CONTACT US: Tel: +27 21 448 8383/4 Fax: +27 21 448 8704 Email: study@capeaudiocollege.co.za Web: www.capeaudiocollege.co.za We are located at: Unit 8B, The Waverley Business Park Mowbray, Cape Town, 7700
SOUND HAS FOUND ITS VOICE COLLEGE PROFILE The philosophy of the Cape Audio College is simple: We aim to make every student a success in the audio/sound and music industries. When it speaks, words resonate. When it sings, notes ring. Even when it is silent, it has soul. This is the place where sound lives. This place is Cape Audio College. Training at the Cape Audio College is an awesome experience for sound-minded individuals. As the oldest and most established audio training institute in South Africa, our state-of-the-art teaching and world-class production facilities help our students to reach a degree of excellence in sound engineering and music production that is unmatched anywhere in the country. Graduates from the college are currently making waves in the steadily-growing audio and music industries, both nationally and internationally. Over the past 15 years, Cape Audio College graduates have worked themselves into top positions in their fields and are now employing current graduates. College lecturers are industry professionals and from time to time, they do commercial projects with well-known artists. Students are encouraged to get involved as assistants in these situations, gaining valuable real-world experience. We see our students as members of a family, the Cape Audio family. We support our graduates and assist them in as many ways as possible when it comes to job-seeking time. We have placed graduates in top sound jobs countrywide. We constantly communicate with the professional audio community to ensure that our students are exposed to as many opportunities as possible. This infrastructure has been developed over years to give our students an advantage when beginning their professional lives. The Cape Audio College is an officially certified AVID learning partner, offering internationally recognised certifications in AVID Pro Tools software and hardware.
Campus profile The Cape Audio College is situated in Mowbray, Cape Town and the premises form part of the historic Waverley business park. The Cape Audio College facilities include air-conditioned studios and work areas which students use to do projects and gain valuable hands-on experience. The campus offers over 40 digital workstations running the industrystandard pro tools software and other music production software programs. IN ADDITION TO OUR OWN VERY EXPERIENCED LECTURERS, PROFESSIONALS FROM THE INDUSTRY ARE BROUGHT IN TO COLLABORATE WITH STUDENTS AND GIVE THEM A REAL INSIGHT INTO THE WORKINGS OF THE INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS PASS ON SOME VALUABLE TRICKS OF THE TRADE TO PREPARE THEM FOR SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYMENT. The live recording area is a large room with great acoustics, enabling any kind of recording project to take place. This may include large ensembles, choirs and bands. The size and feel of this recording space has gained a reputation in the industry and many top recording artists choose to do their recordings here, which is fantastic as this often enables students to collaborate with chart topping and professional musicians. We feel it is vital that students have access to the latest equipment available. Our superior studios are therefore fitted out acoustically and electronically so as to simulate the professional environments our graduates will experience when employed after completing the course. Student resources include access to the research library which contains specialist printed and digital audio training material. With books on every audio-based subject imaginable, the research library also provides access to the world wide web and contains a massive audio library consisting of over 250 Terabytes of music and sound effects. We have also purchased subscriptions to all major audio and music-based magazines to help keep students up to date in this ever evolving industry. The recreation center is found right next door, providing facilities for study groups and individual development. Our store contains the very best in music production and recording equipment available to all learners. A dedicated store provides assistance and advice when working practically in the studios. Static lectures are presented in our spacious auditorium fitted with state of the art, interactive whiteboard technology. The auditorium features a demonstration studio incorporating the latest in audio software and hardware technology. This facility also hosts professional audio industry workshops and product demonstrations from the world s leading manufacturers. Workshops and practical demonstrations take place in our comfortable lecture theaters fitted with High Definition video projection and an audio system made up of the basic equipment used in recording studios. This enables theory concepts to be demonstrated practically, making lectures interesting and informative. THE AUDITORIUM The Auditorium comfortably seats 80 people. With a cutting-edge digital whiteboard system and a demonstration recording studio fitted as standard, the auditorium is used as a high-tech training environment that ensures interactive and practically focused theory lectures. With the use of digital cameras and High Definition projection, every student in the class can see the finer details during hardware and software demonstrations. ReSOURCE LIBRARY Our resource library incorporates both digital and printed resources. Printed media includes reference books, technique guides, the latest international magazines, a large business section as well as audio engineering society journals. Digital archives are available from the fitted internet systems which also grant access to all of the best audio-related sites on the web. The library also features a large music collection consisting of over 500 reference CDs. RECREATION CENTRE The recreation center provides a relaxed and creative environment for students to network and socialise on campus, a venue for study groups or just a place to relax between studio sessions.
diploma IN SOUND TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION The Diploma in Sound Technology and Production is the flagship program at Cape Audio College and has been instrumental in building our reputation as an industry leader for over 15 years. This three-year course offers in-depth specialised knowledge and practical skills, enabling students to enter a number of career paths within the audio industry both locally and internationally. Diploma students start by covering all the fundamentals of sound production, including the principles of audio technology, both analogue and digital. The equipment used in audio production is then introduced and after just 4 weeks the students are working on radio productions applying what they have learned in class practically. While working in the studios and gaining confidence on the equipment, students gain an in-depth understanding of vital concepts like signal flow, gain structure and recording. Pro Tools training forms an integral part of the curriculum and students are taught the necessary skills to be highly proficient on this industry-standard digital audio platform. Over and above technical skills, students are taught the more creative aspects of the craft, like sound design, mixing and the art of capturing a sonic or musical moment of brilliance as a good quality recording. Human relations and professionalism is another skill we place a lot of emphasis on, and it is often this area that can make the difference between an average and a great sound engineer. WITHIN 4 WEEKS, STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO INDIVIDUAL STUDIO TIME TO APPLY PRACTICALLY WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED IN CLASS. FACILITATORS ARE AT HAND TO ASSIST, CREATING A ONE-ON-ONE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. As part of the practical assessment, students are required to record and produce radio commercials ready for airplay, learn the art of sound design and post production by producing the soundtrack for film clips and documentaries, perform PA setup and live mixing and record and mix bands in the studio utilising the latest computer and digital editing recording equipment available. Students also learn the value of a good analogue front end to the recording chain, which can make the difference between a commercial recording and a demo. Our lecturers are highly-qualified industry professionals who, apart from giving you the best training around, will make sure that you enjoy every lecture. Classes and industry workshops are held in a relaxed environment and numbers are kept small. Students can book practical time in the studios to apply what they have learned in class. Students will be mentored through the program by staff and industry professionals ensuring that once qualified, graduates will be able to go out there and get the job done professionally.
diploma IN SOUND TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION - First Year YEAR In the first year of study students start by being introduced to the fundamentals of audio theory and what being an audio engineer is all about. Students learn about the hardware equipment used in modern audio production studios and they integrate this equipment with computer-based production software to complete a number of projects that enable them to develop a firm grounding and develop their skills in the various facets of the audio production industry. Curriculum Details 1ST YEAR MODULES: Audio Technology fundamentals Audio Technology Fundamentals The human ear and the perception of sound Sound principles and electrical representation of sound Sound measurement db. Audio circuits and block diagrams Cabling and connectors. Soldering Introduction to digital Mac OS X and the DAW (Pro Tools) RADIO PRODUCTION 1 The recording studio Pro Tools The stages of radio production The makeup of a basic radio commercial Creative considerations. Voiceover recording Mixdown Mastering for radio broadcast MUSIC PRODUCTION 1 Microphone technology and application The audio signal chain and recording equipment Recording production Music theory and application MIDI theory and sequencing Music mixing AUDIO POST PRODUCTION 1 Pro Tools in post environment Creative sound design principles Sound effects Audio post mixing Live Sound 1 The basic Public Address (PA) Venue considerations Setup and breakdown protocols Troubleshooting Soundcheck The monitors and feedback Designing for intelligibility
diploma IN SOUND TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION - second Year YEAR Second-year students begin by learning advanced recording, starting with an in-depth analysis and appreciation of various instruments including drum tuning, instrument timbre, microphone placements, pre-amps and acoustic considerations. Students are then given a thorough understanding of the workings of digital audio systems and how to implement this technology into modern production environments. Curriculum Details 2ND YEAR MODULES: AUDIO TECHNOLOGY FUNDAMENTALS 2 Understanding and interpreting specifications Electrical interfacing of the audio chain Principles of digital audio Audio Post Production 2 Radio Production 2 Types of radio production and presentation Key people within the radio production industry Pitch presentation Voiceover artist fees Jingle composition and arrangement Music rights usage and royalties Advertising campaigns LIVE SOUND 2 Music Production 2 Advanced drum recording and mixing Advanced guitar reamping Song tempo structure and progression Advanced MIDI, sequencing and electronic music production Advanced routing and mixing Advanced dynamic control Gain structure and manipulation through Equalization Advanced mastering With this knowledge firmly in place, second-year students then embark on an in-depth study of the Pro Tools environment including technical and operational skills of this industry-standard DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Acoustics are then studied in-depth and students have to design a recording studio complex from the ground up in the form of a detailed acoustic design proposal. Audio visual production then takes precedence and students are taught all aspects of putting a sound-track together from music and effects to dialogue, location recording and final mix. Cue lists Foley production Advanced sound design Field recording Recording voiceovers Soundtrack composition 5.1 Surround sound mixing Mastering for broadcast Acoustic considerations Troubleshooting Front-of-house sound system design and operation Monitor engineering. Advanced live sound technologies Advanced live mixing Recording a live event Music business principles completes the second year of study. Students are also exposed to, and gain experience in the live sound field, culminating in a hands-on live practical evaluation.
diploma IN SOUND TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION - third Year In third year, students specialise in some of the main facets of modern audio production, namely; Music Production, Sound to Picture, Live Sound, Acoustics and Music Business. Students work closely with clients, industry role players and professionals in a realworld situation and are expected to: Liaise with a band producer/manager or artist and coordinate the recording, mixing and mastering of an album to a standard acceptable for commercial release. Provide the soundtrack for a full-length feature film or documentary including location recording, music composition, and dialogue recording and editing. The soundtrack must be mixed in-stereo and surround sound and be compatible with television and cinema standards. Conceptualise and coordinate a live sound event at a real-world venue and be responsible for putting together a bill of performers, securing a venue and promoting the event, identifying the sound requirements, installing, troubleshooting and operating the front of house and monitoring sound systems during the event. They will also be required to research and present a full business design proposal for a commercial recording facility. Students will also be responsible for taking all technical and acoustic factors into account, including acoustic design method and analysis, soundproofing, equipment profiling and interior design. The assignment simulates a real-world situation and provides vital information for any future studio builder to become familiar with business protocols and practices common within the music industry. They will be encouraged to gain experience from realworld case studies and gain valuable knowlege regarding the ins and outs of music licensing, contracts and modern methods of generating revenue within our new digital world. YEAR Curriculum Details 3RD YEAR MODULES: Acoustic Principles and Studio Design 1 Sound Transmission and soundproofing Construction, specification and design of sound transmission barriers Acoustic principles, diffusion, reflection and absorption Modal frequency distribution and identification of standing wave frequencies Treatment of standing wave frequencies Earthing and wiring used in audio installation Music PRODUCTION 3 Liaise with producer and artist in preparation of EP production Evaluate and assess song arrangements and production planning for commercial viability Record, mix and master EP for commercial release for radio and retail distribution Organise recording schedule and work to budget constraints Prepare press release pack for marketing purposes. Identification and application of sound transmission. reduction within HVAC designs and installations. Profiling and presentation of equipment installations and layouts Design considerations Auxiliary services Audio Post Production 3 Client Brief Music and sound design Production audio Dialogue recordings / lip-sync and ADR (Automatic dialogue replacement) Final mix and master preparations EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING The purpose of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme and experience the music and sound industry while being guided and mentored by a supervisor. This module will assist to bridge the gap between classroom and workplace and expose students to some of the many facets of the sector. LIVE SOUND 3 Securing a venue for a live sound event Venue contracts Organizing a list of bands / performers to perform at an event Performers contractual arrangements Event promotion Sound system requirements for an event Sound system for front-of-house and monitor system Soundcheck and mixing sound for all performers Music Business Principles 1 The structure of the music and entertainment industry Small business management Contracts for the entertainment industry Intellectual property and copyright law Marketing and branding strategies Career planning and management
higher certificate in SOUND TECHNOLOGY The Higher Certificate in Sound Technology is a one-year certificate course that gives a great introduction to the craft of Audio Engineering through theory lectures and practical hands-on training. The exit-level outcomes of this qualification are designed to ensure a competence level that will create opportunities for internships in the workplace, employment possibilities and progression to further higher education studies. The qualification is primarily vocational, or industryoriented. The qualification also serves to provide students with the basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical for further higher education studies. This qualification signifies that the student has attained a basic level of knowledge and competence in audio engineering and is capable of applying such knowledge and competence in an occupation or role in the workplace. The Higher Certificate includes a simulated work experience in the form of practical operation and completion of audio projects in our many practical labs and studios. INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS ARE CONSULTED ON A REGULAR BASIS TO ENSURE THE SKILLS OBTAINED IN THIS PROGRAM ARE ALIGNED TO INDUSTRY STANDARDS, MAKING YOU MORE COMPETITIVE IN THE JOB MARKET! Cape Audio College Higher Certificate in Sound Technology students start by learning the fundamentals of sound and human hearing and then go on to be introduced to the equipment which forms the building blocks of an audio sound system whether it be in studio or live sound. As the students learn about the equipment, they are given practical assignments which gives them hands-on experience, enabling them to grasp concepts relating to signal flow and the basic operation and interconnection of all the equipment used in the audio production environment. Today computers and software have become an integral part of audio production and the Higher Certificate students will be put through their paces learning the Mac Platform and software programs like Pro Tools, Reason and Record.
higher certificate in Sound TECHNOLOGY Due to the constant evolution and growing demands of the audio industry, students are required to become workplace-ready as soon as possible. The purpose of the Higher Certificate qualification is to give learners a thorough understanding of the theory and practical requirements in order to be successfully employed in the audio industry. As part of the practical assessment, students are required to record and produce radio commercials ready for airplay, record and mix bands in the studio, do sound design and mixing to picture for film or television, utilizing the latest computer and digital editing recording equipment available to date. APPLIED MUSIC Grade 1 music theory Chords and keys Music notation Slurs and ties Tempo and key signatures Basic composition COMPUTER BASED AUDIO Hard disk recording Computer orientation Introduction to Pro Tools DAW Basic session / Disk storage / Backup Hardware setup Mix/Edit windows MUSIC PRODUCTION/ RECORDING Planning a recording session Selecting microphones Dealing with musicians and producers Selecting a recording medium Setting up cue mixes Track sheets Signal processing Flow and continuity of a recording session Overdubs AUDIO VISUAL PRODUCTION Video formats Music beds Sound effects Voiceovers Picture sync Final Mix MIDI (Musical instrument Digital Interface) Connections/ Transmission data Masters / slaves Program channels Control changes Midi Modes Computers and MIDI Midi in live performance and studio Implementation charts MIXING MUSIC Arrangements Genre EQ Levels Frequency spectrum Use of effects Dynamics Final balance Curriculum Details: AUDIO TECHNOLOGY FUNDAMENTALS Sound and vibration The Ear Dynamic Range Wavelength Frequency Phase Headroom Gain structure Frequency ranges Frequency response Localization Fletcher Munson Weighting networks SOUND MEASUREMENT The Decibel Sound levels Acoustic power measurements Electrical measurements dbm, dbv, dbu Measurements Meters Vu and PPM Sound Pressure Level (SPL) Margin Peak Hold BASIC ELECTRONICS Voltage Power Impedance Resistance Electronic circuits Specifications Soldering and wiring MICROPHONE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATION Types of microphone Transduction methods Polar patterns Proximity effect Acoustic phase shift network Phantom power Microphone makes and models Microphone applications and characteristics Microphone for stereo miking Using microphones in the studio INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL AUDIO TECHNOLOGY Analogue to digital conversion Digital synchronization Digital side effects Using digital in audio production LIVE SOUND Small, medium and large systems Front-of-house Monitor systems Sound check Trouble shooting Design for max intelligibility ACOUSTICS Modes/standing waves Resonant frequencies Psychoacoustics Isolation, reflection, absorption Sound proofing Acoustic treatments Control room design MASTERING The mastering studio EQ and compression Monitors Level Balance Signal processing Media considerations and final distribution
Cape audio college main control room
FACILITIES Music Production Suite Post-Production The Live Room The Cape Audio College provides students with access to a large number of high-tech studios and workstations for their practical assignments. We believe it is vital for students to learn how to use the best equipment available and to this end, we have fitted our studios out acoustically and electronically to simulate the professional environment. Our main studio has been designed to imitate a world-class recording facility, giving students an opportunity to learn how to use cutting-edge industry tools. The Post-production Studio is fitted with the very best in digital audio software and hardware. The 5.1 surround sound system allows for full feature film post-production and effortless recording. The live room is a stunning live recording area with wooden floors and and very high ceilings. Superb acoustic design allows instruments to sound full and rich avoiding the common tinny sound of amateur recordings. The Digital Lounge The Audio Factory The Edit Laboratory The Lecture Theatre Studio 1 Studio 2 Our Digital Lounge has been used as a commercial recording studio by international advertising agencies and film companies for the past 15 years this industry-leading postproduction studio can handle even the toughest audio production tasks. The Audio Factory suites are specifically designed to help students learn the art of audio production. These suites have been designed to emulate the large studio by providing systems that are essential when operating larger control rooms. Editing can be a time-consuming process. The Edit Labs allow students to practice their editing skills using software-based digital audio workstations. Fitted with Pro Tools and a large digital interactive whiteboard, our spacious, air-conditioned Lecture Theatre doubles as a small studio. Studio 1 is a mixing engineer s dream. Experience on this system is crucial when mastering the art of consol mixing. Studio 2 features an industry-standard Pro Tools Digidesign 003 Controller, enabling students to gain real-world experience using the same operating systems that are employed in studios all over the world.
MODERN MUSIC PRODUCTION The course is focused on the modern music producer. With the advent of digital music production and recording, the roles of the modern record and electronic music producer have dramatically changed over the last 5 years. Computer processing power has greatly improved, giving the bedroom producer and bands the opportunity to compete on a global scale. The focus of this course is new age record production with topics covering remixing, producing, and recording new age bands as well as electronic music production. The music industry has changed dramatically in the 21st century and the internet has provided a platform for creative and talented artists to get noticed, thereby becoming overnight sensations.
Cape Audio College has always been at the cutting edge of the South African music industry and with the advent of the Modern Music Production course we aim to continue with this legacy. Also included are guest lectures and workshops giving you the opportunity to directly engage with a variety of Industry professionals covering topics such as, Film score, modern Rock and electronic production to Publishing and copyright. The course is structured over 16 Weeks and 22 Lectures. Students attending will have access to the recording studios and edit labs during practical times in the evenings as well as the edit labs during normal business hours. The topics covered in the course will not only give you access to the industry-standard Digital Audio Workstation and Digital production software but also to the great analogue recording studios. This will help you as a producer to broaden your creative talents by having the ability to not only arrange and sequence your music, but record artists and musicians, thereby taking your production to an international level and beyond. curriculum: STUDIO FUNDAMENTALS: Studio Layout Outboard equipment Production equipment Digital audio workstations Effects processors Effects plug-ins Virtual Instruments AUDIO ENGINEERING BASICS: The Role of a Sound Engineer Working with Recording Artists Working with session musicians The Digital and Analogue Recording chain The Digital and Analogue Mixing chain Creating Sonically Professional Productions and Recordings MUSIC SEQUENCING AND ARRANGEMENTS: Remix assessment and production Sequencing and Arrangement Instrument and Voice recording Tempo and Time signature Harmonies and Chord structure Pro Tools DAW production Reason rewire and production Abelton Live, studio and live gig productions MIDI and Virtual Instruments Audio Elastic timing and Warping Producing music for Film, Television and Advertising Home and Professional studio acoustics and equipment STUDIO FUNDAMENTALS: Marketing and Distribution Online resources and Marketing Finance and budget planning Music associations Working with Record labels Collection and Distribution of Royalties Music industry Management Publishing and Copyright From Concept to Reality Finding and Developing musical Talent Working with Recording Artists The Art of Pro-production Working in a modern recording studio Music Equipment Working with Record label A&R, Management and Executives Business planning Building and Marketing your Brand How to Book Studios and Session musicians How to be noticed as a Professional Music Producer PRODUCTION
Lindsay Johnson: Audio Engineer, KFM / Cape Talk The curriculum, the studios and the expertise provided me with a solid understanding of sound & audio engineering Ricardo McCarthy: Head Audio Engineer, SABC Cape Audio College provided me with the knowledge for a career in post production, which requires good technical and people skills