Welcome to Recording Studio Techniques!

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Welcome to Recording Studio Techniques! Welcome To Recording Studio Techniques! MUGN-M355 Section 001 Instructor: Jake Eckert ​ Contact: [email protected] Course Term: Spring 2021 ​ Class Meetings: Mon. & Wed. 3:30pm-4:45pm Location: CM426/427 or CM428A-F Catalog Description Recording Studio Techniques is an in-depth study of the techniques and methods used to produce recordings in the studio. A special emphasis will be placed on recording methods and microphone techniques in the modern recording studio environment. Prerequisites MUGN-M115 - Intro to Music Technology MUGN-M225 - Digital Audio Production Textbooks and Other Materials to be Purchased by Student Optional Textbooks: ​ Modern Recording Techniques, 9th Edition Author: David Miles Huber Release date: 2018 ISBN-10: 0240821572 ISBN-13: 978-0240821573 Publisher: Focal Press Cost Estimate: $40 Instructor will provide other texts as needed. Students will need the following technical materials: - USB Flash memory sticks as needed - 1 USB 3.0 or compatible hard drive (SSD encouraged). At least 300 gigabytes of capacity. - 1 Functional pair of headphones This course requires a course fee of $75 which will be assessed on the students tuition for all Non-Music Industry majors. College of Music and Media majors will not be charged this course fee. Additional fees may be incurred during final project recording sessions as indicated below. Course Requirements and expectations Students are expected to attend all class meetings, online meetings, Canvas assignments and participate in discussions. Assignments will be assigned at regular intervals, and as needed by the instructor. A mid-term and final examination will be given on discussed class topics. A final project will be assigned and is due on the final day of class. Course Objectives This course is an advanced look at the techniques and methods required to be an effective audio engineer in a recording studio environment and builds upon tracking, mixing, editing, and effects usage knowledge learned in MUGN-M115 and MUGN-M225. This course seeks to enable the student to be able to plan, record, and mix a studio recording to professional quality standards using common practices. This course seeks to make the student knowledgeable in the history of recording studio development and future industry trends. Expected Student Learning Outcomes ● The student will be fully competent in common modern studio techniques. ● The student will be able to produce professional-quality audio recordings. ● The student will be familiar with contemporary audio technology and its uses. ● The student will have theoretical foundations suitable for further advanced study. Course Outline Weeks #1-3 Recording Studio Overview, Microphone Types, Preamp Basics, Overdubbing basics: ​ ● What a recording studio is, different types of studios, an overview of the recording process and its place in the music industry. ● Recording studio equipment, terminology, cable wrapping and care and handling of equipment. ● Connection Types, Cable Types: XLR, ¼ Inch, TRS, Balanced and Unbalanced. ● Microphone Types: Dynamic, Ribbon, Large and Small Diaphragm Condensers. Phantom Power. Popular microphone brands and models. ● Microphone polar patterns, and pattern characteristics. -Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Supercardioid, Hypercardioid, Figure Eight (Bidirectional). ● Basics of overdubbing, preamp operation, preamp selection, and optimal input level settings. ● Mic Level, Instrument Level, Line Level, Speaker Level. Assignment #1 (Lab): Record a short 4-channel song by overdubbing using various sounds created in the Loyola studio or home studio, either with instruments or objects. Playback for class (or instructor) and discuss during Week 4. Weeks #4-6 Microphone Techniques, Live Tracking Techniques, Overdubbing Techniques: ● Microphone Selection and Placement. ● Distant, Close, Ambient and Accent Miking. ● Phase, 3:1 Rule ● Proximity Effect Stereo and Multi-Channel microphone techniques: ● Coincident Pair: XY, Blumlein, Mid/Side + Matrix ● Near-Coincident Pair: NOS, ORTF ● Spaced Pair: Decca Tree, AB Other Recording Techniques: ● Direct Inputs ● Direct Boxes ● Re-amping ● High-pass and Low-pass filters. ● Pads ● Tracking "Live" vs. Overdubbing ● playlists/comping ● Direct signal vs. miked signal Lab Assignment #2 (Lab): Record a singer/songwriter musician in stereo using 3 different microphone techniques. Play back the session for class ( or instructor) during Week 6. (Assignment #2b ) Write a brief explanation of what microphone techniques you used and explain how you used them. Send to instructor via Canvas. Weeks #7-8 Recording Techniques of Specific Instruments: Recording Techniques: Drums, Bass, Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Acoustic/Electric keyboards, Hammond Organ/Leslie, Horns, Vocals, and other instruments and situations upon student's request. ● Common microphone types and choices specific to each instrument. ● Common miking techniques and choices specific to each instrument. ● Common preamp, channel strip, outboard gear, and signal chain choices specific to each instrument and situation. Studio signal flow: ● What is a "signal chain"? Written Mid-term Examination Assignment #3 (Individual): Begin recording of Final Project. Meet with the instructor to show progress and ask questions. Weeks #9-12 Continue Recording Techniques of Specific Instruments. Outboard gear types, use and integration to the DAW: ● Common classic outboard preamps (API, Neve, Grace, Etc.) ● Common classic outboard compressors (LA-2A, 1176, Dbx 160, Etc.) ● Common outboard EQ ● Other common outboard processors and effects. ● Common order of connection of outboard gear in the signal chain. Other recording studio subjects and techniques: ● Headphone monitoring and routing ● Click tracks, scratch vocal tracks ● Talkback mic operation ● Patch bay set up (thru, normal, half-normal). ● Tips for providing the artist with a rough mix. ● Cleaning and preparing tracks for the mixing engineer. ● How to maximize your home recording setup. Begin Final Project: ● Pre-Production ● Project timelines -Watch Tom Dowd & The Language of Music documentary -Typical plug-in usage and outboard gear integration -Playlists/Comping Tracks Weeks #13-14 Individual meetings with instructor about the Final Project: ● Sign up for a time slot to meet with the instructor in the studio during class time. ● Discuss progress on the final project. ● Ask the instructor any specific questions about the final project or topics covered in class. Assignment #4 (Individual): Complete the tracking of your final project. Do a rough mix of ​ ​ your song, play mixes for class (or instructor) during last class of Week 14. Begin discussion on overview of mixing. WEEK 15-16 (ONLINE ONLY) Overview of a putting together presentable mix (This is not a class about mixing specifics). ● Gain Structure ● Panning ● EQ ● Compression/Bus Compression ● Reverb/Delay ● Plugins Overview of what Mastering is (This is not a class about mastering specifics). ​ ● Overall Level ● Song to song level ● Commercially comparable level ● Metadata & ISRC Codes ● EQ ● Multi-band Compression (L2, L3 Plugin) ● Presenting Masters for distribution and manufacturing (Hi-Def, 16/44.1, DDP, MP3) ● Mastering for Vinyl Final Exam to be completed on last day of class on Canvas. The FINAL PROJECT is due by last day of class week 16. ​ For Final Project Please include: 1) The multi-tracked session in ProTools or Logic as it would be prepared for a mixing engineer. 2) A presentable bounced stereo master track, which uses at least one mastering plugin. Include a brief written description of the process used and which plugin(s) you used. ​ ​ (Word Document or PDF for written portion) **(You WILL NOT be graded on the mix quality, but WILL be graded on the ability to execute the process of capturing the content, and applying the techniques covered in this course). 3) Deliver above content in one of the following ways: Leave a usb memory stick with the instructor OR share a zip file on the instructors ​ ​ Google Drive [email protected]) Evaluation Final Grading will be determined by the following component areas: Assignments, Labs & Quizzes, Attendance 30% Mid-term Examination 20% Final Examination 20% Final Project 30% Grading Scale 96-100%=A 90-95%=A- 87-89%=B+ 83-86%=B 80-82= B- 77-79%=C+ 73-76%=C 70-72=C- 67-69%=D+ 61-66%=D 0-60%=F Assignments: Assignments are due on the due-dates as assigned by the instructor. Assignments are not accepted after the due date and will be given zero credit if late. Electronic submission of assignments is accepted when allowed by the parameters of the assignment. Canvas will be used per instruction by the instructor. Studio Labs (May change this semester due to Covid, per instructions from the instructor) A bi-weekly 2-hour meeting with an assigned Teaching Assistant is required while enrolled in the course. Objectives and goals will be assigned for each lab meeting. Students ​ ​ can use the Monroe Library Mac Lab (room 113), recording studios, or other similar facilities for completing class assignments. ​ Assisted Labs Students can work with Teaching Assistants to schedule lab times in the school studios as needed. The teaching assistant will enable access to the Recording Studio and schedule studio usage. Final Project Specifications: ● The final project must be a single song consisting of a minimum of 8 recorded channels of audio, with at least four unique rhythmic or melodic elements, and lasting no longer than 5 minutes. Instruments like a drum set will only count as 1 unique element
Recommended publications
  • Frank Zappa and His Conception of Civilization Phaze Iii
    University of Kentucky UKnowledge Theses and Dissertations--Music Music 2018 FRANK ZAPPA AND HIS CONCEPTION OF CIVILIZATION PHAZE III Jeffrey Daniel Jones University of Kentucky, [email protected] Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.13023/ETD.2018.031 Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Jones, Jeffrey Daniel, "FRANK ZAPPA AND HIS CONCEPTION OF CIVILIZATION PHAZE III" (2018). Theses and Dissertations--Music. 108. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/music_etds/108 This Doctoral Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Music at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations--Music by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STUDENT AGREEMENT: I represent that my thesis or dissertation and abstract are my original work. Proper attribution has been given to all outside sources. I understand that I am solely responsible for obtaining any needed copyright permissions. I have obtained needed written permission statement(s) from the owner(s) of each third-party copyrighted matter to be included in my work, allowing electronic distribution (if such use is not permitted by the fair use doctrine) which will be submitted to UKnowledge as Additional File. I hereby grant to The University of Kentucky and its agents the irrevocable, non-exclusive, and royalty-free license to archive and make accessible my work in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. I agree that the document mentioned above may be made available immediately for worldwide access unless an embargo applies.
    [Show full text]
  • Neve 88RS User Manua
    Contents CONTENTS INTRODUCTION System Information 1:1 POWER UP AND POWER DOWN SEQUENCE Power Up Procedure: 2:1 Power Down Procedure 2:3 CONSOLE CONFIGURATION Multitrack Recording 2:6 Mixdown 2:8 Overdubbing 2:10 Tape and Cues Post EQ 2:18 Broadcast 2:20 THE 88RS CONSOLE SURFACE The 88RS Channel Module 3:3 Channel Fader Module 3:11 SOLO & MASTER CUT SYSTEM 4:1 Solo System 4:1 Cut Grouping Facility 4:4 MONITOR & FACILITIES SECTION Oscillator and Signal level 5:1 Auxiliary Master Section 5:2 Cue Mix System 5:4 Rev Returns 5:6 Monitor Panel 5:7 5:14 2 Track Mixer 5:21 5:22 5:23 Monitor and Facilities Fader Section 5:23 Issue 3 i 88RS User Manual Contents METERING Multitrack Meters 6:1 Auxiliary Meters 6:3 Multitrack Meter Controls 6:4 Monitor 6T Output Meters 6:5 6:6 Monitor 8T Output Meters (optional) 6:6 Encore Screen 6:8 6:8 6:8 SURROUND: ROUTING & MONITORING Reassign Matrix Panel 7:1 Reassign Matrix Modes 7:5 Automated Panning 7:8 Optional Joystick Module 7:9 AUTOMATION & MACHINE CONTROL Global Master Automation 8:1 Events Master 8:2 Automation Panel 8:3 GLOSSARY Terms Used In This Manual 9:1 Issue 3 ii 88RS User Manual INTRODUCTION System Information INTRODUCTION System Information The 88RS is an ‘in-line’ monitor type console. Each channel strip contains all the facilities necessary for multitrack recording, overdubbing and mixdown. The console has the powerful feature of split operation - i.e. the console can be operationally divided into two halves (to the left and right of the master control panel) with independent status control and split mix busses.
    [Show full text]
  • Diploma in Songwriting and Music Production
    Diploma in Songwriting and Music Production Qualification Modules and Hours S/N Code Module Name Face-to-Face Self-Learning Contact Hours Hours 1 CS001 Modern Production Essentials 36 18 2 CS002 Melody Writing 36 18 3 CS003 Ear Training 18 9 4 CS004 Lyrics Writing 18 9 5 CS005 Studio Techniques 36 18 6 CS006 Music Industry and Artiste Management 36 18 Essentials 7 CS007 Creative Thinking 36 18 8 PS008 Writing Commercial Music for Moving 36 18 Images 9 PS009 Music Arrangement for Popular Music 36 18 10 PS010 Mixing and Mastering 36 18 11 PS011 Music Production Analysis 36 18 12 PS012 Essential Skills of a Record Producer 36 18 13 PS013 Live Sound Essentials 36 18 14 FYP Final Year Project 240 432 456 Total Learning Hours 888 Module Synopsis CS 001: Modern Production Essentials This module equips students with knowledge and skills essential for songwriters in the 21st century. A range of topics covered include key roles in songwriting, songwriting workflow, music copyrights, basic music theory, synthesis and digital audio workstation (DAW). These foundational knowledge and skills form the basic ingredients that would prepare songwriters to both create up-to-date works at professional level, as well as negotiate effectively, efficiently and professionally in a contextually updated manner when dealing, working and collaborating with others in the music industry today. CS 002: Melody Writing This module deals with knowledge and skills needed for melody writing in the context of songwriting for popular music markets. Students will learn song forms of popular music genres of different markets, primary (motif), secondary (musical form) and tertiary (song structure) components of songs, as well as approaches in creative writing that will culminate in producing what is termed a hit song.
    [Show full text]
  • My Bloody Valentine's Loveless David R
    Florida State University Libraries Electronic Theses, Treatises and Dissertations The Graduate School 2006 My Bloody Valentine's Loveless David R. Fisher Follow this and additional works at the FSU Digital Library. For more information, please contact [email protected] THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MUSIC MY BLOODY VALENTINE’S LOVELESS By David R. Fisher A thesis submitted to the College of Music In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Degree Awarded: Spring Semester, 2006 The members of the Committee approve the thesis of David Fisher on March 29, 2006. ______________________________ Charles E. Brewer Professor Directing Thesis ______________________________ Frank Gunderson Committee Member ______________________________ Evan Jones Outside Committee M ember The Office of Graduate Studies has verified and approved the above named committee members. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables......................................................................................................................iv Abstract................................................................................................................................v 1. THE ORIGINS OF THE SHOEGAZER.........................................................................1 2. A BIOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT OF MY BLOODY VALENTINE.………..………17 3. AN ANALYSIS OF MY BLOODY VALENTINE’S LOVELESS...............................28 4. LOVELESS AND ITS LEGACY...................................................................................50 BIBLIOGRAPHY..............................................................................................................63
    [Show full text]
  • Direct-To-Master Recording
    Direct-To-Master Recording J. I. Agnew S. Steldinger Magnetic Fidelity http://www.magneticfidelity.com info@magneticfidelity.com July 31, 2016 Abstract Direct-to-Master Recording is a method of recording sound, where the music is performed entirely live and captured directly onto the master medium. This is usually done entirely in the analog domain using either magnetic tape or a phonograph disk as the recording medium. The result is an intense and realistic sonic image of the performance with an outstandig dynamic range. 1 The evolution of sound tracks can now also be edited note by note to recording technology compile a solid performance that can be altered or \improved" at will. Sound recording technology has greatly evolved This technological progress has made it pos- since the 1940's, when Direct-To-Master record- sible for far less competent musicians to make ing was not actually something special, but more a more or less competent sounding album and like one of the few options for recording music. for washed out rock stars who, if all put in the This evolution has enabled us to do things that same room at the same time, would probably would be unthinkable in those early days, such as murder each other, to make an album together. multitrack recording, which allows different in- Or, at least almost together. This ability, how- struments to be recorded at different times, and ever, comes at a certain cost. The recording pro- mixed later to create what sounds like a perfor- cess has been broken up into several stages, per- mance by many instruments at the same time.
    [Show full text]
  • LTB Portable Sound System P/N 051923 REV B Fender Musical Instruments 7975 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 U.S.A
    PORTABLE SOUND SYSTEMS From Fender Pro Audio Owner's Manual for LTB Portable Sound System P/N 051923 REV B Fender Musical Instruments 7975 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 U.S.A. Fender knows the importance of sound reinforcement. From the simple box-top mixer to today's professional touring concert systems, the need to communicate, to make the connection between the performer and the audience is foremost in Fender's mind. Perhaps no other single piece of gear can make or break your band's sound. You see, your sound system is more than just a combination of dials, wires and speakers. It is an integral part of the audio chain and should be treated with special care and attention to detail. At Fender, we know what building quality musical instruments and sound reinforcement equipment is all about. In fact, many of the world's best sounding electric musical instruments and sound reinforcement equipment proudly wear the Fender name. Whether you need a simple box top powered mixer for your Saturday afternoon jam, or a professional full-size concert system, Fender has the sound reinforcement equipment to meet your needs. Likewise, your decision to purchase Fender pro audio gear is one you will appreciate with each performance for years to come. Wishing you years of enjoyment and a heartfelt thank you, Bill Schultz Bill Schultz Chairman Fender Musical Instruments Corporation THETHE FENDERFENDER LLTBTB PORTABLE POWERED MIXER INTRODUCTION 80 Watts into 4Ω The LTB: an 80 watt professional powered mixer from your friends at Fender® Pro Audio. We are sure you will find your new LTB sound system to be both 3-Band Equalizer a unique and effective sound reinforcement product, providing years of trouble-free service.
    [Show full text]
  • Pocket Guide 2020
    POCKET GUIDE Full Product Range 2020 2020, Issue 1 Tascam is a trademark of TEAC Corporation, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Apple, Mac, macOS, iPad, Lightning, App Store and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc. IOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license. ASIO is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. 2 CONTENT DR-44WL ............................................. 4 DA-6400 .............................................45 DR-22WL .............................................. 5 DA-3000 .............................................46 DR-40X ................................................ 6 HS-20 .................................................47 DR-07X ................................................ 7 RC-HS20PD ..........................................48 DR-05X ................................................ 8 HS-P82 ...............................................49 DR-100 MKIII ......................................... 9 RC-F82 ...............................................50 DR-680 MKII ........................................10 SD-20M ..............................................51 DR-10X ...............................................11 SS-CDR250N, SS-R250N .........................52 DR-10C ...............................................12
    [Show full text]
  • Press Release
    ALLIED ARTISTS MUSIC GROUP An Allied Artists Int'l Company OFFICE OF PRESS RELATIONS PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release June 26, 2014 ROCKY KRAMER TO RECORD IN WORLD RENOWNED STUDIO Norwegian guitar phenomenon to cut tracks for upcoming Firestorm album at 17 Hertz (formerly One On One Recording Studios), where Metallica famously recorded the "Black" album. Glendale, CA – Norwegian guitar sensation Rocky Kramer has chosen to record his upcoming "Firestorm" album at the studio first made famous by Hal David, Burt Bacharach and Dione Warwick, later defined by Metallica as being the "best sounding room in the world." Today, the studio is known as 17 Hertz, but was the original One On One Rocky Kramer revels in the wake of rock n' roll history, as he begins Recording Studios. In addition recording his upcoming Firestorm album at 17 Hertz, studio to many to Metallica, Michael Jackson, industry icons. ® KISS , Mötley Crüe, Photo: Hector Ramos, AAMG Staff Photographer Megadeth, Sammy Hagar, Alice in Chains, Lita Ford, Tom Petty, Heart, Luis Cardenas, Aretha Franklin, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael McDonald and many, many more have utilized this historic facility. The studio became private after being purchased by a Japanese recording artist in 1993, opening its doors only once to KISS® in 1997, but otherwise remained closed to commercial producers and talent alike. That is, until Jason Gluz and his 17 Hertz, LLC acquired it in 2012. ALLIED ARTISTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. ALLIED ARTISTS MUSIC GROUP 655 N. Central Ave 17th Floor Glendale California 91203 455 Park Ave 9th Floor New York New York 10022 L.A.
    [Show full text]
  • Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart and the Secret History of Maximalism
    Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart and the Secret History of Maximalism Michel Delville is a writer and musician living in Liège, Belgium. He is the author of several books including J.G. Ballard and The American Prose Poem, which won the 1998 SAMLA Studies Book Award. He teaches English and American literatures, as well as comparative literatures, at the University of Liège, where he directs the Interdisciplinary Center for Applied Poetics. He has been playing and composing music since the mid-eighties. His most recently formed rock-jazz band, the Wrong Object, plays the music of Frank Zappa and a few tunes of their own (http://www.wrongobject.be.tf). Andrew Norris is a writer and musician resident in Brussels. He has worked with a number of groups as vocalist and guitarist and has a special weakness for the interface between avant garde poetry and the blues. He teaches English and translation studies in Brussels and is currently writing a book on post-epiphanic style in James Joyce. Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart and the Secret History of Maximalism Michel Delville and Andrew Norris Cambridge published by salt publishing PO Box 937, Great Wilbraham PDO, Cambridge cb1 5jx United Kingdom All rights reserved © Michel Delville and Andrew Norris, 2005 The right of Michel Delville and Andrew Norris to be identified as the authors of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with Section 77 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This book is in copyright. Subject to statutory exception and to provisions of relevant collective licensing agreements, no reproduction of any part may take place without the written permission of Salt Publishing.
    [Show full text]
  • Best Recording Software for Mac
    Best Recording Software For Mac Conical and picky Vassili barbeques some lustrums so noiselessly! Which Chuck peregrinates so precisely that Damien neoterize her complications? Caulicolous and unbewailed Mervin densifies his crypts testimonialize proliferate inalienably. It has sent too out for best recording software mac, and working with thousands of The process is an apple disclaims any video editor inside a plugin lets you run tons of extra material but also. If you will consider to a diverse collection, drums with its range of great tutorials quicker way you can add effects while broadcasters may grab one! The network looking for mac app update of music recording solution when using a very easy way to go for that? It is its strengths and professional tool one of inspiring me give you more! Just came with mac screen in the best possible within that is not permitted through our efforts. Pick one pro drastically changes in the desktop app, etc to end of the chance. This software options that it? For retina resolution was produced only what things i release the pillars of. Logic for uploading large files and very soon as it a variety of our apps for free mac, for free version of. So many file gets bigger and boost both are aspiring to create the better. Best music recording software for Mac Macworld UK. Xbox game with ableton. Dvd audio files in addition to important for best daw developed for screencasting tool for best recording software? Reason for other audio tracks for best recording software mac is a lot from gb can get creative expertise is available.
    [Show full text]
  • Interpol Live Issue 60
    FEATURE Photo: Olivia Desianti INTERPOL AT takes a rideLIVE with Interpol’s FOH engineer, Harley Zinker. Just don’t touch his water. Text: Mark Davie Slow and trembling, like a junky trying to types. One of those – an A&R guy for Capitol (a build a house of cards, a hand moves deliberately subsidiary of EMI) by the name of Dave Ayers over the crowd barrier towards a stash of bottled – ‘discovered’ Harley in the way only A&R guys water near the FOH mix position, its path can. “You have to get out of here,” Dave decided. closely monitored by two dilated pupils the “We know you’ve worked in studios, we know size of ten cent pieces. “Hey! … Hey! Get your you’re pretty smart, so we want you to come hands away from my stuff!” bellows Harley on tour and do the sound for this band we’ve Zinker, FOH engineer for Interpol. Harley’s just signed.” “Okay,” was Harley’s reply; an warnings become increasingly dire until the uncomplicated response that’s opened doors for perpetrator staggers away with security on his him around the world. tail. Apparently he doesn’t make it very far: Having never been on tour before, and never one of Harley’s friends reports with a chuckle mixed a live band, the label packed him off to moments later that “he spewed his guts out just the now-defunct Brownies, a little 200-capacity round the corner”. “Well, he should learn how club in New York, for a two-day boot camp to handle whatever he was on,” is Harley’s frank on live mixing.
    [Show full text]
  • Raingain Generator & Transducer Data Sheet
    DATA SHEET RaneGain GENERATOR & TRANSDUCER General Description The RaneGain test set is a handy tool kit based on techniques CONSOLE/MIC PREAMP GAIN SETTINGS first developed by Pat Brown1 of Syn-Aud-Con for use in quickly A detailed discussion of how to run a mixing console lies outside setting sound system gain controls. Using the RaneGain pair the range of this Note, but a few observations are relevant. Think makes correctly setting level controls a snap. about the typical mixer signal path. At its most basic, each input Comprised of a precision 400 Hz sine wave Generator and a channel consists of a mic stage, some EQ, routing assign switches matching piezo Transducer, the test set makes use of the Fourier and level controls, along with a channel master fader. All of these principle that all periodic waves can be broken down into a sum input channels are then mixed together to form various outputs, of pure sine waves. If a pure 400 Hz tone is the source in a sys- each with its own level control or fader. To set the proper mixer tem, and the system is turned up until clipping, then what comes gain structure, you want to maximize the overall S/N (signal-to- out is the 400 Hz fundamental, plus a whole string of predomi- noise) ratio. Now think about that a little: because of the physics nately odd-order harmonics. Spectrum analysis of the output behind analog electronics, each stage contributes noise as the will show the 400 Hz fundamental, plus strong harmonics at the signal travels through it.
    [Show full text]