The Music Technology laboratories

Clark, R. (2014) Mixing, Recording, and Producing Techniques of the Pros: Insights on Recording Audio for Music, Video, Film, and Games. 2nd edn. Boston, MA: Course Technology, Cengage Learning
Frith, S. and Zagorski-Thomas, S. (2012) The Art of Record Production: An Introductory Reader for a New Academic Field. United Kingdom: Ashgate Publishing
Katz, B. (2013) Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science. 3rd edn. United Kingdom: Focal Press
Moylan, W. (2007) Understanding and Crafting the Mix: The Art of Recording [With CDROM]. 2nd edn. Amsterdam: Elsevier/Focal Press
Pohlmann, K. C. (2011) Principles of Digital Audio, Sixth Edition. 6th edn. New York: MCGRAW HILL BOOK CO

100% in course assessment, comprising two equally weighed assignments
Produce a Portfolio of stereo and surround mixes including a presentation and interview covering learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4. A CD/DVD will also be submitted as evidence of work carried out (50%)
Produce a Portfolio of mastered, restored and compressed music including a presentation and interview covering learning outcomes 5, 6, 7 and 8. A CD will also be submitted as evidence of work carried out (50%)

The module will cover:
The types of production and mixing techniques usually associated with commercial recordings produced with the music industry.
Exploration of how production techniques have developed and how computer based recording packages can be used to change musical content
Exploration of how computer based recording packages can be used to alter musical performance and improve the sonic potential of a mix
Develop the knowledge of production skills and their possible application to a pre-recorded multitrack recording
Use technology to apply production skills to amend and improve the quality of production mix to a multi-track recording
Digital Signal Processing in Mastering
Music Post Production
Preparing Audio for Delivery and Distribution
Perceptual Audio Coding Techniques
Noise Reduction, Audio Restoration and Forensics

2 hours per week lecture/practical over 26 weeks
Practical work undertaken in small groups in the studios
0.5 hours per week drop-in surgery.

Do your mixes sound good but could sound more commercial? This module looks at mixing skills and techniques used by top industry professionals in order to get your mixes ready for commercial release. From mixing to mastering, you will develop the skills to make your mixes sound professional whether on vinyl, digital download, CD or in surround sound. You will have lectures from top industry mixers, mastering engineers and producers to inspire your mixes and give you the commercial sound you’ve been looking for.