MUS 55 - Studio Recording II

Transfer Status

CSU

Prerequisite

MUS 54

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: This is a project-based course in which students will learn and apply advanced methods and skills to studio recording sessions and song production. The course includes concepts and techniques for advanced microphone technique and signal flow. Students will schedule, organize and produce recording sessions with musical artists and bands, and complete student recordings using advanced mixing techniques on analog consoles and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Additional concepts will include studio etiquette, copyright, publishing and distribution of songs and albums.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced techniques in computer recording processes in a studio setting.
2. Apply advanced techniques in use of studio equipment like preamps and compressors.
3. Apply knowledge of frequency to EQ within a recording project.
4. Demonstrate advanced skills in gain staging and tone shaping in the analog and digital realms of recording.
5. Utilize advanced microphone technique to achieve a professional sounding recording.
6. Operate recording equipment at an advanced level.
7. Apply studio techniques and methods to a studio recording project with a student group.
8. Demonstrate advanced project management and studio etiquette skills.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lab

1. Class Activities
2. Collaborative Group Work
3. Demonstrations
4. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
5. Instructor Demonstrations
6. Lecture

1. Exams/Tests
2. Projects
3. Class participation
4. Performance Examinations
5. Essays and research papers
6. Class Discussion

Reading Assignments

1. Read the chapter on microphone polar patterns in your text. Be prepared to discuss and apply these concepts in class.
2. Read the article on EQ techniques provided by the instructor. Be prepared to discuss these techniques in class.

Writing Assignments

1. Write a 1000-word essay about drum microphone techniques. In your essay pay particular attention to microphone placement, phase correlation and room acoustics. Submit to your instructor.
2. Write a 5-page research paper on the topic of effects processing, including the specifications and applications of reverb, delay, compression, chorus, flanging, and EQ. Submit to your instructor.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Find and book an artist/band for your group recording project. Meet with the artist/band and prepare for the recording sessions. Be prepared to present a summary of your activities to the class.
2. Attend a live or virtual concert and write an essay about the live sound reinforcement. Cover the mixing console, microphones used and stage setup. Share your experience with the class.

Owsinski, B. (2023). The Recording Engineers Handbook. Bobby Owsinski Media Group, 5th. 978-1946837189.

Owsinski, B. (2023). The Mixing Engineers Handbook. Bobby Owsinski Media Group, 5th. 978-1946837127.

Commercial Music

Music (Masters Required)