Unit 48: Music Recording - Ready to release? Mixing and mastering

Unit 48: Music Recording - 
Ready to release? Mixing and mastering

Scenario – The band you have recorded the demo for during assignment 3 have asked you to mix and master their recording to increase the quality. This will require you to work individually to create your own mix of the song, as well as providing the band with a remix of another track to demonstrate to the band your mixing style.

Task 1

You will be required to remix another track from scratch to demonstrate all the techniques below. This will be used to show your understanding of mixing techniques.

You must also apply these skills to mix the track you have recorded with the band. You will be required to mix all you instruments separately to get the best quality sound possible.

Pre-recording	Tick Once Evidenced
Compression
Expansion
EQ
Reverb
Limiting
Grouping
Pan
Mixing original material
Remixing material

Task 2

You are required to master your finished mix using the following techniques. You will have to use examples of other mastered tracks to produce the best quality production possible.

Mastering	Tick Once Evidenced
Formatting
Multiband compressors
EQ
Level of mix
Sweetening the sound
Mixing down

Unit 49 - Introduction to Music Technology - Be able to design and create a piece of original music

1. 
   
   
   
   Unit 49 - Introduction to Music Technology -
   
   
   Be Able to Design and Create a Piece of Original Music Using Available Resources 
   
   
   
   
   Composition: eg structure, form, genre, statement, repetition, inversion, difference; individuality; originality; composers’ rights
   
   
   Sound design: eg sampling techniques, waveform structures, waveform editing techniques
   
   
   Availability: software inputs; analogue and digital inputs; editing sources; sound libraries; playback equipment; file transfer, formats and compatibility; copyright issues
   
   
   
   
   Mastering: eg mastering to CD, PQ codes, mp3, internet distribution, compression, loudness, equalisation, sonic problems 
   
   
   

Unit 17: Audio Production Processes and Techniques - Capture Environment

Unit 17: Audio Production Processes and Techniques - Capture Environment

Scenario - As part of an interview process you have been asked by a prospective employer to submit a portfolio of recordings from a variety of different sources and acoustic environments as evidence of your technical abilities.

Task:

Create a portfolio of recordings, report and recording log with track sheets. Report to include information on the following areas:

• Audio Capture: Studio and outside broadcast; Interviews; atmosphere; Live Performances and Conferences; monologue; dialogue; Group Debate; Audience Interaction; Participation.
• Microphone types and characteristics: Dynamic; Capacitor; electric condenser; ribbon; carbon; crystal hand-held; Stand; Tie-clip; Rifle; Boom; Associated Polar diagrams (omni, cardioid, hyper- cardioid); Radio Microphones.
• Pre-recorded sources: DVD; CD; Tape; Hard disk; MiniDisc sound file formats e.g. MP3; File conversion; as-live recordings; live recordings; concerts; Interview material; Commentary; Library material
• Recording Equipment: Interfaces; Cables and gain stages; Mixer inputs and outputs; signal flow and levels; metering and monitoring; The integrity of the sound signal; Direct Injection; Multi-track; stereo and single track recording; analogue recording; digital recording; Linear; Non-Linear; CD; DVD; Hard Disk

Make use of diagrams and technical information where appropriate.

Unit 1: Pre-Production Techniques for the Creative Media Industries - Prepare and Apply Pre-production Planning

Unit 1: Pre-Production Techniques for the Creative Media Industries - 

Prepare and Apply Pre-production Planning

Scenario: You are the co-ordinator for pre-production on your project and you are going to generate appropriate planning and pre-production documentation an collate this in a digital portfolio.

Unit 1: Pre-Production Techniques for the Creative Media Industries - Present a Report Detailing the Requirements of your Production

Unit 1: Pre-Production Techniques for the Creative Media Industries - 

Present a Report Detailing the Requirements of your Production

Scenario - You are the Co-ordinator for Pre-production on your Project and you are going to prepare a report for your client detailing the requirements of your production.

Task 1 - 

As part of your pitch to a client you must prepare a report which details and identifies requirements for a production.

You must also identify how you will source these requirements.

This report can be written or presented creatively using a web-log or video.

You must fully explain why each element is required'

• Why is this requirement important?
• How will the requirement be sourced?
• Which codes of practice need to be observed and why?
• Which regulatory issues need to be addressed and why?

Unit 48: Music Recording - Being a recording engineer - Location, Microphones and Instruments

Unit 48: Music Recording - 

Being a recording engineer - Location, Microphones and Instruments

Scenario - You have been hired by a record label to ac as a recording engineer for an upcoming album. You are required to use a variety of techniques and locations to produce a professional quality recording.

Task 1 - Research a variety of different locations/recording techniques to use for your recording task: You must research at least 3 locations, giving information on techniques used to get the best audio quality on the recording. You must also research microphone types and create a recording plan using the most effective techniques for the space you will be using.

Locations:

• Recording Studio
• Classroom
• Open air
• Concert Hall

Microphones:

• Dynamic
• Compressor
• Polar Patterns
• Cardioid
• Hypercardioid
• Omni
• Shotgun

Task 2 - Produce a short recording using different instruments in different locations to a professional standard. You must record at leas 3 different instruments in all 3 different locations researched.

Instruments:

• Violin
• Clarinet
• Trumpet
• Acoustic Guitar
• Drum Kit
• Vocals
• Flute
• Trombone

Unit 49: Introduction to Music Technology - Sequencing a Pop Song

Unit 49: Introduction to Music Technology

Sequencing a Pop Song

Scenario - Your client has asked you to produce a sequenced, midi recreation of a well-known pop song for a karaoke album. You have been given a notated score with all parts, but have been asked to include extra features you can hear and to creatively interpret and develop the track using editing skills.

Task 1 - 

Create a midi sequence of a piece of music from a given score.

You will be given a chord structure and melody line of a pop song. You will have to listen closely to the original to identify all instruments playing, and accurately recreate this using Cu base using midi sequencing techniques.

You will be required to submit: 

• A full mix down to your project which includes the specified track you have sequenced.
• A report on your project, stating all track, effects and automation used.

You may include screenshots and/or evidence in your submission.