Recording Techniques Research Questionnaire

Sam Lawson 2014

Filling It Out

Put your name on it. Write clearly. Put your name on it. Fill it out as we go. Put your name on it.

Task One - The Set Up

How is your keyboard and M-box connected to the computer? (Check the computer in front of you) How are they powered? (Neither have batteries!) How do you health and safety is maintained in your setup? (Consider the two most common live music hazards - what do you think they are?) Which software does our centre use? (Check the computer if youre unsure)

What type of cable do you use to connect a guitar to your M-box? (use its proper name!) What type of cable do you use to connect a mic to your M-box? (use its proper name!)

Some Info On Midi Editing

Midi recording is a great tool for programming data quickly on how samples should be played. Often used for drums, keys and similar for its ease of editing - even after recording. Once midi data is recorded you can edit velocity, pitch, note editing and many other parameters.

Some Questions For You

Describe the basic procedure for recording audio in Pro Tools? Whats involved in mixing a track? What do I need to do in terms of Volume, Pan and EQ in mixing? After bouncing down a track what are you left with?

More Midi Points..

Midi is data, not audio. The data is information on how audio samples are played. Midi tracks only contain midi data, this data can be used to trigger samples from an external device or Aux channel. Instrument tracks contain midi data but allow you to add the sampler to the same track directly. This means that the instrument track contains midi data but has the facility to monitor audio directly unlike a midi track.

Description of Some Midi Editing Tools

The Grabber Tool is used to move regions. You can use the Grabber Tool by clicking and holding on a region and moving it left, right or vertically. The Selector Tool allows you to select regions horizontally as well as vertically across multiple tracks. This is done to make edits such as cut, copy and delete. The Trim Tool is used to trim the beginning or end of audio, MIDI or video content.

Some More Questions For You

What type of track do we use to record audio? What types of sources could be recorded onto that type of track? Give an example of how you would balance a mic in Pro Tools? What could be done in terms of volume, pan and EQ to aid this process?

Time To Geek Out On Equipment.

RAM - Random Access Memory is temporary memory used to run programs and tasks. Audio/Midi sequencers are used for recording and playing back audio and midi. What does DI stand for? And what instruments could they be used to record? Active Speakers are speakers with integrated power ampliers/supplies.

Whats A Dynamic Mic?

By denition, they are an electromagnetic based microphone that doesnt require power. Hows this different from a condenser?

Whats required in order to run Pro Tools?

Mac Systems Computer: Avid-qualified Apple computer (see details) System Software (32 or 64-bit) Mac OS X 10.6.7 (Snow Leopard) through 10.7.4 (Lion) Total System RAM: 2GB minimum, 4GB (or more) recommended ! Windows Systems Computer: Avid-qualified Windows-based computer (see details) System Software (32 or 64-bit) Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate edition with Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Total System RAM: 2GB minimum, 4GB (or more) recommended

Logic Pro 9 - Technical Specications!

!

Minimum System Requirements" "#"2GB of RAM (4GB recommended)." "#"Display with 1280-by-768 resolution or higher." "#"OS X v10.6.8 or later." "#"Minimum 6GB of disk space. (19GB of optional content available via in-app download).

Cubase 7.5

What Pro Tools Interfaces Could I Research For The Next Question?

Try the spec for the M-Box (as used in class) and the 003 mixers. The question tells you each of the details that you should try to nd.

Recording Methods

What can be recorded via a DI? Which type of cable is this? What can be recorded via a Mic input? Which type of cable is this?

Speakers

Whats the difference between active and passive speakers? Active Speakers are more expensive but can be cheaper overall when you consider the cost of buying an external power amp. Passive Speakers crossovers heat up more which effects performance over time. Passive speakers two separate components can allow owners to upgrade more gradually.

Condensor Microphones

Condensor Microphones have large frequency responses and are able to record highly detailed recordings. They can record the sounds of spaces well, whereas dynamic mics work best up close.

These nal distinction questions should be tackled based upon your own research. Feel free to use the internet as well as magazines or books. Theres loads of great quality articles on Sound On Sound and manufacturers websites. Remember to include plenty of detail - identify, describe/explain and analyse in each of your answers.