Introduction to Sound Recording - MUS00135I

Department: Music

Credit value: 20 credits

Credit level: I

Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2024-25

To introduce the key aspects of acoustics, psychoacoustics and electroacoustics that are required for a comprehensive and transferable understanding of microphone techniques.
To present approaches to microphone selection and placement for individual and stereo (coincident, near-coincident, spaced, baffled, binaural) capture
To provide practical experience in the conception, planning, execution and post-production of recordings of acoustic instruments in real spaces.

Understand the acoustic, psychoacoustic and electroacoustic bases for contemporary microphone techniques.
Be able to make a recording of an acoustic ensemble in an acoustically ‘live’ space.
Be able to make judgements about the quality of such a recording and to make relevant adjustments to effect improvements.
Be able to create, and work from, an edit map marked onto a musical score and be able to employ techniques and technologies to render inaudible edit points.
Be able to describe, justify recording processes and reflect on outcomes in written work.

In their independent work, second-year students should demonstrate Learning Outcomes B1-6.

Please note: BA Music students wishing to take this module must have at least a B in GCSE Maths.

Task	% of module mark
Practical	60
Practical	40

None

Task	% of module mark
Practical	60
Practical	40

Written feedback within four weeks of assessment date. See statement of feedback in the departmental handbook.

Acoustics and Psychoacoustics – Howard and Angus, 2009.

Sound and Recording – McCormick and Rumsey, 2014.

The Sense of Hearing – Plack, 2014.

Microphones – Borwick, 1990.

Critical Listening Skills for Audio Professionals – Everest, 2005.