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Course Syllabus

MUSC 4840 Live Sound Reinforcement

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Music
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 2; Lecture: 1; Lab: 1
  • Prerequisites: MUSC 3350 Audio Fundamentals I
  • Semesters Offered: Fall
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2025
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2029
  • End Semester: Fall 2030
  • Optimum Class Size: 20
  • Maximum Class Size: 20

Course Description

This course covers the technical aspects and artistic sensibilities involved in providing live sound reinforcement from a simple PA system to a large arena touring rig. It focusses on first covering information and then applying it with hands-on labs as well as practicum hours spent assisting with real events.

Justification

Developing skills and knowledge of the technical aspects of live sound reinforcement are useful for any career path in music from performers to technicians to music educators. Live sound reinforcement is the start and core of all skills and knowledge of students pursuing the study of sound engineering for live events.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Be able to setup a simple to moderate-sized live sound system.
  2. Understand the steps to take in order to avoid feedback as both a technician and a performer.
  3. Be able to perform basic tasks on any digital or analog console that they may encounter.
  4. Understand common microphone choice and placement for their focus instrument.
  5. Be able to troubleshoot any problem encountered in a Live Sound situation.
  6. Be able to describe and use the components and cables in a Live Sound system.
  7. Develop a respect and basic understanding for lighting systems and theater/stage craft.
  8. Understand the technical information connected to live sound reinforcement (Impedance, Measurement, etc.)
  9. Be able to record, edit, and deliver audio captured during a live performance.

Course Content

This course provides students with opportunities to develop audio and live sound skills through labs and various hands-on practicum experiences. The labs and practicum give equal opportunity to all students to participate and learn through hands-on experiences. The practicum is variable in order to cater to the diverse backgrounds and musical tastes of students, but additional projects may be presented to push students out of their comfort zones and into new and exotic styles and genres. The following topics are covered:4 Parts of any Live Sound SystemSteps to Avoiding FeedbackTroubleshootingSignal Flow and RoutingSound Measurement ToolsCable WrappingWiring and ConnectorsPower ConcernsImpedance and Ohms LawInverse Square LawAmplifiersSpeakersCrossoversMicrophones in Live SoundStage PlotsReinforcement vs. AmplificationSpeech and PA SystemsMusic ReinforcementProfessional EtiquetteLighting SystemsStage CraftLive Event Recording