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Audio Skills
In the audio skills unit we were taught the technical aspects of everything related to a recording studio, as well as practical lessons in acoustics. This consisted of testing audio systems, learning how to use a large format analogue console and being able to identify, test and use all appropriate equipment, cables and connections.
This module has taught me all of the skills needed to operate a professional recording studio by learning about all the equipment needed for a digital/analogue hybrid system as well as learning how to draw a schematic diagram to understand how everything is interlinked within it. This knowledge will help massively when I set up my own mixer and patch bay-based studio when I can get the funds and space. I also can identify different electrical connections and have done further research into having a safer set up at home when it comes to distributing power, grounding turntables and avoiding interference within my own set up.
Understanding the patch bay
I am very pleased to have passed my studio ticket, first time with two minor faults, and happy I have got a decent score in the tests.
I have integrated this knowledge by using the Eastlake 2 studio to record my track for the Recording and Mixing module and hope to book the bigger Eastlake 1 for a band recording or an electronic jam with some of my classmates before the end of my studies.
Below is the assignments related to this module.
Eastlake 1 Schematic Diagram
This is a schematic diagram of the Eastlake 1 studio at Perth UHI, having to draw this out gave me a deeper understanding of the equipment and signal flow of a large multitrack recording studio, this knowledge also helped me set up my own hybrid analogue/digital set up at home.
This is the analogue studio ticket I gained by demonstrating how to operate the Neotek Elan console, from setting up a mic signal and a headphone mix to patching in stereo effects and eventually printing the mix. I had no issues understanding the console, signal flow and the patch bay but got two minor infractions when trying to route outputs on Protools and print the mix. I also had to pass a theory test which I managed to score 83/100. This ticket will allow me to book the college studios when needed.
Analogue Studio Ticket
Acoustics and audio skills
The audio skills unit was essential in gaining a better understanding of acoustics and getting the best out of a studio environment. We tested different rooms with pink noise and a sine sweep to capture the reverberated reflections and determine what frequencies or "room modes" would factor in when recording with microphones or monitoring in these rooms.
Unfortunately I wasn't present for this years updated lesson on acoustics using the Smaart software but I think I have a decent basic understanding to start with when it comes to a studio.
Acoustics and Audio Skills combined research, 800 word report
Recording & Mixing
The Recording and Mixing module was the core unit for learning about the whole music production process. We first learned about different microphones, how they worked, different polar patterns and using them strategically in the studio to record everything from a drum kit, vocalists, guitar amps and pianos.
Once we had a few recordings to work with, as well as Magnus' own mix work, we were taught week by week starting with the four fundamentals like EQ, compression, gating and limiting. From then we moved on to time-based and modulation effects like reverb and delay, phasing, flanging and chorus. This was not just "in the box" but by also using the hardware 1176 compressor and the effects units as we were recording, which is where the patch bay came in.
Learning how to mic up a full drum kit
Using two mics to record a piano, with emphasis on bass and treble
We were also given the task of recording the HNC music bands to learn about the role of a producer and what is required to work with clients. I wasn't present for my groups band recording but instead decided to be my own client and record and mix a techno track with my machines using the studio facilities. This was kind of my intention in the first place as I wanted to use it as an opportunity to take a personal project on with a more professional mindset, as well as learn everything that had to be taught in this unit in the context of the genre I had chosen.
Although I was doing all of this with electronic music in mind, I greatly appreciated learning about producers in other genres and the techniques they used to get their sound. Especially Steve Albini as I am a huge fan of his work with Nirvana, PJ Harvey and the Pixies.
At the end of the year we had some very informative lessons on mastering, something I have taken great interest in. I was lucky to have got a free copy of the Fabfilter Pro bundle which was has amazing EQ and limiter plugins to begin to teach myself the ins and outs of mastering, especially as I am mostly interested in learning how to master music for cutting to vinyl. Ultimately, I would like to learn both analogue and digital signal processing in a mastering studio, along with using a cutting lathe, so this would probably best result in getting some studio experience.
Below is the planning and evaluation stages of my recording and mixing track, along with the floorplan of my recording in Eastlake 2 studio.
Eastlake 2 Floorplan
Mix Plan
Recording Evaluation
Recording & Mixing Plan
Finished track
First Mix
Master
I have to admit when listening back to this track after a year I am cringing a bit at how cheesy a dance track this is. However, on a production basis I am very happy with what I have learned about mixing and mastering with this solo project, I am proud of myself for this and it has inspired me massively to work on my skills as a producer.
Remixing
In the Creative Music Remixing unit we were taught about the history of musical techniques in the form of remixing and used this knowledge to create our own versions of popular tracks within a DAW. Deconstructing the fundamentals of a song and changing things like rhythm, tempo, the key/pitch, or vocals and/or by adding different effects or parts within the track to create something new.
Everything in this module has not just taught me about musical theory, arrangement and production skills but given me an extensive knowledge of using Logic Pro software. I was taught how to use things like sidechain compression, noise gating, creating rhythm with creative delays, time-stretching and using the pitch flex function to change the key of vocals.
We also had to write a report on the history of remixing and choose two remix artists to research. Below is my report.
Remixing report, 800 words
I had so many different ideas for remixes that I started at least 8 different projects, because my knowledge of Logic was still quite primitive and I was trying out loads of different ways of making music. After the first semester I settled on the Madonna remix because it was easier to have all the elements that were required to pass the module. Also most of her track stems are available for free.
Finished track
I gained a lot of production knowledge from this, although I felt I had better remix ideas that I had already started I decided to go with this one because it had every element in it, flexible audio samples and MIDI which could be manipulated using everything required to pass. This project has given me a lot of practice with Logic Pro and things like compression, noise gating, sidechaining and EQ techniques which has improved my skills greatly when it comes to the genres of music I like.
Skills for Business
In the Skills for Business unit we were taught about the music industry and the ins and outs of gaining income from creative works. We studied in great detail, the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 as well as budgeting for gigs and creating an appropriate CV.
This unit has given me a lot of knowledge when it comes to releasing music in future, as I would use Bandcamp as an artist profile to sell digital and physical copies of my music as well as potentially pitching to record labels. I am now aware of ISRC codes and the importance of these to ensure my work is accredited to me. I am also a little bit more confident when it comes to writing a CV, as I haven't had to write one for quite a few years.
Below is my CV and the 1000 word essay on copyright.
Essay on Copyright, 1000 words
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