Paris Rose - NC Sound Production - Project 8 – Self Directed Project

Identify Course Requirements:

• Plan, record and mix a self-directed sound production project.

• Be the main producer/engineer, sound designer and the main driving force for the project.

• Collaborate with others as and when appropriate.

• Showcase as many skills as possible throughout this academic year (include all of the criteria outlined in brief).

Please click here to listen and view the 'Paris Rose' - 'Aham Prema' Self Defined Project.

Project Deliverables:

Include one overdubbed part/track. Your recording will include a minimum of:

• 6 discrete recorded tracks

• Two microphone sources

• One mono or stereo line source

• Two channels using dynamics control, the outputs of which must be recorded. (Bounced Files)

Each track should be recorded:

• At an appropriated signal level

• With a little electrical and background noise as possible.

• With appropriate EQ and mic placement to achieve acceptable tonal qualities.

Your mix down will include a minimum of:

• Two channels panned

• Three channels equalised

• One time domain effect channel (delay or reverb)

• Stereo bus dynamics control

You are required to create and maintain a recording log. The recording log should accurately detail:

• Session progress

• Microphone types and placements

• Recording times

• Overdub(s)

• A track sheet

Sources – Ableton, Personal sound clip library, personal recordings. Time Frame – 5 weeks Deadline – 8th June 2018 Length: Multi Track recording at least 2 minutes long. Bounce – Completed Project files to be submitted all clearly labelled with a suitable title and description. Gannt Chart – Plan and record of work in progress using Gantt Chart Detailed Activity Log – Keep details that document the practical elements of the task. Health & Safety Risk Assessment – Pre-production

Task management - Prepare to gather and record specific identified audio elements for the project, import, mix and edit these to create the completed desired self defined outcome.

Required roles – Identify content, equipment, automate background music, Organise booking times of equipment or studios, pick up and return of hired equipment, booking vocalist, recording, mixing and editing.

Time management – Use plan, identify, organise specific tasks to be done to allow achievement within the given time-scale i.e.; booking of studios, equipment and vocalists etc. in advance.

Resource management – Identify specific desired outcomes and what is required and how to achieve them ie; book in studio time or recording equipment in advance and source appropriate vocalists and software requirements.

Critical Path – Ensure order (logical sequence for each of your steps) which cannot be changed in time but can be changed to bring in more people etc. to achieve the finishes outcome in completion time given.

Wiring Diagram to document – Identify equipment used, identify balanced/unbalanced connections in your recording set ups, identify microphone types and polar patterns.

Blog – Regular update with project processes (creative and technical elements)

Reflective Report (Self-Evaluation) – Evaluate the project with reference to the entire process, from planning to acquisition through editing to creating the final product. Also give reasons for decisions and quality of performance. Consider actions, processes and identify specific areas that were done well or could have been improved on. Explain strategies used. Consider the quality of audio for the files and justify reasons for choosing.

Health and Safety Equipment

• Check for faults and make sure the appropriate cables are used for the equipment being used. Take care when lifting heavy or fragile items, seek help with lifting or setting up if required.

• Check cables are tidy and not a potential tripping hazard or where they could be at risk of being damaged. Always double check or ask another person to check over to make sure set up is safe.

• Always be aware of the sound levels of the equipment before switching on equipment for hearing protection. Check settings/gradually increase levels and take regular breaks to rest your ears. Wearing protection if and when necessary (use sound meter if required to measure sound levels and appropriate time exposure).

• To avoid risk of electrical shock keep all liquids away from electrical systems, equipment and studio areas.

Environment

• Identify and consider the environmental factors which may affect the Health and Safety aspects of your project Eg; Weather, location and any other contributing factors which could influence the Health & Safety aspects of the Project. This will help to determine the safest appropriate type of equipment you will need to use to achieve the required affects.

• Be aware of possible hazards that could potentially occur in this area during development of the project. E.g.…time of day, weather, access, facilities etc.

Management

• Take responsibility for the Health & Safety and ensure that they guidelines are listed, accessible at all times and shared and put into place by anyone who may be involved within the project.

• Consider and follow brief guidelines at all times throughout the project. Be aware time schedules as overworking without breaks can lead to hazardous actions.

• Make sure regular breaks are taken for rest and refreshments.

• Delegate if necessary to ensure guidelines are shared, followed and checked. Identify, locate and list First Aid help in case of emergency.