04 2ndQ TLE10 Lesson 1 Audio Production
04 2ndQ TLE10 Lesson 1 Audio Production
EXPLORE
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Topic: Audio Production
What I know What I need to learn What I have learned
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbnhZ-a6iRQ
For our introduction, we will watch a video about Music Technology and
Production, and list down at least five benefits of audio production as discussed in
this video.
LEARNING
COMPETENCY FIRM-UP
LC1 Analyzes First of all, what is audio production?
and apply
fundamental Audio production is the art and science of sound recording, editing, and
concepts in mixing. It can consist of many different projects like films, music, video games,
audio TV advertisements, corporate videos, podcasts, and more. The main formats that
production, are used for these productions are digital recordings. There are many different
including types of projects in audio production: music, short films, TV advertisements,
recording, corporate videos, and podcasts.
editing, and The following are important terminologies in the field of audio production.
mixing
Audio Recording
The process of capturing audio signals with a microphone, while post-production
Learning involves altering and enhancing audio signals. The process starts with capturing
Targets: the best possible sound to be included in the final product. The next step is editing
and mixing sounds to create a cohesive product. Finally, the finished product must
I can define key be mastered by listening for any inconsistencies in volume level or quality before
terminologies in releasing it to the public.
audio
production Audio Recording Equipment
A recording studio, be it on a professional studio, or at bedside, requires the
I can describe following recording equipment.
each audio
recording 1. Computer
equipment and In audio production, computers serve as the central hub for recording, editing,
their specific mixing, and mastering audio content:
uses Recording: Captures audio input from microphones and instruments via
audio interfaces.
Editing: Manipulates audio files using digital audio workstation (DAW)
software for tasks like cutting, pasting, and rearranging audio clips.
Mixing: Balances and processes individual audio tracks, adjusting volume
levels, applying effects, and panning to create a cohesive mix.
Mastering: Finalizes the mix, ensuring consistency and preparing it for
distribution across various platforms.
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Storage and Organization: Stores audio files and project data, facilitating
easy access and management of resources.
Integration: Interfaces with hardware peripherals such as MIDI controllers,
audio interfaces, and external processors for enhanced functionality.
2. Digital Audio Workstation
A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is software for recording, editing, mixing, and
producing audio:
Recording: Capture audio from microphones or instruments.
Editing: Manipulate audio files, adjust timing, pitch, and more.
Mixing: Balance tracks, add effects, and create a cohesive sound.
MIDI Sequencing: Control virtual instruments and hardware synths.
Arrangement: Organize audio and MIDI clips into compositions.
Mastering: Prepare audio for distribution with final processing.
Plugin Support: Integrate third-party instruments and effects.
Automation: Record changes in volume, panning, and effects over time.
Exporting: Save audio in various formats for distribution.
3. Audio Interface
An audio interface is hardware that connects microphones, instruments, and other
audio gear to a computer for recording and playback:
Input: Captures audio signals from microphones, instruments, and line-level
sources.
Output: Sends audio from the computer to speakers, headphones, or studio
monitors.
Conversion: Converts analog audio signals to digital (ADC) for recording and
digital to analog (DAC) for playback.
Preamps: Amplifies and conditions microphone and instrument signals for
optimal recording quality.
Connectivity: Interfaces with the computer via USB, Thunderbolt, or PCIe
connections.
Monitoring: Allows for real-time monitoring of input signals with low latency.
Compatibility: Works with various audio software and operating systems.
Portability: Some interfaces are portable for on-the-go recording and
production.
Expandability: Can often be expanded with additional inputs and outputs via
ADAT or other protocols.
Quality: Higher-end interfaces offer better sound quality and more features
for professional use.
4. Microphones
A microphone is a device that converts sound waves into electrical signals for
recording or amplification:
Transduction: Converts acoustic energy (sound waves) into electrical signals.
Types: Includes condenser, dynamic, ribbon, and lavalier microphones, each
with unique characteristics and applications.
Directionality: Determines how a microphone picks up sound (e.g., cardioid,
omnidirectional, bidirectional).
Frequency Response: Captures a range of frequencies, affecting the
microphone's tonal characteristics.
Sensitivity: Determines the microphone's ability to capture quiet sounds
accurately.
Applications: Used in recording studios, live performances, broadcasting,
podcasting, and various other audio applications.
Accessories: Often used with pop filters, shock mounts, and windshields to
improve performance and reduce unwanted noise.
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Connectivity: Can connect directly to audio interfaces, mixers, or recording
devices via XLR, USB, or other connectors.
Quality: Higher-quality microphones offer better sound reproduction and
durability, often with higher price points.
5. Headphones
Headphones in audio production provide accurate sound monitoring and isolation
for various tasks:
Tracking (Recording): Used by performers to monitor their own
performance without sound bleeding into microphones.
Mixing and Editing: Provide precise audio representation for critical listening
and editing tasks.
Reference Monitoring: Ensure consistent sound quality across different
playback systems.
Isolation: Closed-back headphones block external noise, ideal for recording in
noisy environments.
Portability: Allows for mobile editing and monitoring, crucial for on-the-go
professionals.
6. Studio Monitors
Studio monitors are specialized speakers designed for accurate audio reproduction
in professional audio environments:
Accuracy: Designed to produce a flat frequency response, providing a faithful
representation of audio content.
Nearfield vs. Midfield: Nearfield monitors are placed close to the listener for
detailed monitoring, while midfield monitors are positioned farther away for
larger control rooms.
Driver Configuration: Typically feature two-way or three-way speaker
designs, including woofers and tweeters, to cover a wide frequency range.
Enclosure Design: May be ported or sealed, influencing bass response and
overall sound characteristics.
Amplification: Some studio monitors have built-in amplifiers tailored to the
speaker drivers for optimized performance.
Placement: Positioned on stands or speaker mounts at ear level for accurate
monitoring and stereo imaging.
Acoustic Treatment: Often used in conjunction with acoustic treatment to
minimize room reflections and optimize sound quality.
Reference Monitoring: Used for critical listening during recording, mixing,
and mastering to ensure accurate sound representation.
Quality: Higher-quality studio monitors offer better frequency response,
transient response, and imaging, contributing to improved audio production
accuracy.
7. Cables
Cables are essential components in audio production, connecting various
equipment to ensure signal transfer:
Types: Include XLR, TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve), TS (Tip-Sleeve), RCA, and MIDI
cables, each serving different purposes.
XLR: Commonly used for microphones and balanced audio connections,
providing interference rejection and reliable signal transmission.
TRS: Used for balanced audio connections, such as connecting studio
monitors to audio interfaces or mixers.
TS: Used for unbalanced connections, such as guitar or keyboard inputs.
RCA: Often used for consumer audio connections, such as connecting audio
interfaces to speakers or amplifiers.
MIDI: Transfers MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data between
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MIDI-compatible devices like keyboards, synthesizers, and computers.
Length: Available in various lengths to accommodate different setups and
distances between equipment.
Quality: Higher-quality cables with better shielding and connectors can
reduce noise and signal degradation.
Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with equipment connectors (e.g.,
male/female, balanced/unbalanced) for proper signal flow.
Care: Proper handling and storage can extend cable lifespan and maintain
signal integrity.
8. Microphone Stands
Microphone stands are essential accessories for positioning microphones during
recording or performances:
Types: Include tripod stands, boom stands, and desktop stands, each offering
different functionality.
Tripod Stands: Feature a stable three-legged base, ideal for floor placement
and general microphone support.
Boom Stands: Have a movable arm (boom) attached to the stand, allowing
precise positioning of the microphone over instruments or performers.
Desktop Stands: Designed for tabletop use, suitable for podcasting,
broadcasting, or recording in small spaces.
Height Adjustment: Allows for raising or lowering the microphone to the
desired position for optimal sound capture.
Boom Length Adjustment: Enables extending or retracting the boom arm
to reach different areas within a recording space.
Clamps and Clips: Some stands feature clamps or clips for securing cables,
reducing cable clutter and potential tripping hazards.
Weight and Stability: Sturdy construction and weighted bases ensure
stability, preventing stands from tipping over during use.
Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with microphone mounts and holders
(e.g., standard thread sizes) for secure attachment.
Portability: Collapsible or lightweight stands are convenient for
transportation and on-the-go recording setups.
Specialized Features: Some stands offer specialized features like shock
mounts or isolation pads to reduce vibrations and handling noise.
9. Pop Filter
A pop filter is a simple yet essential accessory used in audio recording to reduce or
eliminate plosive sounds and excessive air pressure from vocal recordings:
Construction: Typically consists of a fine mesh or nylon screen stretched
over a circular frame, mounted on a flexible gooseneck or arm.
Placement: Positioned between the microphone and the vocalist or
instrument, usually a few inches away from the microphone diaphragm.
Purpose: Primarily used to prevent plosive sounds (such as "p" and "b"
sounds) and sibilance (harsh "s" and "sh" sounds) from distorting the
microphone's audio signal.
Function: The pop filter diffuses the force of air expelled during vocalization,
preventing it from hitting the microphone diaphragm directly and causing
unwanted low-frequency rumble or distortion.
Effectiveness: Helps to achieve clearer and more intelligible vocal recordings
by smoothing out the audio waveform and reducing the need for excessive
processing during mixing.
Compatibility: Compatible with most types of microphones, including
dynamic and condenser microphones, and can be easily attached to
microphone stands or booms.
Versatility: Widely used in various audio recording environments, including
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professional studios, home studios, podcasting setups, and broadcasting
studios.
Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain by removing and washing the filter
screen periodically to remove accumulated debris and maintain optimal
performance.
Affordability: Relatively inexpensive and cost-effective solution for improving
the quality of vocal recordings and reducing the need for post-processing
correction.
Question: Which of these equipment do you find at your home? Have you used
them before?
Audio Editing
I can define It is the process of altering recorded sound to create a desired effect. You may
audio editing want to edit audio for many different reasons, such as to improve the quality of
and mixing the recording, to remove unwanted noise or sounds, or to change the length or
pitch of a particular audio clip.
I can define
mixing Mixing
terminologies If we need to define sound mixing with a single word, that word would be
balance. Mixing involves combining all the sounds received from the multitrack
recording and balancing them in levels, making some louder than others.
Here are some important terminologies in audio production when working with
DAWs.
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production.
13. Bitrate: The amount of data used to represent audio per unit of time, often
measured in kilobits per second (kbps) or megabits per second (Mbps). Higher
bitrates generally result in better audio quality but also larger file sizes.
14. Latency: The delay between when an audio signal is input and when it is
output, typically encountered when recording or processing audio digitally.
15. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface): A protocol used to communicate
musical information between electronic instruments, computers, and audio
devices. MIDI data can control virtual instruments and trigger various audio
effects.
Now, can we produce audio raw? Or there are actually steps on how to make a
good quality audio output? The following are Audio Production steps.
I can categorize The audio production process can be broken down into three different
the steps of categories:
audio Pre-production is all about planning what will happen during the recording
production session (i.e., choosing the location, assembling the necessary equipment) and
preparing any necessary materials (i.e., scripts, storyboards).
Production is where all of the action happens; it’s when sound engineers,
musicians, artists, and voice actors get to work on crafting a finished project
for listeners to enjoy.
Audio post-production is the final step in which editors slice and dice raw
audio files to make them sound perfect or add finishing touches like music or
sound effects.
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Image-Line.
5. Reaper is a digital audio workstation and MIDI sequencer software created by
Cockos.
6. Ableton Live is a digital audio workstation for macOS and Windows developed
by Berlin-based Ableton.
7. Cubase is a digital audio workstation developed by Steinberg for music and
MIDI recording, arranging, and editing.
8. BandLab is a cloud-based music creation and collaboration platform that
offers a range of tools for musicians, songwriters, and producers. It allows
users to create, edit, and remix music directly in their web browser or through
its mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN9bXy_fiOE
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5CV53wCWO0
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAKEem9yIB0
LC2 Develops Now that you are familiar with the important aspects and terminologies in audio
an appreciation production, and seems they are overwhelming and complicated to remember, we
for the creative now go the the creative and technical aspects of audio production for us to have
and technical an appreciation for this skill.
aspects of audio
production The types of projects that involve audio production include:
Album production is producing songs to release in the form of digital download
Learning or physical media such as CD or DVD.
Targets: Podcasts are episodic series such as interviews that a user can download to a
personal device for easy listening.
I can identify Radio recordings are prerecorded segments that the audio engineer edits and
projects that prepares for broadcast.
are products of Audio Advertisements are the most effective form of media advertising.
the audio Audiobooks (or a talking book) are recordings of a book or other work being
production field read out loud. It can be downloaded to listen to.
Recording for video games can consist of voiceover, foley recording, and
sound design.
Film mixing is normally referred to as the re-recording mixer. This audio
engineer mixes recorded dialogue, sound effects, and music to create the final
version of a feature film, television program, or television advertisement.
Field Recording is normally referred to as the sound mixer, which is
responsible for recording and balancing the audio effects on set for a film or
video shoot.
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processing
Mixing engineers are responsible for combining (“mixing”) different sonic
elements of an auditory piece into a complete rendition.
Mastering engineers are skilled in the practice of taking audio that has been
previously mixed in either the analog or digital domain and preparing it for use
in distribution
Sound designers are responsible for creating sound effects, atmospheres,
sonic textures, and film ambiances that will create naturalistic and abstract
worlds.
Post-production engineers have a solid track record working in the technical
and workflow environment of a post-production facility.
A sound supervisor is an audio professional who works in theater, television,
or movie production.
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BandLab Mastering
Mastering is necessary for taking your audio mixes and making them good enough
quality for distribution. Becoming a professional mastering engineer can take years
but with Bandlab you can sound your best at all times. You will get all the tools
you need to show off your talent and the best part is BandLab app won’t take any
credit for it. With Bandlab mastering you also get three unique settings:
CD Quality
Bass Boost
Enhance Clarity
3. Once you have created a track, type in your project’s Name, Key, Tempo,
and Time Signature and adjust the Metronome Settings:
Before your recording, ensure you test the input under the Source setting (at the
bottom left corner of the Mix Editor). Everything is set to go when you see the
volume meter moving.
4. Once everything is ready, click the Red Record Button (shortcut R) and start
recording. Click the same button again to stop recording (shortcut Enter).
5. Once you have finished recording, save your project by clicking the Save
button in the top right corner of your screen.
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that split off from each other). For example, if your bassist writes a tune, you can
generate a fork that leaves his or her original version untouched but allows you to
create some adjustments enabling you to compare/contrast. It’s easy to
understand and it makes BandLab more enjoyable to use.
Desktop Assistant
With BandLab you can use your desktop to create new projects, work on existing
ones and upload recent tracks. BandLab Assistant delivers helpful shortcuts and
keeps you up to date with desktop notification.
BandLab for Mobile
You don’t need to stop creating or sharing your music with the BandLab
Community. Their IOS and Android apps have been created to enable you to work
on your music at home and on the go.
BandLab has built-in forums, chat, a collaborator search function, and even real-
time collaborative DAW sessions. It has all the necessary tools needed for music
makers to develop their ideas at all levels. Bandlab is the perfect solution for
producers at all levels. It is completely free and you will be able to connect with
fans and musicians.
Question: Can you now record, edit, and mix audio in BandLab?
The students will take down notes to observe the steps on recording and mixing
audio in BandLab.
LEARNING DEEPEN
COMPETENCY
LC3 Instructions:
Demonstrates GUIDED GENERALIZATION TABLE
proficiency in Essential Text 1 Text 2 Text 3
operating Question
recording How do Answer: Answer: Answer:
equipment, fundamental
editing audio, concepts and Supporting Texts: Supporting Texts: Supporting Texts:
applying basic techniques in
mixing audio
techniques in a production Reason: Reason: Reason:
DAW, and contribute to
utilizing audio the creation of
production tools high-quality
audio content
Learning across various
Targets: media
platforms?
I can identify Common Ideas in Reasons:
the features of
BandLab as a
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digital audio Enduring Understanding/Generalization:
workstation Through understanding the principles of recording, editing, and mixing audio,
individuals can skillfully operate recording equipment, edit audio, apply basic
mixing techniques, and utilize audio production tools to create professional-
grade audio content for diverse purposes.
C-E-R Questions:
1. What is the main purpose of audio production?
2. Explain why it's important to adjust the volume levels of different audio tracks
in a production.
3. How can basic editing techniques, like cutting and pasting, improve the flow of
an audio production? Give an example.
4. EQ: How do fundamental concepts and techniques in audio production
contribute to the creation of high-quality audio content across various media
platforms?
Instructions:
Holistic Rubric for Guided Generalization:
Map of Conceptual Change (same in Explore but with specific instruction)
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performance and should highlight your strengths as a musician and performer.
Learning Product Performance: You will deliver a completed song created in BandLab.
Targets: Your song should include vocals (if applicable) and instrumental tracks,
demonstrating your proficiency in basic audio editing techniques such as mixing,
I can produce EQ, and effects application.
an audio using Standard Criteria:
digital audio The song must be original and reflect your personal musical style.
workstation Vocals (if included) should be clear and convey emotion effectively.
Instrumental tracks should be balanced and complement each other well.
Utilize basic audio editing techniques such as volume adjustment, panning,
and effects appropriately.
Structure the song with clear verse, chorus, and bridge sections as needed.
Show creativity and originality in both composition and production.
Export the final song in a format compatible with common playback devices
and platforms.
GRAPS NARRATIVE: The students are able to produce audio using digital audio
workstation using the GRAS (Goal, Role, Audience Situation) as guideline.
1. In GRASPS (Unit Performance Task with Differentiated Products)
2. In GRASPS (Unit Performance Task with Modality-Based Products)
3. Unit Performance Task for 2 Integrated Subjects with Common Product
Use of Web 2.0 App for Output (Ex. Floorplanner, Google drawings, etc)
Analytic Rubric:
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1)
Basic Audio Basic audio editing Basic audio editing Basic audio editing Basic audio editing
Editing techniques are used techniques are techniques are techniques are not
Techniques effectively, enhancing applied effectively, applied but may be effectively utilized,
the clarity and enhancing the song's inconsistent or resulting in poor
coherence of the quality. ineffective. sound quality.
song.
Song Song is well- Song is structured Song structure may Song structure is
Structure structured with clear with clear sections lack coherence or unclear or
verse, chorus, and and transitions transitions between disorganized,
bridge sections, between them. sections may be making it difficult to
providing smooth abrupt or unclear. follow.
transitions between
sections.
Creativity Song demonstrates Song shows Song demonstrates Song lacks creativity
and creativity and creativity in some creativity but and originality,
Originality originality in both composition and may rely heavily on relying heavily on
composition and production, familiar tropes or familiar tropes or
production, incorporating styles. styles.
showcasing a unique personal touches and
artistic vision. elements.
Export Final song is exported Final song is Final song is Final song is not
Format in a format suitable exported in a format exported in a format exported in a format
for playback on compatible with that may have suitable for
various devices and common playback compatibility issues playback, causing
platforms, ensuring devices and on certain devices or playback issues
seamless playback. platforms. platforms.
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Summative Test: Choose the letter of the BEST ANSWER.
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10. Which term refers to the process of removing unwanted noise or mistakes
from an audio recording?
a) Compression
b) Equalization
c) Editing
d) Mixing
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