MTEC 53A: AUDIO PLUG-INS & SIGNAL PROCESSING
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Summer 2021 |
| Units: | 4 |
| Hours: | 3 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in MUS 81D. |
| 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
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
A. Apply plugins directly to a track in a multitrack recording.
B. Apply plugins to multiple tracks via buses and aux tracks in a multitrack recording.
C. Explain equalization and compression techniques as standardized in the modern recording industry.
D. Create a master track and apply various styles of mastering compression to the final mix.
E. Pitch correct a vocal and instrumental track with Antares Auto-Tune with no audible artifacts.
Course Content
A. Applying plugins to a Pro Tools session.
1. Use and application of all Avid distributed plugins.
2. Use and application of all McDSP distributed plugins.
3. Antares Auto-Tune.
B. Creative application of AAX plugins.
1. Applying pitch correction via Auto-Tune applied to vocals and solo instrumental tracks.
2. Design and application of groove quantization using Beat Detective to alter rhythmic characteristics of both MIDI, virtual instrument, and audio tracks.
3. Design and application of proper equalization and compression techniques.
4. Design and application of plugin automation.
Lab Content
Lab content includes topics such as:
A. Microphone modeling with DSP (digital signal processing)
B. Gain settings
C. Monitor system setup
D. Amplification calculations based on system requirements
E. Other items may include subjects such as number of plugins per insert track, bus assignments for efficient recording operation, and mastering compression settings
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
1. Classroom with 31 Avid Pro Tools systems and appropriate versions of Pro Tools.
2. 31 Apple iMacs.
3. Projection system for video and multimedia content.
4. Waves Level I software bundle.
B. When taught via Foothill Global Access:
1. On-going access to computer with email software and capabilities.
2. Email address.
3. JavaScript enabled internet browsing software.
Method(s) of Evaluation
Written examinations on plugin parameters and application
Preparation and presentation of a recording edited and altered via the use of both real time and Audio Suite plugins
Lab assignments targeting specific plugin techniques
In-person demonstration of plugin applications
Method(s) of Instruction
Lecture presentations that demonstrate modern signal processing techniques
Classroom discussions that address the history and evolution of analog and digital signal processing as applied to music production and sound design for film and television
Group presentations followed by in-class discussion and evaluation
Representative Text(s) and Other Materials
Izhaki, Roey. Mixing Audio: Concepts, Practices, and Tools, 3rd ed.. 2017.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
A. Written critiques and analyses of audio production projects, including albums, soundtracks, television, video games and internet multimedia.
B. Written summaries documenting technical and artistic elements for corresponding submitted assignments and audio projects.
C. Written proposals, session logs, learning outcomes and reflections supporting submitted musical works and final master recordings.