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Analogue Studio Techniques - MUS00183C

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  • Department: Music
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Liam Maloney
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

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 explores tape-based technologies, multi-tracking, and allows students to conceptually progress from early recording techniques to the end of the tape era. Standard hardware processing and effects will be taught both theoretically and practically (e.g. 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 Semester 2 2024-25

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
Other assessment : Mixed Audio Artefacts with commentary		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

This module will explore and assess your ability to work in an analogue domain and showcase traditional studio working methods (pre-DAW). You will produce two finalised mixes of audio material that showcases your ability to use analogue studio technologies in both corrective and creative methods. In groups, you will record a multitrack recording of one piece of music of your choice. The first mix of the material 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. (you may use digital outboard if necessary but analogue outboard should be preferenced where possible). The second mix of the material should showcase more creative mixing techniques and should be recorded onto 1/4 tape and submitted physically. You should document and explain your use of analogue tools and processing in a short (1500 words max) report.

Additional details and stipulations of the assignment will be provided with a full assignment brief.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Other assessment : Mixed Audio Artefacts with commentary		 N/A 100

Module feedback

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

Indicative reading

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

Hodgson, J. (2019). Understanding Records, Second Edition: A Field Guide to Recording Practice. London: Bloomsbury.

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.