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Audio Assemblage, Organisation & Processing - MUS00111I

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  • Department: Music
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Tim Wright
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22

Module summary

This module provides detailed coverage of how audio is captured, created, stored and modified within the modern multitrack production environment. Commonly used signal processing tools are presented and investigated in practical sessions, and studio-based sessions cover recording techniques such as drum kit mic'ing.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22

Module aims

  • To introduce the contemporary multitrack/over-dubbing studio, particularly the digital audio workstation (DAW), and its historical precedents.
  • To provide an understanding of common time-domain, frequency-domain, dynamic range and spatial processing techniques and technologies for contemporary pop, rock and electronic music production.
  • To develop practical skills in this environment through guided and non-guided practical work.

Module learning outcomes

  • Understand how signals are typically captured, created, stored, accessed, processed and organised in both linear (tape based), nonlinear (random access digital) and object-orientated studio systems.
  • Understand the implementation (at a system diagram level) and outcomes of audio signal processing systems including delay-based (EQ, reverberation, flanging etc.), dynamic (compression, expansion), frequency-domain (vocoding) and spatial (amplitude and time shift panning, HRTF/crosstalk cancellation).
  • Be able to conceive (at a sample by sample level) basic digital signal processing systems such as simple filters.
  • Be able to manage and conduct multitrack recording, combining simultaneous and non-simultaneous capture of synchronised audio (i.e. live and overdubbed), and mixing sessions, with appropriate processing and combining of component signals.
  • Be able to use Matlab for simple signal analysis, processing and presentation tasks.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Group recording & Report		 N/A 60
Essay/coursework
Processing/Effects practical		 N/A 40

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Group recording & Report		 N/A 60
Essay/coursework
Processing/Effects practical		 N/A 40

Module feedback

Written feedback within 20 working days of submission date. See statement of feedback in the Music and Sound Recording programme handbook.

Indicative reading

Sound and Recording – McCormick and Rumsey, 2014.

Modern Recording Techniques – Huber and Runstein, 2013.

Audio Production and Critical Listening: Technical Ear Training – Jason Corey, 2010.

The History of Music Production – Richard James Burgess, 2014.

DAFx (Digital Audio Effects) – Udo Zölzer, 2011.


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.