The Recording Engineering and Studio Techniques Program consists of four technical courses and the Career Development course, for a total of 69 meetings including separately scheduled labs and individual studio instruction. This program is approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission for Veterans’ Educational Benefits.

Vocational Objective
The Recording Engineering and Studio Techniques Program is designed to give the student a thorough grounding in the theory, techniques and practices of professional multi-track music recording, via classroom instruction, in-studio demonstration/hands-on experience and labs. At set points during the program, each student will work in actual studio situations, with live performers, in both small-group and individual settings.

The student will become conversant with the layout and operation of various types of consoles, tape machines, signal processors, machine alignment, audio/video interlock, electronic keyboards, noise reduction theory, linear/non-linear recording/editing (ProTools) and more. Through a practical, studio-oriented format, the student will perform the day-to-day duties required of an assistant/ second engineer—the entry-level position for all media and recording-related positions.

The Recording Engineering and Studio Techniques Program will actively involve the student in situations where specialized knowledge can substantially enhance his/her prospects for employment. The student will receive training not only in technical and operational theory, but also in many of the actual duties heretofore attainable only through extensive on-the-job-training.

The successful graduate is prepared for an entry-level position as a second/assistant engineer in a recording studio or a similar audio production environment; assisting in the setup/breakdown phases of sessions, including, but not limited to, patching, microphone/session setup, preparation of the studio before and after sessions, maintaining session documentation, machine operator duties, tape copy/editing and production.
 

Course #1: Basic Practical Recording Engineering
Course #1 offers 58 hours of instruction consisting of 27 hours of classroom instruction, 24 hours of small-group studio instruction, 6 hours of lab activities and 1 hour of individual studio instruction. Classes are taught one evening per week for 14.5 weeks or two days per week for 7.25 weeks. Lab sections are held outside of class times.

Course #1 includes the following topics and activities:

Orientation/The Physics of Sound
Microphones
Lab #1: Microphones
Signal Processing Devices I
Lab #2: Reverberation
Magnetic Recording I
Recording Console Signal Flow Theory
Production Techniques and Practices
Lab #3: Echo and Associated Delay Functions
Signal Processing Devices II
API Session Setup Preview
Recording Session
The Mix
Individual Mix
Magnetic Recording II / Course Review


Course #2: Intermediate Recording Engineering and Studio Techniques
Course #2 offers 58 hours of instruction consisting of 28 hours of classroom instruction and 24 hours of small-group studio instruction with an emphasis on extensive hands-on experience. Individual studio instruction consists of a two-hour mix and two intensive, two-hour individual lab sections held outside of scheduled class time. Classes are taught one evening per week for 14.5 weeks, or two days per week for 7.25 weeks.

Course #2 includes the following topics and activities:

Intro. to the SSL 4048-E/G Console
The SSL 4048-E/G Console Demo
Signal Processors Practical Operation
Lab #4: Equalization and Dynamics Processing
Basic Automation Systems / SSL Computer Operation
Advanced SSL Signal FlowLab
SSL Recording Session
SSL Automation  and Total Recall/2” Machine Interface
SSL Mix Session with SSL Automation
Individual Mix
Intro. to Digital Technology
Intro. to Hard Disc Recording I
Intro. to Hard Disc Recording II
Intro. to Hard Disc Recording III
Intro. to Hard Disc Recording IV
Lab #6: Digital Editing Lab


Course #3: Advanced Recording Studio Techniques Level I
Course #3 offers 58 hours of instruction consisting of 21 hours of classroom instruction, 32 hours of small-group studio instruction, 2 hours of individual studio instruction, and 3 hours of lab activities.  The labs and individual classes are held outside of regularly scheduled class times. Special subjects such as moving-fader automation, recording and editing with ProTools and the recently introduced Smaart software will be addressed. Classes are taught one evening per week for 14.5 weeks or two days per week for 7.25 weeks.

Course #3 includes the following topics and activities:

Intro. to Neve V/R-60 Console Signal Flow
The Neve V/R-60 Console Demo
Neve VR-60 Computer Operations and Signal Flow Review
Flying Faders and Neve Recall
Principles of Acoustics and Studio Design
Room Equalization: Intro. to the Smaart Software
Recording Session w/ ProTools
Mix Session using MartinSound Flying Faders and ProTools
Individual Mix
Magnetic Tape Machine Alignment Workshop
Analog Editing Workshop
Lab #5: Analog Editing Lab
Intro. to Basic Electronics / Basic Troubleshooting
Basic Service Techniques for Engineers
Basic Service Techniques Lab (Soldering)


Course #4: Advanced Recording Studio Techniques Level II
Course #4 offers 58 hours of instruction consisting of 10 hours of classroom instruction, 40 hours of small-group studio instruction and 8 hours of hands-on individual studio instruction in the form of a comprehensive  individual project. Recent technologies such as  sequencing from tape for virtual tracks, Surround Sound and the popular semi-pro MDM tape format are introduced to the Advanced II student. Classes are taught one evening per week for 14.5 weeks or two days per week for 7.25 weeks.

Course #4 includes the following topics and activities:

Sequencing to Multitrack: a MIDI Multitrack Session
Mix using Flying Faders and MDMs / Intro to the MDM format
A/V Interlock & Multi-system Synchronization
Intro. to Music Theory for Recording Engineers
Punch-In / Punch-Out Practice
Multi-Machine Interlock Record Session/Tracking for Surround Sound
Mix of Session for Surround Sound Format
SSL Console Advanced Signal Flow and Session Setup Q&A I
Principles of Digital Mastering for CD
Synths and Samplers / Control Room Interface
Neve Console Advanced Signal Flow & Session Setup Q&A III
Individual Recording / Mixing Project


Course #5: Personal and Career Skills
Course # 5 offers 36 hours of training consisting of classroom instruction, discussions and class exercises. Classes are taught once per week for both day and evening sessions for 5 weeks.

Course #5 includes the following topics and activities:

Introduction, Assessment: The First Step: Job Search Methods, Record Keeping, Problem Solving, Self Evaluation, Developing Your Personal Qualities, Attitude, Self Esteem, Establishing Career Goals, Network for Career Success, Developing Contacts
Communication, Listening & Speaking Skills: The information Interview, Resumé Preparation, Resumé Revision and Cover Letters, Speaking on the Telephone & the Job Application
The Interview Process I: Dress for Success, Reinforcing Your Skills and Strengths
The Interview Process II: Follow-up Strategies that Work, The First Year, Getting Promoted
Review/Final Exam/Resumé Project Critique/Summary


CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE LIST OF PROGRAMS



Home	Studios	Equipment	Links	Ask The Expert	School	School Brochure	Pro Tools
Email	Session Bookings	Clients	Directions	Forum	Enrollment	FAQ	Specials

Site Updated June 8, 2009 CB