Course Outline for Music Recording Technology 25
Live Concert Sound

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 03/02/2021
Catalog Description:

MURT 25 - Live Concert Sound

1.00 Units

Sound design and amplification management for live music events. Management and manipulation of audio signal flow, interconnected amplification hardware, stage monitoring, and real-time audio signal processing for live audio events. Hands-on participation in on-campus live audio events.
1005.00 - Commercial Music*
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Laboratory 1.00 72.00 0.00 72.00
Total 1.00 72.00 0.00 72.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. determine and implement appropriate microphone techniques for a live music event;
  2. design and implement appropriate wiring schematics for a multichannel live music event, including submixes and monitor mixes;
  3. properly wire P.A. speaker systems in a variety of settings;
  4. implement appropriate real-time multichannel mixing techniques in a live music event;
  5. assess, select, and utilize appropriate real-time signal processing techniques, including equalization, compression and reverb, for a live audio event;
  6. demonstrate proper care, management and minor repair of live sound reinforcement hardware.
Course Content:

Lecture:

  1. Multichannel analog mixing
  2. Speaker placement and set-up
  3. Cabling limitations
  4. Signal Processing
  5. Instrument miking techniques for the concert stage

Laboratory:

  1. Multichannel analog mixing
  2. Speaker placement and set-up
  3. Cabling limitations
  4. Feedback management
  5. Equalization
  6. Reverb
  7. Compression
  8. Submixes and monitor mixes
  9. Instrument miking techniques for the concert stage
  10. Sound isolation
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Demonstrations (use of multimedia)
  2. Guest speakers
  3. Laboratory (mixing live audio events)
  4. Laboratory
  5. Listening assignments
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Read chapter on Compression and be prepared to discuss
  2. Identify problems in incorrect wiring set-ups
  3. Demonstrate multichannel mixing and panning
  4. Run audio for an on-campus event
  1. Class Participation
  2. Home Work
  3. Performance on specific in-class technique demonstrations
  4. Evaluation of performance at real-world live music events
  5. Tests on chapter sections
  6. Final examination (written and/or lab practical)
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. implement appropriate plan for recording a live event including microphones, wiring, speakers, equipment care and management.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Scott Hunter Stark (2020). Live Sound Reinforcement, a Comprehensive Guide to P.A. and Music Reinforcement Systems and Technology, (revised 7th). Mix Books.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Sound design and amplification management for live music events. Management and manipulation of audio signal flow, interconnected amplification hardware, stage monitoring, and real-time audio signal processing for live audio events. Hands-on participation in on-campus live audio events.