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At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Record, edit, mix, and master digital audio with Pro Tools, expanding on the theoretical and technical knowledge developed in MUSC 60A.
2. Explain the functions and applications of signal processors and demonstrate their usage.
3. Utilize a variety of software plug-ins within Pro Tools.
4. Prepare final mixdowns of audio projects in a variety of formats.
5. Explain the mastering process and commercial standards for a variety of formats includingCD, vinyl, and streaming.
6. Evaluate and critique audio recordings, describing the techniques used to create the soundscape.
7. Demonstrate professionalism in a recording studio environment.
8. Research industry resources to stay current with theoretical and technological advances in the recording industry.
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Taught as fully integrated lecture/lab
I. Introduction to Live Sound
A. Acoustics
B. Sound systems
C. Introduction to the Venue digital board
D. How to run a live show
II. Editing and Mixing in Pro Tools
A. Importing media into sessions
B. Selecting and navigating
1. Timeline vs. edit selections
2. Working with selections
3. Adjusting session view
4. Adding markers to sessions
C. Basic Editing Techniques
1. Editing regions
2. Moving and trimming regions
3. Creating fade effects
4. Undo and revert-to-saved
D. Basic Mixing Techniques
1. The Pro Tools mix window
2. Basic automation
3. Real-time plug-ins
E. Creating a final mix
1. Backing up sessions
2. Sharing sessions between systems
3. Creating stereo mixdowns
4. Burning to CD
III. Applications of Signal Processing
A. Inline vs. side-chain processing
B. Equalization (EQ)
1. Peaking and shelving filters
2. High-pass and low-pass filters
3. Graphic vs. parametric EQ
4. Applying EQ
C. Time-based effects
1. Delay
2. Reverb
3. Phase, chorus, and flange
D. Dynamics Processing
1. Compression
2. Expansion
3. Limiting
4. Gates
E. Pitch-shifting effects
F. Psychoacoustic enhancement
G. Dynamic effects automation
H. Noise Reduction (NR)
IV. Introduction to the Mastering and Manufacturing Process
A. Loudness standards
B. Loudness metering: LUF and RMS
C. Signal Processing for Mastering
1. EQ
2. Compression
3. Limiting
4. M/S Processing
D. Metadata
E. Considerations for physical vs. digital formats
V. Critical Listening Skills: Evaluating Audio Recordings and The Art of Mixing
A. Ear training
B. Reference Tracks
C. Gain Structure
VI. Recording Industry Resources: Staying Current
A. Magazines and journals
B. Societies and conferences
C. Online resources
VII. Standards of Professionalism in the Recording Environment
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The Recording Engineer's Handbook. 5th ed. Owsinski, Bobby. BOMG Publishing. 2022.
The Mixing Engineer's Handbook. 5th ed. Owsinski, Bobby. BOMG Publishing. 2022.
Modern Recording Techniques. 9th ed. Huber, David Miles and Runstein, Robert. Routledge. 2017 (classic).
Instructor prepared materials