Program Details

Total Duration:
  • 9 months full-time
  • 18 months part-time
Schedule:
  • Full-time: Monday-Thursday (am or pm classes, 3.5 hours)
    Additional 10 hours/week studio lab time
  • Part-time: Mon/Wed (or) Tues/Thurs (night only, 3.5 hours)
    Additional 5 hours/week studio lab time
Materials/Inclusives:
  • Apple Laptop with ProTools LE MBox system, Peak, and, Logic Studio
  • Official AMS-NEVE console training
  • Solid State Logic approved training
  • Student discounts from many of SAE's industry partners
  • Text books covering topics including: recording techniques, mixing techniques, live sound, acoustics, electronics, MIDI, music business, studio budgeting, mastering, microphone techniques, session procedures, etc.
  • Average of 10 hours per week of studio time to record and mix your projects
  • Job placement assistance upon graduation

Program Content

Diploma of Audio Technology

Basic sound theory: Focuses on the basic principals of sound and acoustics. Main topics: Fundamentals of sound, the ear and hearing, introduction to acoustics, frequency analysis, mix analysis.

Studio equipment and signal processing: This module examines the key components found in a professional recording studio. Main topics: Analog and digital equipment operation, audio console features, effects processing, dynamic range processing, noise reduction, equalization, cables and connectors.

Audio electronics: A sound knowledge of the fundamentals of electronic theory is essential to understanding audio and recording technology. Main topics: Basic electronics, specifications, decibels, standard operating levels, electronic and mechanical equipment alignment, system interconnection, balanced lines, occupational health and safety.

Professional recording studios: This module focuses on recording, mixdown and mastering techniques. Main topics: Advanced signal flow, mixdown, advanced audio console operation, session planning, advanced stereo microphone techniques, working with a producer, recording various types of music, mixing for surround sound.

Live sound and musicianship: Focus on live sound system design and installation and musicianship. Main topics: Loudspeaker placement and design, live sound system tuning and fault finding, concert FOH systems, system set-up and operation, live recording and broadcast feeds.

Digital audio technology: Used throughout the professional audio industry, digital sound technology has changed the work process of the professional engineer. Main topics: Digital recording studio processes, computer operation, MIDI theory, advanced ProTools, digital hardware, video/audio synchronization, working with total recall digital consoles, understanding advantages and disadvantages of digital equipment.

Advanced studio studies: Focusing on advanced studio techniques and related subjects, this module aims to prepare students for the workplace. Main topics: Production techniques, arrangement basics, advertising, creating stereo and surround master tapes, studio etiquette, mixdown and session procedure, working in a critical listening environment.

Audio post-production: Many audio engineers are employed in studios and post-production houses working with sound for motion picture and video production. Main topics: Film sound, film and video signal flow, synchronization, on-line and off-line sound editing, video signal flow, basic video editing, video-audio sync.

Acoustics: Focuses on acoustic principles and studio design. Main topics: Acoustic theory, studio monitoring, psychoacoustics, studio building fundamentals, creating an acoustic environment, room evaluation, live applications of acoustics, control room and studio design.

Digital audio editing: Introduces the hardware and software used in the virtual studio environment. Main topics: Digital audio theory, digital audio file formats, ProTools, Cubase VST and/or Logic Audio, system requirements, system configuration, software plug-ins, digital signal processing and computer skills.

Mastering and remixing: This section focuses on the critical link between recording and final CD manufacturing and on the processes that ensure maximum impact on the listener. Main topics: Advanced digital theory, mastering formats, mastering signal processing techniques, duplication process, how CD’s work, and mastering for audio.

 

Note: Due to rapid developments in this field, software used or topics covered may be replaced without notice by more current software and topics.