Sep 19, 2025  
GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year) 
    
GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year)
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MUS 174 - Basic Studio Techniques II


Description
This course builds on the knowledge gained in MUS 173 . Students develop basic recording skills in microphone placement and choice; understanding of how proximity and acoustics affect sonic clarity; recording console use; the use of various recording storage mediums; and how audio processing can improve sound image.  Recreating acoustic environments with digital reverberation is also covered. In addition, this course continues to explore the toolbox of the sound engineer.
Credit Hours: 4
Contact Hours: 5
Prerequisites/Other Requirements:  MUS 173  (C or Higher)
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: No
Course Fees: $150.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Digital Audio Specialist Certificate, Pre-Music and Entertainment Business, A.A. (3 + 1, Ferris State University), Recording Technology, A.M.
General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:
1.  Demonstrate a working knowledge of a current digital audio workstation.

2.  Demonstrate knowledge of specific microphone models, placement and choice.

3.  Identify problems in audio signals and effectively use signal processing to correct these problems.

4.  Demonstrate knowledge of select analog and digital audio recording equipment.

5.  Demonstrate knowledge of basic electricity circuits, audio monitors, and amplifiers used in audio production.

6.  Demonstrate knowledge of reverb plug-in, delays and comb filter effects.

7.  Demonstrate knowledge of MIDI, synchronization, audio troubleshooting techniques and equipment.

8.  Demonstrate knowledge of computer communication protocols that are used in digital recording.

9.  Demonstrate knowledge of basic stereo mixdown techniques.

10.  Know and use active listening skills. 

11.  Create and/or organize data and information into meaningful patterns in order to interpret and draw inferences from it. 

12.  Complete work accurately, with attention to detail. 
Course Outline:
I. Course Introduction, Unit 1

A.  Course/Syllabus overview

B.  Electrical basics, Ohm’s law

C.  Amplifier types

II. Audio Amplifiers

A.  Amplifier types

B.  Amplifier application

C.  Practical examples

D.  Lab 1

III. Audio Monitors

A.  Audio monitor design types

B.  Control room voicing

C.  Lab 2

IV. Equalization

A.  Subtractive and additive EQ ear training

B.  Frequency ear training

C.  Lab 3

V. Equalization Ear Training

A.  EQ ear training continued

B.  Practical examples

C.  Lab 4

VI. Dynamics Processing

A.  Signal processor overview

B.  Dynamics processors outboard and plug-in versions

C.  Lab 5

VII. Signal Processing

A.  Reverbs and delays outboard and plug-in

B.  Comb filter and misc. effects

C.  Lab 6 assigned

VIII. Microphone Operation

A.  Choosing the right microphone

B.  Comprehensive hands on use of the various types and brands of microphones

C.  Monophonic microphone setups

D.  Lab 6 complete

IX. Intro to Stereo Microphone Techniques

A.  Phase relationship using more than one microphone and how multiple microphone’s can affect the recording

B.  Practical microphone setup examples stereo and mono

C.  Lab 7 assigned

X. Intro To MIDI and Synchronization

A.  Intro to MIDI and synchronization

B.  MIDI and synchronization terms

C.  SMPTE synchronization

D.  Lab 7 complete

XI. Troubleshooting and Repair

A.  Audio repair/ maintenance tools

B.  Trouble shooting techniques

C.  Lab 8

XII. Connections in the Studio

A.  Cables, Cords, connectors, and adapters

B.  Noise reduction techniques

XIII. Computer Recording

A.  Computer technology as related to sound recording i.e Firewire, Thunderbolt, USB, ISDN, networking, hard drives, removable storage

B.  Stereo mixdown techniques

C.  Intro to mastering

XIV. Review - Final Projects

A.  Semester review

B.  Play final projects

C.  Final performance review


Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 25-35%

Demonstration: 25-35%

Lab Projects: 20-30%

Aural Skill Development: 10-30%

Group Work: 10-20%
Mandatory Course Components:
Reading assignments, student activities, unit quizzes, term paper, lab assignmnents, final performance evaluation, final recording project, final written exam.

Successful completion of the mandatory course components. (73% or better)
Equivalent Courses:
None


Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: AVID Pro Tools User Certification

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
Yes
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: IRW 97, IRW 98, IRW 99
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None
Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture/Lab - Must meet Lecture/Lab Ratios
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
Total Lab Hours Per Week: 2
People Soft Course ID Number: 102498
Course CIP Code: 50.09
Maximum Course Enrollment: 25
General Room Request: None
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: NA
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA


School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Music
Discipline: MUS
Faculty Credential Requirements:
18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement), Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Other (list below)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
1. Minimum of Master’s Degree in Music with a Baccalaureate Degree in Recording Technology or its equivalent.2. Previous collegiate recording technology teaching experience.3. Demonstrated skills in live sound recording and reinforcement as well as digital studio recording and sequencing.
Last Revision Date Effective: 20180302T09:31:04
Course Review & Revision Year: 2024-2025



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