Course Name: Certificate in Sound Engineering
Duration: 4 terms | 1 Year
Tuition Fee: Ksh 45,000 per term
Department: School of Music Technology
Course Outline/Structure:
Term 1: Signal Flow & Live Sound Basics
- Audio Fundamentals: Audio paths, basic console routing, gain architecture, and monitoring setups.
- The Live PA Infrastructure: Core configuration of speakers, system crossovers, amplifiers, and basic microphones.
- Introduction to Digital Consoles: Basic setup, input/output assignments, and layer navigation on standard digital desks.
- Cabling & Safety: XLR, TRS, Speakon mapping, balanced vs. unbalanced lines, and safe power connections.
Term 2: Studio Tracking & Microphone Techniques
- Microphone Application: Matching mic types to instruments, close-mics vs. room setups, and managing feedback loops.
- Multitrack Session Setup: Setting headphone cue systems, tracking instruments simultaneously, and digital audio workstation tracking.
- Frequency Control: Using high-pass/low-pass filters and parametric EQs to clean up mud and boxiness in live or studio tracks.
- Dynamic Processing Basics: Applying gates to drums and clean compression loops to vocals and bass lines.
Term 3: Monitor Mixing & Audio Post-Production
- Stage Monitor Engineering: Managing auxiliary sends, setting up stage monitors, and adjusting basic in-ear monitor (IEM) mixes.
- Dialogue & Podcast Production: Recording clean voice-overs, multi-mic podcast sets, noise reduction, and level gating.
- Basic Audio Mixdown: Combining tracking assets into clean stereo files with level, pan, and spatial modifications.
- Copyright and Asset Regulations: Basic KECOBO guidelines and understanding licensing for commercial audio placements.
Term 4: Live Event Senior Project & Exit Assessment
- Live Event Management Practicum: Complete setup, running, and breakdown of a full PA sound layout for a live campus showcase.
- Studio Engineering Project: Independently setting up a multi-mic session, tracking a live performer, and presenting a balanced mix.
- Technical Portfolio Check: Evaluating practical capability entries against vocational milestone benchmarks.
- BTEC Technical Assessment: Final practical exams to secure officially accredited certificate documentation.