Broadcast Audio Curriculum

Month 1: Foundations of Broadcast Audio

Week 1

Overview of Broadcast Audio

Evolution of Broadcast Audio Technology

Industry Standards and Regulations (SMPTE, AES, ITU)

Introduction to Broadcast Protocols and Specifications

Key Differences Between Analog and Digital Audio in Broadcasting

Introduction to Broadcast Protocols and Specifications

Week 2

Broadcast Standards: ITU BS.1770-3: Global Importance, History, and Application

Broadcast Standards: EBU R128: European Standard, Tools, and Applications

Broadcast Standards: ATSC A/85: US Digital TV Standard, CALM Act

Broadcast Standards: TR-B32 (Japanese Standard) and OP-59 (Australian Standard)

Compliance with Global Broadcast Standards

Week 3

Introduction to G Selector Software

Setting up a Database and Managing Audio Libraries

Music Scheduling Concepts

Advanced Features of G Selector

Customizing Rules and Clocks

Practical Exercise: Creating and Customizing Schedules

Week 4

Overview of Zetta Software

Configuring the Zetta Environment

Playlist Management Techniques

Zetta Automation: Scripting and Macros

Advanced Audio Editing and Processing within Zetta

Practical Exercise: Simulating a Live Broadcast with Zetta

Month 2: Practical Tools and Loudness Compliance

Week 5

Introduction to Pro Tools in Broadcasting

Configuring Pro Tools for Broadcast Applications

Basic Editing Techniques: Trimming, Fades, Crossfades

Advanced Editing Techniques in Pro Tools

Mixing for Broadcast: Levels, EQ, Compression

Exporting and Delivering Broadcast-Ready Files

Week 6

Introduction to Dante Studio

Configuring Dante Studio for AoIP Workflows

Integrating Dante Studio with Broadcast Systems

Understanding Audio Over IP Protocols (Dante, Ravenna, AES67)

Practical Exercise: Setting Up and Troubleshooting AoIP Networks

Week 7

Importance of Loudness Control in Broadcast Audio

Perceived Loudness vs. Sample-Peak Level

Understanding LKFS, LUFS, and LU

Loudness Range (LRA) and Program Loudness

Gating Techniques for Cross-Genre Loudness Alignment

Week 8

Target Levels Across Different Standards (EBU R128, ATSC A/85)

Introduction to True-Peak Measurement

Practical Application: Using Loudness Meters and True-Peak Meters

The Impact of Legislation on Loudness Compliance (e.g., CALM Act, EBU R128 in Europe)

Case Studies: Loudness Issues in Music, Film, and Television

Best Practices for Loudness Management in Broadcast

Month 3: Live Broadcasting and Integration

Week 9

Introduction to OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)

Configuring OBS for Live Streaming and Recording

Integrating OBS with Broadcast Audio Systems

Practical Session: Live Streaming with OBS and Dante Studio

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Live Streaming

Real-Time Profanity Delay Hardware/Software

Week 10

Introduction to OB Vans: Roles and Capabilities

Signal Flow and Key Equipment in OB Vans

Introduction to OB Vans: Roles and Capabilities

Setup and Operation of OB Vans

Challenges and Best Practices for Live Broadcasts

Week 11

Overview of Audio Encoding Standards

Understanding and Using Audio Test Tones

Practical Exercise: Encoding Audio for Various Broadcast Platforms

Vocal Track Identification Techniques

Practical Session: Implementing Encoding and Identification Methods

Final Project Guidelines and Preparation

Week 12

Integrating All Tools (G Selector, Zetta, Pro Tools, Dante Studio, OBS)

Final Project Preparation and Q&A

Troubleshooting and Best Practices for Project Success

Final Project Presentations

Peer and Instructor Feedback

Course Wrap-Up and Career Development Guidance

Got a question?

After the course, can I get a job?

If you're a beginner, after a 6-week course, you'll unlikely find a job. However, our live sound engineer course has a 100% success rate in that all students who have taken it (written Dec 2024) are now audio practitioners, either full-time, busy freelance, or on long-term contracts.

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How much do sound engineers earn?

In the UAE and MENA, Freelance sound engineers can earn between AED500 and AED3500 per day; here's a guide for daily rates from 2024.

Audio Techs AED 1500 +
A2 Operators - AED 1800+
A1 Operators- AED 2250+
System Tech AED 3500+

Full-time sound engineers, depending on experience, can earn monthly
AED3000 for freshers up to 18,000 or more.

What's the difference between live sound, studio, and broadcast audio?

Live sound, studio, and broadcast audio engineering are distinct fields within the audio industry, each with unique focus and skill sets.

Live Sound Engineers plan, install, tune, and mix audio at live events, adjusting sound in real-time to deliver optimal audio quality.
Studio Engineers record, edit, and mix audio in studios, collaborating with artists or clients to produce high-quality sound.
Broadcast Engineers handle audio for radio and TV, or streaming to ensure quality sound for live and recorded broadcasts.

What Career Options are available?

Parents of students are often concerned about career options. Fear not because live sound engineers have a wide range of career paths such as: Junior sound engineer (A2) • Senior sound engineer (A1) • Front of house engineer • Monitor engineer • Translation booth (setup and operate) • Comms (communications) • Corporate/conference engineer • AV Technician (AV Tech) • Stage Tech • Backline engineer • Sound systems engineer • Systems Tuning • Fixed Installation • RF engineer • Streaming/Broadcast • Systems integration • Project management • Technical manager.

How much are your courses?

Our course prices range from AED 2000 to AED45,000 To see what the course fees are, please visit the relevant courses

How do I register for the courses?

Just fill in this inquiry form, and tell us which course you’re interested in. Students interested in work experience program must sign work experience agreement and all students sign health and safety disclaimers.

Can I have a discount?

Discounts are available at certain holidays and occasional promotions. Students enrolling 30 days before a start date can avail discounts, too. Follow socials to get updated.