SAE Institute of Technology - Atlanta

Audio Technology Program (ATP)

Studying at SAE is the first step towards starting a career in the Audio Industry. Working as a Sound Engineer, Live Engineer, Producer and numerous other jobs in the audio and music industries requires practical experience, combined with a strong technical knowledge. Training at SAE is highly practical, with an intense amount of practical studio time to perfect the craft.

Theory lectures delivered by experienced sound engineers and music industry professionals provide the basis for preparing students for work in recording studios, at live sound venues, in post-production studios and broadcast facilities.

SAE's Audio Technology Program has received industry and academic acclaim for over 25 years across the globe. This intensive program is the foundation of every SAE qualification and offer high-level, hands-on practical training in combination with advanced theoretical study. This powerful combination provides our students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the competitive creative media industries. Students can attain either an Associate of Science Degree or SAE Diploma in Audio Technology.

ATP - Associate of Science Degree

Program Objectives

The Audio Technology Program is specifically designed to train students for entry level positions in the audio industry, such as commercial recording and post-production studios, as well as live sound events. Students will have the necessary management skills for entry-level management positions in the entertainment business.

Job Description

The graduate will be able to enter the audio / music business as an effective professional in an entry level position in a number of roles on either the technical or business management sides of the music and broadcast industries: recording engineer, post production engineer, live sound engineer, studio manager, music business manager, audio film editor, or record company professional.

Program length 72 semester credit hours / 1260 clock hours; either as

12 Months - Full Time or
24 Months - Part Time

Program Outline

Prerequisite Semester - General Education

Fifteen (15) General Education Credits must be completed with a C (2.0 on 4.0 scale) average at an approved accredited institution prior to enrolling at SAE Atlanta. To meet institutional approval the institution must be either accredited by agencies recognized by the Department of Education or institutions that operate under state approval.
At least one course is required in each of the following:

  • Mathematics such as algebra, trigonometry, analytic geometry, calculus, statistics and other higher-level mathematics.
  • Science such as biology, botany, chemistry, ecology, physics
  • Humanities such as English, literature, philosophy, logic, history of art and sciences, philosophy, communications, composition, speech and drama, and combinations of courses.
  • Social Science such as history, psychology, government and sociology

Semester 1 - Introduction to Audio Technology and Studio Equipment

  • Introduction to Audio
  • Signal Flow I
  • Introduction to Digital Audio Workstations (DAW)
  • Music Theory
  • Introduction to MIDI and Sequencing
  • Basic Audio Electronics
  • Effects
  • Microphones

Semester 2 - Digital Audio Software and Advanced Studio Equipment

  • Signal Flow II (Analog 8 Buss console)
  • Stereo Microphone Techniques
  • Advanced Sequencing I (Cubase)
  • Advanced Sequencing II (Apple Logic Pro)
  • Sampling
  • Signal Flow III (Yamaha O2R96 Digital console)
  • Loudspeakers and Amplifiers
  • Session Procedures

Semester 3 - Advanced Engineering and Digital Audio Applications

  • Hard Disk Recording
  • Pro Tools I
  • Mixing Techniques
  • Synchronization, Interfacing and Formats
  • Advanced Signal Flow I (Neve)
  • Mastering
  • Advanced Signal Flow II (SSL)

Semester 4 - Advanced Record Engineering and Production

  • Sound to Picture
  • Surround Sound
  • Acoustics
  • Music Production
  • Pro Tools II
  • Live Sound
  • Music Business
  • Broadcast Engineering
  • Audio in Multimedia and Games

 

Semester 5 - Advanced Music Business Practices

  • History of Recording Technology
  • Copyright Law
  • Principals of Music Publishing
  • Artist Management
  • Record Label Marketing

 

Classes are scheduled 4 days per week (Full Time), Monday - Thursday and 2 days per week (Part Time), Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday.

In addition to the regular class schedule, workshops are scheduled on Fridays. Topics include: Soldering, Drum Miking, Flying Fader automation, Tape Machine Alignment, visiting Producers and Engineers.

Total Program Hours: 72 Semester Credit / 1260 Clock Hours
Includes Weekly Individual Lab Time

back to top

ATP - Diploma

Program Objectives

The Audio Technology Program is specifically designed to train students for entry level positions in the audio industry, such as commercial recording and post-production studios, as well as live sound events. Students will have the necessary management skills for entry-level management positions in the entertainment business.

Job Description

The graduate will be able to enter the audio / music business as an effective professional in an entry level position in a number of roles on either the technical or business management sides of the music and broadcast industries: recording engineer, post production engineer, live sound engineer, studio manager, music business manager, audio film editor, or record company professional.

Program length 48 Semester Credit Hours / 900 Clock Hours; either as

9 Months - Full Time or
18 Months - Part Time

Program Outline

Semester 1 - Introduction to Audio Technology and Studio Equipment

  • Introduction to Audio
  • Signal Flow I
  • Introduction to Digital Audio Workstations (DAW)
  • Music Theory
  • Introduction to MIDI and Sequencing
  • Basic Audio Electronics
  • Effects
  • Microphones

Semester 2 - Digital Audio Software and Advanced Studio Equipment

  • Signal Flow II (Analog 8 Buss console)
  • Stereo Microphone Techniques
  • Advanced Sequencing I (MOTU Digital Performer)
  • Advanced Sequencing II (Apple Logic Pro)
  • Sampling
  • Signal Flow III (Digital X-Bus console)
  • Loudspeakers and Amplifiers
  • Session Procedures

Semester 3 - Advanced Engineering and Digital Audio Applications

  • Hard Disk Recording
  • Pro Tools I
  • Mixing Techniques
  • Synchronization, Interfacing and Formats
  • Advanced Signal Flow I (Neve)
  • Mastering
  • Advanced Signal Flow II (SSL)

Semester 4 - Advanced Record Engineering and Production

  • Sound to Picture
  • Surround Sound
  • Acoustics
  • Music Production
  • Pro Tools II
  • Live Sound
  • Music Business
  • Broadcast Engineering
  • Audio in Multimedia and Games

Classes are scheduled 4 days per week (Full Time), Monday - Thursday and 2 days per week (Part Time), Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday.

In addition to the regular class schedule, workshops are scheduled on Fridays. Topics include: Soldering, Drum Miking, Flying Fader automation, Tape Machine Alignment, visiting Producers and Engineers.

Total Program Hours: 48 Semester Credit Hours / 900 Clock Hours
Includes Weekly Individual Lab Time


back to top