Advanced Audio Recording II
Curriculum guideline
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 will be done in the large studio.
- Pre-production: casting personnel, budgeting, scheduling, charting, DAW session strategy, and microphone selection
- Assessment of talent:assess an artist's strengths and weaknesses, and employ strategies to accentuate the positive and minimize the negative
- Exploring the signal chain: pre-amp, dynamics, effects and microphone choice for important recordings
- Advanced tracking techniques: recording with and without effects, managing large sessions, multiple headphone mixes
- Recording acoustic instruments: strings, winds, brass, percussion and non-Western instruments
- Critical listening skills I: width and depth, frequency range, dynamics and different mix approaches
- Critical listening skills II: panning, types of reverb, delay, compression, phasing/flanging/chorus,etc.
- Track cleanup: de-ess, utilize parametric EQ and compression while mixing
- Hybrid recording and mixing techniques: using the SSL AWS DAW control and Pro Tools automation to mix and edit while tracking
- Pro Tools Production II: using Pro Tools HD hardware, selection, editing, clip gain, automation, plug-in processing
Upon successfu completion of the course, through lab and studio work, students will understand and be able to apply the following concepts:
- Pre-production;
- Assessment of talent;
- Exploring the signal chain;
- Advanced tracking techniques;
- Recording acoustic instruments;
- Critical listening skills I;
- Critical listening skills II;
- Track cleanup;
- Hybrid recording and mixing techniques;
- Pro Tools Production II.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.
The following is a sample grades breakdown:
| 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, 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 studios or lab.