Academic Catalog

MTEC 51B: STUDIO RECORDING II

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 81 or 81A.
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 multitrack recording and production using Avid Pro Tools systems. Contemporary recording studio production techniques, including microphone selection, placement, analog and digital signal paths, speaker monitors, and studio acoustics. Techniques for recording drums, bass, piano, guitar, and vocals. Production styles and techniques employed by engineers and producers from diverse racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds. Practical hands-on experience with professional recording artists and student collaborations.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Employ a variety of microphone techniques for the recording of acoustic and electric instruments.
  2. Operate a digital audio workstation in a professional studio environment.
  3. Discuss production styles and techniques employed by engineers and producers from diverse racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds.

Course Content

  1. Advanced study and analysis of recording equipment specifications
    1. Condenser, dynamic, and ribbon micrphones
    2. Microphone preamplifiers
  2. Advanced 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. Advanced production styles employed by diverse engineers from multiple genres
    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: 10-20 condenser and dynamic microphones; one Pro Tools system; 5 foot, 15 foot, and 30 foot XLR cables for all microphones; microphone stands with boom arms for all microphones.
2. When taught online/hybrid: 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 multitrack recording techniques
Designing and assembling a multitrack recording in a multi session environment
Tests on multitrack recording techniques from all cultures with commercial music industries

Method(s) of Instruction

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

Lecture presentations that demonstrate contemporary recording studio production techniques
Classroom discussions that address the history of audio engineering and how these concepts are applied in modern, professional recording studios
Group presentations followed by in-class discussion and evaluation

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Huber, David Miles. Modern Recording Techniques, 9th 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