MP103 SYLLABUS (Spring 2013)
1. Department: Music
2. Course: MP103 Recording Techniques I: Studio Equipment
3. Prerequisite: MP101 (ME250) Introduction to the Recording Studio and MIDI with a
grade of C or better
4. 2 class hours, 3 laboratory hours, 3 credits
5. Course description (from 2011-13 catalog P. 195): An in-depth exploration into the
function, applied principles and practical usage of recording studio equipment. Emphasis
on skill development and consistency through hands-on experience and the completion of
mixdown projects in the Recording Studio Lab.
6. Curriculum/curricula for which the course is required: Necessary for the A.A.S. in
Music Production.
Curricular objectives addressed by the course:
• Students will master knowledge, techniques, methods and skills of the music
production industry.
•
Students will demonstrate proficiency in the use of industrial quality analog and
digital hardware and software in the field of music production.
•
Students will identify, analyze and solve technical problems that impede
realizations of music production.
•
Students will demonstrate awareness of and competence with music production
environments and protocols.
•
Students will communicate effectively orally and in writing using relevant media
and will function effectively on teams.
7. General Education objectives addressed by the course:
Students successfully completing MP103 will:
1. communicate effectively through reading, writing, listening and speaking
outcomes:
• apply principles of critical listening to evaluate information
• speak clearly, accurately, and coherently in several modes of delivery
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2. use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence
in order to make informed decisions
outcomes:
• solve problems in their program of study
5. integrate knowledge and skills in their program of study
outcomes:
• complete sequential courses that use knowledge and skills from a previous
course to master the higher level course
7. work collaboratively in diverse groups directed at accomplishing learning
objectives.
outcomes:
• work in groups to accomplish learning tasks and reach common goals
• demonstrate interpersonal skills and accountability in working in diverse groups
8. Course objectives/expected student learning outcomes
Students successfully completing MP-103 will:
1. learn the principles and methods of analogue music recording and its
applications in contemporary music contexts.
2. use computer technology and digital music recording software for playback and
research of recording and mixdown methods.
3. learn audio recording in a variety of musical contexts.
4. learn a variety of music styles, forms, and performance practices.
5. communicate effectively and responsibly through speaking and listening when
presenting class projects.
6. understand and appreciate the human experience through arts and humanities.
7. understand and be sensitive to cultural diversity so that they are prepared to live
and work in an international and multicultural environment by presenting their
work in class, receiving feedback, and encountering the works of others.
8- demonstrate basic competency in the use of analog music technology principles
to mix down audio from analog or digital sources.
9-demonstrate knowledge of signal flow within analog music technologies.
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10-demonstrate understanding of the implications of gain stages of analog
recording consoles and signal processors .
11-demonstrate competency in the use of patch bay configurations for analog
equipment connections.
12-demonstrate competency in the operation of analog signal processing
equipment to enhance the qualities of sound.
13-demonstrate an understanding of music mix-down methods, techniques,
planning and organization used in post-production.
14-use the terminology of music and music technology to communicate with
other students in order to accomplish music production tasks.
15-demonstrate critical thinking ability to solve problems that arise during the
mix down process of music production.
16-demonstrate awareness and understanding of the interpersonal
communication and behavioral styles that are appropriate among engineers,
producers and musicians.
17-demonstrate basic knowledge of microphone types and polar patterns.
18-with a grade of C or better, advance to MP205.
9. Summary of main topics covered in the course
Class 1 Class overview. Why we record. Imaging. Stereo vs. Mono and the brain. Critical
listening basics. Analysis of musical form and recorded content of multi-track recordings.
Class 2 Resistance networks in volume and panning controls. Gain-staging/level setting.
Initial mixer settings/zeroing, tracks or channels? SOLO modes & unity gain.
Class 3 Monitor/Program levels. Signal Path. Assignment. Elements of a good mix, static
vs. dynamic mixes. Odd/Even buss panning. Grouping and Double Assignment.
Class 4 Pitch/Frequency, timbre, overtones, equalization types, patchbay
Class 5 EQ Techniques for Enhancement & problem solving, applications. CD mix levels
Class 6 Insert jacks, Envelopes, Dynamic Range-Compression vs. Limiting
Class 7 Matching Levels, power requirements for speakers, placement, standing waves,
headphones vs. speakers.
Class 8 Midterm Ex and Listening/Critiquing 1st Mixdown Projects
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Class 9 Dynamic Range-Gating vs. Expansion
Class 10 FX, serial vs. parallel processing
Class 11 Auxiliary Busses and the Pre/Post selection
Class 12 Connector types, cables and balanced theory.
Class 13 Microphones Survey
Class 14 Semester Review and Listening/Critiquing 2nd Mixdown Projects
Class 15 Final Ex & Individual 10 Point Skills Assessment (20 minute mixdown session)
10. Optional Text
Gibson, Bill (2005) The S.M.A.R.T. guide to Mixers, Signal Processors, Microphones . . .
11. Methods by which student learning will be evaluated:
2 mixdown recordings each with typed defense report
Written Midterm Exam (35 questions)
Mid Semester Evaluation, In-class Lab Assignments & Quizzes
10 point Skills Assessment (Oral Final)
Written Final Exam (55 questions)
All assignments, mixdown recordings, reports lab assignments and
exams are required. A grade of INC will be given if any of the
above are not completed during the semester.
Attendance : After 1st unexcused absence, each additional
unexcused absence lowers semester grade 1/3 of a letter
12. Required attire (if applicable)
Headphones with ¼” stereo plug must be brought to every lab class meeting.
13. Academic Integrity policy
See page 41-43 of current college catalog (2011-2013)
14. Other expectations for student performance :
A minimum of one hour of weekly mixdown practice in HB-26.
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20 %
20 %
20 %
20 %
20 %
QCC COURSE ASSESSMENT FORM
Fall 2004, Rev. 6/15/07
Date: December 2012
Department: MUSIC
Course:
MP103 Recording Techniques I: Studio Equipment
Curriculum or Curricula: Music Production
TABLE 1
Educational Context:
Course: MP103 Recording Techniques I: Studio Equipment
Curriculum: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Music Production
Pre-requisite: MP101 Introduction to the Recording Studio and MIDI (with a grade of at least C)
MP103 with a grade of at least C, is the pre-requisite for MP205 Recording Techniques II:Studio Operation and for
MP208 Digital Recording.
A mid-level course required for this curriculum, MP103 produces students who have developed a working knowledge of the
operation of representative analog equipment integral in modern project and professional sound studios. Lectures focus on
the concepts, function and potential uses of equipment in the recording mixdown process. In labs, students apply lecture
content by practicing in groups of 3 at mini analog recording stations on pre-recorded multi-track sessions of varying
styles and quality. In rotation, they adjust specific parameters of the equipment under examination, evaluate and discuss
the results they hear. Continuing the rotation, students take turns constructing mixes of the multi-track recordings.
Twice during the semester, outside of class, each student prepares a mix of a multi-track recording from the prerecorded selections, writes a short paper and presents the mix to the class for evaluation and discussion. This course
requires the use of critical thinking and problem-solving techniques and stresses the development of recording studioappropriate communication, behavioral styles and social skills.
CURRICULAR OBJECTIVES
TABLE 2
Curricular objectives
addressed by this
course:Students will:
Briefly describe activities in this course which help students meet
each of these curricular objectives
1-master knowledge,
techniques and methods of
producing music with analog
and digital equipment.
1a. Identify and define terminology required in the use of audio equipment and production
processes.
1b. Evaluate analog mixer channel gain structure, signal flow and routing potential
1c. Evaluate the audio potential of signal processors
1d. Combine signals in analog recording consoles to produce 2-track mixes.
1e. Evaluate the sound quality of 2-track mixes
1f. Identify microphone types and patterns to be used in recording sessions.
1g. Evaluate the functions of direct injection boxes.
2- demonstrate skill and
proficiency in the use of
industrial quality analog and
digital hardware and
software in the field of
music production.
2a. Adjust input and summing gain stages during the recording or mixing of audio in analog
recording systems.
2b. Interconnect analog outputs and inputs of signal processing audio equipment through
systems of patchbays.
2c. Adjust analog signal processing equipment to enhance sound quality.
2d. Combine recorded sources into 2-track mixes utilizing signal processors.
3- identify, analyze and
solve problems that impede
realizations of music
production.
3a. Evaluate and correct feedback loops within analog equipment
3b. Identify and correct double assignment within analog console settings
3c. Identify audio tracks recorded with leakage from secondary sources.
3d. Apply corrective signal processing to overcome audio inequities
1(6)
5-demonstrate awareness
5a. Evaluate the musical style and audio quality of pre-recorded tracks.
of and competence with
5b. Based on musical style, plan and execute two 2-track mixes.
music production
environments and protocols.
6-communicate effectively
orally and in writing using
relevant media and will
function effectively on
teams.
1.
6a. Students will work together in groups of 3 in lab, assisting each other in the examination
of analog mixers and signal processing equipment.
6b. Use music production terminology to identify the audio effects of sound processing.
6c. In group mixing exercises, students will discuss sound quality and techniques of signal
processing and arrive at group decisions through compromise.
6d. At the midterm and again at the end of the semester, each student will create 2-track
mixes with reports indicating the mixdown techniques used and rationale for each.
6e. 2-track mixes are played for and evaluated by the class in discussion, based on volume
balance, panning, equalization, effects and whether or not the mix is appropriate for that
particular style of music.
GENERAL EDUCATION OBJECTIVES
1- communicate effectively through reading, writing, listening, and speaking
2- use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions
3- reason quantitatively and mathematically as required in their fields of interest and in everyday life
4- use information management and technology skills effectively for academic research and lifelong learning
5- integrate knowledge and skills in their program of study
6- differentiate and make informed decisions about issues based on multiple value systems
7-work collaboratively in diverse groups directed at accomplishing learning objectives
8-use historical or social sciences perspectives to examine formation of ideas, human behavior, social institutions, or
social processes
9-employ concepts and methods of the natural and physical sciences to make informed judgements
10-apply aesthetic and intellectual criteria in the evaluation or creation of works in the humanities or the arts
2.
TABLE 3
Gen ed
objective’s
identification
number from
preceding list
General educational
objectives addressed by
this course: Select from
preceding list.
Briefly describe activities in the course which help
students meet each of these general education
objectives
1.
communicate effectively
through reading, writing,
listening, and speaking
2.
use analytical reasoning to
identify issues or problems
and evaluate evidence in
order to make informed
decisions
6b. Use music production terminology to identify the audio effects of
sound processing.
6c. In group mixing exercises, students will discuss sound quality and
techniques of signal processing and arrive at group decisions through
compromise.
6d. At the midterm and again at the end of the semester, each
student will create 2-track mixes with reports indicating the mixdown
techniques used and rationale for each.
6e. 2-track mixes are played for and evaluated by the class in
discussion, based on volume balance, panning, equalization, effects and
whether or not the mix is appropriate for that particular style of
music.
3a. Evaluate and correct feedback loops within analog equipment
3b. Identify and correct double assignment within analog console
settings
3c. Identify audio tracks recorded with leakage from secondary
sources.
Educational
Objective
#1.
Educational
Objective #2
2(6)
5.
integrate knowledge and
skills in their program of
study
7.
work collaboratively in
diverse groups directed at
accomplishing learning
objectives
Educational
Objective #5
Educational
Objective #7
3d. Apply corrective signal processing to overcome audio inequities
1a. Identify and define terminology required in the use of audio
equipment and production processes.
1b. Evaluate analog mixer channel gain structure, signal flow and
routing potential
1c. Evaluate the audio potential of signal processors
1d. Combine signals in analog recording consoles to produce 2-track
mixes.
1e. Evaluate the sound quality of 2-track mixes
1f. Identify microphone types and patterns to be used in recording
sessions.
1g. Evaluate the functions of direct injection boxes.
2a. Adjust input and summing gain stages during the recording or
mixing of audio in analog recording systems.
2b. Interconnect analog outputs and inputs of signal processing audio
equipment through systems of patchbays.
2c. Adjust analog signal processing equipment to enhance sound
quality.
2d. Combine recorded sources into 2-track mixes utilizing signal
processors
6a. Students will work together in groups of 3 in lab, assisting each
other in the examination of analog mixers and signal processing
equipment.
6c. In group mixing exercises, students will discuss sound quality and
techniques of signal processing and arrive at group decisions through
compromise.
TABLE 4: Course Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes
Course objectives
Learning outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate an
understanding of signal flow.
Students will:
a. evaluate analog mixer channel gain structure, signal flow and routing
potential
b. adjust input and summing gain stages during the recording or mixing of
audio in analog recording systems
2. Students will demonstrate an
understanding of mixer and signal
processor functionality.
Students will:
a. combine recorded sources into 2-track mixes
b. adjust analog signal processing equipment to enhance sound quality
3. Students will identify audio effects
of sound processors.
Students will:
a. use music production terminology in the description of audio
b. discuss sound quality and signal processing techniques in small groups
4. Students will identify, analyze and
solve problems that impede realizations
of music production.
Students will:
a. apply corrective signal processing to overcome audio inequities
b. evaluate and correct feedback loops
5. Students will create 2-track mixes
Students will:
a. adjust input and summing gain stages during the recording or mixing of
audio in analog recording systems.
b. adjust analog signal processing equipment to enhance sound quality
3(6)
PART II. ASSIGNMENT DESIGN: ALIGNING OUTCOMES, ACTIVITIES, AND
ASSESSMENT TOOLS
For the assessment project, you will be designing one course assignment, which will address at least one general
educational objective, one curricular objective (if applicable), and one or more of the course objectives. Please
identify these in the following table:
TABLE 5: OBJECTIVES ADDRESSED IN ASSESSMENT ASSIGNMENT
Course Objective(s) selected for assessment: (select from Table 4)
1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of signal flow.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of mixer and signal processor functionality.
5. Students will create 2-track mixes
Curricular Objective(s) selected for assessment: (select from Table 2)
2- demonstrate skill and proficiency in the use of industrial quality analog and digital hardware and software in the field
of music production.
General Education Objective(s) addressed in this assessment: (select from Table 3)
5.
integrate knowledge and skills in their program of study
TABLE 6: ASSIGNMENT, OUTCOMES, ACTIVITIES, AND ASSESSMENT TOOLS
Briefly describe the assignment that will be assessed:
To demonstrate an understanding of signal flow, mixer and signal processor functionality, each student is given 25 minutes
to construct a 2-track mix of a specific pre-recorded multi-track session utilizing a mini analog recording station set up in
one of three isolated control rooms. Within the mix, 8 audio processing tasks typical of those required in mixdown
sessions must be completed. Following the completion of these tasks, students must verbally explain the solutions to
three specific questions pertaining to the functionality of the recording equipment.
Desired student learning outcomes
for the assignment
(Students will…)
List in parentheses the Curricular
Objective(s) and/or General
Education Objective(s) (1-10)
associated with these desired learning
outcomes for the assignment.
Briefly describe the range of
activities student will engage in
for this assignment.
What assessment tools will be
used to measure how well
students have met each learning
outcome? (Note: a single
assessment tool may be used to
measure multiple learning
outcomes; some learning
outcomes may be measured using
multiple assessment tools.)
1. (students will) create a 2-track mix
a. construct a 2-track mix and adjust
gain, panning, create subgroups, apply
gating, equalization, compression and
effects
b. verbally answer three specific
questions pertaining to equipment
functionality.
A. Evaluation of 8 audio processing
tasks by observation of settings and
sonic results. Each is worth 10pts.
B. Evaluation of verbal explanation of
solutions to three specific questions
Each is worth 10 points.
demonstrating understanding of signal
flow, the mixer and signal processor
functionality. (demonstrate skill and
proficiency in the use of industrial
quality analog and digital hardware and
software in the field of music
production.)
4(6)
PART III. ASSESSMENT STANDARDS (RUBRICS)
TABLE 7: ASSESSMENT STANDARDS (RUBRICS)
Brief description of assignment: (Copy from Table 6 above)
To demonstrate an understanding of signal flow, mixer and signal processor functionality, each student is given 25 minutes
to construct a 2-track mix of a specific pre-recorded multi-track session utilizing a mini analog recording station set up in
one of three isolated control rooms. Within the mix, 8 audio processing tasks typical of those required in mixdown
sessions must be completed. Following the completion of these tasks, students must verbally explain the solutions to
three specific questions pertaining to the functionality of the recording equipment.
Desired student learning
outcomes from the
assignment: (Copy from
Column 1, Table 6 above;
include Curricular and /or
General Education Objectives
addressed)
Assessment measures for
each learning outcome:
(Copy from Column 3,Table 6
above)
Standards for student performance:
 Describe the standards or rubrics for
measuring student achievement of each
outcome in the assignment.
 Give the percentage of the class that is
expected to meet these outcomes
 If needed, attach copy(s) of rubrics.
1. (students will) create a 2-
A. Evaluation of 8 audio
processing tasks by observation
of settings and sonic results.
Evaluation of each student’s settings based on
whether or not the tasks have been completed
and actually work. (75% expected to get a score
of at least 60 out of 80)
track mix demonstrating
understanding of signal flow, the
mixer and signal processor
functionality. (demonstrate skill
and proficiency in the use of
industrial quality analog and
digital hardware and software in
the field of music production.)
B. Evaluation of verbal
explanation of solutions to three
specific questions
Verbal explanations of specific questions:
75% expected to get a score of at least 20 out of
30)
The average score of the subjects is expected to
be 80 out of 110 equated to 73%
PART IV. ASSESSMENT RESULTS
TABLE 8: SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT RESULTS
Desired student learning outcomes:
(Copy from, Column 1,Table 6 above;
include Curricular and/or General
Education Objectives addressed)
1. (students will) create a 2-track mix
demonstrating understanding of signal
flow, the mixer and signal processor
functionality. (demonstrate skill and
proficiency in the use of industrial quality
analog and digital hardware and software
in the field of music production.)
Student achievement: Describe the group achievement of each
desired outcome and the knowledge and cognitive processes
demonstrated.
Evaluation of each student’s settings based on whether or not the
tasks have been completed and actually work. (75% expected to get a
score of at least 65 out of 80)
Actual scores: 3-60 or below, 9-65 or above
12 took the exam. Class Avg.=70.4/80 = 88.8% on a 100% scale
Verbal explanations of specific questions:
75% expected to get a score of at least 20 out of 30)
Actual scores: Class Avg.=21.25/30 = 70.8% on a on a 100% scale
The average score of the students is expected to be 80% on a 100%
scale.
Actual Class Average = 83.4%
5(6)
TABLE 9. EVALUATION AND RESULTING ACTION PLAN
A. Analysis and interpretation of assessment results:
What does this show about what and how the students learned?
On average, students have demonstrated a minimum acceptable understanding of signal flow, the mixer and signal
processor functionality. Students appear to demonstrate this competency slightly better in the application of the
tasks than they do when giving verbal solutions to the related tasks.
B. Evaluation of the assessment process:
What do the results suggest about how well the assignment and the assessment process worked
both to help students learn and to show what they have learned?
The results show a close correlation between what students were supposed to have learned and what they actually
did learn.
C. Resulting action plan:
None.
6(6)