MUSC U7013 X - Recording Electric and Acoustic Instruments

Module Details

Module Code: MUSC U7013 X
Full Title: Recording Electric and Acoustic Instruments
Valid From:: Semester 2 - 2018/19 ( February 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Niall Coghlan
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: The aim of this module is to broaden the student’s sound engineering experience through the recording and subsequent sample generation of a diverse range of instruments both electric and acoustic, covering woodwind, brass, stringed and percussion categories.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Specify particular types, positions and configurations of microphones best suited to the recording of amplified electric, string, wind, electric and percussive type instruments.
MLO2 Perform effective recordings from the categories of amplified electric, string, wind, brass, electric and percussive instruments.
MLO3 Generate an organised collection of instrument sound samples covering a selection from the categories of amplified electric, string, wind, brass and percussive.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Orchestral String, Wind and Brass instruments
Recording individual instruments using single and multiple microphone techniques.
Acoustic Guitars
Recording 6 string and 12 string acoustic guitars with both single and multiple microphone techniques.
Electric Guitars and Basses
The guitar/amplifier combination, speaker cabinet configuration and microphone selection and placement issues, D.I., intonation, processing at point of recording.
Percussive instruments
Recording a variety of harmonic and in-harmonic percussive instruments.
Pianos
Recording acoustic pianos using a range of microphone placement techniques.
Sample Library generation
Auditioning the raw recordings for sample selection, Sample Creation procedure in the DAW, organising and titling consolidated samples.
Recording in the Close, Near and Far fields
Multiple (mono/stereo) microphone placement strategies, consideration of the recording space acoustic characteristics, time alignment issues between spaced microphones.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work20.00%
Project80.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 13 Learning Outcome 1
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A formal account of the rationale for the microphone selections, placements and configurations used in the creation of the module's recordings.
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 80
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 12 Learning Outcome 2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The generation of a considered, and organised, collection of instrument sound samples covering a selection from the main categories of Amplified Electric, Woodwind, Brass, String and Percussion. The project also includes the recording of these instrument sounds together with a brief 'showcasing' musical passage. A variety of microphone selections and placement techniques are to be explored with each instrument being recording simultaneously in the 'close', 'near' and 'far' fields.
No Practical
No Final Examination

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 13 Learning Outcome 1
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A formal account of the rationale for the microphone selections, placements and configurations used in the creation of the module's recordings.
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 80
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 12 Learning Outcome 2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The generation of a considered, and organised, collection of instrument sound samples covering a selection from the main categories of Amplified Electric, Woodwind, Brass, String and Percussion. The project also includes the recording of these instrument sounds together with a brief 'showcasing' musical passage. A variety of microphone selections and placement techniques are to be explored with each instrument being recording simultaneously in the 'close', 'near' and 'far' fields.
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Practical Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 8.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Eargle, J. (2004), The Microphone Book, 2nd ed. Focal Press, [ISBN: 0240519612].
  • Lubin, T. (2010), Getting Great Sounds : The Microphone Book, Cengage Learning, [ISBN: 159863570].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Huber, D and Williams, P. (1998), Professional Microphone Techniques, Mix Books, [ISBN: 0872886859].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources