. Mastering for various streaming services. Creating original music and sound design for a film.

Assessment Criteria

Written and practical assessment in a real-world setting once per quarter; grade out of 20

Practical Assessment: Presentation of the recording project to a panel of professionals. Graded on a scale of 20.

Evaluation Criteria

Sound recording, editing, mixing, encoding, and complete sound and music production.

Master the basics of mixing using auditory, technical, visual, and graphical cues in the industry’s two leading software programs

Verification of criteria, in particular: Compliance with and mastery of instructions

Ability to explain the main forms of sound synthesis Quality of the analysis

Ability to use virtual instruments and professional equipment

 

Ability to convert data

Ability to create sounds and develop them

Artistic sensibility and production quality

Management of timing and settings for all the torque systems mentioned above

Master the standard tools for pre-mastering in accordance with the requirements of audiovisual productions and markets.

Skills Module 3: Multimedia Creation and Editing

Project requirements analysis. Creation of a prototype. Design and finalization of the project.
Ability to create a soundtrack for a 3D animation and a short video sequence. Composition and arrangement for an original creation. Distribution of the project across various digital and streaming platforms.

Understand and apply audio standards for cinema, TV, radio, DVD, and other media. Loudness management. Master and manage tools and/or software for surround mixing: -ProTools HD and multichannel plug-ins; -Apple Logic; -ICON D-Command & Control 24 mixing console. Monitoring management. Use of leading software for audio restoration – Izotope RX4

Assessment Criteria

Practical assessment involving a multichannel mix to be completed within a set time limit in the studio. Score out of 20

Evaluation of the background music and sound design for a TV commercial.

Practical assessment consisting of a series of 20 questions using software. Contextualization of typical requests from producers to technicians.

Practical assessment of the composition of an original piece in a specified style.

Master production tools to create original works. Be familiar with and use office software, publishing software, and software for 2D/3D and animated graphics, including the Adobe Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, EdgeAnimate, After Effects, Premiere, and Dreamweaver. 3D: Cinema 4D (Maxon).
Master film audio post-production; understand and adhere to audio/video synchronization standards.

Evaluation Criteria

Analysis of the submitted materials to verify compliance with criteria specific to the broadcaster.

Compliance with guidelines – specifications

Proficiency in virtual instruments (ES2, Ultrabeat, Alchemy, Massive, Absynth, etc.) and DAWs (Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Mainstage)

Ability to adapt one's creativity to a prescribed style.

Time Management

Production of print and audiovisual materials (for artist promotion and/or events), 2D/3D animation, video editing, audio-visual post-production, and website development.

Competency Area 4: Entrepreneurship, Legislation, and Career Development

Understand the administrative processes involving various organizations; know the role of each stakeholder in the production chain; understand the markets for music production; understand the economic issues at stake; and be familiar with EU and international regulations governing music production.

Understand the various legal statuses related to employment, entrepreneurship, and labor reporting: intermittent entertainment workers, self-employed entrepreneurs, sole proprietorships, corporations, etc.

Assessment Criteria

Written and practical assessment once per quarter. Grade out of 20

Written and practical assessment on the production of a live performance.

Oral assessment. Twice a year. Grade out of 20

Submission of a business plan for the candidate’s career project. Score/20

Understand the regulations and legal framework governing audiovisual production (the Act of July 3, 1985, the use of pre-existing music, etc.).

Commercial production of a work. Organization and/or production of a performance. Preparation of grant applications. Promotion and distribution of production projects. Managing an artist’s career and one’s own career. Registering and protecting a work.

Evaluation Criteria

Understanding of music and recording production, logistical and budgetary planning, ability to meet deadlines, adaptability to the artistic and technical environment, organizational skills, independence, attention to detail, and a proactive approach.

Ability to develop a performing arts production project; ability to present, justify, and support the project; adherence to deadlines.

Be able to work as part of a team, tackle challenges, and achieve goals

Understand and apply the applicable regulations and laws governing the music and entertainment industries, as well as labor laws.

Create Your Own Job