Audio Production II
MUS 481
Thursday 11:00-12:40, Spring 2003
Instructor: Dr. James Harley
Contact: CA 138; telephone 236-2001; email harleyja@mnstate.edu
Course Outline:
In this course, you will learn about audio production within a recording studio through practice, reading, and directed listening. We will work on all aspects of recording techniques, including: microphone selection/placement, monitoring, console settings, EQ, limiting, gating, mixing, laying to tape, playback, mixing. We will be working mainly in the digital domain, but will also learn about analog procedures and gear, and will use "outboard" processing gear as well as equivalent software tools. On the computer, we will focus on Pro Tools.
You will need to plan to spend time every week in the studio, working on assignments and trying out the different techniques we go over in class. The only way to gain facility with the recording studio is to DO IT. You should keep a notebook handy at all times, to note set-ups, what settings work or donŐt work, etc, for every assignment.You will be required to submit classnotes with your summary of studio procedures covered during class on a weekly basis.
You will also be given directed listening assignments. These will focus on production techniques rather than musical content. The audio engineer listens to sound in a different way than most people, and we will work on acquiring the ability to listen analytically according to various criteria that will be introduced in class. Some of this listening will be based on specific recordings; other listening will involve recordings you discover for yourself according to specified evaluative criteria. You will also be working with the Golden Ears technical ear-training CDs. There will be four short listening quizzes based on these exercises.
You will work on one final recording project, to be produced as professionally as possible and handed in as a mastered audio CD. For this project, you will be working with one of the Commercial Ensembles to record one or two songs.
There will be a final exam based on specific techniques relating to the various tools and procedures in the studio.
Class meets once a week, therefore consistent attendance is critical in order gain familiarity with the equipment in the studio. There is no studio manual that explains all. You will be permitted one excused absence without it affecting your grade ("excused" means advance notice or documentation). You will be permitted one excused late arrival. Thereafter, any absence will lower your grade by one level (5%, e.g., from A to A-). Each additional late arrival will lower your grade by half of a leve (2.5%)l. You are also expected to participate in the classes, particularly when we are working on demonstrations of particular recording or mixing techniques.
Assignments must be completed on time. Late work will be penalized 10% per day (not per class) unless you have been granted an extension. To obtain an extension you need to contact the instructor by the classtime of the due date at the latest. You will be given a weekly studio time of 3 hours, and you should plan to make use of it. There will be opportunities to sign up for additional time, but there are two other classes who also need access to the studio, so scheduling will work best when you stick to your regular time. Please build this into your ongoing weekly routine.
Textbooks:
Modern Recording Techniques, 5th edition, by David Miles
Huber and Robert E. Runstein.
Golden Ears Audio Eartraining CD set, Vol. 1 (4 CDs), by Dave Moulton.
Required Equipment:
Evaluation:
| Quizzes (from readings) | 20% |
| Studio Assignments | 30 |
| Listening Quizzes | 10 |
| Listening Assignments | 10 |
| Final Project | 10 |
| Final Exam | 10 |
| Classnote summaries | 10 |
Schedule:
Jan 16
Jan 23
Jan 30
Feb 6
Feb 13
Feb 20
Feb 27
Mar 6
Mar 13
Spring Break
Mar 27
Apr 3
Apr 10
Apr 17
Apr 24
May 1
Final Exam: 9 am, May 12