Audio Recording Techniques
Overview
Students will be given the opportunity to earn their Avid Pro Tools 101 certification at the end of the course.
- Theoretical concepts, including formats, bit depth, Nyquist theory, Fourier transforms, etc.
- Audio interfaces: connectivity, sample rates, form factors
- Recording audio in Pro Tools: setup and configuration, basic recording techniques
- Analog recording: signal flow, microphone types and placement, monitoring in studio and control rooms
- Editing audio: creating new parts, fixing problems, composite tracks
- Mixing: inserts, busses, groups, automation
- Software plug-ins including dynamics, distortion, reverb and other effects
- Basic stereo recording techniques, including X/Y, Spaced Pair and ORTF (Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision Française)
- Introduction to large studio procedures, including studio etiquette, pre-production,setup and record keeping
- Working with Indigenous communities and cultural knowledge
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.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in a course as part of the student’s graded performance. Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation must be clearly defined in the Instructor Course Outline.
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, recognition of the 4R’s (Respect, Responsibility, Relevance and Reciprocity), constructive and considerate inter-personal communication and contribution to class discussion and group work.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
-
Explain the principles of digital audio theory and their application in audio production;
-
Record audio using Pro Tools, applying appropriate session setup and workflow techniques in a large studio environment;
-
Edit digital audio using industry-standard tools and processes;
-
Mix audio tracks in Pro Tools to achieve balanced and professional sound;
-
Use software instruments and plug-ins within a digital audio workstation;
-
Implement basic stereo recording techniques for various musical and acoustic contexts;
-
Understand the importance of culturally respectful recording and editing when working with Indigenous music, languages, stories and communities;
-
Apply the 4R's (Respect, Reciprocity, Relevance and Responsibility) when working and collaborating with others in a professional setting.
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
None
Corequisites
None
Equivalencies
None
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.
Course Transfers to Other Institutions
Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.
| Institution | Transfer details for MUSC 1170 | |
|---|---|---|
| There are no applicable transfer credits for this course. | ||
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
| CRN | Days | Instructor | Status | More details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CRN
36234
|
Tue Wed | Instructor last name
Sarfehjooy
Instructor first name
Kayvon
|
Course status
Open
|
MUSC 1170 003 - This course is restricted to Music Technology students . It is offered in a hybrid format that includes both online components and in-person activities. Check Blackboard and your Douglas College email for more information. Students should plan to attend in-person during the first week of classes. Registration in this course will result in a 'time conflict' error - please disregard.
| CRN | Days | Instructor | Status | More details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CRN
36235
|
Fri Wed | Instructor last name
Sarfehjooy
Instructor first name
Kayvon
|
Course status
Open
|
MUSC 1170 004 - This course is restricted to Music Technology students . It is offered in a hybrid format that includes both online components and in-person activities. Check Blackboard and your Douglas College email for more information. Students should plan to attend in-person during the first week of classes. Registration in this course will result in a 'time conflict' error - please disregard.