Basics of Recording

Dennis Mauricio Common Recording Projects

Record rehearsals & concerts Audition CDs for conferences, festivals, college Small group or independent student projects Evaluation group or individual progress Portfolio & authentic assessment Fundraising - sell CDs

Benefits to Students
Provides immediate feedback Develops critical listening skills Document progress over time Build a portfolio Assessment (funding justification)

Teaching Applications
Create guided listening examples Create accompaniments for choral, instrumental, or classroom practice Teach musical concepts such as style, pitch, timbre, and dynamics Publish mp3 audio files on the Internet for listening assignments and home practice

Recording
The process of capturing and storing audio as electrical voltages

Audio
A technical term for sound or a stream of sound, whether produced by electronic or acoustic means

What About MIDI?

MIDI & audio are completely separate Consists of performance instructions Comparable to notated (print) music

Analog vs. Digital Recording

Analog smooth, continuous flow of voltage Digital converted to distinct steps (0 & 1)

Traditional Studio Design

Modular - Separate Components
Large Traditional Studio Design Model Mixer Recorder Signal processors (effects) Studio monitors (speakers)

Integrated (standalone) All-in-One

Portable Easy Setup Reliability

Computer
Laptop with USB or FireWire Audio Interface Software: Pro Tools, Audacity (freeware) audacity.sourceforge.net
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Common Recording Methods

Stereo Recording
Record two tracks left & right Basic & direct method

Multitrack Recording
More than two tracks (typically 4 24) Allows for independent recording, editing & mixing of vocals or instruments Live Multitrack Recording Numerous tracks all at the same time Overdubbing Record a track at a later time Punch-In/Out Record a segment of a track starting & ending at precise points

Audio Storage Methods

Tape Linear format
Analog Cassette Tape Reel-to-Reel Digital DAT (Digital Audio tape) stereo format Alesis ADAT (VHS tape) 8 track multitrack Tascam DA-88 (Hi-8 tape) 8 track multitrack

Disk (Disc) - digital, non-linear Hard Disk

Computer Digital audio recording software Audio interface Dedicated Hard Disk Recorder (HDR) Standalone (All-in-One)

Compact Disc (CD)

CD-R write once, read many times CD-RW ReWritable

Compact Flash

Hard Disk Recording Advantages

Completely Digital No analog tape hiss No signal degradation Non-linear, Random access Instant access to any part of a song (no time required for fast-forwarding / rewinding) Non-destructive editing Word Processor editing of audio

The Recording Process

Pre-Production Planning, Setup Recording Post-Production Track Editing, Mixing, Mastering, Duplication, Distribution

Basics of Recording

Microphone Basics
Microphones are transducers Basic purpose is to convert acoustical energy (sound waves) to electrical energy (voltages)

Types of Microphones
Refers to the basic design of the microphone component (element) used to capture the sound. There are two common types of microphones:

Dynamic Condenser
Consists of two plates, one stationary and one moving. Moving electromagnetic coil

Dynamic Microphones
Durable good jack-of-all-trades mic. Typically handles cold, heat, and high humidity better than condenser mics. Can handle high volume levels without distortion. Frequently used for miking bass (kick) drum, snare drum, and guitar amps. Overall ruggedness makes them a good choice for hand-held close vocal use.

Condenser Microphones
Wider & smoother frequency response than dynamic mics, especially high-end frequencies. Very realistic, transparent sound. Preferred choice for stereo recording or group sound reinforcement. Great for miking cymbals, woodwind and string instruments, and studio vocals. More fragile & expensive than dynamic mics; use extra care. Require power source - Batteries - Phantom power from mixer Refers to how a microphone hears the sound. The directional response of a microphone.

Pickup (Polar) Pattern

Two common microphone pickup (polar) patterns:

Omnidirectional
Picks up sound in all directionsa full 360. Picks up sound primarily in front. Rejects sound from rear.

Cardioid (unidirectional)

What to Start With: A pair of cardioid condenser microphones Add a 3rd microphone for capturing soloists Condenser or dynamic cardioid mic

Miking Ensembles
Stereo Mic Techniques

Spaced Pair
Pair of cardioid condenser mics Smooth, spacious sound Mic spacing is important Good for small to medium size groups

Coincident (X-Y)

Basics of Recording

Accent Miking
Use additional mic and recording track to capture soloist

Area (Section) Miking

Use several microphones to capture different sections

Mixer
Channel Inputs
Receives audio from microphones and instruments Input Trim (sensitivity or attenuation) Adjust volume level, EQ, effects Headphones for monitoring Near-field Reference Monitors Powered or Nonpowered Routes audio signals to a destination Mixer combines audio signals into a mix

Output

Recording

Audio is recorded on a track Recorded data is stored on a hard drive

Recording Tracks
Adjust input levels Select and record enable the tracks Press the Record button to begin recording Adding More Tracks Overdub soloist on a new track Use V-Tracks for additional takes

Post-production
Mixing
Use channel volume faders to adjust track levels Adjust EQ Add effects reverb, chorus Combine tracks into a stereo mix

Mixdown to a pair of stereo tracks Master the stereo tracks Burn the mastered tracks to a CD

Additional Resources

Practical Recording Techniques 4th edition by Bruce and Jenny Bartlett Recording and Producing in the Home Studio by David Franz Music Mentor Series An Easy Approach to Recording in the Classroom Recording School Online videos www.recordingschoolonline.com Shure Educational Materials www.shure.com/booklets Music Education Technology Magazine (free subscription) metmagazine.com

Contact:
Dennis Mauricio dennismauricio@cox.net Hilltop High Music Technology hhs.suhsd.k12.ca.us/~musictech/ Roland Music Education www.rolandus.com/community/musiceducation
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