This module engages the student in techniques of music production for a variety of delivery formats and systems. It also explores the theories used in preserving and enhancing the quality of audio recordings. Digital and analogue audio systems are investigated from the recording system to final medium. Students investigate suitable software and hardware techniques for music production and mastering. Best practice in producing high quality mastered audio is studied and reflected upon. Surround, multichannel and spatial, immersive audio formats are also explored. The following areas are covered:

Audio Processing and Mastering in Stereo and Multi-channel formats
Spatial audio, surround and immersive audio formats and high-definition audio
Loudness issues and standards
Music Production
Audio Post-Production
Preparing Audio for Delivery and Distribution
Perceptual Audio Coding Techniques
Noise Reduction, Audio Restoration and Forensics

Digital audio restoration, demonstration of the processes used to digitally restore the provided audio and answering questions on the approaches taken and reflection on the overall success of the restoration process. (LO1,2 & 5)

Mastered track collection. Three tracks mastered to work as a collection of tracks taken from a selection provided by the course team and demonstration of these three tracks and interview style questions to interrogate understanding of the processes applied and the suitability of different systems for the outcomes desired. (LO1, 2, 3, 4)

A multichannel production in a surround or immersive format as defined by the course team and a demonstration of the production and reflective discussion about the choices made in the mix process and demonstrating understanding of the system used. (LO1, 2,3)
All of the assessments to be undertaken in a single interview/demonstration.

3 hours per week lecture/practical /tutorial over 14 weeks

1. Apply suitable techniques in music post-production and mastering of music.
Application

2. Evaluate methodologies and techniques involved in the production of stereo, multi-channel and spatialised audio
Application; Reflection

3. Demonstrate an understanding of suitable audio systems for production of high-quality audio Analysis; Enquiry

4. Reflect on mastered music and how various processing techniques affect its quality.
Reflection

5. Demonstrate understanding of digital restoration techniques.
Reflection, Learning

The Cadman Music Laboratories and Studios
Media stores / resource centre
Music laboratories
Multi-channel studio and monitoring system
Hardware Signal Processors
Audio plugins
Digital audio workstation/s
Various additional third-party audio plug-ins by McDSP, UAD, Waves.
Books, eBooks and audio recordings via the Library
LinkedIn Learning Resources

Holman, T. (2007) Surround Sound: Up and Running: 2. Focal Press

Katz, B. (2014) Mastering Audio the Art and Science. Third Edition. Focal Press

Kuehnl, E & Fulwider, M (2022). Surround Mixing and Immersive Audio Featuring Dolby Atmos. Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation

Loy, G. (2011) Musimathics: The Mathematical Foundations of Music: 1: Volume 1. The MIT Press

Loy, G., Chowning, J. (2011). Musimathics: The Mathematical Foundations of Music: 2: Volume 2. The MIT Press

Owsinski, B. (2014) The Mastering Engineer's Handbook. Delmar

Roginska, A., & Geluso, P. (2018). Immersive sound: The art and science of binaural and multi- channel audio. New York, NY: Routledge, an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group.

Rothermich, E. (2021). Mixing in Dolby Atmos - #1 How it Works: A different type of manual - the visual approach. Independently published.

Rothermich, E. (2022). Mixing in Dolby Atmos - #3 Using Logic Pro: A different type of manual - the visual approach. Independently published.

Rumsey, F. (2001). Spatial Audio. Focal Press

Rumsey, F. (2021) Sound and Recording. Applications and Theory. 8th Edition. Routledge.

Schuštze, S., & Irwin-Schuštze, A. (2018). New realities in audio a practical guide for VR, AR, MR and 360 Video. Boca Raton: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group.

Watkinson, J. (2001). The Art of Digital Audio. Focal Press

Zotter, F., & Frank, M. (2019). Ambisonics A Practical 3D Audio Theory for Recording, Studio Production, Sound Reinforcement, and Virtual Reality. Cham: Springer International Publishing.

Would you like to create music in stereo and surround and learn how to enhance your productions to a professional standard? This module will challenge you to develop skills to achieve the highest standards in audio production. To achieve this, you need a synergy of technical and creative capabilities which will all be tested and developed during this module. The practice of music production using industry standard equipment will equip you with the expertise, competencies and confidence to work in the music production and post-production industries.