Course Outline for Music Recording Technology 23
Audio Recording II

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 05/19/2016
Catalog Description:

MURT 23 - Audio Recording II

3.00 Units

Advanced studio recording techniques. Highly specific and refined microphone selection and implementation, complex multichannel signal flow, analog and digital signal processing, and multitrack mixing in the digital audio workstation. Student-produced, hands-on recording sessions in both the studio and live-concert settings.
Prerequisite: MURT 21.
1005.00 - Commercial Music*
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 2.00 36.00 72.00 108.00
Laboratory 1.00 72.00 0.00 72.00
Total 3.00 108.00 72.00 180.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. create and assess an individual approach to microphone usage which yields a variety of specific and intended sonic results;
  2. identify and criticize strengths and weaknesses in the recording technique of extant commercial recordings;
  3. construct complex multitrack signal paths using a mixing board, digital audio interface and digital audio workstation software;
  4. design and implement multichannel wiring and miking schematics for multiple-instrument recording sessions;
  5. differentiate the contrasting techniques of studio and live recording;
  6. assess, prioritize and apply appropriate multichannel mixing techniques towards the realization of intended sonic and aesthetic outcomes;
  7. conduct themselves in a professional manner consistent with the customs and culture of the professional music industry.
Course Content:
  1. Vocabulary, terminology, and concepts of advanced music production and multi-track recording
    1. Terms and conditions
    2. Comparing the skills of producing with those of engineering
    3. The roles of technical proficiency, organization, and communication
  2. Advanced Principals
    1. Acoustics and signal flow
      1. Acoustic principles
      2. The recording/reproduction chain
      3. Overview of the functions of each link in the studio chain
    2. The track session
      1. Planning
      2. Tracking
      3. Documentation
      4. What to do when things go wrong – contingencies
    3. The overdub session
      1. Simple overdubbing; headphone technique
      2. Advanced planning and documentation
      3. Bouncing track
      4. Use of “virtual tracks”
    4. The mix-down session
      1. Building the stereo image
      2. Levels and balance
      3. Choosing and applying effects and processors
      4. Editing
      5. Running mix to 2-track
    5. Signal processors, operation and applications
      1. Separate demonstration sessions highlighting: EQ, reverb, delays and time modulation effects, variable gain amplifiers
      2. Lab assignments to reinforce signal processing skills
    6. Compression, Multi-band compression
    7. Equalization 
    8. Reverb, delay, chorusing
    9. Automation
  3. Microphones
    1. Microphone theory, types of microphones
    2. Microphone techniques – choice/application for vocals, strings, horns, piano, drums
    3. Microphone techniques – stereo pairs, compare and contrast
    4. Demonstration of direct inputs compared to miking
  4. Professional behaviors
    1. Dependability
    2. Time management
    3. Work ethic
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Guest speakers
  2. Laboratory
  3. Demonstration/Exercise
  4. Distance Education
  5. Listening assignments
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Read chapter on Microphone Design and be prepared to discuss
  2. Listen to, identify and discuss the sonic characteristics of a recording
  3. Demonstrate multi-channel wiring for multiple instruments
  4. Demonstrate proper audio signal flow configuration in a complex session
  1. Class Participation
  2. Class Performance
  3. Lab Activities
  4. Homework
  5. Exams/Tests
  6. Final Examination
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an appropriate implementation of advanced techniques of audio signal flow through analog and digital signal chains of a complex multi-track recording session.
  2. Develop a critical ear for aspects of multiple tracks as well as overall mix in a complex multi-channel recording session.
  3. Produce hands-on recording sessions in both the studio and live concert settings.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Miles David Huber and Robert Runstein (2017). Modern Recording Techniques (9th). Focal Press,.
  • Portable digital media storage, such as a flash drive or external hard drive, not below 2 Gigabytes of memory
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Advanced studio recording techniques.
Prerequisite: MURT 21.