MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2015/16

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2015/16

The project brief

This project is designed to consolidate your practical knowledge of studio equipment with theoretical skills. The project will cover a number of aspects of audio recording. You will be able to use the components of the modern recording studio whilst applying your understood knowledge of sound theory and digital audio concepts. You will be able to record and number of instruments and mix your recordings with technical skill and creativity.

Scenario A recording studio has asked you to produce a multi-track recording, and wants you to log and present the process, with technical detail, so as to act as a guide for future recording engineers at their studio.

Learning Outcomes

LO 1 Be able to use the components of the modern recording studio.

1.1 Match signal sources and destinations within the recording studio environment.

1.2 Define appropriate gain staging. 1.3 Select correct routing and patching techniques within the modern recording

studio. LO 2

Understand sound theory and digital audio concepts.

2.1 Justify microphone placement relating to sound theory. 2.2 Evaluate correct gain staging in the modern studio.

LO 3

Be able to record instruments and voices within the technical and creative boundaries of the product.

3.1 Follow technical and artistic guidelines to inform appropriate microphone choice. 3.2 Follow technical and artistic guidelines to inform appropriate microphone placement. 3.3 Carry out interfacing of various sources in the modern studio.

LO 4

Be able to mix a recording to a professional technical and creative standard.

4.1 Edit material accurately. 4.2 Produce appropriate registral placement using equalisation at the mixing stage of a recording. 4.3 Create appropriate depth and width at the mixing stage of a recording. 4.4 Use dynamic processors at the mixing stage of a recording. 4.5 Present a mastered recording adhering to industry standards.

Learner declaration

I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully acknowledged.

Student signature: Date:

BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) – MUSIC Assignment title/reference: T2.2 Studio Sessions Unit: 35 Music Studio Production Assessor: Matt Power I.V: Andrew Pettitt Date issued: 15/01/16 Formative assessment: 11/03/16 Submission date: 24/03/16

MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2015/16

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2015/16

This assignment gives you the opportunity to achieve the following DISTINCTION grades:

Grade Descriptor Indicative Characteristic/s

Contextualisation

D1 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions

Self-criticism of approach has taken place and realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success.

You must demonstrate critical reflection when justifying the techniques adopted for editing and mixing.

D2 Take responsibility for managing and organising activities

Autonomy/independence has been demonstrated and the importance of interdependence has been recognized and achieved.

You must be able to demonstrate the ability to work on your own and demonstrate how working with others is mutually beneficial when working in a studio environment.

D3 Demonstrate convergent / lateral / creative thinking

Problems have been solved and/or innovation and creative thought have been applied

You will have found solutions to a number of technical problems in the recording studio, and justified your chosen methods.

This assignment gives you the opportunity to achieve the following MERIT grades:

Grade Descriptor Indicative Characteristic/s

Contextualisation

M1 Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions

Effective judgements have been made.

When considering the recording process you must use technical and acoustical theory when and where you feel it appropriate.

M2 Select / design and apply appropriate methods and techniques

The selection of methods has been justified

You must show that your mixing technique shows both creative and corrective elements, and is fully justified.

M3 Present and communicate appropriate findings

Communication has taken place in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

You must show that you have been able to communicate with those whom you are recording, assessing their wants and requirements, reaching amicable conclusions and compromises where necessary.

MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2015/16

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2015/16

ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

The project brief

This project is designed to develop the practical skills required to provide the sound engineering services appropriate to the running of live events. You will acquire the competencies to set up basic sound systems, run sound-checks, run concerts, communicate with clients and understand elements of theory relevant to these tasks. On completion, you will be able to safely operate sound systems in small to medium-size venues, working with a range of programme material.

Scenario You will be in charge of operating the live sound for the HNC function band on a number of performances, both in house and at other small to medium-sized venues. The role will involve working closely with the band and understanding personal and technical requirements.

TASKS EVIDENCE Task 1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2

The Sound Experiments: Get to know the studio and present an illustration that matches signal sources with potential destinations, understanding and evaluating the importance of gain staging, and suggest correct patching and routing techniques. Demonstrate how an understanding of sound theory is important for the correct placement of microphones.

Written guidebook with audio and illustrations

Task 2 3.1, 3.2, 3.3

The Recording Process: You must demonstrate your knowledge of microphones, what they do and what context you should use each. When recording use a number of placement techniques, and document the success you have. Carry out interfacing of various sources in the studio and illustrate this.

Video, audio and photographic evidence. Observation. Written blog.

Task 3 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5

The Mixing Process: You must present a professional sounding mix that adheres to industry standards. Therefore you must be able to show that you can edit and EQ material effectively. Create appropriate depth and width at the mixing stage of a recording and use dynamic processors at the mixing stage of a recording.

Video evidence, Observation.

BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) – MUSIC Assignment title/reference: T2.2 Studio Sessions Unit: 35 Music Studio Production Assessor: Matt Power I.V: Andrew Pettitt Date issued: 15/01/16 Formative assessment: 11/03/16 Submission date: 24/05/16

MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2015/16

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2015/16

ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY AND FEEDBACK

Criteria The evidence shows you are able to: Achieved (tick) 1.1 Match signal sources and destinations within the recording studio

environment.

1.2 Define appropriate gain staging. 1.3 Select correct routing and patching techniques within the modern recording

studio.

2.1 Justify microphone placement relating to sound theory. 2.2 Evaluate correct gain staging in the modern studio. 3.1 Follow technical and artistic guidelines to inform appropriate microphone

choice.

3.2 Follow technical and artistic guidelines to inform appropriate microphone placement.

3.3 Carry out interfacing of various sources in the modern studio. 4.1 Edit material accurately. 4.2 Produce appropriate registral placement using equalisation at the mixing

stage of a recording.

4.3 Create appropriate depth and width at the mixing stage of a recording. 4.4 Use dynamic processors at the mixing stage of a recording. 4.5 Present a mastered recording adhering to industry standards.

Merit

Distinction

Grade Descriptor Achieved (tick) Grade Descriptor Achieved (tick) M1 Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions

D1 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions

M2 Select / design and apply appropriate methods and techniques

D2 Take responsibility for managing and organizing activities

M3 Present and communicate appropriate findings

D3 Demonstrate convergent / lateral / creative thinking

BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) – MUSIC Assignment title/reference: Unit: Assessor: I.V: Learner: Date Submitted:

MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2015/16

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2015/16

Formative Feedback: Assessor to Student

Action Plan

Summative feedback

Feedback: Student to Assessor

Assessor Signature

Date

Student Signature

Date