Recording Workshop

	Recording Studios

Fitdog Recording Workshop (Level 1)

What will the day be like?

	Hours: arrive at 9.45 am for a 10.00 am start and finish at around 5.30 pm.
	You’ll kick off by recording a song or piece of music as a group (usually getting some pretty cool results).
	Get the whole thing mixed and mastered and bounced to CD.
	Everyone will leave with a workbook covering the events of the day and a CD of your recording.
	We throw in a light lunch, giving everyone the chance to chat and perhaps a bit of music networking.

Aim:

The recording workshop is aimed at all musicians and/or technically minded people wanting to get involved in making music.
By the end of the informal workshop, participants will be wanting to put their new found knowledge to use on one of the many
music workstations, mixers and software now so readily available at amazingly low prices .
Importantly we will ensure that we provide a very relaxed and fun way to learn. You will leave with a CD of your musical creation
and a workbook detailing all the topics covered.


Learn to use a dedicated Pro-Tools integrated control surface (above)	Use Pultec plugins for very sweet sounding EQ

Objectives:

1) To understand the use of acoustics in a recording space to ensure effective results. (a brief informal overview)

	Acoustic treatment - you could just use a duvet, but egg boxes won't do - we explain why.
	Points to consider when recording at home - we explain where to position the equipment.
	Room shape - we explain the best setups for different room shapes.
	Speaker positioning - we discuss the best type of speakers and their positioning.

2) To be able to select and set up various types of microphones for all aspects of recording a band.

	Correct microphone selection - different types of microphone give different results. We demonstrate this.
	How to mic up a drum kit - you will mic up a drum kit and know where to place the microphones.
	How to mic up guitars and bass - we explain, then you experiment until you hit the sound you like.
	DI recording - we discuss how to record guitars, bass and keyboards directly into a desk and when it causes problems.
	Phantom power and microphone care - we discuss phantom power and caring for mics.

3) To learn how to set up a session on the computer.

	Sample rates and bit depths - what sample rate and bit depth should be used and what do they mean.
	When and how to use limiters when recording a signal - we explain, you put it into practice.
	When and how to use compressors when recording a signal - we explain, you put it into practice .
	When and how to use Gates when recording a signal - we explain, you put it into practice.
	What not to do when recording a signal - we explain.
	Using Audio, Midi and Auxiliary tracks - each track type will be used in the workshop.
	Using Master Faders, sends, internal busses and external I/O - each of these will be used in the workshop.

4) To be able to complete an original recording project using the equipment and technology in the studio.

	Recording a group composition - get involved playing your instrument or take position behind the mixing desk. you choose.
	Set up a headphone mix - set up and experience the issues relating to headphone mixes.
	Managing multiple takes - You will be able to manage multiple takes of the composition.
	Learn how to do overdubs and punch ins - vocals will be overdubbed and we will build in some punch in recording.

5) To be able to mix a song using the equipment and technology in the studio.

	Learn how to approach a mix - some people work bottom up, others top down. This is explained.
	Mixing Drums - you will use compression, EQ and sound reinforcement tricks to make the drums sound great.
	How to achieve the right sound when mixing Bass - Poor bass can ruin a mix for many reasons. This is demonstrated.
	Mixing Guitar - sound tricks and tips will be demonstrated along with the common pitfalls to avoid.
	Vocal Processing - we will demonstrate the use of reverb, delay and compression on vocals along with autotune and distortion.
	The Final Mix - learn how to ensure each instrumental element has it's own space in the mix.
	Effects - learn about reverb, delay and other affects and how they can radically affect the genre of the music being performed.

6) Mastering.

	Why is mastering important - This will become self evident when you do it.
	Dithering - this will be discussed along with CD Creation

Admin and stuff

There will be a maximum of 10 people attending the workshop with a minimum of 4. Payment will be required in advance of the day.

If you need to stay overnight, there are pubs in and around the area that offer great food and accommodation

Cost: £50 (including lunch, workbook and a CD of your results)

If a candidate cancels 4 weeks or more prior to the workshop, we will refund 90% of the fee. Later cancellations will receive a 50% refund.
No shows receive no refund.
If Fitdog cancels any workshop, we will offer new dates or provide a refund in full.