Audio Engineering and Production

Master Class Series - NEW

 

 

The Platinum award-winning producers from Midtown Sound have teamed up with Pratt to offer an amazing new training program in ProTools and Audio Engineering titled: "Principles of Sound Design and Production."  Learn everything from the basics of signal flow to recording, editing, mixing and mastering your project.  Take control of your music and take it to the next level!

These classes will be taught by leading industry producers and certified Pro Tools engineers who have worked with artists such as Norah Jones, 'lil Kim, Blues Traveler, The Roots, Steve Vai, Carol King, Chick Corea, Ron Carter, James Moody, Mos Def, DJ Logic, Bob Belden, Richard Gere, Shawn Pelton, Rob Balducci, Dr. John, Whoopi Goldberg, Cyndi Lauper and Kool & The Gang among other notables. The studio classes will be held in one of New York's best studios with hands-on lessons and demonstrations.

Through lectures, demonstrations and hands on application, students examine practical audio: harmonic structure and equalization, dynamics and dynamics processing, signal flow and console design/operation as well as all of the skills needed to operate a Pro Tools system in a professional audio environment.  Students learn the basics of audio production, through recording and producing a live band.

This is the only program in New York where you will receive training in Pro Tools taught by Digidesign certified instructors as well as learn how to record and produce music from Platinum award winning instructors.

The Master Class comprises training on the following:

• DigiDesign's award winning ProTools application
• A host of plug-in and effects applications
• The concept and process of recording
• Sound and hearing
• Waveform and timbre
• Equalizer design
• Equalizer techniques
• Dynamic Range
• Analog vs. Digital
• Dynamic processor design
• Dynamics processing techniques
• Console design/operation
• Signal flow in the analog and the digital worlds
• General concepts of mixing

 

Recommended Audience

Following a major shift in the music industry towards independent artists and home recording studios, any student with an interest in music production and recording will benefit from participating.  There is currently no other program like this in New York City, and this entire part-time program can be taken for under $6,000.

Course Location

Midtown Sound, 146 West 29th Street
Ste. 11RW, New York, NY  10001

www.midtownsoundny.com

 

 

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Requirements

Master Class Series

CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
In order to receive Pratt's Certificate for Audio Engineering and Production you must successfully complete all five of the courses in the program. Upon completion you will have the proficiency to handle an entry-level position in any ProTools studio!
Application fee: $100, non-refundable

Required Master Core Courses: Five
PMAE 101 Audio Engineering I
PMAE 201 Audio Engineering II
PMAE 301 Audio Engineering III
PMAEPT 101 Pro Tools I
PMAEPT 201 Pro Tools II

Courses

Audio Engineering I
As the complexity of recording studio technology increases, an understanding of fundamental audio theory is essential, both for mastering the technology and for staying abreast of changes in the field. Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands on application, students examine practical audio.

We will discuss harmonic structure and equalization, dynamics and dynamics processing, signal flow, and console design/operation.  You will start to learn about equalizer and compressor design and techniques.  You will then have the opportunity to start using these new tools as you learn about the strategies of mixing.

Topics include: The concept and process of recording; Sound and hearing; Waveform and timbre; Equalizer design; Equalizer techniques; Dynamic Range; Analog vs. Digital; Dynamic processor design; Dynamics processing techniques; Console design/operation; Signal flow in the analog and the digital worlds; and general concepts of mixing.

Prerequisites: None

Course Location: Midtown Sound, 146 W 29th St, Suite 11RW



Audio Engineering II
A true hands-on course for aspiring audio engineers or anyone who wants or needs a working knowledge of the recording studio. This class focuses on the actual process of recording and mixing, utilizing a fully equipped, commercial recording studio, we cover acoustics, microphone design, selection and placement, the mixing console, and the use of effects and automation.  You have an opportunity to operate the board and set up microphones as we gain first hand knowledge of the recording process.  Digital and analog formats are fully discussed and demonstrated.  To the career musician, producer, arranger, songwriter, A&R person, the recording studio is central to every aspect of contemporary music.  This course provides the means to function effectively and communicate clearly in the recording studio environment.
Topics include: reverb and delay; microphone design and directionality; microphone technique; proper microphone handling; cables, impedance, and grounding; recording projects; reverb and delay; and mixing.

Prerequisites: Audio Engineering 101

Course Location: Midtown Sound, 146 W 29th St, Suite 11RW

         

Audio Engineering III
Emphasis is on hands-on practice. Students will record and mix a project; starting with the recording of a band then proceeding to editing, overdubbing, mixing, and mastering. Students will set up and break down for sessions and be responsible for all of the studio operations. More attention will be paid to microphone technique and placement including: drum, instrument and vocal microphone techniques, isolation and leakage.  We will learn more about the process of mixing as we mix and then master the songs we have recorded.

Topics include: Microphone placement and technique; Drum microphone technique; Isolation and leakage; Set ups and breakdowns; Editing; Advanced mixing techniques; Mastering; and Studio practices/working efficiently.

Prerequisites: Audio Engineering 201

ProTools I
ProTools has become the pre-eminent digital recording software in professional and home recording environments. This course focuses on the foundational skills needed to learn and function within the ProTools environment at a basic level. The aim of this course is to help individuals start working on their own projects in ProTools. You will learn how to configure your system, record and edit audio and MIDI, use sends, returns, plug-ins, and automation. We will also discuss the different methods of controlling ProTools as well as ways of managing your sessions and tracks.

Topics include: getting started: configuring your studio and session (Record, Edit, Mix, Process, and Deliver Audio). Controlling ProTools: what is an external controller? Managing sessions and tracks; Recording MIDI and audio; Virtual instruments; Plug-ins; Editing MIDI; Editing audio; Understanding automation; and Mixing: Use of sends, returns, and plug-ins.

Prerequisites: None

Course Location: Midtown Sound, 146 W 29th St, Suite 11RW

ProTools II
This class offers a more advanced look at the ProTools system. We will prepare sessions, record, overdub, and mix. Topics discussed will be more advanced editing techniques, signal routing, session management, use of sends and aux inputs, final mix down and layback, automation, synchronization, DSP usage, MIDI composition, and virtual instruments. You will have the opportunity to explore on their own in smaller groups.

Topics include: preparing a session; tracking and overdubbing; virtual instruments; professional editing techniques; sampling in ProTools: using software samplers; mixing and automation in music production; mixing and DSP usage; using sends, inserts, mix buses, and groups; synchronization basics for music applications and using an external work-surface in music production.

Prerequisites: ProTools 101

Course Location: Midtown Sound, 146 W 29th St, Suite 11RW

 

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