Over the past two years, the University of Derby has invested £55m in student facilities which includes a brand new Arts, Design and Technology campus due to be opened in 2007. The new campus will be home to those studying for various degree courses which cover everything from live performance to the technology of the live event, the studio, multimedia and the design of studio equipment.
One such course is the Sound, Light and Live Event Technology programme; an innovative engineering degree that allows participants to study the theory, application and practice of sound system engineering, lighting, performance space design – as well as the underlying business aspects of the industry. Under the guidance of Simon Lewis (Programme Leader), the School of Technology has recently invested in a long list of new equipment to augment their existing facilities supplied by sound and light specialists AC Lighting. The list includes a Yamaha M7CL-48 Digital Console, Robe 250AT moving lights, a Jands Vista T2 lighting console and a Litec ground support truss system.
Simon Lewis explains, “Traditionally, those wanting to work in the industry would join a local PA or lighting company and learn through experience. It’s a great way to learn, and it’s produced many talented and respected engineers. However, the wide range of new technologies used in the entertainment industry means that there’s an increasing need for employees with a good education in fundamental principles and applications as well as practical experience”.
< “Sound systems now use digital mixers, DSPs and signal distribution via TCP/IP. Lighting systems are also seeing an increase in complexity, with the integration of lighting and video technologies, and computer based modelling and measurement packages are changing the way we approach venue and audio system design,
The Yamaha M7CL-48 in action
In the light of this changing technology, we believe that an engineering degree incorporating real world ‘hands on’ experience can give students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed – not just in live sound and lighting, but in the wider field of broadcast, acoustics, technical support, product design and development.
Students on the SLLET programme will study a range of electronics and technology modules – it’s an approach we deliberately take because this enables students to understand ‘how it works’, not just ‘how to work it’ We expect students to understand both analogue and digital systems, have an in - depth knowledge of the technology used in a show and the ability to trouble shoot problems or design reliable new systems. Considering that all of this years graduates have found jobs in the industry, the programme seems to be working well!”
“As far as live audio mixers are concerned, although the industry is moving towards digital consoles, analogue consoles aren’t obsolete just yet! However, we knew that it was time to include digital consoles in our practical teaching. We saw the market place divided into very well designed high end products and quite well designed, but not fully ‘sorted’ low-end products. There wasn’t anything out there that really met our particular needs. For us, the Yamaha M7CL finally provided a well designed, well engineered and user friendly product that comes in at an affordable price point. Students have already used it on several productions, and were quick to praise its comprehensive features and easy learning curve.”
As part of their degree course, students are given the opportunity to exercise their new skills on third party productions such as this year’s public Carol Service organised by the University chaplaincy. “In these scenarios we set up the organiser as a ‘client’ and the students actually work as if they were a production company. This develops their ability to communicate effectively and it opens up the student’s eyes as to how they must meet the client’s needs across all areas of sound, lighting and multimedia. It’s an excellent preparation for work in the real world!”.
