Sound Design & Mixing
Course requisites: DSLR and/or Smartphone. Students are advised to attend lectures, screenings and workshops and allocate time for reading, researching and group discussions
Prerequisites: Basic working knowledge of computers and multimedia software programs
Pedagogy: The course involves a balanced approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Lectures and demonstrations introduce fundamental concepts, while practical assignments and projects allow students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios. Peer feedback and critique provide valuable insights, and guest lectures from industry professionals offer real-world perspectives. Regular assessments and feedback help students track progress, while reflective practice and self-evaluation encourage students to set personal goals for improvement. By incorporating these pedagogical approaches, students develop a strong foundation in sound design and mixing, gaining both knowledge and practical skills for success in the field.
Modes of evaluation: Self-learning, assignments (theory and research), field work and presentation
Duration: 15 weeks (45 lectures)
Assessment: Participation (5%), Theory & Research (20%), Field work & execution (25%), Deliverables (30%), Project completion & Presentation (20%)
Course description: The course is a foundation model targeted on providing every student with industry requisite readiness and expertise to take on professional sound recording projects for video blogging, news channels, podcasting and documentaries. The focus will be on exploring commercially available digital recording equipment and every individual will be encouraged to undertake creative experimentations with computer software and smart phone applications. The idea is to develop the gained academic knowledge as a vehicle to capturing acoustics.
Course objectives:
Understand the principles and fundamentals of sound design and mixing, including concepts such as frequency, amplitude, dynamics, and spatialization.
Gain proficiency in using industry-standard & AI based sound enhancement, editing and mixing software.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a sound designer and mixer in various media production contexts, including film, television, video games and live programs.
Acquire knowledge of different types of microphones, recording techniques, and audio equipment to capture high-quality sound for production purposes.
Learn to create and manipulate sound effects, foley and ambient soundscapes to enhance the visual content or storytelling.
Develop skills in audio editing, including cutting, splicing and arranging audio clips, to create seamless soundtracks.
Gain an understanding of mixing techniques, including balancing levels, panning, equalization, compression and spatial effects to achieve a cohesive and professional sound mix.
Learn to synchronise audio with video and other visual elements, ensuring accurate lip-syncing, dialogue clarity and overall AV synchronization.
Enhance collaborative and communication skills by working effectively with directors, producers and other members of the production team, understanding their vision and requirements and delivering sound design and mixing solutions that meet their expectations.
Unit I
Week 1: Introduction to Sound Design and Mixing
Overview of the course objectives, syllabus and learning outcomes
Introduction to the importance of employability, entrepreneurship and skill development in the field
Discussion on career opportunities and industry trends in sound design and mixing
Week 2: Fundamentals of Sound
Understanding the principles of sound, including frequency, amplitude and timbre
Introduction to psychoacoustics and perception of sound
Exploring the basic properties of sound waves and how they relate to sound design and mixing
Week 3: Recording Techniques and Equipment
Overview of different types of microphones and their applications
Techniques for capturing high-quality sound, including field recording and studio recording
Hands-on practice with recording equipment and microphone placement
Unit II
Week 4: Sound Editing and Manipulation
Introduction to sound editing software & AI tools
Techniques for editing, manipulating and processing audio files
Hands-on exercises in cutting, splicing and time-stretching audio clips
Week 5: Sound Effects and Foley
Understanding the role of sound effects in enhancing storytelling
Techniques for designing and manipulating sound effects
Foley recording and techniques for creating realistic sound effects
Unit III
Week 6: Music Composition and Mixing
Basics of music composition, including melody, harmony and rhythm
Techniques for mixing music tracks and achieving balance
Hands-on exercises in mixing music with other audio elements
Week 7: Dialogue Editing and Mixing
Techniques for editing and cleaning up dialogue tracks.
Ensuring clear and intelligible speech in a mix
Mixing dialogue with other audio elements for balance and synchronisation
Unit IV
Week 8: Spatial Audio and Surround Sound
Introduction to spatial audio and its applications in immersive experiences
Techniques for creating spatial effects and surround sound
Hands-on exercises in panning, stereo effect and multi-channel audio systems
Week 9: Sound Design for Visual Media
Understanding the requirements and considerations for sound design in film, television and video games
Techniques for creating impactful soundscapes and atmospheres
Incorporating sound design with visual elements for storytelling
Unit V
Week 10: Collaboration and Project Management
Developing effective communication and teamwork skills in collaborative projects
Understanding project requirements, managing timelines and incorporating feedback
Case studies and discussions on successful collaborative projects in sound design and mixing
Week 11: Professionalism and Industry Practices
Exploring professional standards, ethics and industry best practices
Resume writing, portfolio development and job search strategies
Guest speakers from the industry sharing their experiences and insights
Week 12: Entrepreneurship in Sound Design and Mixing
Introduction to entrepreneurial opportunities in sound design and mixing
Identifying potential niches and target markets
Developing a business plan and marketing strategies for a sound design venture
Week 13 & 14: Project Work and Mentoring
Students work on a sound design and mixing project of their choice, incorporating the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the course.
Individual mentoring sessions to guide and provide feedback on the projects
Week 15: Presentation and Portfolio Showcase
Students present their completed projects to the class
Showcase of portfolios and works for potential employers and clients
Reflection on the learning journey and discussion on future career paths
Course outcomes:
Demonstrate Knowledge of Sound Design Principles: Students will develop an understanding of the principles and elements of sound design, including perception, frequency, amplitude, dynamics and spatialisation. They will be able to apply these principles to create effective and compelling sound designs for various media platforms.
Apply Technical Skills in Sound Editing and Mixing: Students will gain proficiency in using industry-standard sound editing software and equipment. They will learn techniques for editing, manipulating and processing audio files, as well as mixing and balancing different audio elements to achieve desired sonic outcomes.
Create Immersive Soundscapes and Sound Effects: Students will learn how to design and create sound effects, foley, and atmospheres that enhance storytelling and create immersive experiences. They will develop skills in recording, editing and manipulating sounds to create unique and impactful audio elements.
Collaborate and Communicate Effectively in a Production Environment: Students will develop teamwork and communication skills necessary for collaborating with directors, producers, and other members of the production team. They will learn to understand project requirements, incorporate feedback and effectively communicate their ideas and contributions in a professional production environment.
Reading list:
Case, A. (2012). Sound FX: Unlocking the Creative Potential of Recording Studio Effects. Focal Press.
Rumsey, F., & McCormick, T. (2013). Sound and Recording: An Introduction. Taylor & Francis.
Weis, E. (2018). The Complete Guide to Game Audio: For Composers, Musicians, Sound Designers, Game Developers. Routledge.
Holman, T. (2012). Sound for Film and Television. Focal Press.
Collins, K. (2008). Game Sound: An Introduction to the History, Theory, and Practice of Video Game Music and Sound Design. The MIT Press.
Owsinski, B. (2013). The Mixing Engineer's Handbook. Cengage Learning.
Sonnenschein, D. (2001). Sound Design: The Expressive Power of Music, Voice and Sound Effects in Cinema. Michael Wiese Productions.
Farnell, A. (2010). Designing Sound. The MIT Press.
Journals:
Journal of Film Music
Sound Studies
Journal of Sound and Vibration
Web resources: