Live Production Systems

Overview

This module explores the theory and practice of sound reinforcement for live musical and theatrical events. Students learn how to design effective loudspeaker arrays for optimal audience coverage and how operate audio mixing consoles for sound reinforcement purposes. Students gain practical experience of mixing live musical performances and designing lighting cues working alongside School based performance ensembles. Additional topics covered include microphone design, wireless microphones, in-ear monitoring, loudspeaker time alignment and room optimization.

Learning Objectives

On completion of this module students will be able to:
(i) use analogue and digital mixing consoles to provide front-of-house sound for a musical or theatrical live performance
(ii) use analogue and digital mixing consoles to provide artist monitor mixes for a musical live performance
(iii) design and control stage lighting for a musical or theatrical live performance
(iv) tune a loudspeaker system to compensate for problematic venue acoustics

Skills

(i) Numeracy, creative thinking and problem solving.
(ii) Identify, analyse and solve problems by prioritising tasks, coping with complexity, setting achievable goals and taking action
(iii) Work with information and handle a mass of diverse data, assess risk and draw conclusions (analysis, attention to detail, judgement).
(iv) Apply subject knowledge and understanding from the degree pathway.
(v) Possess high level transferable key skills such as the ability to work with others in a team, to communicate (both orally and in writing), influence, negotiate and resolve conflict.
(vi) Have the ability and desire to learn for oneself and improve one's self-awareness and performance, to uphold the values of lifelong learning and demonstrate emotional intelligence.
(vii) Demonstrate confidence and motivation to start and to finish the job, adaptability/flexibility, creativity, initiative, leadership, decision-making, negotiating and the ability to cope with stress.
(viii) Demonstrate the knowledge and experience of working with relevant modern technology.
(ix) Demonstrate critical evaluation outcomes of professional practice.
(x) Reflect on and evaluate their own practice.

Assessment

None