Recording Essentials
Here, you will learn what it takes to record someone effectively on both
sides of the mixer, what you should expect as a producer, and what artists
expect from you. You will learn about the basic equipment and different ways it
works together to make a functioning quality-recording environment.
Getting to Know Pro Tools
You can't get very far in a recording not knowing your way around the
software you are using, right? In this segment, you will learn your
way around Pro Tools LE 8. Pro Tools is the widely accepted industry
standard recording software made by Digidesign, soon to be under the
name Avid. Knowing simple navigation of the Pro Tools software is
sure to save you a lot of time and frustration.
Intro to Plug-ins
Here, you will learn how to use some simple effects plug-ins that are
commonly used in nearly every recording. We will go into detail about
what a compressor is and how it's used, what delay and reverb
effects do, and how to shape your sounds with them, as well as
the proper use of effects.
Recording/Editing Techniques
In this segment, you will be learning the basics of recording and
editing. After all, these are the studio engineers' main jobs. These
essential techniques will allow your recording session to run quickly
and smoothly, not to mention give you a chance to express creativity
through what you do as an engineer. In most instances, you work
alongside the producer/band to help them fine-tune the music the way
they desire it. Whether recording for you or for an artist, these skills
are what will make your final product good or bad.
Microphone Placement Techniques
Placing microphones for instrumental and vocal recording is extremely critical to
the production quality of the product. As a producer, you must know
the correct mic to use to capture the sound of the artist you are
working with. Even the perfect mic will sound horrible if not placed
correctly. So, we will show you how to mic instruments in different
ways to effectively reproduce the sound you and the artist are looking for.
MIDI Basics
MIDI is used A LOT in recording today. It isn't necessary all the
time, but is an essential part to a lot of music that you hear today.
In this segment, we will look at the basic process
of making music out of MIDI.
Critical Listening/Equalization Basics
Here we will begin exploring different ways to shape sounds with
plug-ins as well as mic placements and mixing of mics. We will
show producers/engineers what to listen for in a mix, where
to cut out, what to bring out so they will have a basic idea of how to
make a sound "fit" into the mix instead of making the mix fit a sound.
Audio for Video Using Pro Tools
Though Pro Tools is NOT a video editing software, it does make a
great software for creating and editing sound for video. In this
segment, we will look at how this process is done using the skills you
have previously learned. Not only are all of these skills
useful for video, but for radio as well.
Recording Session Etiquette (All Tracks)
Just because you have a studio or know how to play an instrument doesn't
mean you know how to be a recording artist or engineer. Here we are
going to show some basic and very commonly overlooked things that
are essential in having a great recording experience for everyone. Knowing how to
prepare for a session, what to expect the first time you work with someone,
and how to deal with any "bad" situations that may occur are all
extremely useful skills for both artists and engineers to have.
Live Sound Basics
There are a few basic things you will need to know when setting up for
a live concert/outreach. We are going to be talking about how to set up your
sound gear. We'll be addressing some of the basics to having a
high-quality, technologically-sound live amplification system.
Live Mixing Techniques
Live mixing is an extremely intense and demanding art that all musicians and
producers will have to deal with at one time or another. We will show you how to mix
several bands on the fly, and give you tips on ways to improve
the concert experience for you and your audience.
Being Prepared (LIVE!)
When preparing for a live sound application from either side of the mixer, there
are certain things that will help you to improve the overall performance and intensity.
We will be giving real world techniques that will allow the concert to run smoothly
and have you prepared for any mishaps that can occur at anytime.
DMX Lighting Basics
Programming lighting can be a severe pain but we will break it down in terms that
you will understand. We will be getting into some of the basics when it comes to setting
up lighting and programming scenes that will blow your audience away.
Live Sound Etiquette
The awkwardness of a sound check and dead space can kill
the mood in any live situation. Here, you will learn how to do a
true sound check quickly and efficiently along with other
ways to keep both the artist and sound man happy.
Live Sound Safety
One of the most overlooked topics no one wants to discuss is safety. We will
prepare you to set-up safely, teach you ways to prevent accidents
and how to stop problems before they start. Examples of this include: speaker
and light stability and questions like “Just how loud is too loud?”
Artist Development
This section will be open to all artists in the area. We will give you
tips on how to manage your band/ministry more efficiently.
When Performing Isn’t Enough
We will show you why being on stage is the smallest part of being a Christian artist.
Putting on a Show
While you're on stage, people want to feel the music you are singing
or performing. Here, we're going to give you some basic ideas and techniques on how to
establish an exciting and powerful connection with your audience.
Merchandise Set-up Basics
Here, we will be showing you several resources for buying high-quality,
cheap merchandise (t-shirts, banners, CDs, and bracelets). We will also be giving you
examples of, and showing you how to effectively make, merch areas.
We will also discuss why getting people to your merch booth has
less to do with the money than you might think.
