Lecture: 2 hours/week
Lab: 3 hours/week
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.
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
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
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Explain the principles of digital audio theory and their application in audio production;
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Record audio using Pro Tools, applying appropriate session setup and workflow techniques in a large studio environment;
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Edit digital audio using industry-standard tools and processes;
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Mix audio tracks in Pro Tools to achieve balanced and professional sound;
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Use software instruments and plug-ins within a digital audio workstation;
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Implement basic stereo recording techniques for various musical and acoustic contexts;
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Understand the importance of culturally respectful recording and editing when working with Indigenous music, languages, stories and communities;
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Apply the 4R's (Respect, Reciprocity, Relevance and Responsibility) when working and collaborating with others in a professional setting.
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.
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.
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