workshops about learning how to use recording equipment and how to work in a recording studio are occasionally offered. Our recent round of workshops happened in Feb. 2009. Below is a description...

We also offer one on one consultation to help with equipment and creative issues. Send us an email to inquire...

RECORDING LEVEL 1 "How does this stuff work?" (see description below)
Tuesdays, February 10th, 17th, and 24th, 7-10pm
$15 per class

RECORDING LEVEL 2 "I've got the bug already" (see description below)
Wednesdays, February 11th, 18th, 25th, 7-10pm
$15 per class

Orientation night before it all starts:
February 3rd, 7pm-9pm
no charge, come for a refreshment, everyone is welcome

Course description:
LEVEL 1- How does this stuff work?
Learn the basics of a mixing board, microphones, equalizers, compressors, reverbs, and amplification. Get an understanding of how to hook things up and how to make it work in a simple live set up or a simple recording setup. Focused on hands on experience with live musician.
Some printed material will be provided.

LEVEL 2- I’ve got the bug already and want to learn more!
Let's take a look "under the hood" and see how a not so good recording can be made better. I will open my box of tricks and show a little bit what I can do, and if you have a project that you want to bring in- great! Let me know in advance so that things can be coordinated in that regard. I hope that participants will be inspired to work together outside this class and record in their own studios (if they have one) with even more fun and enthusiasm.


Level 1- How does this stuff work?

The Mixing Board- it all starts with one channel
How to connect equipment and instruments to a mixing board

Microphones (dynamic, condensor, ribbon)
different designs for different applications

Microphone preamps and compressors- what do they do?
Basic designs and functionality of preamps and compressors

Cables&connectors (XLR, 1/4”, RCA), how to connect equipment

Equalizers- graphic, shelving, parametric
Basic concepts of sound coloration. Learn to distinguish different frequencies and how to apply equalization

Reverbs, delays, special effects processors
Basic concepts of reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, and distortion

Instrument pickups- magnetic and ceramic (piezo)
Basic concepts of impedance matching. Using DIs, and instrument preamps

Speakers and amplifiers- different designs for live and studio



Level 1- IN THE STUDIO hands-on
How to record an acoustic&electric guitar, vocals, bass guitar, and keyboards. Emphasis on mic placement, selection of microphones, learning how to listen to the ‘sweet spot’ of an instrument. Recording at home.


Level 2- I’ve got the bug already!

Using Advanced tools

Computers, software, hardware, using a digital mixing board
The tools of today’s modern studio

Adding tracks and refining a recording
We will be working with the recordings done on Tuesdays and add tracks to them. How to overdub a track, fix, edit and enhance it using virtual instruments, advanced signal routing, and computer based production work. The software used is MOTU Digital Performer 6.0.

File management- back-ups and other important boring stuff
Things to keep in mind when you get serious about recording

Producing a successful project- making good musical decisions.
Thinking ahead when you record. Building a song one step at a time. Different genres of music- it’s not always Country Music! This subject could be its own class at some point…


All subject matters listed could take a lot more time to explain&explore. We’ll touch upon as many of them as we can so that you’ll get at least a good glimpse. Questions from you are welcome at any time.