Audio Recording and Editing Guide

Sep 24, 2024

Project 2 Walkthrough: Recording and Editing Audio

Primary Goals

  • Familiarize with best practices for using studio technology
  • Reinforce signal flow and gain staging concepts
  • Emulate historical practices of composers in the 1940s and 50s using magnetic tape

Steps Overview

  1. Power On and Log In
    • Turn on studio power, computer, and monitor
    • Log in as "Composer" (Password: Composer)
    • Set Scarlett as input/output device in Mac OS preferences
  2. Set Up and Connect a Microphone
    • Locate mics, cables, clips, stands, and pop filter
    • Set up mic stand without lowering the central post to the floor
    • Secure but do not over-tighten the stand
    • Handle condenser mics with care; use pop filter to minimize plosive sounds
    • Connect mic using XLR cables
  3. Route and Adjust Mic Signal
    • Ensure mixer is neutral: aux sends down, EQ flat
    • Verify phantom power (48V LED) is on
    • Adjust gain knob while watching LEDs to avoid overload
    • Route mic channel to group 4, adjust faders
    • Monitor output levels, ensure no red LEDs are lit
  4. Configure Computer for Recording
    • Use Audacity, set correct devices and mono channel
    • Enable Software Playthrough of Input
  5. Monitor with Headphones
    • Use headphones to avoid feedback
    • Adjust Focusrite and Audacity settings for monitoring
  6. Record
    • Maintain consistent distance from mic
    • Record sentence in Audacity, then stop
  7. Listen Back
    • Play back recording, ensure quality
    • Check for clipping, pops, low signal level
  8. Preparing for Editing
    • Trim silence and export original recording
    • Switch to monitoring through loudspeakers
    • Take photos of setup for submission
  9. Digital Audio Editing
    • Cut and rearrange recording to form "Hello, welcome to music 407"
    • Use separate Audacity project for editing
    • Avoid clicks by using fades or zero-crossing points
  10. Export and Clean Up
    • Ensure good quality with no noise, clipping, or pops
    • Export edited file, prepare to submit
    • Clean up studio, reset equipment, and ensure cables are neatly coiled

Submission Requirements

  • Include specific images and audio files
  • Organize files in a folder, compress into a zip, and submit

Additional Tips

  • Pay attention to gain stages to prevent distortion
  • Keep a clean working environment to make the process smoother
  • Email instructor or TA for assistance as needed