Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTRODUCTION TO SOUND RECORDING AND PRODUCTION
Code MUSI108
Coordinator Mr JA Holmes
Music
John.Holmes@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2023-24 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To introduce students to a variety of recording and production techniques in a professional studio.
To enable students to use a professional level digital recording studio effectively.
To develop the students’ individual and group work skills within the studio environment.
To develop students’ knowledge of recording and production technologies.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) An ability to record a song or instrumental in Pro Tools HD using the appropriate recording and production techniques demonstrated in class.

(LO2) An ability to edit and mix a song in Pro Tools HD using appropriate effects and plugins to a standard suitable for public broadcast.

(LO3) An ability to explain, justify and reflect on recording and production techniques used in the recording studio.

(LO4) An ability to explain, justify and reflect on the mixing techniques and effects used in the recording studio.

(LO5) An ability to successfully work, cooperate and present within a group.

(S1) Working in groups and teams - Group action planning

(S2) Organisational skills

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Following instructions/protocols/procedures


Syllabus

 

Studio Orientation
Microphone types
Microphone Techniques for Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals and acoustic instruments.
Recording and audio editing in Pro Tools.
Inserts: Equalisation, Dynamics.
Using Auxiliary and Sends: Delays, Reverb.
Mixing in Pro Tools
Using an analog mixing console
Grouping tracks, parallel processing.
Mastering


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: (90 mins x 12) Lectures will be online based. 12 Lectures. Lectures provide background information on recording technology and production techniques as well as demonstration and hands-on practice using studio software. The lectures explain why particular equipment and processes are chosen and how they are used. Students are taught and encouraged and to assess the requirements of each project and practice selecting and applying the correct processes needed for them within a software environment. Students will then attend a Mac Suite on Campus in small groups as per timetabling requirements to have practical experience in a seminar setting.
Attendance recorded: Yes
Notes: The lectures focus on studio software in the computer lab allowing individual hands on practice. Students will build competency in the Mac lab before applying it in the studio environment.

Teaching Method 2 - Workshop
Description: (18 hours) In small g roup of 5 to 6, students are shown specific hardware and studio production techniques. The emphasis is on students gaining hands-on practice and experimenting with studio equipment and techniques, whilst under the guidance and supervision of the lecturer or teaching assistant. Week 11 workshops provide advice on the group presentations. Week 12 is for the group presentation.
Attendance recorded: Yes

Self-directed learning: The use of the hardware equipment and software for music production requires practice and some experimentation before it can be used competently. Students are expected to book the studio and use the Mac suites to practice the production techniques (in groups or individually) that will be needed for completion of coursework. Additionally, students should, over the course of their entire studies, aim to develop and perfect their own production style, through self-directed practice.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 18

        6

24

18

66
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 84
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework 2 - Production Project Description - In their seminar groups, students complete is song recording. The instruments are recorded to separate tracks using single and multiple mixing techniqu    60       
Coursework 1 - Mixing Description - Students are asked to mix a pre-recorded multitrack session. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anony    40       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.