Music and Sound Production 1

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Audio processing such as equalisation, dynamics and ambience effects.
• Basic audio editing and mixing techniques
• Recording processes and equipment
• Mono, stereo and multiple microphone techniques

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Research and document the production process effectively for self-evaluation and communication with others.
• Apply effects processing effectively to enhance recorded audio material.
• Record, edit and mix audio sources effectively.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Communicate technical information effectively.
• Solve problems in complex environments.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Analyse audio recordings to identify key aspects of the production techniques used.
• Evaluate the quality of recorded material and potential causes of defects.
• Select appropriate microphones and techniques for particular sound sources and application contexts.

Topics will typically include: the production process, microphones and mic techniques, basic acoustics, mic-preamps, mixing, basic effects processing, such as EQ, reverb, compression, noise gates, critical listening.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching and learning methods include:

Lectures and demonstrations,

Practical tasks (both in-class and in independent study),

Reading hand outs and equipment manuals,

Individual/group research into practical applications of hardware and software in the studio,

Studying feedback on assessed work,

Small group tutorials.

Listening to professionally made recordings.

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Sound on Sound. Magazine and website

Textbooks

Paul White. The Sound on Sound book of creative recording.

Rumsey, Francis & McCormick, Tim. Sound and recording : an introduction.

Paul White. The Sound on Sound book of recording & production techniques for the recording musician.

Moylan, William. The art of recording: understanding and crafting the mix..

Assessment strategy

• Formative assessments or tasks designed to provide informal, on-module feedback.
• Recording and production assignments to allow students to demonstrate the practical technical skills covered.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal