Audio Production Certificate (Waltham only)

Full-time (Day): 2 terms | Part-time (Night): 4 terms

Develop your creative expertise in cutting-edge audio techniques with the Audio Production Certificate program at CDIA. Learn about the world of audio, studio operations, current music technologies and music production as they are implemented for music, film, television and interactive media. You’ll learn audio theory, gain competency with industry-standard tools, become familiar with professional standards, and understand the aesthetic considerations of audio.

Our facilities include two recording studios, two edit suites/mix studios, and both Mac- and PC-based student labs. Studio D is a full-scale recording studio with 5.1 surround-sound capabilities, a large live room and three isolation booths—one of which houses a baby grand piano. Designed by the world-renowned Walters-Storyk Design Group, the studio is equipped with an Audient 8024 console, racks of analog and digital outboard gear, and Pro Tools HD. Studio F, another full-size recording studio, and is equipped with a Yamaha DM2000, an industry-standard digital console that provides a valuable contrast to the analog Audient.

Through a combination of hands-on exercises, lectures and team projects, you’ll be introduced to real-world applications, theoretical concepts, critical listening skills, and issues surrounding the aesthetics of audio and music. Working with students in programs like filmmaking and animation, you’ll experience the truly collaborative nature of developing audio for visual media. After completing the certificate program, and with a substantial résumé and demo reel, you will have the knowledge and experience to enter the workforce.

Modules

DA101 Signal Flow & Recording I

This module provides an introduction to signal flow in the modern recording studio and pays particular attention to optimal studio setup and signal routing using an analog console. Concepts are presented through lecture, hands-on studio time, and a student-run recording session.

DA102 Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

This module provides students with a thorough knowledge of the design and operation of DAWs beginning with the industry-standard Pro Tools. The underlying metaphors behind DAWs are exposed, and a mastery of the software is developed through demonstrations, exercises, and projects. Software used includes Pro Tools, Logic, Reason, and other industry-standard programs.

DA103 Mixdown

This module provides students with an in-depth survey of the physical components and fundamental theories used in the mixing phase of audio production. Class discussions include basic hardware and software operation as well as a comprehensive look at how these technologies are applied to professional mixing situations. In addition to mix assignments, students hone their critical listening skills through ear training exercises aimed at demonstrating the correlation between sound manipulation and aural perception.

DA104 Signal Flow & Recording II

A continuation of Signal Flow + Recording I, this module continues the study of signal flow in a modern recording studio introducing a digital console into the recording path. Working in a hybrid environment and the integration of both analog and digital signals in the signal chain are thoroughly examined.

DA105 Microphone Techniques

Microphone selection and placement are an integral part of all recording sessions, and in this module, students are introduced to microphone types, polar patterns, and specifications. Additionally, students participate in several recording sessions in order to begin their training in the aural recognition of microphone selection and placement.

DA106 Introduction to Music Production

This module progresses from the technical to the aesthetic aspects of recording. A survey of production techniques is explored via in-class listening where popular music styles are analyzed based on elements including form, instrumentation, and recording + mix techniques. Students also experience the procedures and roles assumed during the recording process through role-play and an in-class recording session.

DA107 Production Sound & Field Recording

This module examines the equipment and recording techniques utilized in field recording, particularly as it pertains to film and television production. Topics include boom pole operation, microphone types and techniques, portable sound mixers and recording devices, ambience, room tone, time code, and the unique challenges inherent to production sound.

DA108 Introduction to Sound Design

This module focuses on the specialized tools and techniques necessary for work in the sound design field. This introduction includes a study of the aesthetics of sound design in film, television, animation, games and radio. The creation and use of sound effects are also introduced via an in-class sound design project.

DA109 Introduction to Post-Production

This module introduces post-production audio for film and television. Students explore post-production workflow including OMF/AAF interchange, leveling and sweetening, music editing, noise reduction, dialog editing, voice-over recording, and standard delivery methods.

DA110 Physics of Audio, Acoustics & Psychoacoustics

This module presents the fundamentals of sound: sound waves, frequency, pitch, amplitude, phase, wave shape, timbre, the sound envelope, the harmonic series, octave bands, concepts of noise and pure waveforms. The module also features an detailed look at the aspects of sound in a space as well as the aural phenomena that shape the way in which we hear sound. Sound transmission, sound isolation and noise reduction are conveyed via the correspondence to room acoustics and basic studio design topics. Students also investigate the Fletcher-Munson curve, the precedence effect and phantom center images.

DA201 Live Sound

This module demonstrates the techniques and equipment used in live sound reinforcement. An emphasis on signal flow, setup, and calibration of PA systems prepares students to mix live performances. Topics include proper microphone selection, system “ringing out” for feedback elimination, monitor mixes, use of equalizers, compressors, gates + effects, and the integration of stage splitters to route signals to multiple mixing consoles and recorders.

DA202 MIDI Systems

This module takes an in-depth look at MIDI and its varied uses in contemporary music production. From sequencing and soft synthesizers to hardware controllers and sound modules, the coursework includes MIDI system setup, the connection between MIDI data and musical events, and the integration of MIDI into modern production practices.

DA203 Advanced Signal Flow

This module builds on the introductory signal flow materials and explores advanced practices that promote successful operation in a modern recording studio. Delving deeper into optimal operation in hybrid studio setups, concepts are demonstrated via instructor demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and in-class recording sessions using both analog and digital consoles.

DA204 Advanced Microphone Techniques

This module focuses on advanced microphone techniques including stereo microphone setups such as X-Y, spaced, ORTF, Blumlein and Mid-Side. During in-class recording sessions, students gain an aural understanding of these and other advanced microphone techniques while recording both solo instruments and small ensembles.

DA205 Advanced Music Production

This module allows students to produce a demo recording for a band or artist of their choice which includes booking studio time, recording basics + overdubs, editing, and mixing. Students work independently in the studios, and instructors provide feedback throughout the production process.

DA206 Advanced Post-Production for Film

In this module students continue to develop their skills in post-production for film.  Advanced topics include a deeper look at sound effect and music implementation, foley creation, automated dialogue replacement (ADR), surround-sound mixing, and dialogue editing techniques.

DA207 Sound Design for Games

This module begins with a comprehensive overview of game audio production and implementation including relevant roles within the game industry and typical production schedules. Throughout the module, students develop audio for a game level and continue their exploration of sound design via sound effect creation and sonic manipulation for interactive environments.

DA208 Audio Documentary Production

This module is an introduction to broadcast journalism through audio portraits and field recording. The course educates students on sound collection, interviewing in the field, microphone handling, voice-over approaches and audio documentary script preparation, culminating in the production of an original audio documentary project.

DA209 Mastering

This module explores the last creative step in the production process and the first technical step in the replication process: mastering. Class discussions and demonstrations cover format details, replication master preparation and testing, editing, coding, sample rate conversion, and dithering. Students also complete a mastering project where they employ techniques including M/S processing, parallel and multiband compression, and stereo enhancement. The module culminates with a visit to a professional mastering studio.

DA210 Sound Design for Animation

Building upon the skills developed in the introductory Sound Design module, students will continue to expand and explore their knowledge in capturing, manipulating and synthesizing sound.  These techniques will be applied to animation projects where students will produce sounds effects, ambiance, music, and VO.

DA401 Final Project

This module represents the culmination of the Audio Production curriculum. Each student selects a project from among the areas covered in the course: music production, sound design for animation or games, audio documentary or audio post-production for film. The student is then assigned a faculty advisor and creates a substantial and largely self-directed work. Final projects are critiqued by classmates and instructors throughout the project and become an integral element of the student’s demo reel.

DA990 Directed Study

This module allows students the time to focus on an independent project under the approval and guidance of a faculty member. Students will work from proposal to a completed project that pursues in greater depth topics previously studied. Final deliverables can include enhancing portfolio or a special project that aligns with each students’ interests and career goals. Alternatively, directed study students can apply this time to Practicum to allow more focus on longer term client deliverables.

DA999 Production Practicum

Practicum gives students who have completed the certificate program practical experience in working on a real-world project. Under the direction of a faculty member students will produce a media project for a nonprofit organization and learn to manage the constraints of a fixed timeframe and welldefined client deliverables. Students will gain confidence and better understand the professional expectations of the position they hold on a project. Practicum allows students to gain professional experience while refining their new skills in a real production environment.