This unit is designed to give learners a complex level of understanding of digital audio workstation operation. It will allow learners to develop skills in complex audio and MIDI editing and processing. The unit will enable the learners to develop the knowledge and skills to take complex projects to conclusion by creating automated mix-downs and output those to a variety of formats in accordance with recommended industry standards. Learners will then evaluate the finished products, demonstrating an ability to critically listen to their completed mix-downs.

This unit will give learners an opportunity to plan, develop and implement a market facing sound production project based upon a genuine or simulated opportunity. Learners will conduct market analysis before developing a brief and seeing it through to completion. There will be opportunities for learners to draw on practical sound production experience as well as relevant business and industry skills in the development of the project.

This unit will give learners the opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of mastering and final format production across a range of consumer formats and destinations. The learner will acquire and apply skills and knowledge of processes required for mastering new and archive audio programme material. Learners will demonstrate practical ability in this field by responding to a brief to produce and evaluate multiple programme audio masters for a range of consumer formats and destinations.

This unit is designed to give learners a clear knowledge and advanced understanding of spatial recording and reproduction techniques. It will prepare them to undertake complex recording tasks, from a brief. It will provide them with the practical skills involved in spatial microphone techniques, recording and accurate replay of audio sources.

This graded unit is designed to provide evidence that the learner has achieved the following principal aims of the HND Sound Production:

• an ability to analyse and synthesise knowledge and skills acquired through study

• an ability to develop study, organisational and research skills

• an ability to integrate sound production skills in practical and/or employability contexts

• to enable progression to further study in sound production or a related discipline

• an ability to develop personal skills and follow evolving industry practice

• an ability to develop proficiency in the creative use of sound production technology and applications

• an ability to develop critical analysis; to reflect on own practice

• to enable the adoption of innovative practices and creativity in work and ability to respond quickly to the challenges posed by changes in the audio industry

This unit is designed to enable learners to develop their understanding of, and to demonstrate their practical ability in planning and undertaking an independent multi-track recording and mixing project, working to a client brief. It provides learners with the knowledge and skills to plan and conduct a multi-track recording session and to complete an automated mix-down, both within agreed time constraints. It is primarily intended to enhance skills developed in other areas of sound capture, processing, mix-down and editing. It is also intended to enhance a learner’s ability to work effectively with clients and manage recording and mixing sessions effectively and efficiently.

This unit will give learners the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge of the building blocks of music theory. The unit is aimed at HN Sound Production students who will benefit from knowledge of a broad range of music theory elements, particularly when working within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Learners will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and apply ranges of note pitches and durations, work with basic musical scales in a range of keys, and work with basic chord progressions.