Course

Audio Recording Techniques

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
Music
Course Code
MUSC 1170
Credits
4.00
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
26
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Course Designation
None
Industry Designation
None
Typically Offered
To be determined

Overview

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 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.

Means of Assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. 

The following is an example evaluation scheme:

Tests/Quizzes (minimum of 2)  30%
Midterm project 25%
Final project 35%
Professionalism 10%
Total 100%

Professionalism is assessed on consistent attendance, punctuality, taking responsibility for deadlines, constructive and considerate inter-personal communication and contribution to class discussion and group work. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, through lab and studio work, students will understand and be able to 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.
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.

Requisites

Prerequisites

No prerequisite courses.

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

MUSC 3180

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer Details for MUSC 1170
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Summer 2024