Course Name: Diploma in Sound Engineering
Duration: 6 terms (18 Months)
Tuition Fee: Ksh 45,000 per term
Department: School of Music Technology
Course Outline/Structure:
Term 1: Foundational Acoustic Engineering & Signal Flow
- Acoustic Physics & Studio Design: Soundwave propagation, frequency calculations, isolation metrics, and room treatment blueprints.
- Analogue & Digital Signal Path Mastery: Microphone pre-amps, hardware patching, interface setup, and console input/output routing.
- Advanced Microphone Technology: Precision capture setups, polar patterns, transient response, and stereo configurations (XY, ORTF, Mid-Side).
- Pro Tools & DAW Environments: Full software configuration, shortcuts, and timeline editing systems for major studio tracking.
Term 2: Advanced Studio Tracking & Hardware Processing
Advanced Recording Console Operation: Hands-on routing utilizing the Behringer Wing and Midas digital mixing environments.
Dynamic & Frequency Audio Processing: Practical application of outboard parametric EQs, multi-band compressors, gates, and limiters.
Time-Based Effects & Spatial Modulation: Corrective and creative use of delay lines, plate/hall reverbs, and phase correction tools.
Vocal Engineering Masterclass: Multi-mic vocal tracking, comping loops, and high-end pitch processing architectures (Melodyne protocols).
Term 3: Live Sound Reinforcement & Stage Architecture
- Front of House (FOH) Engineering: System tuning, room equalization, delay rings, and managing large-scale venue projection acoustics.
- Monitor Mix Engineering: Advanced internal auxiliary routing, digital wireless in-ear monitor (IEM) configuration, and stage setup.
- Digital Audio Snake Mapping: Networked audio distribution setups (Dante, AES50, MADI systems) for major stadium platforms.
- Power Distribution Management: Phase allocation, transformer mechanics, ground loop prevention, and system safety procedures.
Term 4: Audio Post-Production for Film and Television
- Cinematic Audio Post-Production: Dialogue restoration, automated dialogue replacement (ADR), field recording, and Foley mapping.
- Sound Design & Spatial Texturing: Creating non-musical effects, transitions, sub-drops, and multichannel surround-sound spatial layouts.
- Broadcast & Streaming Audio Standards: Mastering audio output to strict industrial delivery metrics (EBU R128 and LUFS targets).
- Score Integration for Media: Arranging soundscapes, commercial cues, and editing audio profiles for luxury video media assets.
Term 5: B2B Business Models & Corporate Entertainment Law
- Corporate Event Production Architecture: B2B commercial contract creation, budget bidding systems, and venue site-survey logistics.
- Intellectual Property & CMO Systems: Managing structural registrations within MCSK, PRISK, KAMP, and global collection agencies.
- Studio Infrastructure Monetization: Commercial pricing setups, equipment rental operations (PA system for hire packages), and client account tracking.
- Professional Branding & Consulting: Operating as a freelance acoustic consultant, technical designer, or sound director.
Term 6: BTEC Capstone Project, Corporate Internship & TVETA Board Exams
- Commercial Sound Engineering Project: Engineering a complex multi-layered live event recording or complete post-production film sound map.
- External Media Industry Placement: Advanced technical attachment within top-tier regional broadcast stations or commercial studio houses.
- Pearson BTEC Technical Portfolio Assessment: Checking final collected audio files against international academic frameworks.
- TVETA Board Examination & Graduation: Comprehensive practical board execution and structural theory exams for formal licensing.