Introduction to Audio Recording
Curriculum guideline
Lecture: 2 hours/week
and
Lab: 2 hours/week
Lecture/demonstrations and hands-on lab and studio work.
- Introduction to Avid Pro Tools
- Audio parameters and critical listening: frequency, amplitude, stereo field and phase
- Basic analog and digital theory
- Mixing environments: headphones, amplifiers, speakers and acoustic treatment
- Microphone techniques: microphone types, choice, configuration and position, recording environments
- Recording techniques such as double tracking, loop record and punch-in recording
- Working with consoles: signal flow and routing
- Signal Flow in Pro Tools: audio routing, groups and bussing
- Editing and manipulating digital audio: clip gain, editing, automation, elastic audio
- Signal processing: compression, EQ, time-frequency domain effects, harmonic distortion
- Mixing techniques: gain structure, compression, frequency balance and reverb
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Explain basic analog and digital audio theory;
- Identify changes to audio parameters by ear;
- Route signals through an audio console;
- Set up and run a multitrack recording session in Pro Tools;
- Describe characteristics and specifications of different microphones;
- Make informed microphone choices, placement and miking techniques for recording various audio sources;
- Critically assess recording and monitoring environments;
- Set up Pro Tools and audio routing for larger projects, including group bussing and parallel effect processing;
- Edit and manipulate digital audio: clip gain, automation, elastic audio, playlist compiling;
- Mix a multi-track audio project using tools such as equalization and compression to control the frequency and dynamic content of an audio recording.
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.
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.
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