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2010/1 Module Catalogue
 Module Code: TON1009 Module Title: RECORDING TECHNIQUES 1
Module Provider: Music and Sound Recording Short Name: MU1.RECTECH
Level: HE1 Module Co-ordinator: FISHER DM Prof (Music Record)
Number of credits: 10 Number of ECTS credits: 5
 
Module Availability

Spring Semester

Assessment Pattern
Components of Assessment
Method(s)
Percentage weighting
Coursework
Drawing the systems diagram of a technical area. Submission due by noon on Friday of week 10.
30%
Examination
One two-hour written paper.
70%
Module Overview
Prerequisites/Co-requisites

HE1 Audio Engineering

Module Aims

To introduce you to professional recording operations and equipment, and to prepare you for the second year Recording Techniques and Operational Recording Modules.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module you should be able to:
  • describe the principles of operation and operational characteristics of omnidirectional, bi-directional, cardioid, variable directivity pattern, and "gun" microphones
  • describe the principles of operation of moving-coil, electrostatic, and ribbon microphones
  • recognise a wide range of professional microphones
  • relate hearing mechanisms to stereo recording techniques
  • explain the requirements of a professional stereo system
  • discuss the requirements of mono compatibility, and quality monitoring
  • discuss the relative merits and disadvantages of co-incident pair, Decca tree, spot, and multi microphone techniques for commercial and broadcast recording of "classical" music and speech using both X/Y and M/S techniques
  • sketch the signal chain of typical high quality, in-line and stereo mixing desks, explaining the action and use of each operational control
  • describe the technical specifications needed for frequency response, noise, and distortion in a professional mixing desk
  • describe the technical and operational characteristics of PPMs and VU meters.
  • draw the systems diagram of a complex technical installation (e.g. a studio control room or sound mixing desk) using BS EN 60617 (or BS 3939) symbols.
Module Content
Methods of Teaching/Learning

One two-hour lecture per week in Semester 2.
Selected Texts/Journals
Essential Reading:
 
Borwick, J, 1996: Sound Recording Practice (London: OUP)
 
British Standards Institute, 1996: BS EN 60617, Graphical symbols for diagrams (London: BSI)
 
Recommended Reading
 
Eargle, J, 1980: Sound Recording (London; Van Nostrand)

European Broadcasting Union: The EBU standard peak-programme meter for the control of international transmissions (Geneva: EBU)
Last Updated

06.11.2009