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Students will 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 including
CD, 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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1. Reading (10-20 pp. per week) from the text, handouts, and/or online tutorials
2. Hands-on proficiency demonstrations on the hardware and software
3. Quizzes (3-5) on course topics (multiple choice/short answer/essay as needed)
4. Completion of required laboratory hours
5. Recording project(s): an original recording (minimum of 3 minutes in length) that demonstrates
mastery of the concepts of the course
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Modern Recording Techniques. 9th ed. Huber, David Miles and Runstein, Robert. Routledge. 2017
The Recording Engineer's Handbook. 4th ed. Owinski, Bobby. BOMG Publishing. 2017
The Mixing Engineer's Handbook. 4th ed. Owinski, Bobby. Bobby Owsinski Media Group. 2017
Pro Tools 101 (Official courseware). Cook, Frank D. Cengage Learning PTR. 2013 (classic)
Instructor prepared materials