Module Definition Form (MDF)

Module code: MOD007365 Version: 1 Date Amended: 28/Feb/2020

1. Module Title

Live Sound

2a. Module Leader

Tim Webster

2b. School

Cambridge School of the Creative Industries at Anglia Ruskin University

2c. Faculty

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

3a. Level

3b. Module Type

Standard (fine graded)

4a. Credits

30

4b. Study Hours

300

5. Restrictions

Type Module Code Module Name Condition

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Exclusions: None

Courses to which this module is BSc (Hons) Audio & Music Technology; BSc (Hons) Audio & Music Technology
restricted: (with placement); appropriate framework award

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 LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
6a. Module Description

There will always be a demand for live sound engineering for both acoustic and electronic music. This module introduces you
to the principles and practice of sound engineering in live situations. In many cases this differs substantially from that in
recording studios. The module starts by introducing the key principles behind electrical safety and hearing protection, which
are of great importance to the engineers, audience, artists and venue staff. It then looks at the audio hardware involved,
including mixers, amplifiers and crossovers. The various electrical connections and connector types are explained. The
importance of stage monitoring is examined. You will also learn the principles of lighting controllers and visuals, and the
technologies used. The principles of Audio over Ethernet are introduced. The overall PA system is considered both in terms of
an ideal design and the practicalities of running a non-ideal system successfully. The system configurations in several different
venues are compared. The management of a system in a live environment is demonstrated through practical sessions at live
events. This will include consideration of how to deal effectively with artists, promoters and venue staff. You will need to be
available in the evenings.

6b. Outline Content

Electrical principles of PA and sound reinforcement

Balanced and unbalanced analogue audio signal connections

Soldering techniques

Audio over Ethernet

Audio amplifiers, crossovers, mixers, loudspeakers, stage monitors and power delivery

Electrical and audio safety issues associated with live sound, legal requirements

Lighting and visuals

PA system management

6c. Key Texts/Literature

The reading list to support this module is available at: https://readinglists.aru.ac.uk/

6d. Specialist Learning Resources

Audio and Music Technology studios.

Access to the Academy and, where appropriate, external venues.

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 7. Learning Outcomes (threshold standards)

On successful completion of this module the student will be

No. Type
expected to be able to:

Understand the electrical and acoustic principles involved for live sound
1 Knowledge and Understanding
reproduction;

Understand the principles of audio amplification and power delivery and

2 Knowledge and Understanding
analyse and diagnose system faults;

Understand the electrical and audio safety issues and legal requirements
3 Knowledge and Understanding
associated with live sound reinforcement systems;

Develop practical skills in the assembly and operation of a live PA

Intellectual, practical, affective and
4 including the ability to analyse and alter the PA or acoustic performance
transferrable skills
space.

8a. Module Occurrence to which this MDF Refers

Year Occurrence Period Location Mode of Delivery

Template For Face To

2023/4 ZZF Face to Face
Face Learning Delivery

8b. Learning Activities for the above Module Occurrence

Details of Duration,
Learning Activities Hours Learning Outcomes frequency and other
comments

2 hour lecture/demonstration
Lectures 20 4
in Weeks 1-6 and 8-11

2 hour tutorial or practical in a

live venue in Weeks 1-6 and
8-11. Times will vary between
Other teacher managed weeks 2 hour reading
26 1-4
learning session in Week 7 2 hour
feedback session in Week 7
2 hour revision session in
Week 12

Experiments, coursework
Student managed learning 254 1-4
and revision

TOTAL: 300

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 9. Assessment for the above Module Occurrence

Assessment Learning Fine Grade or Qualifying

Assessment Method Weighting (%)
No. Outcomes Pass/Fail Mark (%)

010 Coursework 1-4 50 (%) Fine Grade 30 (%)

3,000 word equivalent

Assessment Learning Fine Grade or Qualifying

Assessment Method Weighting (%)
No. Outcomes Pass/Fail Mark (%)

011 Examination 1-4 50 (%) Fine Grade 30 (%)

2 hours

In order to pass this module, students are required to achieve an overall mark of 40%.
In addition, students are required to:
(a) achieve the qualifying mark for each element of fine graded assessment of as specified above
(b) pass any pass/fail elements

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