MUSIC 94
BEGINNING RECORDING TECHNIQUES
Rev.7/05
INSTRUCTOR – CHARLES GUTIERREZ OFFICE PHONE (562) 938-4073 RM 110
CLASS NO. 70692/73549RM. 132/118MASTER CONTROL 938-4517
- CLASS OBJECTIVES – Learn multitrack recording techniques and technology formats (analog and digital). The student will develop a project demo recording for class presentation using these techniques. The class will also include the mixing and processing of audio signals. We will learn the basics of microphones and cabling. Most important, you will learn critical thinking, listening, terminology and vocabulary, communication and attitude skills used in the music industry.
- REQUIRED TEXT BOOK – “MODERN RECORDING TECHNIQUES” by Huber & Runstein $36.95
- SUPPLIES NEEDED – (4) High bias cassette tapes type II (TDK Pro SM30/60/90) $3.00/each.
Studio grade headphones recommended model AKG 240m/df/s or Sony v600+ series. These headphones are made to reproduce exactly what is on the recording with no colorization of the sound. They will cost about $90.00+. Don’t use less expensive or cheap “walkman” type. A black dry erase marker for production presentations ($2.00), scantron #882 and #2 pencil for final exam ($1.00). Bring with you multiple artist CD’s or cassettes for project source material. Any personal instruments, synths, drum machines, microphones or recording accessories can be brought to lab days for use in your productions and projects. It is your responsibility for operations and safety of any personal equipment brought for lab use.
CALL BEFORE GOING TO THE RETAIL LOCATION
SAM ASH (CERRITOS) (562) 468-1107GUITAR CENTER (CERRITOS)(562) 402-4106
- GRADING BY POINTS
16 ATTENDANCE 4pts each64pts36 STUDIO LAB HOURS 1pt/hr36pts
2 HOMEWORKS10/40pts each50ptsHAND’S ON EXAM 100pts
2 PRODUCTIONS60pts each120ptsWRITTEN FINAL100pts
- OVERALL CLASS GRADES ARE BASED ON YOUR PERCENTAGE OF POINTS ACCUMALATTED.
A = 470 – 423B = 422 – 376C = 375 – 329D = 328 – 282F = 281 – 0
A = 100 – 90%B = 89 – 80%C = 79 – 70%D = 69 – 60%F = 59 – 0%
- CLASS ATTENDANCE – You are expected to be on time for all class meetings. Recording Engineering is a detailed oriented job; therefore a student needs to learn every concept, large and small. With limited time together, we can not return to concepts for individuals that have missed class or assignments. Tardiness or leaving early to/from class will be counted as half credit. Each attendance is point based.
- LAB HOURS – A minimum of 36 lab hours are required for this class. Hours are kept in master control; it is your responsibility for checking in for lab time credit. Home studio hours are acceptable and can substitute or supplement for campus lab hours. You must keep a detailed professional log of your activities to be turned in prior to the end of the semester.
- PRODUCTIONS (2) – They will be presented to the class for critique. During the production presentation, all students will be expected to be present and participate in critique of classmate’s projects. LACK OF PARTICIPATION IN THIS PART OF THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE WILL AFFECT YOUR FINAL GRADE. This is why a specialized terminology and vocabulary are needed. Productions should be worthy of listening too.
- YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! NO EARLY OR LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY REASON.
- Violation of Academic Honesty are grounds for class failure.
- NO MAKE-UPS FOR FINAL EXAM
- ANY STUDENT WHO MISSES TWO CONSECUTIVE CLASS WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE CLASS ROLL.
YOU WILL ALSO BE DROPPED FROM THE MASTER CONTROL COMPUTER, REMOVING ANY LAB PRIVLEDIGES REGARDING THIS CLASS. Any student who discontinues attending class and does not officially withdraw from the class will receive a letter grade equal to the number of points accumulated at the time of “flaking”. (most likely an “f”). If you need an extended leave, (not recommended) you must see me prior to the absence and advise in prior written form (no phone calls!). Don’t wait till the end of the semester to fix your problems. I am willing to help all of you as much as possible in your success of this class, but as it is in the real world of the music industry, you have to be committed to help yourself and others.
MUSIC 94 SEMESTER CLASS SCHEDULE
REV 7/05
CLASS 1 ORIENTATION / RULES AND REGULATIONS
CONTRACTS AND MASTER CONTROL H.W. #1 ASSIGN
CLASS 2SOUNDWAVES / SIGNAL FREQUENCY and AMPLITUDE
STEREO / MULTI-TRACK PRIMER H.W. #1 DUE
CLASS 3DECIBELS / FLETCHER MUNSON / NOISE / N/R / DOLBY DBX/ HEADPHONE LEVELS / BASIC MIXDOWN / TRACK SHEETS/ TAPE LABELS
CLASS 4MULTITRACK RECORDER / MULTITRACK RECORDING
PROCESS / TAPE CONSTRUCTION / ANALOG TAPE
H.W. #2 ASSIGN
CLASS 5 CABLES / STANDS / HEADPHONE BOXES
CLASS 6CONSOLE / BUSSING / TASCAM 424 VIDEO
H.W. #2 DUE
CLASS 7MICROPHONES / PROXIMITY & PHASE / MIC PRE’S / D.I.’S
CLASS 8EQUALIZATION / FREQUENCY BANDS
CLASS 9EFFECTS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING
CLASS 10IN - CLASS DEMO OF PRODUCTION #1
“DOWN AND DIRTY”
CLASS 11PRODUCTION #1 DUE – CLASS PRESENTATION
CLASS 12COMPRESSION BASICS and APPLICATIONS
STEREO REVERB IN MIXDOWN
CLASS 13PING-PONG TRACKS / STEREO REVERB IN MIXDOWN
CLASS 14TEACHER’S CHOICE
CLASS 15PRODUCTION #2 DUE – CLASS PRESENTATION
CLASS 16WRITTEN FINAL EXAM / RETURN TAPES
SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
MUSIC 94 PRODUCTION SCHEDULE
Rev. 7/05
PRE-PRODUCTION #1
Record information on 4 individual tracks
No more than 1 Stereo source
Stereo source is not required
PRODUCTION #1 FOR PRESENTATION
Mixdown your 4 tracks to stereo using panning and e.q. where necessary.
PRE-PRODUCTION #2
Record a minimum of 5 tracks using Ping-Pong technique.
Must use Microphone.
No more than 1 Stereo source
Stereo source is not required
PRODUCTION #2 FOR PRESENTATION
Mixdown Pre-Production #2 to stereo cassette or CD, using panning, e.q. and effects where applicable.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Good 4 track levels. 0VU
No distortion
Track sheet showing sequence of production
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Good 2 track mixdown levels. 70-90dB
No distortion
Clarity and applicable panning
Track sheet showing sequence of production
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Track sheet showing sequence of production
Aesthetic appeal of mixed tracks
Clarity of mixed tracks
Good VU readings 0VU
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Crispness of mix
Aesthetic appeal of mixed tracks
Clarity of mixed tracks
Use of panning and effects
Good 2 track levels 0VU 70-90dB
Track sheet showing sequence of production
MUSIC 94
READING ASSIGNMENTS
Rev 7/05
TEXT: “MODERN RECORDING TECHNIQUES” by Huber & Runstein
Reading assignments should be maintained to schedule, so practical knowledge can be applied to your production and project assignments. The written final test will also be derived from these reading assignments along with your lecture notes and materials.
This is a “logical” order of the chapters that pertain to your productions and projects. You can (highly suggested) read ahead to any chapter that might aid in your productions and projects.
WEEK #
#1“Introduction”
#2“Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
#3 “Sound and Hearing”
#4“The Analog Audio Tape Recorder”
#5“Noise Reduction”
#6”The Audio Production Console”
#7 “Studio Session Procedures”
#8“Microphones: Design and Applications”
#9“Signal Processors”
#10“Digital Audio Technology