Week 3 - Project 1 & Workshop 3

Peer to Peer Feedback - Weekly Reflective Feedback

In today's class, we reviewed 3 Learning Journals. The points of action for the first learning journal was as follows:

Reflect deeper. If a task was difficult, why? & How will you be able to improve for the future?
Add extensive research and references. How will the extensive research be useful in future career life?

The points of action for the second learning journal was as follows:

Summerise and to the point on the What, So What, Now What?
Consistent and to the point.
Add extensive reaserch section.

The points of action for the third learning journal was as follows:

Insert of Images and interactive media.
An in-depth reflection on the What, So What, Now What?
Make it more colourful and interesting.

PRE-CLASS ACTIVITES

STEP 1 - Audient Checklist – Recording Set-upTo begin with ensure the console has been properly normalized. Make sure all channels have the ‘FLIP’ and ‘+48V’ buttons in the up position, Trim dial at ‘unity’ and Gain dial all the way down. While in the pre- amp section select ‘MTR’ so your Mic/Line signal will appear on the Main meter.

STEP 2 - In the CR Master section of the console set the following:

Source select
Speaker Select
Monitor Level 9 o’clock

STEP 3 - In the Communications section of the console bring the Talk-back Level dial up to 12 o’clock.
Note: During a recording session press the FB button to talk to your artist (make sure to deselect this after talking as it’s a latching button)

Step 4 - In the Master section of the console Turn CUE A and all 6 Aux Master dials and all 16 Buss Master Trim dials to 12 o’clock.

Step 5 - In the Studio Master section of the console Set Foldback A to source its signal from Aux A (Left and Right) Also Turn Foldback Level dial up to 12 o’clock. Note: On this console headphone sends are referred to as ‘Foldback’ sends.

Step 6 - Bring the Stereo Master fader up to unity.Set the solo mode to PFL and make sure ‘Solo in Place’ is not selected. Dial the solo level up to 12 o’clock and set the ‘Solo in Front’ dial to SOLO

Step 7 - If you are beginning a new recording you will need to create a new Pro Tools session.

To do this boot Pro Tools from the dock, then go to File – New Session or use shortcut (⌘+N)
Enter a session name (Name, Initial, Unit Code), destination (Data > Class Temp Folder ie. AUD101) and parameters for your new session (sample rate & bit depth) also ensure the i/o’s correspond to the Audient studio and click SAVE.

Step 8 - Create the desired amount of mono audio tracks.

Name these tracks, set their Input & Outputs appropriately (e.g. Track 1 Input = Analog 1, Track 1 Output = Analog 1 etc.) and hit Record arm.

Step 9 - In the First Channel you wish to set gain for select the desired ‘Output Buss’ in the buss assign section of that channel.

ie: If you wish for channel 1 on the console to go to Input ‘Analog 1’ in Protools select ‘Buss 1’ in the Buss routing section.
NOTE: To route to Busses 9-16 you need to select ‘SHIFT’

Step 10 - Set the input gain for each of the channels Individually.

To begin with turn on +48V (if needed), select Solo and push Short fader up to ‘unity’ for the first channel you wish to set gain on.
Turn the Gain pot up until the desired level is reached on the consoles main meters (Also check the corresponding track in Protools to make sure the Routing is correct). Now select Mix in the LF section of the channel strip and push up the Long fader to hear this signal.
Mute the Long Fader signal from the Previous step and repeat steps 10-12 for all the Channels you wish to use.

CLASS NOTES

During this week session, we will be going through multitracking using the DAW Protools Software. For today's session, we linked to a new artist call 'Ryan Adams'. He is an Indie genre artist. The track we listened to in class 'Come Pick Me Up' consists of multiple instrument layers which have their set dynamics and levels to make each of the instruments stand out in their way. The track was recorded without adding any EQ, Dynamics and Post Effects.
When working with protools files and you are wanting to add different EQ settings to the Left or Right speakers you would use 'Multi Mono Plugins'. However, when wanting to add an overall EQ that affects both Left & Right Speakers at the same time you would look to use "Multichannel Plugin".
When working with automation within Pro Tools can be applied by selecting the desired parameters within the left-hand side of the track where it says "waveform".

Multi-Tracking Project 1 - The Jackson 5 - ABC - Multitrack

No Arrangement

Arranged Track

The normality for a beginner audio engineer mix would be:

Refrance Track
Drums, Bass and Low end instruments
Rhythmic Section and Guitars
Melody Hook and Vocals

= We were then set a task by Randy to allign the base line which was not in time to the mix.

Bass Alligned Track

Multi-Tracking Project 2 - Ramble On

Audio Files Import and Convert Process

RAW Audio Track Clips, Not Arranged and Mixed

Final Mixed and Mastered Project Outcome

Multi-Tracking Project 3 - Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing

Basic Imported Audio Files Document - No Editing

Color Coded, Arranged and Grouped Tracks

Automated Track & Track Balance

WEEKLY REFLECTION

What...

The aim of this weeks lecture was to understand some significant features of protools and to further understand the requirements of project 1. The understanding of protools features such as (automation, panning, track colouring and grouping) have always been strong due to me being familiar with other DAW softwares'. My role throughout the workshop session this week was to support my peers within my group on the utilisation of specific features within a studio environment. Some of these features are as follows:

Active DI Boxs'
Passive DI Boxs'
Pach Bay Pannels
Stereo and Mono Jack Cables
Recording to and from the studio mixing console.

In order to further achieve and understand the content learnt in today's session I have spoken to Randy and will be booking out the studio at some point during the week to further practice the skills that were taught. I personally found that this weeks session was really beneficial and informative due to the content learnt mainly in regards to the ProTools DAW.

So what...

So therefore the actions I took post today's session was to book out the studio for next week along with collecting some extensive research on the ProTools DAW which can be found below. The below-gathered information will help and support my skillset and knowledge for the continuation of project two.

Upon speaking to Randy and my group members I have also decided that it will be best of benefit for us to plan and layout our project recording and editing timelines 1 week prior to the set recording date in relation to upcoming future projects. This will allow us to have a scheme of work to follow but also brainstorm concrete and solidified ideas prior to a recording or editing session.

Now what...

Now my next steps prior to the next session are to discuss the plan of action with my group members and ensure that all the correct arrangements are put in place to achieve our desired outcome. in order to succeed in the overall unit I will also be taking Randy's advise in regards to the additional project to demonstrate our above and beyond learning attitude. By undertaking this challenge it will allow me to further demonstrate my current knowledge within a studio context and also identify what I need to work on and learn further.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

Week 3 - Transferable Skill - INTERPERSONAL: The reason why I personally believe that this weeks session focuses on interpersonal skills is due to the fact that in order to achieve the weekly set goals it is mandatory to work as a group and with other in-class peers to ensure a final outcome that meets all the learning objectives and requirements.
What is your understanding of warm vs. cool feedback? Why is it productive?

My personal understanding of warm and cool feedback is a process in which another member of a team or a peer critiques the work that you have done in order to help you develop and create a stronger final outcome.

Being a team player doesn't just mean contributing to the group work, but also enriching those around you. How can you help to boost the morale and efficiency of others within a team environment?

The way in which I can help enriching and boosting morale and efficiency within a team environment is by not only sitting down and discussing ideas and opportunities with other group members but also to ensure that there is a reward at the end of completing a milestone, a task or a project

It is important to praise others within the group for and have done the correct work and the correct task that will help the group develop and come to a final product in the simplest way.

Communication Skills: In terms of communication skills I was able to provide constructive feedback to my peers within my class in regards to their learning journals and their classwork. In further addition, the ability to communicate with my peers throughout class tasks has improved which has also allowed me to strengthen my friendships and trust when it comes to providing and receiving feedback.
Team Player & Ability to Collaborate: In terms of being a team player and the ability to collaborate with peers I personally believe that this is something that has slowly been developing since joining SAE. The reason for this is due to having to complete and undertake group projects and work regularly so far.

Extensive Reaserch (Above & Beyond)

What are the benefits of mono mixing?Mono mixing will enable audio engineers to have a clearer understanding of different volumes are coming out of each speaker at different times.

Allow a more clear equalisation balance of different instruments within a track.
Expose and allow engineers to fix phasing issues.

What steps should be followed to begin mixing in mono?

Balance all levels and apply panning to tracks.
Set master outputs to mono.
Reduce masking with EQ.
Eliminate phasing cancellation.
Re-confirm panning levels in a stereo mix.
Insert track and master effects.
Bounce down track or project.

REFREANCES

H., J. (2021, August 18). Mixing in mono: Produce better music with this pro method. LedgerNote. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from https://ledgernote.com/columns/mixing-mastering/mixing-in-mono/.

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