ADVANCED VIDEO: SOUND AND ENGINEERING - 2027/8

Module code: TON2027

Module Overview

This module comprises additional elements related to video engineering and sound for picture for the Tonmeister degree. As such, it builds on the content of Video: Sound and Engineering.

You will explore further aspects of sound for film and high-end TV, techniques of recording and editing Foley, sound effects, and sound design and mixing. It is intended as a detailed insight into high quality sound for film. This will help those interested in a career in film sound, and enable you to interact with professional sound teams more effectively.

You will also explore aspects of video engineering systems and also broadcast engineering and broadcast sound. You will learn the basics of setting up a camera for filming or streaming. You will also learn about TV sound desks and comms systems and how these differ to music recording studios. The coursework will include a practical set up of a news insert from a reporter over fibre optic cables.

Module provider

Music & Media

Module Leader

HAIGH Alan (Music & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Workshop Hours: 7

Independent Learning Hours: 106

Lecture Hours: 20

Seminar Hours: 6

Laboratory Hours: 2

Guided Learning: 1

Captured Content: 8

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

TON2026 Video: Sound and Engineering

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Foley recording
Film post-production processes
Film session set up and mixing
Coax and fibre interfaces
Basic camera operational principles
The human visual system
The design, signal flow and operation of sound desks and comms system in television
Video compression fundamentals

Assessment pattern

Assessment type	Unit of assessment	Weighting
Coursework	Effects and Foley	20
Coursework	Final mix	30
Coursework	Broadcast engineering	40
Practical based assessment	Labs	10

Alternative Assessment

This module involves group work in the Broadcast Engineering coursework item. This may not be feasible to run as a resit. In view of this, if you fail this coursework item you will be asked to complete an investigative report that meets the same learning outcomes.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of problems associated with recording Foley and mixing short films, plus knowledge of broadcast engineering principles and video compression.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

effects edit (addressing learning outcome 2);
mix (addressing learning outcomes 1 and 3);
broadcast engineering coursework (addressing learning outcomes 5 to 8)
lab session consisting of a pre-lab test and marked worksheet (addressing learning outcome 4).

Formative assessment

Formative feedback will be given to you in the form of regular revision questions in lectures, and in the lab and workshop sessions.

Feedback

Written feedback is given on the coursework assignments. You will receive verbal feedback on your practical work throughout the module, particularly in labs and practical workshops.

Module aims

To introduce the personnel in film and television sound production and post production.
To further develop skills in editing and recording, using effects and Foley.
To develop signal routing, Pro Tools templates and mixing skills.
To introduce you to audio techniques used in common broadcast systems, including those used in TV studios and Outside Broadcast Vehicles.
To introduce you to some common video formats and interfaces.
To introduce you to basic digital video coding and compression systems for file storage and streaming.

Learning outcomes

		Attributes Developed
001	Assess the EQ and other processing necessary to match ADR to the original location sound on a film recording.	CPT
002	Plan and execute the recording of Foley FX to a film sound track, paying attention to all the artistic and technical attributes of the sounds needed to make them believable.	KCP
003	Plan and execute the mixing of a film sound track and deliver specified audio deliverables.	KCP
004	Describe the methods used by the MPEG2 standards to reduce the bit rate.	KC
005	Design, implement and report on signal path set up for remote video and audio signals in TV studios.	KCPT
006	Demonstrate logical fault-finding skills in a group setting.	T
007	Demonstrate a practical understanding of broadcast sound signals, desks and cooms systems.	KCP
008	Demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a group.	T

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

further develop your knowledge, skill and awareness of sound in film and TV including use of effects and Foley, and mixing techniques; and
introduce you to broadcast engineering knowledge and practical skills of set up and fault finding in a timed group situation.

The learning and teaching methods include:

regular lectures in which cover the theoretical background to each of the topics covered - the small cohort allows plenty of opportunity for you to ask questions to help you to develop your understanding;
practical demonstrations in seminars that allow you to see the theory in action;
regular lab sessions and practical coursework that allow you to apply the theoretical understanding to professional practice; and
guided reading to encourage you to examine the topic more deeply.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: TON2027

Other information

Digital capabilities: As part of the coursework assignments, you will also develop skills in: Avid Pro Tools, the industry standard software for audio editing in film post production, configuring digital mixing consoles. signal routing using computer based control systems, digital audio embedding and de-embedding, tools for creating reports and diagrams.

Employability: the knowledge and skills developed within this module are the fundamentals of a successful career in the audio post or video / broadcast industry. The lectures and workshops cover industry roles in post production and current standard working practice, video systems, required to understand and fault-find in practical situations. The post production coursework closely matches the roles in industry and the tasks needed. The broadcast engineering coursework is designed as team exercise. Working on a complex project together as essential transferrable skills relevant to most jobs. The written hand-in is a systems diagram drawing and professional report write up, again of essential skills in many occupations. The module also includes some content which currently is needed to fill a skills gap in the TV industry. Skills in practical broadcast engineering in video and audio and knowledge of broadcast comms systems in particular.

Resourcefulness and Resilience: The coursework includes some difficult technical and artistic challenges, including teamwork and fault finding in a timed situation, designed to increase resourcefulness in finding appropriate solutions.

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2027/8 academic year.