MUSC 270 Recording Techniques I

School of Arts and Technology

MUSC 270 Recording Techniques I provides students with an introduction to recording principles and practices. Through theoretical and practical instruction students will acquire a basic understanding of studio technologies and recording skills. Topics include fundamentals of analogue and digital recording, design and function of microphones, loudspeakers, and acoustical considerations in sound recording. Student engineers work with student artists to complete live-to-two track and multi-track recordings.

Prerequisites: MUSC 161 with a minimum grade of 83%

Corequisite: MUSC 260

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – NoBlock Transfer – Nobctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks15
Total Credits
Total Hours52.5
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture2
Lab (lab, field, computer)1.5

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Record a performance in stereo, using only 2 microphones
  2. Create a working Session Outline to guide recording sessions
  3. Effectively run a multi-track recording session
  4. Identify the signal flow of the Selkirk recording studio
  5. Use contemporary recording devices such as dynamic processors, digital effects, microphones and recorders at a basic level

Teaching and Learning Approach

Lectures and demonstration. Students are required to complete projects using the equipment available in the school recording studio.

Learning Resources

Required:

Understanding Audio, by Daniel M. Thompson

A notebook to take notes and keep handouts organized.

One or more portable hard drive(s).

 

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Participation - Attendance, Group Recording

2. Tech & Studio Orientation, Cables, Stands, Projects, Course Plan, Audio Signal types, History, Questions, etc

3. Everything Microphones. The similarities & differences between condenser, dynamic, ribbon microphones, polar patterns, and microphone care & storage.

4. Microphone Review & Continued. Signal path & wiring, Patch Bay & Normals, Digital Routing, Gain, Studio Rack gear, etc.

5. Digital Connections. Review of studio signal flow & routing, Headphones & Cue Systems intro

6. Stereo Mic Techniques

7. Stereo Mic techniques Continued

8. Microphone Test

9. Headphones & Cue systems

10. Listen to Stereo projects. Discuss results and consider alternatives.

11. Basic Recording Techniques - GTR, Bass, Vocals etc.

12. DI's & Re-amping, Prepare for Proficiencies.

13. Final proficiencies & exam

14. Tech Support for end of year concerts

Assessment

Title Learning Outcomes Value
Homework & Quizzes 1-5 30%
Projects 1-5 30%
Exams & Proficiencies  1-5 30%
Professionalism - Attendance, Group Recording Projects, Session maintenance 1-5 10%
Total 100%

Grading Table

Standard Contemporary Music and Technology Program Grading Table

PercentageLetter GradeGPA
97 - 100A+4.33
94 - 96.9A4.00
90 - 93.9A-3.67
87 - 89.9B+3.33
83 - 86.9B3.00
80 - 82.9B-2.67
77 - 79.9C+2.33
73 - 76.9C2.00
70 - 72.9C-1.67
60 - 69.9P1.00
Less than 60%F0.00
Did not withdrawDNW0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.