code:

---

Session Start: Sat Sep 11 18:29:25 2004
Session Ident: #audiocourses
* Now talking in #audiocourses
* Rico1210|away sets mode: +o Audiocourses
* Rico1210|away is now known as Rico1210
<Rico1210> hi there
<Audiocourses> Hi there Rico, I'll with you in a few mins.
<Rico1210> ok m8
<Audiocourses> So how is the weather there today Rico?
* ben_m has joined #audiocourses
<Rico1210> well it was nice but now its raining heh
<Audiocourses> I see... hi ben
<ben_m> Hi Chris
<ben_m> Hi Rico
<Rico1210> Hi there
<Audiocourses> Liverpool play today Ben?
<ben_m> oh yes
<ben_m> 3-0 to us
<ben_m> good result
<Rico1210> 3-0 for us too, i'm a geordie
<ben_m> nice one - pleased with souness coming?
<Rico1210> much needed win:)
<Rico1210> hmm well theres a question
<Rico1210> kind of
<Audiocourses> They had the arsenal game on here live..
<ben_m> in your position i'd have taken allardyce
<ben_m> arsenal game apparentl marred with bad refereeing
<ben_m> as a liverpool supporter i'd like to have seen the toon give houllier the job ;)
<Rico1210> allardyce would be great but he said no i think
<Audiocourses> Didn't watch it (as you'd guess), but it was hogging one of the sky channels.
<Rico1210> hehe yes houllier was mentioned
<Audiocourses> I'm not sure how many of us will be here this evening guys..
<Audiocourses> We will see, I do notice one or two hovering on the site, so let's hope they make it in.
* Retrieving #audiocourses modes...
<ben_m> hey chris,
<Audiocourses> yes ben
<ben_m> are the yahoo and icq names of yours correct
<Audiocourses> yes
<Audiocourses> as in my profile?
<ben_m> just upating my contacts on messengers etc
<ben_m> cool
<ben_m> yeah on the forums
<Audiocourses> You can usually find me in one or the other, or both, most days..
<ben_m> using trillian as a front end
<Audiocourses> ah yes, my friend Humpa uses that too... any good?
<ben_m> pretty smart as it works with msn, yahoo, aim, icq and irc
<ben_m> yeah its neat to have all the different protocols in one interface
<Audiocourses> makes sense, I now Trillion had a couple bugs with yahoo a while ago but I heard it got fixed.
<Audiocourses> I have yahoo cause the fmaily back home like the web cam options..
<ben_m> yeah, i had problems with an old version a year ago or so
<ben_m> oh yeah, good m/media options on yahoo
* ben_m has quit IRC (Connection reset by peer)
<Audiocourses> yeah, ICQ used to be compatible with SMS networks also, but they seem to have pulled the plug on that one.
<Audiocourses> which is a shame...as I found that feature handy...
<Audiocourses> ben left..
<Rico1210> hehe yeah gotta love mIRC
* ben_m has joined #audiocourses
<Rico1210> i usually get kicked alot
<ben_m> famous last words - trillian just crashed
* Rico1210 sets mode: +o ben_m
<Audiocourses> I'm not sure it's mirc...
<Audiocourses> I never get booted :)
<ben_m> :-D
<Rico1210> aah must be me then heh
<Audiocourses> Trillion have file sending options ben?
<ben_m> yeah
<ben_m> haven't tried them myself
<Audiocourses> Rico..  would you like to map out some of your background for ben and myself..?
<Audiocourses> Just to get an idea of where you are at..
* aik has joined #audiocourses
<Rico1210> yeah sure
<Audiocourses> welcome aik
<Rico1210> hi aik
<ben_m> hi aik
<aik> thank you, hi all you
<Audiocourses> aik we have just been chatting... rico was now going to map out his background a little for us.
<aik> I put a wee note about myself in the ftp://part3:avsome@ftp.audiocourses.com
<Audiocourses> that's great I'll check that soon aik..  also hopefully you will both add your outline in the forum:
<Audiocourses> http://www.audiocourses.com/postt646.html
<aik> oh by the way my name is angelica
<Rico1210> as i said before i'm from Newcastle, i'm working as a civil servant at the moment but would like to get a job in the sound industry. I don't have any experience so far but i have been using Reason 2.0 for a year or so and thought that a qualification would be the next logical step. I'm just starting to build up some equipment, i have an electric guitar and a Roland W30 keyboard
<Rico1210> I hope i'm not going to be out of my depth;)
<ben_m> rico - it's a steep learning curve but as long as you are keen and enthusiastic you will be fine
<Audiocourses> Rico, sounds interesting, I won't kid you, it is hard work.. but you will be supported well if you put the effort in ;)
<Audiocourses> and aik, i just read your outline..
<Rico1210> great:)
<Audiocourses> will I post it in here for the benefit of all?
<aik> Yes
<Audiocourses> My name is Angelica Kroeger. I’m 38 years of age. I’m born and brought up in Germany. The last 14 years I’ve been living in Denmark. Now life has brought me to Scotland.
<Audiocourses> I’ve been working in theatre ever since I left school in 1985.
<Audiocourses> I started as assistant director, then director. After I moved to Denmark I worked as a stage technician, basically doing everything like building and painting sets, making props, masks etc.
<Audiocourses> The latest years I did light design and light and sound operation. Due to the sound operation I had to make up and edit soundtracks for shows, as well as setting up PA systems.
<Audiocourses> I’ve been singing in an oratorio choir for many years and due to that taking part in recording, editing and mastering concerts for CD publication.
<Audiocourses> I enjoy my theatre work, but as I’m getting older I want to cut out some of the physical hard parts of the job.
<Audiocourses> Sound has always been one of my favourite sides, but my technical knowledge is limited. So far I got along by trusting my ears, but at the end of the day it is not satisfying to lack the technical background. That’s why I’m doing this course.
<Audiocourses> About my equipment: My best and most important equipment are my ears. Apart from them I have a computer with, a wee usb mixer (Edirol M 100FX), a wee usb keyboard (Evolution MK-425C), a microphone (AKG C 1000S) two sets of speakers and headphones.
<Audiocourses> I’d like to mention that I’m doing a full time job apart from this course and I’m very aware of that it might be hazardous, but I wanted to do that for years and I’m determined to survive the next three month.
<Audiocourses> Thanks for that aik!
<ben_m> interesting background
<Rico1210> yes very interesting
<Audiocourses> Can i ask what systems you used for creating the soundtracks?
<aik> do you mean the software?
<Audiocourses> ah software was it?... was curious
<Audiocourses> didn't know if it was analogue tape or software..
<Audiocourses> I know theatre used to use the old Revox and Studer tape machines fairly extensively.
<aik> I've been using a kurzweill sampler, a keybord, existing music, life recordings, all sorts of things
<aik> yes i've spent hours editing on a revox. I quite enjoyed that, though it's easier today on a computer
<aik> you have an undo button
<Audiocourses> yes good point, however, there is somthing really very fundamental you can learn in doing it with a razor blade.. you are lucky!
<Audiocourses> lol
<Audiocourses> Ever had your hands on a Revox Rico?
<aik> possibly, we used to call all of them revox. I know I'm lucky to have learned ols school
<Audiocourses> actually that was a mis understanding..  I meant "hey Rico" ever had your hands on a Revox :)
<ben_m> :)
<aik> dito
<Audiocourses> tell you what though, a Rico Revox is a cool name ;)
<Rico1210> i can't say i have, no. Could you explain a little?
<Rico1210> hehe
<Audiocourses> Rico sure, explain what exactly?
<Rico1210> i've never heard the term 'revox'
<Audiocourses> Revox is a tape recorder...
<Audiocourses> You know the old school style with two big reels?
<Rico1210> oh lol
<ben_m> its a brand name like 'hoover' that often gets applied to reel to reel machines
<Rico1210> no i can't say i've ever used one of those
<Audiocourses> well they were the "normal" way of recording sounds until about 10 years ago..
<Audiocourses> using magnetic tape..
<Audiocourses> so if you wanted to create a soundtrack, and then edited it, you had to cut the tape with a razor blade and stick it back together with tape!
<aik> the basic difference by editing on a revox, compair to a computer is on a revox you have only your ears to rely on
<Audiocourses> yes good point aik
<Audiocourses> To pin point and edit point, there was no zoom in to find the zero crossing line, you had to actualy listen hard for it!
<Audiocourses> Right aik?
<Rico1210> sounds difficult
<Audiocourses> Often an engineer might even turn the system gain up loud and put their ear almost on the speaker... even watch it move in and out.
<aik> yes, listen for hours, but I quite like that, still doing that even though I have all the otre tools to help
<Audiocourses> aik, nothing wrong in that!
<Audiocourses> Rico, a great discipline.
<Audiocourses> Now imagine a 24 track tape machine at two inches wide!
<Audiocourses> The band have done 4 weeksof sessions, and you need to move a chorus!!
<Audiocourses> That's an expensive slice if it goes wrong..
<Audiocourses> Luckily, we can simply copy and paste these days..
<aik> and undo
<Audiocourses> yes, otherwise know as "non destructive" editing.
<Audiocourses> You ok with this Rico?
<Rico1210> yup
<Audiocourses> Good
<Audiocourses> We have just mapped out a typical exam question..
<Audiocourses> "explain some differences between editing in the anologue domain compared to the digital domain"
<Audiocourses> Now..
<aik> like what is a revox or how to move that chorus?
<Audiocourses> Probably more likely to have the question i wrote above, about a comparion, they like comparisions.
<Audiocourses> Now moving on.,
<Audiocourses> Typically this first session we map out some details and answer your questions about the format of your course.
<Audiocourses> So shall we do that now, I'm sure you both have some quetions?
* Audiocourses changes topic to 'Course Format'
<Rico1210> yes please
<aik> yes i have to be honest not really a picture of how we will work
<Audiocourses> OK ben... you fancy have a go at this?
<ben_m> sure chris
<Audiocourses> thanks
<ben_m> ok guys
<ben_m> if i can run through the format and then any questions
<ben_m> ok, obviously you are working towards a C&G qualification
<ben_m> this is assessed in the form of 2 exams, one for each module
<ben_m> Each week you will be set a number of questions in each module by both myself and chris
<ben_m> i will be giving you the MT questions
<ben_m> and chris will be delivering the RT questions
<ben_m> each module has several topics
<ben_m> for instance in the MT module there are topics such as
<ben_m> Computers
<ben_m> MIDI
<ben_m> Sequencers
<ben_m> etc
<ben_m> Each week we will ask you questions based on one of these topics
<ben_m> the larger topics will be spread over 2 weeks typically
<ben_m> There are a lot of questions set each week
<ben_m> There may be weeks when you have around 100 questions to answer
<ben_m> There are obviously many sources to use to answer your questions
<ben_m> In previous years most students have used the internet predominantly
<ben_m> Although other good sources are magazines such as Sound on Sound and Future Music in the UK
<ben_m> as well as certain textbooks
<ben_m> As a rule the MT module is more 'black and white' in terms of correct answers than the RT module
<ben_m> Each week myself and chris will peruse your answers which you post in the relevant forum
<ben_m> We will obviously pick you up on points that are incorrect and point you in the right direction for the correct answer
<ben_m> What we will not tend to do however is each week give each one of you a score or percentage or similiar
<ben_m> Now, as well as the weekly questions you will be set practicals for certain topics
<ben_m> these will be available to download from the AC FTP server
<ben_m> The practicals will usually tie in with the topics you are covering the week/fortnight
<ben_m> to perform these practicals you will ideally need a few things
<ben_m> an audio editor
<ben_m> an audio/MIDI sequencer, preferably VST compatible
<ben_m> so, thats an outline of how the course is structured
<ben_m> anything you'd like to add chris before any questions?
<Audiocourses> Thanks Ben that was very comprehensive..
<Audiocourses> The only thing I would add is that the thing to remember guys is that this is YOUR course..
<Audiocourses> therefore ben and myself are here to get you through those exams...
<Audiocourses> some we take a very "open" approach and often tailor the weeks to suit each of you...
<Audiocourses> You will supported every step of the way, and do remember when it gets tough (and you have doubts), they will come, we have a 100% pass rate to date!! (no pressure then) hehe
<Audiocourses> our methods are proven to work very successfully..
<Audiocourses> I think that's all on that for now.. so as ben mentioned perhaps questions?
<Rico1210> thanks for that, very helpful
<aik> yes thanks
<Rico1210> will the questions be set from the 'live workshop' or will they be posted on the forum?
<aik> i assume the question will come as we go along and get our hands dirty
<ben_m> they will be posted on the forum
<Audiocourses> All questions will appear in each of the classrooms in the forum at the start of each week, typically mondays.
<aik> i mean the question to you both
<Audiocourses> sure aik...
<Audiocourses> You will find the couse very absorbing..it is designed that way...
<Audiocourses> to simulate the pressure of "real life" learning..
<ben_m> this particular method of learning, student driven, usually incurs much more retention of knowledge in students
<ben_m> and is unlike more traditional methods of regurgitating answers to questions in exams
<ben_m> you construct your own framework of knowledge which allows you to critically approach questions and get the most marks from them
<ben_m> my descriptions may sound a bit odd now but in a few weeks it will be clearer! :)
<Audiocourses> Yes ben and myself can get a little "academic" sometimes :)
<Audiocourses> but we are very "normal" really :))
<aik> would you mind to ask a question just to get a taste?
<Audiocourses> apart form ben liking football, I find that odd.
<Rico1210> hehe
<aik> i like football as well
<Audiocourses> hehe most people do it seems.. perhaps I am "odd". :)
<ben_m> for once chris looks like i may be on a winner here with the football!
<Audiocourses> lol
<ben_m> no perhaps
<ben_m> ;)
<Audiocourses> please say you do not like footie aik!
<Rico1210> i like football also:)
<aik> i love football
<Audiocourses> oh gee
<Rico1210> hehe
<Audiocourses> fingers crossed the others don't..
<ben_m> workshops could be good post-mortems of the weekends action eh chris?
<ben_m> :)
<Audiocourses> oh man
<aik> you might learn something about it the next few month chris
<Rico1210> i bet u can't wait
<ben_m> anyway aik
<ben_m> you want an example question?
<aik> yes that would be great
<Audiocourses> I got one ready
<Audiocourses> "Explain why some multitrack hard disk recording systems can play back much slower than normal speed, but only a little faster.
<Audiocourses> anothe rone
<Audiocourses> What piece of equipment is necessary to use a sequencer with a multitrack tape recorder?
<Audiocourses> and one more
<Audiocourses> Your studio manager has given you a multitrack tape containing music and timecode to copy. What must you do to ensure that the timecode is copied correctly?
<aik> yes i got the idea. interesting to find out. much better to find out yourself, then getting the answer delivered for bare memorizing
<ben_m> exactly aik
<Audiocourses> oh yes aik, we will get on just fine.
<ben_m> we could sit here and say "the answer to this is this" etc
<ben_m> but if a question came up in the exam we hadn't covered you'd ve in trouble
<ben_m> and this kind of knowledge is much more useful in the realworld
<aik> definitely
<ben_m> obviously we cover theories and techniques in the workshops
<ben_m> we just don't spoon feed information
<aik> i'm convinced that you best learn active instead of passive getting filled up with knowledge like a car with fuel
<Audiocourses> good attitude aik, many people find it tricky to realise this.
<aik> what a difference when you have to explain something, so others can understand. then you know what you don't know
<Audiocourses> so true
<Audiocourses> ok guys any mnore quesitons?
<aik> well it involves more engagement. it is of course more convenient to get the knowlegde delivered, but it will not stay in your mind
<Audiocourses> have we met before? lol
<aik> we obviously agree
<Audiocourses> so moving on I'm happy to get this cohort kicked off, more will be joining us so the workshops will be more lively.
<Audiocourses> I see the workshops as very important, not so much for the syllabus, although we do obviously cover areas in here, but for the social aspects.
<Audiocourses> Therefore please do always try to be here...
<Audiocourses> naturally as the course progresses you may even want to set up meetings between each other in here.
<Audiocourses> to work through some difficult concepts.
<Audiocourses> As well as this you will find me online with yahoo or icq almost every day.. so buzz me.
<aik> will the time always be the same?
<Audiocourses> Well for me saturdays are good, perhaps a little earlier.
<Rico1210> was just about to ask the same
<Audiocourses> although what we often do is decide on a weekly basis..
<Audiocourses> so that the maximum number of people can make it.
<ben_m> i have to say that sundays are better for me but i am flexible to an extent
<aik> that sounds good for me. as i mentioned i'm working and theatre isn't exactly regular working hours
<Rico1210> weekends and evenings are fine for me
<aik> sundays are usually days off for me
<aik> off theatre i meant to say
<Audiocourses> ok guys great..
<Audiocourses> Is the same time and place ok for next week? Ben?
<Audiocourses> anyone?
<aik> i have a practical question to you chris about this exam letter. I'm changing address the 1. october. shall I put both of them on the letter?
<Audiocourses> no, just put the one where you wish the certificate to be sent.
<ben_m> give me a sec to check my diary
<ben_m> yes, next week should be fine
<Audiocourses> I would ensure your telephone number and e-mail is correct though in case anyone would need to call you. ok?
<Audiocourses> OK guys so shall we agree on the same time and place for next week?
<aik> i should be fine. possibly working til 17.00 GMT. Will know on monday.
<Rico1210> same time next week is fine for me
<aik> thanks chris
<Audiocourses> welcome.. Ok I think we can wrap this one up tonight.. next week should be busier and you'll have lots of questions I'm sure.
<Audiocourses> You are to check the forums on monday for your questions.
<Audiocourses> BUt please, contact ben and myself immediately if you need help, do not feel isolated, ever.
<Rico1210> yes fine with me
<aik> I'm ok with that
<Audiocourses> Great.
<Audiocourses> So welcome to your course and I wish you the very best for the coming months.
<Rico1210> ok
<Audiocourses> Match of the day tonight ben?
<ben_m> yes indeed!
<Rico1210> thanks, will do
<aik> I'm looking forword to start
<Rico1210> me too
<Rico1210> good to meet you all
<ben_m> me too
<aik>  Thanks a lot and good to meet you all
<Rico1210> thanks, see you next week:)
<Audiocourses> OK..
<Audiocourses> :)
<ben_m> oh yes
<Rico1210> o yes 10:25 BBC1 ;)
<ben_m> 3 glorious scouse goals
<aik> oh yes
<Rico1210> hehe
<Audiocourses> I'll get my coat.
<Rico1210> right i'm off, thanks again and i'll see u all next week
<Audiocourses> see ya
<Rico1210> enjoy your week

---