Audio Courses
Diploma in Audio Engineering
Language of Instruction: English or Thai
Duration: 9 months (full-time), 12 months (part-time)
Qualification: Diploma
Intakes (International Students): June and November
Intakes (Thai Students): May, August and November
Download full course schedule here
Program Overview
The Audio Engineering Diploma Program offers students the opportunity to study all aspects of modern audio engineering, preparing them for a career as audio professionals in various fields.
A unique combination of theoretical study, practical classes and hands-on studio time gives students a thorough knowledge of a broad range of topics related to audio production and how the music industry works.
Students will have access to industry standard professional hardware and software, including large format inline consoles, control surfaces, hardware and software processors and software such as ProTools and Cubase.
Practical assignments are varied and are designed to test students’ skills in many areas, including band recordings, post-production, audio editing, mixing, electronic music production, audio restoration, etc. For musicians, practical assignments give them an opportunity to record their own music, alternately students are encouraged to bring in outside talent to record for their assignments.
Outside of class-time, students individually book all practical time; our facilities are open 12 hours per day, 6 days a week, which allows students to design a schedule that works for them.
Successful completion of the Diploma course is a prerequisite for students who wish to continue their studies with the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Recording Arts.
Career Possibilities
Recording Engineer, Mixing & Remixing Engineer, Audio Post Production Engineer, Sound Reinforcement Engineer, Monitor Engineer, Foley Engineer, Dubbing Engineer, Sound Designer, Systems Designer, System Engineer, Music ProducerCourse Contents
Basic Sound Theory:
Focuses on the basic principals of sound and acoustics. Topics include the fundamentals of how sound behaves, the human ear and hearing, an introduction to acoustics, frequency analysis, and ear-training.
Studio Equipment and Signal Processing:
This module examines the key components generally found in a professional recording studio. Topics include audio mixing consoles, effects processing, analog and digital signal processors, noise reduction, equalization, audio connections and signal flow.
Audio Electronics:
Knowledge of the fundamentals of electronics theory is essential to understanding audio and recording technology. Topics covered include basic electronics theory, common components, reading equipment specifications, decibels, standard operating levels, equipment testing, cables & connectors as well as a focus on occupational health and safety.
Digital Audio Technology:
Used throughout the professional audio industry, digital technology has changed the traditional role of the professional audio engineer. Engineers today must be highly computer literate and familiar with a range of software. Topics include digital recording studios, digital audio theory, computer & software operation, file formats, MIDI, advanced ProTools operation, digital hardware, software plugins, synchronization, and understanding both the advantages & disadvantages of digital technology.
Professional Recording Studios:
This module focuses on using the studio for an entire production from tracking to mix-down to mastering. Main topics: advanced signal flow, mix-down, audio console operation, session planning, microphone techniques, working with a producer, recording various genres of music and session workflow.
Advanced Studio Studies:
Focusing on advanced studio recording & mixing techniques, this module aims to prepare students for the workplace. Topics such as production techniques, arranging, creating stereo and surround masters, studio etiquette and advanced mixing techniques will be covered.
Acoustics:
This module focuses on basic acoustic principles and studio design from a practical perspective. Main topics: acoustics theory, studio monitoring, psychoacoustics, studio construction fundamentals, room evaluation, isolation, live applications of acoustics, and studio design.
Music Theory:
Music is the ‘language’ of audio engineers and a firm grasp is essential to being successful in a studio environment. This module examines Western music history, genre development, notation, rhythm, scales, harmony, chords, as well as an introduction to copyrights and music business legal issues in general.
Audio Post-Production:
Many audio engineers are employed in studios and post-production houses working with sound for motion picture and video production. This module covers a number of key topics, including sound for film, synchronization, on-line and off-line sound editing, Foley techniques, additional dialogue replacement (ADR), basic sound design, video signal flow and basic video editing.
Live Sound Reinforcement:
Live performance and events is another industry where many audio engineers are employed. This module focuses on live sound system design, installation and operation; including loudspeaker placement and design, live sound system tuning and fault-finding, concert FOH systems, monitoring, live recording and broadcast feeds.
Mastering and Remixing:
This is usually the final stage in the production process and this module examines the critical link between recording and final CD manufacturing, with the goal of giving any material maximum impact on the listener. Topics include advanced digital theory, mastering formats, mastering signal processing techniques, duplication processes, how CD's work, mastering for audio and remix techniques.