Project Description

A small ensemble has asked you to record one of their tunes. You plan to record using 8 microphones, then mix the multi-track recording.

The ensemble includes:

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello

The schedule will be:

• 9 - 10 AM: Setup (Team 1 plus others)
• 10 - 10:45 AM: Team 1
• 10:45 - 11:30 AM: Team 2
• 11:30 AM- 12:15 PM: Team 3
• 12:15 - 1 PM: Team 4
• 1 - 1:30 PM Strike (Teams 2-4)

Part 1: Design a Recording Plan

You are provided the following equipment...

• 8 microphones with stands and cables (info linked at top of page)
• Tascam DA88 (digital recorder)
• Mixer Mackie 1604

All connections to the recorder, and the recording tape, will be provided.

Working in teams, create a plan for the recording that...

• Employs the 8 mics from list of available microphones (info linked at top of page)
• Shows where each mic is placed
• Shows how 8 tracks should be labeled

Create roles for your team members:

• Producer
• Engineer
• Assistant Engineer(s)

The Producer is responsible for directing the other team members, and communicating with the musicians.
The Engineer is responsible for operating the interface & recorder, checking levels, and actually making the recording. The engineer also takes the session notes.
The Assistant Engineer is responsible for physically setting up the equipment.

After each person has had a chance to create their own design, meet with your team and reach a consensus on how your team will place mics and label tracks for the recording. Make a single document that reflects these decisions, and bring it to the session.

Part 2: Record the Ensemble

At the session, you will have 45 minutes to set up and record two takes of the group's piece.

The Producer uses the production design to direct the Assistant Engineers to set up and place the microphones, and, if necessary, reposition the musicians.

Once mics are set up, the Producer should ask the performers to provide sound, allowing the Engineer to set levels.

Once levels are set, Producer directs the Engineer to start the transport, and directs the musicians to perform the selection.

When the piece is completed, the equipment should be "struck" (moved aside) but not disconnected.

Part 3: Mix & Post Your Recording

•After the session, you will be given a DVD containing "stems" of the multi-track session.

Stems are a set of audio tracks meant to be used together to form a music mix. Typically, they all have the same start and end time. Each take of each tune will have 8 stems corresponding to the 8 tracks we recorded.

•Using an audio application, create a mix of the piece you recorded.

For instructions on using Pro Tools to create your mix, click here.

•When your mix is complete, bounce the mix to disk and export as an AIFF (full-format) file and submit to the instructor.

(We will discuss all of the above in class.)