YHAS

Learning Process of An Audio Techinician

[yhacoustics]

Project 13: Build your own PC

This was a project to be able to understand every single component there is to building a PC. From this project we were taught to understand the importance of every component and how each of them work together. We were also taught to know that different use of a computer will require you to have a different specs. After understanding all the components we were tasked to build one, specifically as an audio workstation. The project was able to teach us how to build the most efficient PC according to what you need while being on a budget. In the long run I think it will benefit us as we know what to look for next time.

[yhacoustics]

Project 12: Subwoofer Configurations

This was a school project that required us to set up the subwoofers in different configurations. As it is during the pandemic we were required to attend it in small groups. Through this project in SIA theatre we were able to differentiate the pros and cons of the different configurations. Like how some configurations will have a smaller polar pattern and longer range while some will have wider patterns but shorter throws. Overall it is a good experience as we were able to tell the difference by walking around the area. We were also able to tell the null point as well as the summing of the subwoofers.

[yhacoustics]

Project 11: Surviving the Pandemic

During the holidays, many schools were forced to change the approach of teaching as well as the way the students should attend classes. It was then most schools decided to proceed with online classes. However, due to the nature of the class some lectures will not be as conducive to doing home based learning as the teachers will not be able to properly demonstrate and show what they want to without being in school with proper equipment. Hence, the school came up with plans to install cameras in every classroom so that the teachers will have a conducive space to give a lecture while the students are at home. The project consists of 50 classrooms that needed us to install the mounts for the cameras to be placed.

[yhacoustics]

Project 10: From Stage to Screen

“From Stage To Screen” (FSTS) was initially supposed to be a “live” musical show. However, due to the recent pandemic, the government has released strict restrictions and limitations for the entertainment industry. Which is why we have to change our approach towards the productions. As an alternative, we decided to do a recording of the musical. FSTS consists of 2 sets of casts, each team will cater to a different set of casts and will come to school on alternate days for rehearsals as well as the actual recordings. The production was led by director Rayann Condy who was a pioneer graduate of Lasalle College of the Arts’ BA(Hons) Acting Program, she now runs a theatre company “Skinned Knee Productions” (SKP). FSTS productions consist of Diploma in Audio Production, BA(Hons) Musical Theatre, Diploma in Theatre Production and Management, external musicians as well as an external sound designer who oversees the Audio Productions student. Overall this was a good experience as it teaches us how to work directly under someone who is external where we were able to learn different things from. 

[yhacoustics]

Project 9: The important role of sound in film

Through this project we were able to learn how important it is for a film to actually portray what it needs to with the help of sound. We were first introduced with a film without sound and then the same exact video with sound and all and we realize that it totally tells a different story. After knowing the importance of sound we were then tasked to change the meaning of something just by editing the sound. It can be anything from a music video parody to filming your own short film and including the sounds in post production. It was a cool experience as it changes our perspective of how much sound actually plays a part in films even though video is always the main focus. I guess sound is the thing that alters your thoughts.

[yhacoustics]

Project 8: Making a trailer

For this project we were given a 3 hour movie. The goal of the project was to be able to come up with a trailer that will be able to capture the audience's attention. In order to do the trailer, a few criteria such as the ability to showcase every single cast must be met. While making the trailer we were required to learn how to use Sony’s video editing software “Final Cut Pro”. It was a good experience as it requires us to be able to extract important scenes from the movie and know what is needed to be included for the trailer that will leave the audience in suspense and wanting to watch the movie. Through this project we were also able to learn the basic controls and function of “Final Cut Pro” which will be beneficial if we ever need to do some video editing.

[yhacoustics]

Project 7: The art of Foley

In this project we dive deep into the art of Foley. Through this project we were taught to understand the art of mimicking sounds for a movie. In movies these days most sounds we hear are post productions instead of pre production. The reason for this is due to the fact that most sounds, if recorded in real life, will affect the dynamics of the actors/actress' speech. This is where the art of Foley is introduced. The project teaches us to think creatively in terms of how sound can be/ is being replaced. We were also tasked to tell a story purely just by using Foley. This was able to test our creativity skills as there are endless possibilities to what we are able to portray with just sound effects alone.

[yhacoustics]

Project 6: Design your own speakers

This was a project given by the teacher to see the understanding of my knowledge about speakers. The goal of the project is to be able to come out with a design from scratch. There was no limits in terms of the design, however, in the design we must also come out with the circuitry of the speaker followed by the rationale behind it. I think that it is a good experience as it forces you to understand the elements of each speaker as well as what it is being used for. It also helps us to better understand the design that each speaker manufacturer come out with due to the deep research that the each of us have to go through in order to come up with our own design.

[yhacoustics]

Project 5: Sound Painting

Sound Painting is a real time composition that makes use of sign language/gestures to strategically manipulate the performers during the show. Sound Painting can be implemented to anyone of any specialization and age as long as they are able to learn the “language”. The theme of the production was “Walking”, it was led by director/guest artist Angelique Cormier who is a well diversified and creative sound painter. The production consists of Diploma in Audio Production, Diploma in Theatre Production and Management, BA(Hons) Music, Diploma in Dance, BA(Hons) Fine Arts and MA Creative Writing. For this production we were tasked to design and run the show according to the director requirement. It was a good experience for us to know what it's like working with many people from different disciplines.

[yhacoustics]

Project 4: RIF

“Rock and Indie Festival” (RIF). RIF is a free admission music festival held annually by Lasalle College of the Arts. It is a platform where local artists/musicians can come together to gain more exposure and experience for their band. The people who were involved in the production include students and teachers from the School of Contemporary Music. RIF was sponsored by a few companies such as “audio-technica”, ‘Mackie”, “Vox” and many more. As we were required to set up and plan the event it was a good experience for us as we need to be able to run this event concurrently at 4 different locations with bands performing back to back.

[yhacoustics]

Project 3: Radio Frequency Training

In this project, we were needed to learn how radio frequency affects the wireless mics and ongoing shows nearby. We make use of a free software “Wireless workbench 3″ developed by Shure. Through this software we are able to scan the area for frequencies that are free and not in use so that we are able to use it without any conflicts with either the televisions or any other events that are on-going and are using wireless mics. it is important to do that to prevent the wireless mics from dropping out. Given the time and age a lot of things such as MC mics are going wireless now, which is why it is an important skill to learn. 

[yhacoustics]

Project 2: Acoustic Room Calculations

Acoustic room calculations was a project given by our teacher to perform a series of scientific acoustic calculation that we learnt from that class. The class was content and formula heavy as it requires the students to understand the basic principles of how sound travel. Other than that, it was made known to us that each room according the shape and size, will have their own set of problems that might affect the sound quality and tonality of the location. After a series of calculations and finding out the problems that each of us have. We then have to come up of ways to tackle the problems. Simple solutions such as having a carpet on the floor so that the room will be less reverberant adds a noticeable improvement to the location. The project was a useful one as it changes the way we think about sound and knowing how even the littlest things can affect the sound quality.

[yhacoustics]

Project 1: Sound Alike

“Sound Alike” is a school studio project that requires the student to mimic a song that they have chosen. The students will be divided into groups of 4-5. The teachers will then give a “theme” or a “genre” that the groups must adhere to. Once the groups have decided on the song, they must try their best to mimic the song as close as possible to the original artists. It is an effective way to teach the students as it requires the students to actively listen and distinguish the difference between each song so that they can effectively manipulate it. The song choices are also crucial as some songs are harder to manipulate than others. Based on previous recording, I find that it is very important to find songs that do not have high demanding vocal skills as that would be one of the tougher criteria to manipulate. Especially when it is hard to find people with similar vocal range.