MUS-291: Audio Recording Technology 2

School
Liberal Arts
Division
Fine & Performing Arts
Department
Music
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Music
Course Number
291
Course Title
Audio Recording Technology 2
Credit Hours
4.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
MUS-191
MUS-192
Co-requisites
MUS-292
Catalog Course Description

Provides hands-on experience and guided practice in digital recording techniques, advanced digital audio mixing and mastering, and independent problem solving in the recording process. Covers recording sessions, computer files, microphone usage and placement, digitizing principals, audio acquisition options, midi integration, preparing complex digital audio files for duplication, advanced techniques in mixing room acoustics, preparing audio for mixing, software plug-ins, troubleshooting audio problems, equalization, stereo imagery, noise limitation, bit conversion, and session management. Students work in an actual digital recording studio recording a wide variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles. Builds upon the basic competency developed during MUS-191 and MUS-192. Applies advanced skills, workflows, and concepts of recording, editing and mixing on an Avid Pro Tools system learned in MUS-292: Pro Tools 110.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Goal Statement

Designed to expand on the knowledge gained in MUS-191 and MUS-192, and to develop more advanced techniques in audio recording technology, including: mixing and mastering, mix preparation, advanced editing, automation, advanced signal processing, sound design, audio restoration, file delivery for multiple audio formats, critical thinking in the recording environment, and advanced competency in Avid Pro Tools Software.

Core Course Topics
  1. Critical Listening Skills

    Differentiate (aurally) when instruments or voices are in or out of tune. Identify isolated frequency bands of various instruments and pre-recorded music, and determine (aurally) proper presence, ambience, and balance of audio signals

  2. Sound Design

    Demonstrate techniques for original sound design, including synthesis, sampling, and advanced signal processing.

  3. Advanced Audio Signal Processing

    Utilize specialized signal processing (plugins) to improve the performances of musicians and singers. Develop an awareness of signal processing that includes either frequency-based or time-based processing, and demonstrate intermediate real-time and file-based signal processing techniques using Pro Tools, including delay-based effects, and side-chain applications in dynamics processors.

  4. Audio Restoration

    Differentiate (aurally) noise types (hum, buzz, RF interference), distortion types (intermodulation, harmonic), and identify and trouble shoot problems with a given audio file (noise reduction and audio repair).

  5. Critical Problem Solving

    Analyze and produce new recording tactics that address the needs of a specific recording situation.

  6. Drum Replacement

    Demonstrate replacing and reinforcing recorded drums using triggering software, tools, and advanced techniques.

  7. Advanced Mixing

    Practice mix automation techniques used in recording consoles and Pro Tools.

  8. Quantizing and Adjusting Timing of Audio Files

    Adjust and quantize the timing of a performance within Pro Tools, utilizing advanced techniques including elastic audio.

  9. Advanced Mastering

    Develop common mastering techniques used for music and sound recordings and recognize digital artifacts of compression algorithms.

  10. Creating and Delivering Audio Files for Multiple Formats

    Evaluate common mastering techniques used for different release media, and create audio files in multiple formats.

General Information

This 4-credit class along with its 2-credit co-req (Course Proposal MUS 292: Pro Tools 110) will replace what is currently offered in two 3-credit classes: MUS-226 and MUS-227. The purpose for this is to separate out the Avid Pro Tools Certification classes (Pro Tools 101 and Pro Tools 110) from the rest of the required Certificate of Achievement in Recording Arts (CARA) classes. This will make it possible for others who may be interested only in receiving Avid Pro Tools user certification to take only those classes (Pro Tools 101 and Pro Tools 110) without being required to take the rest of the CARA classes.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

  • Class critiques
  • Quizzes and exams
  • Written summaries
  • Portfolio assembly and review
  • Major Individual project consisting of:
  • Recording, editing, mixing, automating, and mastering a multitrack song or audio recording demonstrating proficiency in all aspects of the project.

    General Course Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements:

  • Strong computer skills
  • Recommendations:

  • Fundamental understanding of music theory
  • Computer capable of running the latest version of Avid Pro Tools software
  • Latest version of Avid Pro Tools Software
  • Texts

    Text to be determined by instructor

    Outcomes

    Satisfies Wellness Requirement
    No

    Credit for Prior College-Level Learning

    Options for Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
    Interview
    Other
    Other Details

    Determined by department

    Approval Dates

    Effective Term
    Fall 2021
    ILT Approval Date
    AALC Approval Date
    Curriculum Committee Approval Date
    Review Semester
    Fall 2021