Sound Design for Live, Studio & Interactive Media

This unit examines the fundamental principles of sound, including its physical properties, human auditory perception and the application of acoustics in the analysis and optimisation of spaces. It also covers electroacoustic transducers and audio signal processing, providing essential skills for the accurate capture, reproduction and manipulation of sound.

This unit provides in-depth training in the use of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), a core component of modern audio production workflows. It covers digital audio fundamentals, advanced editing and signal processing techniques using professional software such as Pro Tools, and explores the creative applications of Ableton Live in contemporary music production and live performance.

This unit focuses on professional sound capture techniques, including advanced microphone placement and stereo recording methods to achieve high-quality and immersive audio. It also covers studio recording and session workflows, concluding with an introduction to Foley artistry for the creation and synchronisation of realistic sound effects for multimedia.

This unit develops essential skills for on-set capture (location sound) and field recording for film and multimedia production. It focuses on dialogue recording using boom (perche) microphones, the creation and management of professional sound libraries (UCS), and advanced principles of radio frequency (RF) coordination for wireless audio systems.

This unit focuses on the technical installation and operation of Public Address (P.A.) systems, covering their basic tuning and calibration to ensure sound quality in public spaces. In parallel, it introduces the fundamentals of Lighting Control, detailing the DMX system, cabling, the operation of projectors, and the use of digital lighting consoles for shows and events.

This practical project focuses on the Editing and Mixing of audio for media, culminating in the Audio Post-Production and Delivery phase. Students apply techniques to create a professional stereo mix, ensuring the technical and aesthetic compliance required for final delivery across various media formats.

This Laboratory seeks to unify connections among the elements of the community. It is a meeting point and a place for exchanging experiences, a space dedicated to creativity where interdisciplinary practices are explored and developed, both inside and outside the school environment. Communication is the key element in this process. The laboratory aims to identify and mobilize trends, experiment with new ways of thinking and conceptualizing, and facilitate synergies among students. It is a laboratory that presents itself as a learning tool.

Our courses share content and present challenges with an international perspective. We prepare and support our students with best practices in mind, regardless of geography or nationality. For this reason, knowing English is a fundamental tool for breaking down barriers: gaining access to more references, discovering more professional contexts, and developing a portfolio aligned with the best work being produced, without borders.

This unit covers Adaptive Audio Design, focusing on creating sound that reacts dynamically to user actions and the game context. Students then learn Implementation in Middleware (such as Wwise or FMOD), integrating the creative audio elements into the game engine for a cohesive and interactive sound experience.

This unit focuses on advanced mixing techniques, refining balance, dynamics and spatial depth. It then addresses mastering and distribution standards, applying final processing such as limiting and dithering to achieve optimal loudness and audio quality in compliance with industry specifications across multiple delivery platforms.

This unit explores voice recording and post-production in different contexts. It begins with ADR, Dubbing, and Audiobooks, where students learn techniques for replacing dialogue in films (ADR), dubbing content into other languages, and the production of audiobooks. The second subunit, Podcast Production, covers everything from recording and editing interviews to sound design and mixing episodes, preparing the content for distribution.

This unit delves into the production of spatial audio, focusing on immersive mixing formats. It begins with Acoustic Calibration of Surround Studios, ensuring accurate monitoring. This is followed by Re-recording Mixing in Surround and the introduction

to Object-Based Audio, preparing students to create 3D soundscapes. The unit culminates with Immersive Mixing and Delivery, covering mixing techniques for Dolby Atmos and Binaural Audio, and the delivery standards for cinema and streaming.

This unit focuses on modern studio and live event infrastructure. Professional Audio Networks (like Dante or AVB) teach the transport of multiple digital audio channels via Ethernet. Synchronization (Timecode) covers the importance and methods of keeping all devices (audio and video) running in perfect temporal coordination.

This unit focuses on the management and delivery of live events, covering the preparation and interpretation of technical documents (riders) alongside leadership and communication skills needed for technical direction.
Technical Issues in Live Performances and Sound Mixing and Configurations cover sound engineering practices, system setup, FOH (Front of House) and monitor mixing, and rapid problem-solvingin a performance context.

This unit explores the technical and artistic requirements of audio outside traditional music production. Broadcast and LUFS Standards focuses on sound engineering for television and radio, with special attention to Loudness measurement (LUFS) and regulatory volume standards. The Sound for Arts, Theatre, and Qlab section introduces specific techniques for sound design, setup, and automation for live performances and artistic installations, using software like QLab for playback and control.

This unit delves into the application of audio in unconventional contexts, such as museums, galleries, and public spaces. Sound Systems for Museums and Installations explores the design and implementation of multi-channel and distributed audio systems that integrate with the space and the visitor’s experience. Sonic Interactivity and Prototypingaddresses the use of sensors and platforms like Arduino/Raspberry Pi to create works that react to the audience, focusing on programming and the development of specific hardware and software for sound art

This unit is the culmination of the program, where acquired knowledge is applied to a practical and comprehensive project. Development and Guidance of the Final Project focuses on the structuring, planning, and execution of the student’s central idea, providing methodological and technical guidance for the realization of a significant audio work. Technical Documentation and Professional Defense covers the creation of detailed reports, portfolios, and case studies describing the project, culminating in the presentation and oral defense of the work before a jury, simulating a professional context.

The objective is to prepare students for the project-driven dynamics of the creative industries, encourage teamwork, promote interdisciplinarity, foster a sense of responsibility and goal achievement, and also develop personal presentation and self-promotion skills. In this way, the school environment is brought closer to the reality of the professional world and its demands.

Music Performance and Production

The Sound Design for Live, Studio & Interactive Media course at ETIC is a specialised professional programme that trains the next generation of creative sound designers and technical sound directors. It blends artistic vision with technical mastery, preparing students to work across live events, studio production, broadcast media, immersive experiences and interactive platforms.

The Sound Design for Live, Studio & Interactive Media course at ETIC is designed for aspiring sound designers seeking a career in creative audio production across film, animation, video games, live events, and interactive media.
Technical professionals aiming to become technical sound directors, managing complex live or studio audio setups.

The Sound Design for Live, Studio & Interactive Media course at ETIC develops a comprehensive set of technical, creative, and professional skills, including:

1. Audio Production & Studio Skills

Recording musical ensembles, bands, and solo artists with advanced studio techniques.
Mixing multitrack audio, including immersive formats like Dolby Atmos.
Mastering audio for different distribution platforms.
Producing audio for broadcast, TV, and advertising.
2. Sound Design & Interactive Media

Creating soundscapes, Foley, and effects for film, animation, and documentaries.
Designing dynamic audio for video games, VR, and AR, with real-time responsiveness.
Crafting sonic environments for museums, installations, and immersive spaces.
3. Live Sound & Technical Direction

Operating PA systems for concerts, festivals, and events.
Designing sound for theatre, dance, and live performances.
Managing large-scale audio networks (Dante, AVB) and technical direction.
Leading teams, budgeting, and coordinating complex productions.

After completing the Sound Design for Live, Studio & Interactive Media course at ETIC, graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional roles across the audio and media industries. Key job opportunities include:

• Sound Engineer in professional studios for recording, mixing, mastering, radio and television.
• Sound Designer specialising in recording and post-production for video games, film, theatre, advertising and sound installations.
• Live Sound Engineer for concerts and performances.

As an international programme, English is used across all classes; projects and professional activities are set to prepare students for global experience, international collaboration and portfolio presentation within the industry.

Upon successful completion of the second year, students are awarded a BTEC Higher National Diploma, Level 5, carrying a total of 240 CATS credits*.

ETIC has been a Pearson BTEC Accredited Centre (Business and Technology Education Council) since 2016. The programmes have a duration of two years and are internationally recognised, enabling direct entry into the labour market as well as progression to further studies.

The programmes are assigned a qualification level by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which forms part of the UK qualifications system.