Course

Introduction to Audio Recording

Faculty
Language, Literature and Performing Arts
Department
Music
Course code
MUSC 1282
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
20
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
Winter

Overview

Course description
This course introduces students to professional audio recording concepts, tools and techniques using the industry standard digital audio workstation, Avid Pro Tools.
Course content
  1. Introduction to Avid Pro Tools
  2. Audio parameters and critical listening: frequency, amplitude, stereo field and phase 
  3. Basic analog and digital theory
  4. Mixing environments: headphones, amplifiers, speakers and acoustic treatment
  5. Microphone techniques: microphone types, choice, configuration and position, recording environments
  6. Recording techniques such as double tracking, loop record and punch-in recording
  7. Working with consoles: signal flow and routing
  8. Signal Flow in Pro Tools: audio routing, groups and bussing
  9. Editing and manipulating digital audio: clip gain, editing, automation, elastic audio
  10. Signal processing: compression, EQ, time-frequency domain effects, harmonic distortion
  11. Mixing techniques: gain structure, compression, frequency balance and reverb
Learning activities

Lecture/demonstrations and hands-on lab and studio work.

Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An example evaluation scheme is provided below.

Lab Exercises (minimum of 2) 20%
Recording and Mixing Projects (minimum of 2) 50%
Quizzes and Tests (minimum of 2) 20%
Attendance and Participation 10%
Total   100%

Instructors may use a student's record of attendance and/or level of active participation in the course as part of the student's graded performance. Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the Instructor Course Outline.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Explain basic analog and digital audio theory;
  2. Identify changes to audio parameters by ear;
  3. Route signals through an audio console;
  4. Set up and run a multitrack recording session in Pro Tools;
  5. Describe characteristics and specifications of different microphones;
  6. Make informed microphone choices, placement and miking techniques for recording various audio sources;
  7. Critically assess recording and monitoring environments;
  8. Set up Pro Tools and audio routing for larger projects, including group bussing and parallel effect processing;
  9. Edit and manipulate digital audio: clip gain, automation, elastic audio, playlist compiling;
  10. Mix a multi-track audio project using tools such as equalization and compression to control the frequency and dynamic content of an audio recording.
Textbook materials

No texts or materials are required. All required hardware and software for the completion of assignments and projects is available on campus. Students may wish to purchase software licences enabling them to work on assignments off campus. 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.

(Current)

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 1282
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) KPU MUSI 1XXX (3)
Simon Fraser University (SFU) SFU GE 1XX (3)
Trinity Western University (TWU) TWU MUSI 341 (3)
University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBCO) No credit
University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) No credit
University of Northern BC (UNBC) No credit
University of Victoria (UVIC) UVIC MUS 306 (1.5)
Vancouver Island University (VIU) Individual Audition Required.

Course Offerings

Fall 2026

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
20
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
20
On waitlist
0
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N3285
Times:
Start Time
14:30
-
End Time
16:20
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
None
Times:
Start Time
14:30
-
End Time
16:20
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N3221
Times:
Start Time
14:30
-
End Time
16:20