CCOG for MUC 223 Fall 2024


Course Number:
MUC 223
Course Title:
Recording Technology I: Analog Fundamentals
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
20
Lecture/Lab Hours:
20
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Covers fundamental skills in audio engineering. Includes theory and practical application of current recording technology, with a focus on analog workflows. Introduces fundamental acoustics, microphone placement, multi-track recording, mix-down, and signal processing. Focuses on recording acoustic and electro-acoustic ensembles. This is the first course in a three-course sequence. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

Recording Technology I is designed to familiarize the student with all aspects of session engineering in the analog realm along with fundamental studio design requirements. It is geared towards project studios and freelance engineering. The intent is to promote the art of music recording while providing a strong technical understanding. MUC 223 prepares student for a more intensive study in MUC 224.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Judge the capabilities of their recording studio by assessing the equipment and space and comparing it to industry best practices and standards. 
  • Set up a project studio.
  • Begin to qualify musical qualities into values that can be adjusted or manipulated using audio engineering equipment.
  • Set up and utilize microphones of various makes and models.

Course Activities and Design

Material for the course will be presented in a lecture format but also instructor-led and student-led labs.

  • Performance reviews
  • Exams
  • Weekly labs with small group work
  • Class participation and discussion

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Students will demonstrate their understanding of the basic theory of recording and the physics governing the process by successfully completing exams. They will also be required to complete a "hands on" performance review of skills learned in the labs. 

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

COMPETENCIES  AND SKILLS

  • Perform basic signal routing
  • Understand signal flow theory
  • Identify Frequencies and harmonic spectra
  • Identify phase anomalies and qualify the stereo image of a music recording
  • Demonstrate critical and active listening skills 
  • Understand the fundamental physics and acoustics involved in sound propagation
  • Understand the human ear and the brains interpretation of stimuli