Academic Catalog

MTEC 51A: STUDIO RECORDING I

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Units: 4
Hours: 3 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter)
Advisory: Not open to students with credit in MUS 80A.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Description

Introduction to fundamental concepts and techniques of microphones and signal processors, and their application to studio recording. Basic introduction to computer-based recording with Avid Pro Tools systems. Microphone placement, physics of sound as it relates to recording, and studio setup techniques. Analysis of production styles employed by engineers and producers from diverse racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Interpret the specifications of microphones and preamplifiers.
  2. Understand basic microphone techniques for the recording of acoustic and electric musical instruments, such as drums, bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, and voice.
  3. Discuss the production styles employed by engineers and producers from diverse racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds.

Course Content

  1. Study and analysis of sound recording equipment specifications
    1. Condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones
    2. Microphone preamplifiers
  2. Design and construction of audio signal flow
    1. Connections between microphones and preamps
    2. Use of a professional studio patchbay
    3. Analog to digital conversion using an audio interface
  3. Production styles and techniques employed by engineers and producers from diverse racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds
    1. Rock and pop
    2. Hip-hop
    3. Jazz
    4. Classical

Lab Content

Lab content includes topics such as:

  1. Microphone selection and placement
  2. Gain settings
  3. Headphone monitor set-up

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. When taught on campus: 24/8 analog and digital mixing console; condenser and dynamic microphone; 5 foot, 15 foot, and 30 foot XLR cables for all microphones; analog signal processors; microphone stands with boom arms for all microphones.
2. When taught online/virtual: on-going access to computer with email software and capabilities; email address; JavaScript-enabled internet browsing software.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Written assignments that analyze, compare, and contrast sound reinforcement device specifications, and cultural sound reinforcement considerations
Designing and assembling a sound reinforcement system for both a large and small acoustic environment
Tests on room acoustics, sound reinforcement syntax, and basic physics of sound

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lecture presentations that demonstrate fundamental concepts of audio recording equipment and engineering techniques
Classroom discussions that explore technical specifications and applications of analog and digital audio equipment, including mixing consoles, microphones, and signal processors
Group presentations followed by in-class discussion and evaluation

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Owsinski, Bobby. The Recording Engineer's Handbook, 4th ed.. 2017.

Although this text is older than the suggested "5 years or newer" standard, it remains seminal in this area of study.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

  1. Written critiques and analyses of audio production projects, including albums, soundtracks, television, video games, and internet multimedia.
  2. Written summaries documenting technical and artistic elements for corresponding submitted assignments and audio projects.
  3. Written proposals, session logs, learning outcomes, and reflections supporting submitted musical works and final master recordings.

Discipline(s)

Commercial Music