1st stage: Audio Engineering (Diploma)
The 1st stage of the Audio Engineering course offers students a study of all aspects of audio engineering and is designed to train future professionals for the audio industry. Practical classes and hands-on studio time are supported by a theoretical understanding, giving students thorough knowledge of a broad range of audio production-related issues and career opportunities. Successful completion of the 1st stage of the Audio Engineering course is awarded with the SAE Institute Audio Engineering Diploma and entitles students to continue to the 2nd stage.
The 1st stage focuses more on the specific principles and requirements of the professional audio industry and is designed to include a broad range of topics, to ensure that graduates are prepared for the numerous career choices in this exciting field of work. Students are taught by qualified tutors with professional experience, both in the field and as lecturers.
Building a career as a Recording Studio Engineer, Live Engineer, Producer or other jobs in the audio and music industry requires practical experience combined with strong technical knowledge.
The aim of our 1st stage is to combine theoretical knowledge with many individual hours of practical experience using our recording and production facilities. The goal is to ensure that our students have the skills required to produce professional quality recordings used to demonstrate their skills.
Professional equipment, individual practical time, and the supervision of our training staff are all key factors that have made SAE Institute the world leader in Audio education.
Award
- SAE Institute Audio Engineering Diploma,
entitles students to continue to the 2nd stage
Duration
- Full-time: 12 months
- Part-time: 24 months
Theory lectures
- Full-time: Four lessons of 2.5 hours, per week
- Part-time: Two lessons of 2.5 hours, per week
Career Options:
- Assistant sound engineer
- Studio sound recordist/engineer
- Mix engineer
- ProTools operator
- Live sound engineer
- Mastering engineer
- Broadcast engineer
- Audio post-production
- Music and dialogue editor
- Location recordist
- Electronic musician
- Sales and installation
Practical time
- Individual bookings, with personal support.
- Access to facilities at least 6 days per week
Course Material
- Including Apple MacBook & Logic Express
Entry requirements
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Written and spoken English (Slovenian and Croatian support offered)
Commencement date
Course Content
Introduction to Computing and Media
This unit familiarizes students with the versatility and diversity of multimedia applications linked to contemporary personal computing from both consumer and professional perspectives.
Acoustics
The human ear, as a vital part of any audio-related profession, is the first topic of this unit. The anatomy of the ear and psycho acoustics are discussed as well as the principles of sound propagation. Later on, the course covers more advanced acoustic principles including the behaviour of sound in enclosed spaces, with special attention to reverberation and modal characteristics, in the context of recording studio design and construction.
Microphones & Loudspeakers
This unit discusses transducer principles including microphone and loudspeaker design. Microphone choice and positioning are emphasised and explored in additional practicals.
Mixing Consoles
During their training students are introduced to console designs ranging from home recording consoles to highly complex large format designs. Extensive hands-on learning is supported by a rigorous theoretical analysis of console signal flow.
Music Production
This unit forms the link between technical and creative elements of professional music production. Topics covered include planning and pre production, team work, working with musicians, post production and mastering.
Signal Processing
Topics include all types of effects processors, dynamics processing, equalisers and filters. The creative use of effects is discussed and demonstrated.
Digital Audio
In this module students are introduced to digital audio theory including binary and hexadecimal numbering systems, A/D conversion, digital processing, and digital audio formats. Digital storage media are also examined in some detail.
Live Engineering
Whether engineering for a club, concert hall or stadium concert, one must first understand the components of the PA system, the monitoring systems and signal flow. Live consoles, crossovers, power amplifiers and loudspeakers are discussed in this module. Additionally, live workshops simulate concert situations to help illustrate cabling, power requirements, fault finding methods, etc.
Advanced MIDI & Sequencing
After an initial introduction to the MIDI protocol and hardware, students undertake a progressive range of exercises using industry-standard programming software, synthesisers and samplers.
Electronics
These lectures are designed to give students a basic understanding of electronic principles with one objective being the understanding of common audio engineering terminology. Electronic principles such as resistance, capacitance and induction are explored. Additional topics include tape magnetism and machine calibration as well as the use of test equipment.
Broadcast Theory
An audio engineer's role in broadcast requires specialist knowledge of specific equipment, production methods and teamwork. Topics include broadcasting regulations, rudimentary wave propagation theory and programming.
Synchronization
This section covers standard tape machine, sequencer and other hardware synchronisation using SMPTE and MIDI timecode and other propriety systems including those which facilitate mixing console automation.
Note: The sections outlined above do not exist as separate modules within the course and do not necessarily reflect the order in which these subjects are taught.
