This module develops students’ ability to work independently and confidently within professional recording studio environments, focusing on complex multi-track recording, editing, and mixing workflows. Emphasis is placed on informed decision-making, technical competence, and the creative application of industry-standard tools and techniques.
Students extend their practical skills within Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), working on multi-track projects that require detailed editing, session management, and structured mixing approaches. Teaching explores commercial and industry-standard production, editing, and mixing techniques, enabling students to create mixes that meet contemporary professional expectations across a range of music and sound contexts.
Studio-based learning develops advanced understanding of microphone selection and placement, signal flow, and gain staging for complex recording scenarios. Students work with analogue mixing desks and outboard equipment, integrating analogue and digital workflows to capture, process, and prepare audio for mixing. This prepares students to adapt confidently to a variety of recording environments and technical setups.
The module contextualises contemporary practice through exploration of the historical development of recording, editing, and mixing techniques, examining how modern computer-based recording systems have evolved from analogue and early digital processes. Students consider how historical constraints and workflows continue to shape current DAW design and production aesthetics.
A significant focus is placed on the use of computer-based recording packages to enhance and transform musical recordings, including corrective and creative processing techniques. Students apply production skills to amend, refine, and improve the sonic quality of multi-track mixes, using technology to address balance, clarity, dynamics, and spatial characteristics.
Students gain an applied understanding of how processes such as equalisation, dynamics processing, time-based effects, and other signal treatments function within a digital environment, supporting more intentional and effective mixing decisions.
By the end of the module, students will demonstrate a high level of technical competence, historical and theoretical awareness, and the ability to apply advanced recording, editing, and mixing techniques within professional and creative production contexts.

Assessment 1:
The Production portfolio will collate a number of music and/or sound design related products the overall length of which will vary based on the type of content to be included. The details of this will be negotiated with the module leader, but there will be an expectation of around 8 – 12 minutes of music in a band recording over roughly 4 tracks, or 4-5 minutes of sound design over 1 or 2 clips. Alternative portfolio content will be benchmarked against this.

Assessment 2:
The reflective writing will provide an opportunity to provide a commentary on the portfolio as a whole, illustrating the reasoning behind key decisions made in the portfolio and undertaking a critical analysis of the overall success or otherwise of the specific elements in the portfolio compared to relevant professional works.

Formative Assessment:

Midway formative feedback will be embedded within practical sessions, providing structured opportunities for feedback on work-in-progress to support student development and progression.

Sessions will include a mixture of time in the labs undertaking both taught sessions and independent working as well as sessions based in the University recording studios. Teaching will be through a variety of methods including practical exploration of music and sound related tools, academic instruction into the underlying science of the topic area.

1. Plan and complete multi-track recording, editing, and mixing projects using industry-standard DAWs and studio hardware.

Knowledge and Understanding, Application and Problem Solving.

2. Apply appropriate recording equipment, studio techniques, and audio technologies informed by an understanding of professional practice and relevant theory.

Application and Problem Solving, Digital Literacy.

3. Evaluate and refine audio productions through testing, analysis, and critical reflection to improve mix quality and sonic outcomes.

Reflection, Personal Development and Entrepreneurship.

University recording studios
University Music & Sound Apple Mac labs
Logic Pro X, Ableton Live Suite, Pro Tools Ultimate software
NI Komplete & McDSP software
University Media stores and SISO
PSE SoundQ

Ballou, G. & Jones, D., 2025. Handbook for sound engineers. 6th Edition, Focal Press.

Huber, D.M., Caballero, E. and Runstein, R., 2023. Modern recording techniques: a practical guide to modern music production. 9th Edition. Focal Press.

Izhaki, R., 2023. Mixing audio: concepts, practices, and tools. 4th Edition. Focal Press.

Record with confidence. Mix with precision. Work like a professional.
This module takes your studio skills to the next level, preparing you to work independently in modern recording environments. You’ll master multi-track recording, advanced editing, and industry-standard mixing techniques using professional DAWs, analogue desks, and outboard gear. By combining hands-on studio practice with an understanding of the technology and history behind modern production, you’ll develop the technical control and creative confidence needed to deliver polished, commercial-quality mixes.