TRINITY WESTERN UNIVERSITY
Course Syllabus
MUSI 340/ COMM 334 – INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL RECORDING (3 sem. hr.)
Summer 2012
Instructor: Jef Gibbons ; c. 761-4453,
jef@jefgibbons.com
Time: 7:00-10:00 PM each Tues. and Thurs.
Location: Portable 2
Prerequisites: Music background recommended.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to various aspects of the recording arts with emphasis on working within the digital (“virtual”)
studio environment with Cubase 6 and other Virtual Instrument software.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Through lectures, demonstrations, lab assignments and projects, students will gain a basic working
understanding of:
- a studio recording facility
- various recording techniques
- the role of computers in the recording arts
-Cubase software as a digital editing platform
-Virtual Instruments and how to utilize the latest technology
- how to record digital audio on a computer
- MIDI and the use of sequencing software
- studio hardware such as mics, mixers etc.
REQUIRED TEXT(S):
None
RECOMMENDED READING:
David Miles Huber and Robert E. Runstein, Modern Recording Techniques, 5th ed., Focal Press (2001) ISBN 0240-80456-2
Current issues of the following magazines (local music stores or online):
Sound on Sound
Computer Music
Home Recording
COURSE OUTLINE:
Classes
There are 12 classes, consisting of topical lectures and demonstrations, quizzes and demonstrations of student
projects.
Labs
There are 10 scheduled 1.5-hour labs in groups of two. The lab time is for student work in the studio and
involves both prescribed assignments in specific studio techniques as well as individual project work.
Intro to Digital Recording
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Readings:
Lab Assignments:
Lab assignments will develop practical familiarity with techniques, software and equipment. Labs will be
graded based on effort shown in between labs. Students are expected to come in for a minimum of 6 extra
hours during the semester.
Quizzes and Written Assignments:
There will be 4 short in-class quizzes on lectures and reading assignments. Please prepare to write a quiz every
second class starting on Class 3 unless otherwise indicated by the teacher. In addition, written assignments
will be given for completion by the following class. Late assignments are not accepted.
Projects:
Project 1: short song with 5-7 different instrument tracks. Must have a modified MIDI drum loop
(showing variation in the loop) and 4 or more different Virtual Instrument devices. due class 6
Project 2: 3-5 minute song using the following: 1 “comped” vocal track, 2 other audio tracks, 4 Virtual
Instrument tracks, reverb, compression, automation, good microphone technique, thought-out mixing
choices, organized layout and good saving techniques– duration: roughly 3 minutes – due last class
Final Test:
There will be an in-class test in the final class. All lecture and reading material will be covered. There is NO
final exam during the exam period.
DETERMINATION OF FINAL SEMESTER GRADE
Attendance
Lab Assignments
Quizzes
Assignments
Project 1
Final Evaluation
-Project 2
-Final Test
5
10
20
10
10
25 %
20 %
100 %
TOTAL
DETERMINATION OF FINAL SEMESTER GRADE:
A+
97-100
B+
83-87
C+
69-73
A
92-96
B
78-82
C
64-68
A88-91
B74-77
C60-63
%
%
%
%
%
D+
D
D-
56-59
53-55
50-52
F: up to 49
Late Assignments Policy
Late assignments will not be accepted.
Intro to Digital Recording