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Production Techniques for Acoustic Recording - MUS00096M

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  • Department: Music
  • Module co-ordinator: Mr. Paul Baily
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

Knowing how to produce high fidelity recordings of an acoustic ensemble in a large venue, to coach highly-trained performers, to annotate scores, and to perform complex editing of written music enhances sound engineers’ and music producers’ opportunities to take on sought-after jobs such as recording an orchestra for a film production. This module broadens access to this knowledge that has historically only been transferred in renown conservatories.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module trains you to master all stages of acoustic recordings from designing a sound image in your mind based on the project aesthetics and repertoire to releasing the production in a range of audio format(s). It will extend the knowledge in microphone technology and room acoustics that you will have gained in Audio Signals & Psychoacoustics. It will also prepare you to contribute to the fast development of immersive sound standards and techniques.

You will learn through a combination of workshops with live performers (e.g. of European and Asian classical music, and jazz) in the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, seminars in the Rymer Auditorium with a high-quality monitoring system, and editing inductions on tape and in Merging Pyramix software in small groups. You will have the opportunity to experiment with microphone systems and mixing approaches for immersive recording formats. Assessment will consist of an edited stereo recording of acoustic performances in the Concert Hall.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module you should be able to:

  • design and optimise stereo microphone systems according to the aesthetics and repertoire of the project to achieve a sound quality that is as close as possible to the way we perceive acoustic performances in large acoustics

  • coach highly-trained musicians during recording sessions to allow them to perform at their best and to meet the expectations of their music tradition

  • annotate scores during recording sessions to allow for detailed editing in postproduction

  • choose takes and perform complex editings of acoustic recordings

  • propose microphone systems and mixing approaches to produce immersive recordings

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Portfolio : Recording, commentary and supporting documentation		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

100%: Edited stereo recording of 7 to 8 minutes of acoustic performances in the Concert Hall with annotated scores, pictures of the microphone systems, and a commentary on the system design based on the aesthetics and repertoire of the project (500 words).

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Portfolio : Recording, commentary and supporting documentation		 N/A 100

Module feedback

You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

TBC


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.