MPA 408 Week Of 04/26/10 - 04/30/10

In comparison to our previous months and weeks in class, this week was an extreme break in workload an information. In class we discussed a multitude of ways to organize our information and increase workload, using the snapshot method (enter twice). Then for the rest of the week, we practiced using these skills and having Dr. Drew mix a few of our songs. In doing his mixing demonstration he reitterated the point of mixing (by the octave). I felt that I got a better grasp for the aptitude of the other groups in our class in regards to their current progression within their prospective group albums. At points within our own progression I felt that we were hitting intellectual walls compositionally. However, after filling out some of our classmates work thus far I feel that we are right on par with where we should be. The composition that struck me the most was group C's song. Musically I found that they had organized and arranged quite the respective arrangement, however at certain points it was thrown off by the organization by the vocalists approach. After observing their track it made me take a more introspective look at my own delivery on some of our tracks.

In the studio this week we simply applied teachings from class. Within our two lab sessions we were able to successfully organize screen shots for all of our songs except for one. Because the setup process was so simplistic, the group used the time to lament important aspects of our distribution process for the group album. This week I finally feel like we are recovering fully from the spring break.

MPA 408 Lab 04/23/10 Finishing Vocals!

Finally we've come to the end of tracking. Today we extended time in the studio, which we used to completely finish all tracking. First we went through and put the final touches on all lead vocals, then once we were satisfied with our takes, we moved on to ad libs. We learned a valuable skill about handling interpersonal issues today. It seems that the pressure that we were putting on Shannon seemed to give her an uneasing feeling about the session. So after a five minute sabbatical we came back and tried a different approach. Later in the session I was given the opportunity to go and place any last minute alterations that I seen fit for the project. At this point I went through each track and added a bunch of extra sound effects, much of which will probably get edited out in the mixing phase. Once all the recording was complete for the day, we discussed album concepts once again, and possible mass production options. I look forward to beginning the next phase of the album.

For more blogs from this week, check out:

MPA 408 Lab 04/19/10 Tracking Vocals Still...
MPA 408 Lecture 04/19/10 Compressing Out The Box
MPA 408 Lecture 04/21/10 Elastic Audio

MPA 408 Lecture 04/19/10 Elastic Audio

Drum replacement
1. Create new audio track below desired drum track

• Copy the track down
• Highlight preferred parts
• tab to transient

Note (quick keys)
Apple + or - moves highlighted region right
option + or - moves highlighted region left
Apple U = strip silence
Apple C = copy
; goes down to track below
p goes up to the track above

Elastic Audio
to use elastic audio choose from the five preset settings
polyphonic
rhythmic
monophonic
vair speed
x form

Note after creating event markers
option click removes markers
double click adds markers

MPA 408 Lab 04/19/10 Tracking Vocals Still...

Just as we have been doing for the past two weeks, we continued tracking vocals. After being unavailable to record due to illness, Shannon began laying vocals. Our setup remained the same as previous vocal sessions. We used the CM7 mic, patched in through the neeves, and then into pro tools. Once the recording session was prepared, we started tracking Shannon's tune "Understand". Unfortunately I had to leave a little bit early, because I had a prior engagement. But I was told that the session stalled out shortly after because Shannon's singing voice got tired. We rescheduled a four hour session for Friday, it is our goal to finish all vocals by that point.

MPA 408 Lecture 04/19/10 Compressing Out The Box

New Headphone Setup

1. Create 4 Aux stereo tracks
2. B1, B2, B3, B4 Out
>Patch channels to 1,2,3,4
>patch channels to room
3. In send section send buss's to each channels in

hp Drums - bus 1-2 input
hp Bass - bus 3-4 input
hp Guitar - bus 5-6 input
hp Vox - bus 7-8 input

Memory Locate

1. To Select a screen shot press Enter (on numeric keypad)
2. When dialogue screen pops up select parameters you want to save
3. To access screen shots press Period # Period
. 1 .

note: To bring up select window press Apple 5 then, to select options use the arrow in the top right corner.

Parallel Compression

1. Patch Protools out in to Line 1 inputs
2. Place all faders @ Unity Gain
3. Activate Line 1 at top of channel & Turn up pot
4. Remove mix master button in main console strip
5. Select Group 3-4 @ Top of channel
(and remove mix button also @ top of strip)
6. Pan group

7. Repeat grouping process for Group 5-6
8. Patch Group 5-6 insert send to disstresors & Return signal
9. Turn up dry signal (Group 3-4) then turn up compress signal (Group 5-6)

2 Stage Compression

Cont. process...

10. Send Group 3-4 through Millinia using insert then...
11. Return to two new channels on the board
12. Patch new channels in to Group 5-6

MPA 408 Lab 04/16/10 Lab Canceled

My group decided to reschedule our lab time since more than half the group was unavailable. Therefore I used the time to practice some of the techniques we've discussed during class...

For more from this week check these blogs:

MPA 408 Lecture 04/14/10 Automation
MPA 408 Lab 04/12/10 Tracking Vocals cont.

MPA 408 Lecture 04/14/10 Automation

Today we covered the whole array of automation, from Real Time (writing) to Auto (graphic setting).

To begin the process we click Apple 4 To bring up the Automation Window

Then we went through each button in the window... most were self explanatory. We established early in the process that in order to write automation, the channel that was being automated must be set to automate the same feature. For instance if the Automation Window Pan is lit then the channels Pan must be opened as well. Same goes for all other desired functions.

Note

This feature is most common amongst Volume, Panning and EQ. Plus sign on left hand side of channel displays automation in their own track view.

Quick Keys:

Apple C (or c) = Copy Highlighted Region
Apple D (or d) = Duplicated Highlighted Region
Aple. + Option + Ctr. = creates new Automatable send On desired channel.

When groups are highlighted then all automation applies to the group. If You would like to automate a single channel then you must deselect the group.


Note

To copy Automation from one section to another (pan to volume), Select edit in the top menu. Copy Special. Paste!!!