ZURb1234 Sound Technology and Creation in Media Practice

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Filip Johánek (seminar tutor)
doc. MgA. Jan Motal, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Bc. Bibiána Hroncová (assistant)
Guaranteed by
doc. MgA. Jan Motal, Ph.D.
Department of Media Studies and Journalism – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Mgr. Boris Rafailov, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Media Studies and Journalism – Faculty of Social Studies
Prerequisites (in Czech)
ZURb1116 Journalistic technological competence
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 8 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/8, only registered: 0/8, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/8
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
Students will learn the technical basics for processing and producing sound in the digital domain, i.e. through sound editing software. They will also acquire the basic skills for capturing audio using a variety of technologies. They will become familiar with technologies in the field of audio content inputs and especially outputs of sound production oriented towards media environments (microphones, wireless signal transmissions, mixing consoles).
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Capture sound using dictaphones, microphones and digital recording portable devices, analog mixing consoles and software,
- select the appropriate capture technique for recording and live streaming,
- for the purposes of media practice, process (i.e., edit and use processing) previously recorded audio in  software,
- choose the appropriate method of working and sequence for editing and processing,
- adhere to audio standards for output to radio, television and the Internet,
- be technically and sonically proficient in broadcasting their own radio input from Radio R and Muni TV/Studex studios.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introductory lesson - familiarization with the course, finding out the advanced level of course visitors, discussion of topics and determination of content priorities
  • 2. Location sound (location sound) 1
  • A. technique I. Sound converters - microphones Microphones - directional characteristics Analog multitrack mixes Digital multitrack recorders - inputs, outputs, work with recorded material
  • 3. Location sound (location sound) 2
  • A. technique II. Cable signal transmissions - cables, connectors, DI boxes Wireless signal transmissions - microports, handheld microphones Wireless signal transmissions - in-ear monitoring Synchronization of sound with image - shutter, line, timecode
  • 4. Location sound (location sound) 3
  • B. craft Interior/exterior Boom Working with microports - lapel microphone technique, hidden mic technique Assignment of task No. 1 - i.) recording of one's own voice outdoors with atmosphere + ii) survey
  • 5. "Live" sound and sound in studio conditions 1 Radio and TV sound Connecting the system System Settings Digital/analog overhead Mix Monitors Microphones Processing on input and output
  • 6. "Live" sound and sound in studio conditions 2 Audio television and radio standards Sound distribution in the recording - mono, stereo, 5.1
  • 7. "Live" sound and sound in studio conditions 3 A. sound design/postproduction I. Software overview - Sound Forge, Audacity, Adobe Audition, Reaper, Pro Tools, Cubase, Sonic Visualiser Project - import, inputs, outputs, export Edit I. - in Sound Forge, Reaper, Adobe Audition (fade in, fade out, crossfade, automation)
  • 8. "Live" sound and sound in studio conditions 4
  • A. sound design/postproduction II. Edit II. - editing - "clicks", hisses, word/syllable/letter exchange, volume using clip gain/region gain Assignment of task no. 2 - i.) edit of task no. 1, ii) voice over and its edit
  • 9. "Live" sound and sound in studio conditions 5
  • A. sound design/post-production III. Insert Send Pan/Balance Processing - plug-in, VST vs. analog processing Dynamics - compressor, limiter, gate, expander, enhancer
  • 10. "Live" sound and sound in studio conditions 6 A. sound design/postproduction IV. Processing - equalizer, multiband compressor, maximizer, effect Analysis - RTA, meters Live mix, automation Mastering Assignment of task No. 3 - i.) processing of edited task No. 1, ii) processing of task No. 2, iii) creation of own sound form lasting 4:30-5:00 minutes using own spoken word, respondent's spoken word/ ky, ambient noise, music including editing, mixing (processing) and mastering according to established standards
  • 11. "Live" sound and sound in studio conditions 7
  • B. overview of recording and processing hardware Studio monitors - combination of listening, "ideal listening place", listening room/studio acoustics
  • 12. Listening and analysis lesson - radio forms/excursions/guest from the field
  • 13. Listening and analysis class - television and film production/excursion/guest from the field
  • 14. Ending - presentation of submitted contributions and discussion, course evaluation
Literature
    recommended literature
  • BLÁHA, Ivo. Zvuková dramaturgie audiovizuálního díla. 3. upravené vydání. Praha: Nakladatelství Akademie múzických umění v Praze, 2014, 153 stran. ISBN 9788073313036. info
  • VIERS, Ric. The location sound bible : how to record professional dialogue for film and TV. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 2012, xv, 354. ISBN 9781615931200. info
  • VLACHÝ, Václav. Praxe zvukové techniky. 3., aktualiz. a dopl. vyd. Praha: Muzikus, 2008, 297 s. ISBN 9788086253466. URL info
Teaching methods
The course is designed as a seminar. Students will mainly perform practical exercises and group tasks.
Assessment methods
Attendance and active participation is required (max. 2 absences). Completion and submission of 2 sub-assignments and 1 final assignment. Presentation of the submitted papers at the final colloquium. Students will complete practical assignments in the sound and sound design sessions.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught: every week.
Teacher's information
The seminar will include presentations by guests from the industry.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2019, Spring 2020, Autumn 2020, Autumn 2021, Spring 2022, Autumn 2022, Spring 2023, Autumn 2023, Spring 2024, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2025, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2025/ZURb1234