You will be introduced to the recording studio environment. You will become familiar with recording studio hardware through a series of practical studio based sessions. Including mixing desks, multi-track recording and the use of analogue and digital studio equipment. Students will investigate aspects of signal routing, auxiliaries, insert points, the technological aspects of EQ, compression pre-amplifiers etc.
Also studio techniques of mixing, microphone placement and recording will be further investigated.
Further in semester two you will become familiar with the application of recording studio hardware through practical studio based sessions culminating in planning and running a recording session for a band followed by various mixing sessions on analogue and digital equipment.

6x2hr lectures
6x3˝hr practical sessions
4x4hr prerecording sessions
1x7hr recording session
3x4hr mixing sessions
Approx. 10 hrs Various meetings within recording group and with band

Access to multi-channel analogue recording studio
Outboard effects, dynamic processors
Patch bay
Mac computer running Logic X (or equivalent)
Microphones, stands and ancillary equipment
CLIO measurement kits

1. UNDERSTAND THE FUNDAMENTALS AND THEORY UNDERPINNING THE EQUIPMENT USED IN A MODERN PROJECT STUDIO.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. SPECIFY EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TO BE USED IN A MODERN PROJECT STUDIO.
[Analysis]

3. BE COMPETENT IN THE USAGE OF MODERN RECORDING EQUIPMENT
[Application]

4. DESCRIBE VARIOUS TECHNIQUES OF RECORDING IN A MULTI-TRACK RECORDING ENVIRONMENT. [Application]

5. PLAN AND EXECUTE RECORDING SESSIONS AND ALLOCATE TASKS IN GROUPS OR TEAMS ACCORDING TO THE PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
[Analysis]

6. CRITICALLY APPRAISE MULTI-TRACK RECORDINGS MIX-DOWNS AND THE EQUIPMENT USED TO OBTAIN THEM.
[Enquiry]

50% interview/practical: In semester one, each student will undertake a series of short formative assessments based on each completed practical session on many of the technological aspects of a modern multi-track recording studio, leading to a longer summative interview/practical session towards the end of the semester. Assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4. During this summative assessment you will be allowed to use the notes you have compiled throughout the semester as a guide. This summative assessment is expected to last approximately 30 minutes

50% Presentation/interview: In Semester two, you will organise and run a multitrack recording session, and then execute several stereo mixes on analogue equipment and in modern DAW software. You will have to present your mixes and discuss the techniques you have used during an interview held towards the end of the semester. Assessing learning outcomes 5 & 6. This summative assessment is expected to last approximately 30 minutes

Bartlett & Bartlett. (2016), Practical Recording techniques. 7th Ed Focal Press.
Dochtermann, J. (2011), Big Studio Secrets for Home Recording and Production, Cengage Learning, US.
Huber & Runstein. (2017), Modern Recording Techniques. 9th Ed Focal Press.
Nahmani, D. 2018, Logic Pro X 10.1, Peachpit Press, San Francisco.
Ramsey & McCormick. (2014), Sound and Recording: Applications and Theory. 7th Ed Focal Press.

An in depth look at a modern recording studio, using our state of the art recording facilities you will be shown every aspect of the recording chain culminating in running a recording session with a guest band and practicing several mixdown strategies including both hybrid and in or out of the box mixes.