Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2027

Audio Recording II (Online)

MUSC 6333-B70

Course: MUSC 6333-B70
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2027
Department: Music
CRN: 13081

Course Description

 This course is an in-depth study of the digital audio recording studio and its operations as it relates to the artistic, technical and business elements of the music industry. It is designed to build on concepts learned in MUSC 6323, and to help prepare students to work as studio technicians and engineers. (As Needed) [Graded (Standard Letter)] 

Prerequisite(s): MUSC 6323 -Prerequisite Min. Grade: C Registration Restriction(s): Music Technology majors only 


Required Texts

 Pro Tools 110 – Pro Tools Fundamentals 2 Version 2023. It's probably easiest to buy this as an E-book directly from the Avid website. Published by Avid Learning Series. This book can be found on the Avid.com website. 

https://www.avid.com/products/pro-tools-fundamentals-ii-pt110 
The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook 5th edition by Bobby Owsinski. Bobby Owsinski Media Group. 

Buying a used older edition of the book will put you out of sync with the lesson material and the version of Pro Tools that you will be using, so please be sure to buy the latest version. 


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to: Know how 
to use Pro Tools software program to create, record and edit music. Students will also learn how to record live instruments as well as create their own music projects. By the end of the semester, students will also: 

  • Create a portfolio containing 2-3 complete, multi-track recordings. 
  • Learn how to create musical examples in a specific genre. 
  • Learn to apply balance, panorama, frequency, dimension and dynamic elements. 
  • Work with elastic audio to change pitch and tighten performances. 
  • Discover and apply the different types of writing and editing automation. 
  • Use advanced mixing techniques to group tracks and create sub-mixes. 

Additionally, successfully completing the coursework of this class will also put you on track to receive Pro Tools certification. To gain this certification, you must take two courses Pro Tools Fundamentals 1 (PT101) and Pro Tools Fundamentals 2 (PT110) and pass a 50 question exam for each. This class will cover all the material for and administer the test for the PT 110 class. Students must already have completed the PT 101 course and exam in order to gain certification. 

Benefits of Pro Tools certification include: 
  • Demonstrate your fundamental competency in digital audio editing and mixing with Avid Pro Tools 
  • Provide measurable benefits to your employer 
  • Differentiate yourself from peers 
Pro Tools Certification 

  • Make your résumé stand out and leverage the power of the Avid brand with downloadable Avid Certified User logos 
  • Prove your credentials with a Certificate of Achievement 
  • Gain recognition from your employer and peers with our online Certified 

Professional listing As an employer, use the Avid Certified User credential as a benchmark so you can: 
  • Find the right person for the job 
  • Quickly assess candidate skill level 
  • Invest in and promote your most promising employees 
  • Keep your systems running at top performance, with little to no downtime 

For more info about Pro Tools certification, click here: 

https://www.avid.com/certifications/pro-tools-user 



Course Requirements

Reading Assignments: Each chapter in the Mixing Engineers Handbook has a reading assignment that will help students become familiar with the information in that chapter. Additionally, each lesson in the Pro Tools 110 book has a Knowledge Check QR code at the end of each lesson. This Knowledge Check is a repeatable online quiz that helps students master the material from each lesson. Because test questions are derived directly from these assignments and knowledge checks, it is important that students keep up on them and make sure to study them before a test. Each assignment is worth points that will be factored into your final grade. 

Assignments: Each chapter in the Pro Tools 110 book has an exercise assignment that will help students become familiar with the information in that chapter. These exercises build upon each other from chapter to chapter, so it is important that students stay caught up. Additional assignments will be added to each module to help students learn different aspects of audio production. 

(Optional) Zoom Discussion Forums: These forums will be an opportunity for us to connect together as a class and go over general Q&A about the course content. There will 

be 1 -2 of them scheduled throughout the semester. Attendance is optional and a link will be posted afterwards for anyone who was not able to come. 

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Project: Students will complete one multi-track Sci-fi/fantasy project during the semester. This project can be included in each students’ individual audio portfolio when finished and will meet the requirements of a provided spec sheets. 

Mid Term/Final Projects: The midterm and final projects will allow students to use Pro Tools in a creative way. Each project has specific guidelines that will be given to the students later in the semester. 

Tests: Students will take a test that covers material from both the Pro Tools 110 book and the Recording Engineers Handbook. Questions for these tests will be derived from the Reading assignments and Knowledge Checks from each book. These tests will be timed, so it is best that students study the material in advance. There will also be a mid-term and final test. The final test will include the Pro Tools 110 certification exam. 

Plagiarism of any kind will result in the grade of an F for the entire course. 

Course Outline

Week by Week Class Schedule: 

Module 1: Intro & Syllabus Planning of Sci-Fi/Fantasy Project Lesson 1: Making the Most of Your Pro Tools System PT Exercise 1 Lesson 2: Getting Around In Style PT Exercise 2 MEH: Monitoring MEH Reading Assignments: 1, 2 MEH: Mix Preparation Mix Preparation Exercise 

All assignments and tests for Module 1 are due by Sunday, 11:59 PM 

Module 2: Lesson 3: Working With Tracks PT Exercise 3 Lesson 4: Making The Most of Clips PT Exercise 4 MEH: The Mechanics of Mixing Rough Draft of Sci-Fi/Fantasy Project MEH: Mix Balance/Mixing Part of Mixing Exercise Song Balance 
MEH Reading Assignments 3, 4 
Test 1 (PT 1 -4, & MEH Monitoring through Mixing Part of Mixing) 

All assignments and tests for Module 2 are due by Sunday, 11:59 PM 

Module 3: Lesson 5: Track and Clip Processing Workflows PT Exercise 5 Lesson 6: Import, Export and Recording PT Exercise 6 MEH: The Panorama Element…. Place Exercise Song in Soundfield Prep, Plan and Balance Sci-Fi/Fantasy Project MEH Reading Assignment 5 

All assignments and tests for Module 3 are due by Sunday, 11:59 PM Book Chapters Assignments & Tests 

Module 4: Midterm Project Apply EQ to Exercise Song MEH: Frequency Element/Using the EQ Apply EQ to Sci-Fi/Fantasy Project Midterm Test (PT 1 - 6, & MEH Monitoring through Panorama Element) MEH Reading Assignments 6 Midterm Project Due All assignments and tests for Module 4 are due by Sunday, 11:59 PM Module 5: Lesson 7: More Editing! PT Exercise 7 Lesson 8: More Music Making PT Exercise 8 MEH: The Dimension Element… Apply Effects to Exercise Song Apply Effects to Sci-Fi/Fantasy Project MEH Reading Assignments 7 All assignments and tests for Module 5 are due by Sunday, 11:59 PM Module 6: Lesson 9: Post-Production Primer PT Exercise 9 

Lesson 10: More Mixing! PT Exercise 10 MEH: The Dynamics Element Apply Dyn. Proc. to Exercise Song MEH: The Interest Element Apply Dyn. Proc. to Sci-Fi/Fantasy Project MEH Reading Assignments 8, 9 Test 2 (PT 7 - 10 & M EH D imension Element, Dynamic Element, Interest Element) All assignments and tests for Module 6 are due by Sunday, 11:59 PM Module 7: MEH: Advanced Techniques MEH Reading Assignment 10 Final Project Finalize the Mix on Sci-Fi/Fantasy Project Final Test (PT 1 - 10 & MEH All chapters with Reading Assignments) Final Project Due All assignments and tests for Module 7 are due by Sunday, 11:59 PM 

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late work will only be accepted for half credit. 

Attendance Policy

This course is asynchronous and online.

Course Fees

Content for this section will be provided by the instructor.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.