Module Definition Form (MDF)

Module code: MOD007366 Version: 2 Date Amended: 27/Jul/2021

1. Module Title

Studio Techniques

2a. Module Leader

Richard Edwards

2b. School

Cambridge School of the Creative Industries at Anglia Ruskin University

2c. Faculty

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

3a. Level

3b. Module Type

Standard (fine graded)

4a. Credits

30

4b. Study Hours

300

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 5. Restrictions

Type Module Code Module Name Condition

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Exclusions: None

BSc (Hons) Audio & Music Technology; BSc (Hons) Audio & Music Technology
Courses to which this module is
(with placement); BA (Hons) Music Performance; BA (Hons) Music Production;
restricted:
BA (Hons) Music and Sound Production; appropriate framework award

LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

6a. Module Description

This module will introduce you to sound recording, mixing, editing and production. No prior knowledge is assumed. The
module starts with the system design and signal chain of a typical recording studio, explaining the theory of the key pieces of
software and hardware.

We concentrate on two commercial digital audio workstations used in music production that present different workflows; Apple
Logic Pro and Avid Pro Tools. Both DAWs are in common use in the industry so it is important for you to be confident in both.
You'll explore MIDI sequencing, real and virtual instruments, audio recording and importation, and audio and MIDI processing
and editing. You'll gain an understanding of the theory and use of audio hardware, including dynamic and condenser
microphones, analogue and digital mixing desks, dynamics processors, reverberation and other echo-based effects, and
equalisation, and other outboard equipment. You'll be introduced to the relevant electrical principles, including impedance and
balanced and unbalanced connections. We also discuss studio monitors. Room acoustics is covered, with the emphasis on
spaces for recording and mixing.

You'll understand the applicability of this software and hardware in different musical contexts, including the workflow and
technologies used in film audio, game audio and podcasting.

You will get hands-on practical experience in the studios to make a variety of recordings. Lectures and tutorials will feature
critical listening and demonstrations of music creation, recording, mixing and production, and highlight techniques for
maximising sonic fidelity.

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 6b. Outline Content

Recording studio system design, the signal chain

Critical listening

Room acoustics

Digital and analogue mixing desks, busses, high and low impedance inputs, balanced and unbalanced lines, auxiliary
channels

Dynamic and condenser microphones

Recording/playback formats and devices, studio outboard processors

Sequencers, virtual instruments, wave editors, audio manipulation tools, software mixing

Units of signal measurement

Gain, dynamic range, compressors and other effects

Filters, roll-off, attenuation, equalisation

Near-field monitors, outboard equipment

Panning, stereo sound

Introduction to film and game sound

Introduction to podcasting

6c. Key Texts/Literature

The reading list to support this module is available at: https://readinglists.aru.ac.uk/

6d. Specialist Learning Resources

A range of studio facilities with soundproof rooms, analogue and digital mixing desks and associated audio hardware,
computer hardware and up-to-date software.

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 7. Learning Outcomes (threshold standards)

On successful completion of this module the student will be

No. Type
expected to be able to:

Understand the operational principles of a range of commercial music

1 Knowledge and Understanding
technology equipment;

Appreciate the integral role played by computer hardware and software in

2 Knowledge and Understanding
current system design;

Understand how music technology equipment integrates into a working

3 Knowledge and Understanding
system for performance and recording purposes;

Intellectual, practical, affective and Gain hands-on experience and gain confidence in operating a range of
4
transferrable skills music technology hardware and software;

8a. Module Occurrence to which this MDF Refers

Year Occurrence Period Location Mode of Delivery

Template For Face To

2023/4 ZZF Face to Face
Face Learning Delivery

8b. Learning Activities for the above Module Occurrence

Details of Duration,
Learning Activities Hours Learning Outcomes frequency and other
comments

3-hour lecture in weeks 1-6

Lectures 30 1-4
and 8-11

2-hour laboratory in weeks 1-

6 and 8-11 4-hour feedback
Other teacher managed
30 1-4 session in week 7 6-hour
learning
presentation session in week
12

Time in studios, including

Student managed learning 240 1-4
experiments and coursework

TOTAL: 300

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 9. Assessment for the above Module Occurrence

Assessment Learning Fine Grade or Qualifying

Assessment Method Weighting (%)
No. Outcomes Pass/Fail Mark (%)

010 Coursework 1-4 50 (%) Fine Grade 30 (%)

Logbook - 2,500 word equivalent

Assessment Learning Fine Grade or Qualifying

Assessment Method Weighting (%)
No. Outcomes Pass/Fail Mark (%)

011 Coursework 1-4 50 (%) Fine Grade 30 (%)

Logbook - 2,500 word equivalent

In order to pass this module, students are required to achieve an overall mark of 40%.
In addition, students are required to:
(a) achieve the qualifying mark for each element of fine graded assessment of as specified above
(b) pass any pass/fail elements

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