Music Technology Skills(recording techniques)

Music Technology in Context(record and manipulate audio)

Skills Standards:

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

In Context Standards:

1.1, 1.2, 1.3.

Higher Unit Assessment Tasks

Outcomes and Assessment Standards – Skills Unit

Outcome 1 The learner will: 1 Use hardware and software effectively to capture audio from a range of sources by: 1.1 Selecting and using appropriate audio input devices and sources 1.2 Applying appropriate microphone placement and techniques 1.3 Designing and constructing the signal path for multiple inputs 1.4 Setting appropriate input gain and monitoring levels 1.5 Overdubbing tracks Outcome 2 The learner will: 2 Use hardware and software effectively to manipulate audio from a range of sources by: 2.1 Applying creative/corrective equalisation 2.2 Applying dynamic processing and time domain and other effects 2.3 Applying a range of mixing techniques to achieve a balanced and creative mix 2.4 Editing tracks 2.5 Editing multiple takes into a single take

Music Technology Skills/in Context Units

Outcomes and Assessment Standards – In Context Unit

Music Technology in ContextOutcome 1

The learner will:

1 Produce audio masters in different and challenging contexts by:

1.1 Using a wide range of skills in audio capture 1.2 Using a wide range of skills to manipulate audio and sequenced data 1.3 Mixing down to an audio master in appropriate file format(s)

Music Technology Skills/in Context

• To pass the units you need to show that you have met the Outcomes and Assessment Standards by completing the following assessment tasks.

• Task 1Create a mix of the song ‘Ain’t no mountain high enough’

• Task 2Visit Scotland Voice over.

• Task 3Podcast

• Task 4Stereo recording of a group performance – concert band/ceilidh group/choir etc.

• Task 5Advert

• Task 6• Trailer – soundtrack/voice over/sfx• Task 7

Multi microphone set up – drum kit• Task 8

Multi track group recording using Di/stereo micing/overdubbing etc.

Music Technology Skills/in Context

Combined Unit Tasks

Task 1Skills Outcomes 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

In Context Outcomes 1.2, 1.3.

Create a mix of the song ‘Ain’t no mountain high enough’

For this task you must:•Use information from the Pro tools demo videos to create a mix of the song ‘Ain’t no mountain high enough’.•Write a log/record/diary of work carried out.•Include screen shots, photographs and explanatory notes.

•Submit•Audio file.•Power point detailing your project.Include: Planning/Main content/Evaluation (keep dates of work carried out)

Mixing task - checklistAre you familiar with edit tools/zoom functions etc?Have you customised the display?Have you added markers?Have you duplicated tracks?Have you grouped tracks – vocals/drums/auxiliary instruments?Have you created a reverb bus track?Can you add effects/processes ie EQ/compressor?Have you used automation – volume/buss parameters?Have you set up a master fader – fade in/out?

Task 2Skills Outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

In Context Outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3.

Visit Scotland Voice Over

For this task you must:•Analyse the two videos and choose which one you will use. •Write a plan of action. Script/tracks/equipment/processes/effects/editing.•Create a new file for the voice over task.•‘Comp’ a vocal line – using different takes to create a final vocal (use pro tools demo video to help).•Sync vocals with the video.•Find and source an audio file which can be used in the background. (copyright free)or create your own.•Add any sfx needed (copyright free)•Edit/manipulate audio as necessary. Use ‘ducking’. (remember to document all stages of your project) Submit•Video file. •Power point detailing your project.Include: Planning/Main content/Evaluation (keep dates of work carried out)

Task 3Skills Outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

In Context Outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3.

Podcast.For this task you should: •Create a Podcast on how a technological development has influenced a number of genres. •Research chosen topic. •Write a detailed plan of your Podcast.•Think about the different techniques you could use.•Source music or sfx needed on a royalty free website(s).•Create a recording plan, write a script, equipment list, track list.•Mix all audio using stems. ‘Ducking’ for vocals.•Create a final mix.•Document all stages of your project.•Submit•Audio file.•Power point detailing your project.Include: Planning/Main content/Evaluation (keep dates of work carried out)

Task 4Skills Outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4

In Context Outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3.

Stereo Recording of a performance.For this task you should:•Research different stereo microphone techniques. •Create a stereo recording of a ‘Live @ Lunch’ performance. •Edit and add voice over introduction.•Create a mixed audio file to upload to the Duncanrig Music and Drama Weebly site.•Record using a stereo microphone technique and the tascam handheld recorder.•Write a log including, equipment used/techniques/signal flow/safety procedures.•Add photographs/diagrams/screenshots as appropriate.•Review and evaluate finished audio file.•Submit•Audio file.•Power point detailing your project.Include: Planning/Main content/Evaluation (keep dates of work carried out)

Task 5Skills Outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4

In Context Outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3.

Advert

For this task you should:•Research subject material for advert.•Key information – product/why?/contact details etc.•Create a script. •Create a timeline.•Jingles (make use of garageband)/sfx (web sites).•In your project make use of: stems/ducking/compression/eq/master fader/automation/panning/colour coding etc.•Time limit of 30seconds (in total).•Document your project.Submit•Audio file.•Power point detailing your project.Include: Planning/Main content/Evaluation (keep dates of work carried out)

Task 6Skills Outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

In Context Outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3.

Film TrailerFor this task you should:•Pick a film trailer.•Write out the script, write an sfx list, msfx list.•Plan any pro tools techniques/processes. •Write an equipment list, create a track list.•Import video file and record all audio necessary.•Make use of stems/effects/processes/panning/automation etc.•Document your project.

Submit•Video file. •Power point detailing your project.Include: Planning/Main content/Evaluation (keep diary dates of work carried out)

Task 7Skills Outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

In Context Outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3.

Multi microphone recording of a drum kit

In this task you must:•Research different microphone techniques for recording a drum kit. 2 mics, 4 mics and 7/8 mics.•Record a drum kit pattern using both the 2 and 4 microphone set up.•Use a ‘gate’ control on the bass and snare drum tracks.•Add other effects/processes/panning/automation as necessary.•Document your project.

Submit•Audio file.•Power point detailing your project.Include: Planning/Main content/Evaluation (keep diary dates of work carried out)

Task 8Skills Outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

In Context Outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3.

Overdubbed recording of a group/band

In this task you must:•Record and mix a group/band performance.•Plan equipment needed.•Use different microphone techniques. Ambient, stereo or close mic’ing.•Mixing – use different processes, effects, panning and automation etc.•Document your project.

Submit•Audio file.•Power point detailing your project.Include: Planning/Main content/Evaluation (keep diary dates of work carried out)

Developing skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work outcomes.

3 Health and wellbeing3.1 Personal learning Researching information about microphone typesExploring the effects of changing microphone placementsResearching information about a range of contexts where music technology may be used, and identifying industry standards and best practice.Considering the impact of IP legislation on practice4 Employability, enterprise and citizenship4.2 Information and communication technology (ICT)Using hardware and software to capture and manipulate audioInterfacing audio capture equipment with computer systemsProducing text-based and audio-visual reports on research findings5 Thinking skills5.2 Understanding Explaining the purpose and effects of a range of ways of manipulating audio5.3 Applying Making appropriate choices of input devices applying a range of audio manipulation techniquesApplying skills and knowledge from other Units in new contexts5.4 Analysing and evaluating reflecting on results of tasks, and making appropriate improvementsAnalysing existing professional productions and recordings. Evaluating the processes and application of skills and techniques5.5 Producing an audio master

Music Technology Skills/in Context Units

Skills/In Context tasks

Outcomes Checklist – rate your success.

Task.

Skills Outcomes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1.1 inputs

1.2 mics

1.3 signal path

1.4 gain

1.5 overdub

2.1 EQ

2.2 effects

2.3 mixing

2.4 editing

2.5 takes

In Context

1.1 capture

1.2 manipulate

1.3 mixdown

Use the outcomes page at the beginning of the booklet to help.

Pro tools skills• Inputs/leads/connections• Microphone types/patterns• Gain• Overdubbing• EQ – for creative purpose.• EQ – for fixing a problem• Effects – dynamic and time domain• Compression – ducking/boosting a signal/compressing a track• Noise gate – noisy instrument/vocal etc• Automation – volume/panning• Reverb bus track• Group tracks• Setting up mono/stereo tracks• Importing audio/video• Using stems• Bouncing to disk