Module Descriptors
MASTERING TECHNIQUES
MUSI60621
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: David Payling
Email: D.Payling@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- INCOURSE ASSESSMENT weighted at 100%
Module Details
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
100% in course assessment, comprising two equally weighed assignments
Produce a Portfolio of mastered, restored and compressed music including an interview and CD submission assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4. (100%)
Produce a Portfolio of mastered, restored and compressed music including an interview and CD submission assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4. (100%)
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The module will cover:
DP
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
DP
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
RESOURCES
The Music Technology laboratories
TEXTS
Katz, B. (2014) Mastering Audio The Art And Science. 3rd Edition, Focal Press
Loy, G. (2011) Musimathics: The Mathematical Foundations Of Music: 2
Owsinski, B. (2007) The Mastering Engineers Handbook. 2nd Edition. Delmar
Pohlmann K. (2010) Principles Of Digital Audio. (6th Edition) Mcgraw-Hill/Tab Electronics
Watkinson, J. 3rd Edition (2000) The Art Of Digital Audio. Focal Press
Loy, G. (2011) Musimathics: The Mathematical Foundations Of Music: 2
Owsinski, B. (2007) The Mastering Engineers Handbook. 2nd Edition. Delmar
Pohlmann K. (2010) Principles Of Digital Audio. (6th Edition) Mcgraw-Hill/Tab Electronics
Watkinson, J. 3rd Edition (2000) The Art Of Digital Audio. Focal Press
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. PERFORM AUDIO COMPRESSION TESTS AND ANALYSE AND REFLECT ON THEIR RESULTS [Analysis; Reflection]
2. APPLY ADVANCED TECHNIQUES TO MUSIC POST-PRODUCTION AND MASTERING OF DIGITAL AUDIO. [Application]
3. DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF DIGITAL RESTORATION TECHNIQUES.
[Knowledge and Understanding]
4. REFLECT ON MASTERED MUSIC AND HOW VARIOUS PROCESSING TECHNIQUES AFFECT ITS QUALITY. [Reflection]
2. APPLY ADVANCED TECHNIQUES TO MUSIC POST-PRODUCTION AND MASTERING OF DIGITAL AUDIO. [Application]
3. DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF DIGITAL RESTORATION TECHNIQUES.
[Knowledge and Understanding]
4. REFLECT ON MASTERED MUSIC AND HOW VARIOUS PROCESSING TECHNIQUES AFFECT ITS QUALITY. [Reflection]
Module Learning Strategies
2 hours per week lecture/practical over 13 weeks
Practical work undertaken in small groups in the studios
0.5 hours per week drop-in surgery.
Practical work undertaken in small groups in the studios
0.5 hours per week drop-in surgery.
Web Descriptor
As a mastering engineer, you will be called upon to use various audio processing techniques to produce a professional standard finished end product. Mostly you would be dealing with mixed stereo audio tracks that require the finishing touches to bridge the gap between the music production process and replication and distribution. Additionally, there might be times when you will have to rectify problems in old or degraded master tapes or vinyl for example and you will be required to convert music files to compressed formats for digital delivery. It is necessary to be familiar with all these processes to become proficient in the mastering field and an expert mastering engineer.