Turn Your Passion into a Profession

Explore part-time, self-paced online courses designed by the industry professionals at Metalworks Institute—Canada’s premiere school for music and entertainment. Whether you’re diving into audio production, recording, music business, or songwriting, earn a recognized certificate and gain real-world skills from the comfort of your own home.

All Courses / Recording & Music Production / Recording Principals I

Recording Principals I

$349.00 CAD
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Overview

Overview

This course will provide students with thorough insight into the theoretical, technical, creative and artistic principles of sound and recording. During this course students will be introduced to applied acoustic principles, microphones, signal flow, recording studio equipment, console operation, session protocols and communication skills. Students will also be introduced to microphone placement, signal paths and studio environments, including live and broadcast. Students will gain knowledge of practical physics and become technically capable and encouraged to begin acting and thinking as professional recording engineers.

Overview

This course will provide students with thorough insight into the theoretical, technical, creative and artistic principles of sound and recording. During this course students will be introduced to applied acoustic principles, microphones, signal flow, recording studio equipment, console operation, session protocols and communication skills. Students will also be introduced to microphone placement, signal paths and studio environments, including live and broadcast. Students will gain knowledge of practical physics and become technically capable and encouraged to begin acting and thinking as professional recording engineers.

This lesson provides a comprehensive overview of the roles and responsibilities within a recording studio, focusing on the technical and creative contributions of recording engineers, producers, and other key studio personnel. Learn how these professionals collaborate to bring artistic visions to life through the recording, mixing, and mastering process. 

Recording studios range from high-end professional spaces to home setups, each offering unique advantages and challenges. Understanding these environments is essential for capturing high-quality audio and adapting to various creative needs. 

Understanding audio cables and connectors is crucial for any audio engineer or producer, as they form the backbone of signal transmission and ensure proper communication between devices in both analog and digital setups. Each type of cable and connector serves a specific purpose, impacting signal quality, reliability, and overall system performance. 

This module dives deep into the world of monitoring systems, from the fundamentals of studio monitors and speaker technology to advanced setups like multi-channel systems and Dolby Atmos. Gain insights into the science behind accurate sound reproduction, monitor calibration, placement, and the tools used to create precise and immersive audio experiences. 

This module provides an in-depth exploration of microphones, a key component in modern audio systems. We will examine how microphones function as transducers, converting sound energy into electrical signals, and dive into the various types of microphones available, each with its own unique characteristics and ideal uses. 

This section covers key microphone techniques for capturing high-quality audio. Techniques like XY and Near Coincident Pair are great for focused sound and spatial depth, while Spaced Pair excels in capturing ambient sound and room reflections. The MS (Mid/Side) Technique allows precise control over stereo width in post-production. Baffled Omni Pair is ideal for minimizing background noise in noisy environments. The 3 to 1 Rule helps prevent phase issues when using multiple microphones by ensuring proper placement. These techniques are essential for achieving clear, natural sound in various recording settings. 

The module covers key recording components, such as signal flow, mic gains, and dynamic processing, explaining how each stage affects the signal from the source to the final output. It highlights tools like EQ, compression, and aux sends, which are used to refine and manage sound, ensuring a balanced and clear mix. 

This module provides detailed guidance on recording various instruments, including drums, bass, guitars, vocals, and others. It outlines specific microphone recommendations and techniques for each instrument, ensuring optimal capture of sound qualities, from close miking for detail to room mics for ambiance. Key tips include microphone placement, suitable mic types (dynamic, condenser, ribbon), and methods for managing sound quality, such as phase checking for drums or using DI boxes for bass. Additionally, it highlights the importance of performance comfort, monitoring dynamics, and specialized gear for field recordings and hand percussion. 

Requirements

Required Hardware (minimum):  
Laptop Computer (PC  or Mac)

Specifications:   
Minimum 3.0 GHz Processor  
16GB RAM (64 Bit)  
256GB SSD 

DETAILS TO KNOW

     Shareable Certificate

     Taught in English

     Self-paced Learning

Course Evaluations:
8 Quizzes & 1 Final Exam

Estimated Time to Complete:
25-30 Hours

Course Availability:
On-Demand