Program Details

Program Overview

The Diploma in Audio Engineering (Level 5) is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). The SAE Level 5 Diploma provides industry standard training and incorporates multiple skills necessary for today’s successful audio engineer.

The Diploma In Audio Engineering focuses on intensive theoretical and practical training that forms a natural progression for developing sound recording and mixing skills. Graduates are able to apply and demonstrate a solid grounding in all aspects of working with professional commercial music and audio within the industry. SAE Institute’s Diploma In Audio Engineering achieves solid grounding in all aspects of working with commercial music, audio and film related industries.

The Diploma In Audio Engineering forms a natural progression in developing sound recording, editing and mixing skills using various professional media formats and control surfaces.

The Diploma In Audio Engineering focuses on aspects of audio work for sound recording studios, post-production studios, radio-television broadcasting stations, live sound and any work involving sound recording and mastering.

The Diploma In Audio Engineering focuses on audio engineering skills in Digital Audio Recording-Editing, Professional Studio Recording, Live Sound Reinforcement, MIDI-Sampling Production, Musicianship, Post Production for film and Mastering.

Graduates are awarded a Diploma In Audio Engineering.




Who should take this program?
This 9 month full-time or 18 month part-time program is intended for anyone who:

• wants a solid grounding (theory and practice) in pro-audio   applications
• is interested in working professionally in the field of audio
• has worked with audio as a hobby, but is interested in making
  it a profession
• wants to stay competitive (and employable) in a rapidly
  changing job market

Program Content

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS AND GRAPHICS:
An introduction to computer operating systems, basic troubleshooting, software installation and maintenance, internet and intranet procedures.

MAIN TOPICS: Hardware, software, interfaces, system hierarchy, Mac vs PC, networking, protocols, data sharing, internet, digital image processing basics, import/export, photo-retouching, scanning, filters & plug-ins, colour palettes.


INTRODUCTION TO RECORDING:
This module demonstrates how to operate a basic recording studio and develops an understanding of the recording and production process.

MAIN TOPICS: Gain structure, reading basic schematic diagrams, multitrack studio signal flow, analogue console operation, basic recording techniques.

DIGITAL THEORY:
This module provides a rudimentary understanding of computer-based digital recording and video systems.

MAIN TOPICS: Digital theory, using digital recording media, introduction to hard disc recording and editing, digital audio formats, digital video editing, sampling, and MIDI.

WEB DESIGN:
Students will be able to create a simple homepage and will study site management, FTP functions and basic web animation.

MAIN TOPICS: HTML and basic web page design, Macromedia Dreamweaver and Flash, introduction to basic 3D design, textures and keyframe animation.


SOUND THEORY:
Focuses on the principals of sound, how the ear works, decibel, introduction to recording techniques and basic signal flow.

MAIN TOPICS: Fundamentals of Sound, The Ear and Hearing, Frequency Analysis, Mix Analysis, The Decibel.


DIGITAL AUDIO:
This subject introduces the computer operating system. The digital recording process is then introduced and provides the foundation in understanding computer based (hard disk) digital recording systems. The Digidesign ProTools software program is introduced.

MAIN TOPICS: Digital Theory, ProTools Software and Operation, Manipulation and Editing of Digital Audio.


MICROPHONES:
The key to capturing a sound faithfully is understanding microphones and their operation. Students are given an insight with the professional application of microphones within the studio.

MAIN TOPICS: Microphone Types, Microphone Polar Patterns, Microphone Power Supplies, Fundamental Microphone Techniques.


DYNAMICS:
SAE Institute provides you with the correct methods and tools in this critical area. This includes fundamental theory and operation of dynamic processor types.

MAIN TOPICS: Compression Theory, Compressor Operation, Limiting, Gating.


DIGITAL EFFECTS:
We guide you through the fundamental theory and operation of a wide range of digital effect processor types. Professional application of digital effects is the key to a commercial product.

MAIN TOPICS: Reverberation, Delaying, Chorusing, Flanging, Phasing, Pitch Shifting and Harmonizing,Psycho Acoustic Enhancement.


AUDIO ELECTRONICS:
Knowledge of the fundamentals of electronics are essential in the principles of audio technology. We introduce this fundamental theory while keeping a clear focus on sound recording equipment and control surface interfaces.

MAIN TOPICS: Cables and Connectors, Basic Electronics, Understanding Specifications, Decibel, Grounding Practice, Single Phase Power Supply Conventions, Working with Three Phase, Safety Systems and Rules.


SIGNAL FLOW:
Every working sound engineer must be fluent in the practice of system interconnection. This includes studio system signal flow and is introduced with an emphasis on the importance of achieving the correct signal gain structure in the recording studio and mix down process.

MAIN TOPICS: Recording Process and Strategy, Project Recording Studio, Advanced ProTools operation.

MIDI AND SAMPLING:
This subject introduces the creative power of MIDI and Sampling. The processes and production of producing musical works, beats and loops are delivered in depth. Logic and EXS Sampler software are examined in depth. Fundamental synthesizer technology is incorporated.

MAIN TOPICS: MIDI Theory, MIDI/Sampling Music System Setup and Signal Flow, Sequencing/Sampling Software and Operation, Manipulation and Editing of Digital Audio Samples, Beats, Loops and MIDI data.


LIVE SOUND:
Focus on live sound system design including signal flow of vocal to full concert sound reinforcement systems, loudspeaker placement, sound system tuning and fault finding. For safety and audio quality, understanding system power supply fundamentals could mean the
difference between life and death.

MAIN TOPICS: Loudspeakers and Crossovers, Vocal PA Systems, Concert FOH Systems, Stage Monitor Systems, Power Distribution, System Set-up, Systems Operation and Pack-Down.


AUDIO EQUIPMENT:
Regular maintenance ensures that equipment performs at its optimum. We investigate maintenance activities for professional audio equipment.
Main Subjects: Operating levels, Electronic alignment, System interconnection


STUDIO EQUIPMENT:
The tools of trade used by audio engineers are varied. We examine the key components found in the professional recording studio.

MAIN TOPICS: Audio Console Features, Effects Processing, Dynamic Processing, Tape Machines, Noise Reduction, Equalizers, Recording Studio Outboard Effects


DIGITAL AUDIO EDITING:
Increasingly available digital audio technology has revolutionized sound assembly. We systematically introduce hardware and software used in the virtual studio environment. Practical assignments are tailored towards developing editing and assembly skills.

MAIN TOPICS: File Formats, ProTools, Cubase SX, Logic Pro, System Requirements, System Operational
Techniques, Software Plug in Modules, Digital Signal Processing


DIGITAL AUDIO TECHNOLOGY:
Used throughout professional audio, digital technology has changed the work process of the professional engineer. You will investigate how this technology was developed and apply it.

MAIN TOPICS: Digital Recording Studio, Computer Operation, Advanced MIDI Sequencing and Sampling, Hard Disc Recording Theory and Techniques, Digital Hardware


FUNDAMENTAL DIGITAL VIDEO TECHNIQUES:
Understanding the workflow and signal flow of digital film production from camera to post production and editing.

MAIN TOPICS: Working with cameras, understanding the video workflow, basic video editing and capturing techniques.


AUDIO POST PRODUCTION:
Many audio engineers work with sound for motion picture and video production. The assembly techniques and technology is explained and supported with practical post production projects.

MAIN TOPICS: Film Sound, Location Sound, Film/video Signal Flow, Synchronisation, On Line/Off Line Editing


ACOUSTICS:
This subject focuses on basic acoustic principles & design, psycho acoustics, working in an acoustic environment and budgeting a studio. Various studio designs are also discussed.

MAIN TOPICS: Acoustic Fundamentals , Studio Design, Psycho Acoustic Analysis


ADVANCED STUDIO STUDIES:
Focuses on the new production techniques, commercial music arrangement basics, mixing for advertising, preparation of a 2 track master, studio etiquette and more.

MAIN TOPICS: Mix down and Session Procedure, Commercial Production, Automated Mix down Techniques


MUSICIANSHIP AND THEORY STUDIES:
Audio engineers and producers work in close proximity to musicians. Thus, it is important for them to communicate effectively and ‘speak the language’ of musicians. This subject topic provides graded opportunities for students to develop specifics of music notation and associated terminology.

MAIN TOPICS: Notation, Keys and Chords, Chart and Score Reading, Aural Training


MASTERING:
A commercial recording relies on careful attention after completion at the recording studio. Understanding this process is vital for the working sound engineer.

MAIN TOPICS: Master Take Editing, Master Formats, Signal Processing Techniques, Duplication Process, Advanced Digital Theory, Sampling and Conversion, Master Take Editing, Mastering Formats, Mastering Signal Processing Techniques, Compact Disc Compilation, Red Book-Green Book- Orange Book Codes, Mastering for Audio, Mastering for DVD.

All our practical work stations and studios are booked on an individual basis to support the course theoretical work.
Practical lab time is booked and is equally distributed during weekly theory classes, subject to availability.