Studying at York
Analogue Studio Techniques - MUS00183C
Module summary
The module presents the historical grounding for current audio production practices, showcasing the development of recording and production tools in an analogue domain, and teaches the practical application of analogue studio technologies and techniques. The module presents a historical trajectory of listening, recording, production and studio performance from the birth of the phonograph to the digital revolution. It covers the practicalities of physical hardware and their usage and limitations. From a practical perspective, it explores tape-based technologies, multi-tracking, and allows students to conceptually progress from early recording techniques to the end of the tape era. Standard hardware processing and effects will be taught both theoretically and practically (e.g. EQ, compression, gating, time and phase based effects), as should more advanced routing techniques. The module will not include digital systems.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
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To introduce analogue audio technologies and their role within a typical studio environment.
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To illustrate the use and function of analogue audio technologies within a primarily analogue environment.
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To demonstrate safe and proper setup and calibration of analogue studio technologies with a view to facilitating and finalising recordings.
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To situate the historical developments in audio recording technologies in their proper context, and highlight the evolution of recording technologies over time.
Module learning outcomes
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Understand analogue audio technologies and their historical development.
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Explain the role of analogue studio technologies within a studio environment.
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Be able to safely and properly set up and/or calibrate analogue studio technologies.
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Be able to employ analogue audio technologies in the production of a recording.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
This module will explore and assess your ability to work in an analogue domain and showcase traditional studio working methods (pre-DAW). You will produce two finalised mixes of audio material that showcases your ability to use analogue studio technologies in both corrective and creative methods. In groups, you will record a multitrack recording of one piece of music of your choice. The first mix of the material should showcase your ability to perform standard mix and balance procedures (balance, pan, dynamics, effects) in the analogue domain using desk processing, outboard, routing etc. (you may use digital outboard if necessary but analogue outboard should be preferenced where possible). The second mix of the material should showcase more creative mixing techniques and should be recorded onto 1/4 tape and submitted physically. You should document and explain your use of analogue tools and processing in a short (1500 words max) report.
Additional details and stipulations of the assignment will be provided with a full assignment brief.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.
Indicative reading
Gibson, D. (2005). Art of Mixing. Boston: Course Technology.
Hodgson, J. (2019). Understanding Records, Second Edition: A Field Guide to Recording Practice. London: Bloomsbury.
Huber, D.M., & Runstein, R.E. (2017). Modern Recording Techniques (9th ed.). Routledge.
Izhaki, R. (2008). Mixing audio : concepts, practices and tools. Oxford: Focal Press.
Rumsey, Francis. (2021). Sound and Recording: Applications and Theory. Oxford: Routledge.
Rumsey, Francis, and McCormick, Tim. (2009). Sound and Recording. 6th ed. Amsterdam; London: Elsevier/Focal.
Wessel, Oltheten. (2018). Mixing with Impact. Taylor and Francis.