From Mics to Master: The beginners guide to recording a band in the studio.

Over the 6 sessions this course will cover:

1. Routing: from sound source to digital audio workstation (DAW) there is quite a lot happening in the middle. In this section you will look at where the sound goes and what equipment is required to get it there. It will also look at the role of the mixing desk, patch bays, outboard equipment and audio interfaces.

2. Microphones: There are many different types of microphones that can be used in lots of different ways. This section you will investigate the different types of microphones and how to get the most out of them, from inexpensive entry-level microphones to high-end professional studio mics. You will also look at how mic placement can have a big effect on your recording.

3. Instruments and the instrumentalists: In this short section you will look at how to get the best out of the musicians in your session. This isn’t just about playing well or having the most expensive equipment, but additional factors that can shape the sound of a record, from drum skins, sticks and strings to performance attitude and playing technique suggestions.

4. The Mix Down: This section will look at what to do with the sound when it’s in, from simple balancing to parallel processing. You will look at the 2 main tools used for mixing, compression and equalisation. We will unpack what they do, how they can change the sound of your mix, some good practices and processes and their applications to different instruments. You will also have the opportunity to investigate other mix tools such as saturation, DeEssers, reverb, delay and limiting. We will then work to put together the track that we have recorded.

5. Mastering the track: Once the mix is finished we will look at some simple mastering processes, getting it loud and bringing the whole song together.

Throughout this course I am happy to take questions and look at anything that is of a particular interest to you. I hope that by the end of the 6 sessions you will have the knowledge and confidence to start making your own recordings or improving and building upon the skills that you already have.

Classes take place at Actiontracks recording studio in central Taunton. Classes every Wednesday from the 11th Nov - 16th December. 19.00 - 21.00 £30 for 6 weeks.

Please contact cind.actiontrack@btconnect.com to book. Suitable 16+