Recording Techniques (322-0-1)
Instructors
Christopher A Mercer
camercer@hotmail.com
Faculty member, Composition and Music Technology program. Composer of electroacoustic music, combining lo-tech analog techniques with extensive digital signal processing; specialist in multi-channel audio and spatialization. Composer of acoustic music focusing on extended instrumental techniques, modified conventional instruments, and instruments of the composer's own design and, most recently, combining this approach with real-time electronics and spatialization. Author of articles on musical aesthetics and composition. Residencies at Experimentalstudio SWR in Freiburg, Künstlerhaus Schloss Wiepersdorf, and Sound Traffic Control in San Francisco. Principal teachers were Peter Otto and Roger Reynolds, electronic music and Chaya Czernowin and Chinary Ung, instrumental music.
Meeting Info
RCMA Lower Level 121: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
The class will look in detail at microphone design and placement techniques, covering stereo miking; close and distant miking of instruments and ensembles; and "source" recording for sound design applications. Students learn how to choose the right microphone for the instrument or voice and how details of mic placement affect the sound quality, often dramatically. The course also covers hardware and effects processing associated with the production process. The material is supplemented by in-class recording and miking demonstrations. Projects consist of students making their own recordings using the techniques covered in class.
Registration Requirements
Permission number
Learning Objectives
Mic choice, mic placement
Teaching Method
Lecture, projects, in-class demonstrations
Evaluation Method
Quality of projects
Class Materials (Required)
I provide course materials directly (via equipment checkout, articles, or links). Students can use freeware or suggested software.
Class Materials (Suggested)
Hardware can be obtained via equipment checkout. Software suitable for processing live signals. Freeware can be substituted for licensed software based on student preferences.