Course

The Art of Recording for Diverse Musical Traditions

Faculty
Language, Literature and Performing Arts
Department
Music
Course code
MUSC 2382
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
Students will learn and apply techniques used by high-level recording engineers for sonically accurate recordings, including Ambisonics, binaural and other immersive formats. Emphasis is placed on accurately capturing diverse acoustic sources and recording artists from underrepresented genres. 
Course content
  • Introduction to the signal flow specifics of a contemporary audio studio
  • Advanced recording techniques in Pro Tools
  • Automation and mixing workflow in Pro Tools
  • Configure a Dante system (hardware and software)
  • Tonmeister recording techniques used by audiophile engineers
  • The science behind Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF)
  • Review of common stereo recording techniques
  • Immersive recording techniques for binaural and surround
  • Ambisonic B-format recordings and Ambisonic technology
  • Dolby Atmos calibration using Sound Pressure Level (SPL) metering and software
  • Monitoring stereo and immersive recordings on studio monitors
  • Reviewing immersive recordings in binaural headphones
  • Delivering commercially accessible immersive content
  • Monitoring an immersive downmix for quality assurance
Learning activities

Lectures, demonstrations and hands-on studio experience. 

Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course.

Example Evaluation Scheme

Lab Assignments (minimum 4) 40%

Final Project 30%

Test 20%

Attendance and Participation 10%

Total 100%

Students' record of attendance and/or level of active participation in the course forms part of the student’s graded performance. Expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the Instructor Course Outline.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Develop critical aural analysis skills for acoustic recordings;      
  • Produce studio recorded content in stereo, surround, Ambisonic and binaural formats;
  • Use current Dante software and hardware configurations for recording;
  • Diversify artistic practice through working with musicians from underrepresented genres; 
  • Critically appraise emerging technologies and new tools and evaluate appropriate use;
  • Capture live recordings with a range of industry standard multichannel recording techniques.
Textbook materials

A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester. 

Requisites

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 2382
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

There are no course offerings this semester.