Sound Recording Techniques

Catalog description

Multi-track audio recording and post production techniques. THEA 484 Sound Recording Techniques (3) THEA 484 will provide fundamental skills in recording an audio production. The first four weeks will cover basics of current recording equipment, basic microphone theory and placement according to principles of sound propagation within performance spaces. The second four weeks will expand on the principles of the first four weeks, considering the problems of recording in a variety of different locations and specific techniques for recording particular instruments. The final seven weeks will focus on work within a recording studio. Students will need to configure a mixer with a multi-rack digital recorder and create a mastered CD with all appropriate post processing (EQ, compression, reverberation, etc.). Students will work on teams for various recording projects, with one student serving as producer for each, so that they gain a comprehensive knowledge of the various duties involved in setting up and operating recording equipment. Team projects will make up the majority of the grading for the class. Periodic quizzes will be administered in order to check the progress of the students and ensure their comprehension of the material. Each student will complete a final project in lieu of a final exam. During the production of this project, they will also be expected to serve in ancillary roles for their classmates' projects. Their participation in these other projects will be considered in the grading of their final project.