Session 1: The mid-term quiz will be administered today on Canvas. After the quiz we’ll discuss the Audio Technology Oral Essay.
In this class we’ve been focusing on just a few examples (Audition, GarageBand, Ableton Live) of applications associated with audio production, but there are hundreds of excellent and innovative programs for sound design, music production, audio manipulation, or generating new sounds never heard before. Here’s a categorized list of some of the more popular examples.
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
Ableton Live
Apple Logic
Audacity
Avid Pro Tools
Bitwig Studio
Cakewalk Sonar
CuBase by Steinberg
Digital Performer by MOTU
FL Studio
renoise
Software Instruments
Native Instruments
Arturia
Propellerheads Reason
UVI
Prototyping and Sound Design
Cycling ’74 Max
MetaSynth
Photosounder
VCV Rack
Audio Technology Oral Essay
Due: Session 1, Week 13 (5 points)
Description: Produce a two to three minute oral essay on an audio production application or music technology hardware device that we’re not using in this class. Discuss what makes the software or device unique and how you and professionals in the industry might use the software in projects. You may choose from the examples discussed in class, excluding Adobe Audition, Ableton Live, and GarageBand because they have been used or described during class. The intent of this exercise is to explore something new within the vast landscape of audio technology. Choose a software application or device that is distinct, unique, odd, or off the beaten path to make your project interesting to you and your classmates.
Requirements:
1. Record 2-3 minutes of dialog about your software or device
2. Intersperse sound made by the software or device to explain your points
3. Use and cite a minimum of three sources for your example
4. Explain the primary purpose of the software or hardware item
5. Upload your audio to Canvas by Session 1 of Week 13
Points Breakdown:
3 points are awarded for accurately discussing and researching the topic
2 point is awarded for additional sounds and production quality
Relevant Resources:
AudioCookbook.org
CDM (Create Digital Music)
Sonic State
Sound on Sound
musicradar
MIT News Music Technology
Session 2: Today we will be presenting your multitrack projects for discussion and feedback. Following your presentation please share a few details about how you produced your piece:
1. What did you learn in the process of combining several tracks of audio?
2. How did you use signal processing to your advantage?
3. How did panning and automation play a part in your mix?
4. What microphones and micing techniques did you find most effective?