Advanced Audio Recording I

Curriculum guideline

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Course
MUSC 1270
Discontinued
No
Course code
MUSC 1270
Descriptive
Advanced Audio Recording I
Department
Music
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
4.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
26
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Contact hours

Lecture: 2 hours /week

Lab:  3 hours/week

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Learning activities

Lecture/demonstration. Students will work alongside the instructor; either in the large studios or Technology Lab. Students will be expected to complete regular assignments and projects outside of class time. These will be done in the large studios.

Course description
Through lecture/demonstrations and hands-on studio work, students will learn to record and mix audio in a large studio environment. Lab work will focus on Pro Tools software, studio work will focus on Solid State Logic recording consoles. Students will be given the opportunity to earn their Avid Pro Tools 110 certification at the end of the course.
Course content
  1. Routing signals through a large studio console and patchbay, including equalization, inserts, busses, monitoring.
  2. Use of the hardware effects rack, including compressors, limiters, reverbs, noise gates, and equalizers.
  3. Headphone mixes using Pro Tools buses, SSL sends, and studio hardware.
  4. Advanced drum recording techniques - including Recorderman, Glynn Johns, MS, ORTF etc.
  5. Microphone 'shootouts' - listening tests for common microphone applications, including vocals, drums, wind instruments, etc.
  6. Automated mixing in Pro Tools and using the SSL console.
  7. The use of digital filters for complex multi-stage filtering operations.
  8. Digital recording techniques are changing rapidly – this course will examine the latest developments in the field.
  9. Pro Tools Production Techniques, including: Virtual Instruments, Elastic Audio, Editing, Advanced Mixing and automation.
Learning outcomes

Through lab and studio work, students will learn to understand and apply the following concepts:

  1. Patchbay/console routing
  2. Hardware effects
  3. Headphone mixes - hardware and software
  4. Advanced drum recording techniques
  5. Microphone selection for specific applications
  6. Automated mixing
  7. Digital filter concepts
  8. Recent advances in digital audio
  9. Pro Tools Production I
Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. 

The following is an example evaluation scheme:

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, constructive and considerate inter-personal communication and contribution to class discussion and group work. 

Textbook materials

No texts or materials are required. All required hardware and software for the completion of assignments and projects is available in the studio

Prerequisites

MUSC 1170 

Equivalencies

MUSC 3280

Which prerequisite

MUSC 2170