Audio Recording Techniques

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
MUSC 1170
Descriptive
Audio Recording Techniques
Department
Music
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
4.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
26
Contact Hours
2 hours per week lecture 3 hours per week lab
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Learning Activities

Lecture/demonstration. Students will work alongside the instructor, either in the large studio or Technology Lab. Students will be expected to complete regular assignments and projects outside of class time. These can be done in the lab, the studio, or at home.

Course Description
Through lecture/demonstrations, lab and studio work, students will learn to record and mix audio in a project studio environment. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the underlying concepts and theory of digital audio recording. Students will also begin to work with a large format recording console in a professional recording studio. Using both hardware and Pro Tools software, students will produce several recorded tracks. Students will be given the opportunity to earn their Avid Pro Tools 101 certification at the end of the course.
Course Content
  1. Theoretical concepts, including formats, bit depth, Nyquist theory, Fourier Transforms, etc.
  2. Audio interfaces: connectivity, sample rates, form factors
  3. Recording audio in Pro Tools: setup and configuration, basic recording techniques
  4. Analog recording: signal flow, microphone types and placement, monitoring in studio and control room
  5. Editing audio: creating new parts, fixing problems, composite tracks
  6. Mixing: inserts, busses, groups, automation.
  7. Software plug-ins including dynamics, distortion, reverb and other effects.
  8. Basic stereo recording techniques, including X/Y, Spaced Pair and ORTF
  9. introduction to large studio procedures, including studio etiquette, pre-production, setup and record keeping.
Learning Outcomes

Through lab and studio work, students will learn to understand and apply the following concepts:

  1. Digital audio theory
  2. Audio interfaces: theory and practice
  3. Audio recording in Pro Tools
  4. Analog recording techniques
  5. Digital editing in Pro Tools
  6. Digital mixing in Pro Tools
  7. Software instruments and plug-ins
  8. Basic stereo recording techniques
  9. Large studio procedures and protocol
Means of Assessment
Tests/Quizzes (minimum of 2) 30%
Midterm project 30%
Final project 40%
Total 100%
Textbook Materials

No texts or materials are required. All required hardware and software for the completion of assignments and projects is available in the lab or studios.  Students who wish to work outside the lab may want to purchase their own copies of the software used in class. A complete list of recommended software will be available at the first class session.

Prerequisites

Music Technology Diploma program entrance or permission of instructor

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies
Which Prerequisite