Recording Engineering & Studio Techniques

Steinway & Sons Grand Pianos mic'ed up in Studio A of Omega Recording Studios with a vintage U87 microphone

Recording Engineering and Studio Techniques (5 Courses, 328 Hours)

The Recording Engineering and Studio Techniques program provides training in the concepts and skills of professional multi-track studio recording and mixing. Using a carefully crafted curriculum of lecture and hands-on training, this program establishes a solid foundation by teaching the scientific principles and concepts associated with sound and audio recording, and then applying these principles with hands-on activities in world class professional recording studios. The result is a thoroughly trained and exceptionally competent recording engineer, qualified to work in any professional studio, and capable of performing at the highest standards of the recording industry.

As a Recording Engineering student, you will begin by gaining an understanding of the fundamental physics of sound, including harmonic series, frequency response, dynamic range, phase characteristics, hearing contours and basic measurements; and progress though the conversion of sound into electronic signals through the use of microphones. You will learn to understand all of the various types of microphones, their construction, principles of operation and sonic characteristics, and apply the secrets of microphone selection and technique to capturing the most accurate and pleasing sounds. Through both lecture and hands-on application you will master the operation of signal processors, such as reverbs, harmonizers, compressors, limiters, equalizers, gates and all of the other devices which have become standard tools of the recording engineer. You will come to know the many types and configurations of professional recording consoles, understand the principles of signal flow and learn the principles and practice of mix automation. You will receive intense and extensive hands-on training on some of the finest large-format consoles found in the industry, including the split-configuration 32-channel API 24×8, the 72-channel SSL 9072, and the 60-channel Neve VR analog consoles; and the Avid Artist Series and 48-fader, dual operator ICON digital consoles.

You will receive instruction in the scientific theory and principles of both analog and digital recording, and you will apply your understanding by engineering both analog and digital recording sessions and mixes, including sessions in which both analog and digital are synchronized and used together in the same recording. You will become expert in the theory and practice of magnetic recording, including the alignment and calibration of tape recorders; as well as receiving training in digital recording systems, including Pro Tools training for recording, mixing and basic editing. You will also apply this knowledge to the digital mastering of compact discs and dvds. We also teach how to use plug ins from MCDSP, Izotope, Waves, and more.

During the course of instruction, you will do at least four recording sessions and mixes, in both stereo and surround sound. One of these will be your own personal project, in which you choose the musicians and the music, and personally engineer a major recording session and automated mix. You will have access to any and all of the studios, fine microphones and top-of-the-line professional equipment in the world-class Omega Recording Studios.

By the time you graduate from the Recording Engineering and Studio Techniques program, you will understand all of the technologies associated with a modern, professional recording studio, and will have become proficient in the operation of millions of dollars of the finest equipment in the industry. You will be qualified to work in any professional recording situation, and ready to add your talent and training to those of the artists and producers in the production of music, advertising, or any of the other vast types of audio recording projects.

The Recording Engineering and Studio Techniques program can be taken individually, in combination with other Component programs, or as part of Omega’s  Comprehensive, Audio Engineering for the Music Industry, or Audio Engineering for Film and Television programs. The program duration is approximately 44 weeks for daytime students and 52 weeks for evening students. Parts of this program are included in the Audio Production Techniques and the Sound Reinforcement for Live Performance programs. If taken in combination with these, the tuition will be adjusted so that you will pay only once for the portions of the programs that are shared.

 

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Female student Mixes at an API Blonde 2488 console at Omega Recording Studios in Studio C