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Analogue Studio Techniques - MUS00183C

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  • Department: Music
  • Module co-ordinator: Information currently unavailable
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

The module presents the historical grounding for current audio production practices, showcasing the development of recording and production tools in an analogue domain, and teaches the practical application of analogue studio technologies and techniques. The module presents a historical trajectory of listening, recording, production and studio performance from the birth of the phonograph to the digital revolution. It covers the practicalities of physical hardware and their usage and limitations. From a practical perspective, it will explore tape-based technologies and allow students to progress from early recording techniques to the end of the tape era. All standard hardware processing and effects should be taught both theoretically and practically (EQ, compression, gating, time and phase based effects), as should more advanced routing techniques. The module will not include digital systems.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

  • To introduce analogue audio technologies and their role within a typical studio environment.

  • To illustrate the use and function of analogue audio technologies within a primarily analogue environment.

  • To demonstrate safe and proper setup and calibration of analogue studio technologies with a view to facilitating and finalising recordings.

  • To situate the historical developments in audio recording technologies in their proper context, and highlight the evolution of recording technologies over time.

Module learning outcomes

  • Understand analogue audio technologies and their historical development.

  • Explain the role of analogue studio technologies within a studio environment.

  • Be able to safely and properly set up and/or calibrate analogue studio technologies.

  • Be able to employ analogue audio technologies in the production of a recording.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Mixed Audio Artefact with commentary		 N/A 60
Essay/coursework
Technology case study		 N/A 40

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Summative 1: You will prepare a short essay (1500 words) presenting a case study of one analogue studio technology. You should consider its historical development and its impact on broader music making activities. You should also discuss its role within a studio context

Summative 2: You will produce two finalised mixes of audio material that showcases your ability to use analogue studio technologies in both corrective and creative methods. One mix should showcase your ability to perform standard mix and balance procedures (balance, pan, dynamics, effects) in the analogue domain using desk processing, outboard, routing etc. This mix should be submitted digitally as a CD-standard .wav file. The other mix should showcase more creative mixing techniques and should be recorded onto 1/4 tape and submitted physically. The tape mix should also include lead in and lead out tape, and showcase physical tape editing to produce a remix/re-edit of the material. You should document and explain your use of analogue tools and processing in a short (1500 words max) report. You may employ digital/DAW recording session files but all mixing, processing and balancing should be performed using only analogue technology. You must not employ any digital signal processing/mixing/balancing. You should submit:

  • Your finalised .wav file(s) at CD standard all with appropriate labelling of your first standard mix.

  • Your finalised 1/4 tape recorded at 7.5ips showcasing your tape edits and second 'creative' mix.

  • A commentary (1500 words maximum) detailing and critiquing your processes when creating the recorded artefact.

  • Any additional documentation, routing diagrams, session notes etc. that help detail your approach to mixing your final piece.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Mixed Audio Artefact with commentary		 N/A 60
Essay/coursework
Technology case study		 N/A 40

Module feedback

Mark and feedback within University designated timeframe.

Indicative reading

Case, A. U. (2011). Mix smart : pro audio tips for your multitrack mix. Amsterdam ; London: Focal Press/Elsevier.

Gibson, D. (2005). Art of Mixing. Boston: Course Technology.

Huber, D.M., & Runstein, R.E. (2017). Modern Recording Techniques (9th ed.). Routledge.

Izhaki, R. (2008). Mixing audio : concepts, practices and tools. Oxford: Focal Press.

Rumsey, Francis. 2021. Sound and Recording: Applications and Theory. Oxford: Routledge.

Rumsey, Francis, and McCormick, Tim. 2009. Sound and Recording. 6th ed. Amsterdam; London: Elsevier/Focal.

Wessel, Oltheten. (2018). Mixing with Impact. Taylor and Francis.


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.