New Surround Post Production Course added November 2007

We have recently added a new surround post production course designed existing dubbing editors and mixers to use their skills to produce surround mixes. This is especially important as the delivery specifications for HD-TV include 5.1 surround sound in their requirements. We have been at the cutting edge of surround sound in the broadcast and music sectors and have a lot of experience to help dubbing editors and mixers produce surround mixes as well.

Basic Protools Training Course Outline
We offer training for Broadcasters, given by Qualified Broadcast Trainers. ProBroadcast training also gives the user access to completely downloadable modular manuals produced by One Stop Digital specifically for Broadcasters using Digidesign products.

Our training philosophy is to train with the trainee operating the computer from almost ‘square one’ as we find they have a much greater retention ratio this way than if we train by demonstration.

Here are some examples of our basic training modules which we mix and match, modify and write new modules to suit each individual’s requirements.

Digital Audio
analog/digital conversion
sample rate, bit depth
Digital to analog conversion

Protools Unit 1
Set-up procedures, hardware/software components and essential concepts of ProTools.

Protools Unit 2
Recording, non-linear transport controls and cursor movement for random access playback and display options.

Protools Unit 3
Non-destructive editing, selection techniques, tools and modes.

Protools Unit 4
Compiling a feature, simple uses of multi-track, voices, simple level automation and track bouncing. Hard Disk management. Executive Tips.

Protools Unit 5
Digital signal processing (EQ, Compression, Echo, etc.), effects sends/returns, advanced multi-track with track bouncing, advanced level automation.

Advanced DSP
Advanced use of DSP using TDM and AudioSuite plugins that are of use in Broadcasting such as Pitch Shifting, Sample Rate Conversion, Broadband Noise Reduction & Hum Removal (DINR), Reversing, Normalising, Time Compressing & Expanding etc.

Backup Procedures
Proactive management of material on Hard Disk by means of various backup procedures including Hard Disk, CDr, DVDr and tape based platforms. How to Backup and how to Restore. Using Backup as a tool as well as an archiver.

System Upkeep & maintenance
Advanced technical aspects of system configuration, calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting hard disk problems.

Practice makes perfect
Assistance in producing a real project enabling the trainee to consolidate their new found knowledge with real world problems and solutions.

Other Course Outlines
We also have a number of other courses including a basic sound course.

Basic Sound Principles
what is sound

how do we hear
How do we amplify/record/process sound
mic amps/mixers/dat/minidisc/hard disc recorders
freq response/distortion/noise
mono/stereo

how do microphones work
different types of microphones
dynamic/condenser
omni/cardiod/hyper/rifle

Audio manipulation
Mixing console basics
mic/line inputs
equalisation
aux sends
pfl
fader
headroom/level archieture
metering - PPMs/VUs
Compressors
Reverb

sound acquistion basics
mic types
personal mics
hand mics
rifle mics
wind/vibration
intellibility/quality
fishpole/mic stand
adding mixer to camera
sound levels
handling background noise
wild tracks
monitoring
headphones
meters
to include practical sessions

Protools basics for Avid users
When audio has to come out of Avid
Protools basics
editing/mixing
timecode/time stamping
laying back into Avid

New Course
Pro Tools and Surround Sound
How to create surround mixes in Pro Tools
How to track lay for Surround mixing
What plug-ins work well in surround mixes
Mixing for Dolby Pro Logic
Mixing for 5.1 surround sound as specified in HD TV delivery requirements
How to handle downmixes to maintain stereo and mono compatibility
How to deliver your surround content