Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
- Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 85.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: In this course students will learn the fundamentals of studio recording techniques. Topics will include the history of recording technology, the fundamentals of sound, signal flow, microphone techniques, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), recording techniques, mixing consoles and typical studio gear. Students will gain hands-on experience with industry standard studio equipment in a professional quality recording studio.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Identify signal flow in the recording chain
- Identify digital settings in the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for studio recording
- Evaluate necessary equipment in designing a recording studio
- Apply learned skills in monitoring audio recording and playback
- Identify the different types of microphones and the proper use of each type in recording situations
- Analyze and describe the functions and features of an analog mixing console
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
The recording chain and signal flow basics. | 2.00 |
Elements of sound and audio theory. | 3.00 |
Studio acoustics and design. | 2.00 |
Equipping a studio. | 1.00 |
Monitoring in the studio and artist mixes. | 2.00 |
Microphone types and features. | 4.00 |
Microphone recording techniques. | 5.00 |
Analog/Hybrid studio recording techniques. | 3.00 |
Effects and signal processors. | 3.00 |
Analog and digital mixing consoles. | 3.00 |
Studio production techniques. | 4.00 |
Microphone Pre-amps features and uses. | 2.00 |
| Total Hours: | 34.00 |
Lab
| Topics | Lab Hrs |
|---|---|
Recording studio overview and introduction. | 2.00 |
Setup recording and monitoring for single instrument recording. | 2.00 |
Setup recording and monitoring for two sources. Record, playback, SSL and signal flow. | 3.00 |
Microphone properties and uses. | 3.00 |
Gain staging. | 3.00 |
Microphone placement technique for acoustic guitar, electric guitar, grand piano, drums, bass and vocals. | 15.00 |
Class song project. | 6.00 |
Using compressors on recordings. | 3.00 |
Signal flow via patch bays. | 3.00 |
Signal flow via analog and digital consoles. | 6.00 |
Analog and digital post-production mixing. | 5.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Collaborative Group Work
- Demonstrations
- Discussion
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Lecture
- Multimedia Presentations
Methods of Evaluation
- Exams/Tests
- Research Projects
- Projects
- Homework
- Lab Projects
- Practical Evaluations
- Group Participation
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read the Recording Engineers Handbook chapter on studio equipment, and prepare to take a quiz on the subject matter studied.
- Read the Recording Engineers Handbook chapter on microphone placement, and prepare to apply the techniques in the lab.
Writing Assignments
- Research a record producer and write a 1500-word essay representing your findings. Be sure to give a brief background on their history in the music business, and analyze/discuss the techniques and methods they utilize, as well as the equipment they most commonly use.
- Research methods of mixing in a digital audio workstation, and write a 1500-word report on how those methods can be applied in your workstation of choice.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Watch the documentary "It Might Get Loud" and be prepared to analyze and discuss the recording techniques presented in the film.
- Research recording studio equipment, and build a presentation in Google slides of a dream setup for a home studio.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Owsinski, B. (2023). The Recording Engineers Handbook. Bobby Owinski Media Group, 5th. 978-1946837189.
Minimum Qualifications
Commercial Music
Music (Masters Required)