327 Understanding Recording Techniques
Pupils are tasked with capturing their first studio recording from the offset, giving them practical first-hand experience to aid their research into the fundamentals of recording, learning about the fundamentals of sound, different types of microphones, polar patterns and dynamic processors such as compressors, equalizers and noise gates. Pupils must submit an essay with supporting .mp3 audio examples. All unit submissions count towards pupils’ final grades. Pupils receive two submissions; the first can be used as a formative opportunity to improve and the second is summative. This unit is marked internally.
382 Using Effects
Using effects in the mixing stage is a highly creative part of the production process. The aim of this unit is to develop pupil’s understanding of the theory and purpose that underpins effect plugins and develop their skills at applying effects in a multi-track recording. To do this, pupils will also complete another studio recording and work together to complete the initial mix using dynamic processing only, before the application of effects. Pupils must submit an essay, DAW project file and a stereo .mp3 of their mix. All unit submissions count towards pupils’ final grades. Pupils receive two submissions; the first can be used as a formative opportunity to improve and the second is summative. This unit is marked internally.
366 Music Sequencing and Production
With an EDM festival as the focus, pupils will produce their own EDM tracks, learning how to manipulate digital synthesisers and sample/process any sound to create unique timbres. To aid this, pupils will also learn how to use envelopes, LFOs, quantisation and automation to enhance their tracks. Pupils must submit an essay, DAW project file and a stereo .mp3 of their track. All unit submissions count towards pupils’ final grades. Pupils receive two submissions; the first can be used as a formative opportunity to improve and the second is summative. This unit is marked internally.
372 Studio Audio Mastering
In this unit, pupils will produce a mastered version of a previously mixed track, suitable for professional release. To achieve this, they will learn about fundamentals such as file formats, sample rate and bit depth, assessing responses over different monitor systems and the plugins involved at the mastering stage e.g. level metering, multiband compressors and limiters, saturation etc. Pupils must submit an essay, DAW project file and a stereo .mp3 of their track. All unit submissions count towards pupils’ final grades. Pupils receive two submissions; the first can be used as a formative opportunity to improve and the second is summative. This unit is marked internally.