In this module you will be focusing on learning the fundamentals of professional studio practice. Using the universities state of the art recording studio complex and Apple Mac computer labs you will aim to create a portfolio of professional audio work. You will be exposed to large format mixing consoles, microphone technologies and techniques, signal routing principles, digital audio theory and hardware effects units. In addition to the practical studio context, there will be an examination of the theoretical principles of sound propagation and a basic understanding of acoustics and the underpinnings of digital audio theory.

1. Recording Project. Students will undertake a recording project utilising the university studio complex to make a multitrack recording of a number of performers for a music and sound related artifact. It should be at least 2 minutes and no longer than 4 minutes, include at least 4 audio tracks and 4 midi tracks and all audio content should be original recordings. Composition or scripts do not need to be original. (LO1 & 2)

2. Sound Theory Exam. This exam will test students understanding of the basic theories of digital audio and how they relate to good practice in a recording studio setting as well as basic acoustic theory and how that relates to a recording studio setting. (LO 3 & 4)

This module will feature a variety of lectures, workshops and seminars both in large and small groups across the music labs and the recordings studios at the university.

1. Record and process digital audio using suitable hardware and software

Knowledge and Understanding, Application.

2. Understand the basic placement of microphones in a studio setting for recording a limited number of instruments.

Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving.

3. Have a basic understanding of acoustic theory and the way in which that applies in a recording studio setting.

Knowledge and Understanding, Application.

4. Have an understanding of basic digital audio theory, and how that influence the approach taken in a music and sound recording context.

Knowledge and Understanding, Application.

University recording studios
University Music & Sound Apple Mac labs
Logic Pro X software
McDSP software
University Media stores and SISO

Modern Recording Techniques: 9th ed. Huber & Runstein Routledge Abingdon 2018

Practical Recording Techniques The Step-by-Step Approach to Professional Audio Recording: 7th ed. Bartlett & Bartlett Routledge 2016

The Recording Engineer’s Handbook. Owsinski, B. Bobby Owsinski Media Group 2017

Ever wondered how a recording professional studio works?
Well now’s your chance to see behind the curtain! Be guided through every step of the creative and technical process by our brilliant and talented staff within the Music & Sound department. On this module you will be taught the fundamentals of professional studio practice, everything from how microphones work, through to the postproduction effects processing techniques used on countless top 40 records.