Audio Recording Technology

MUS 160 "Computer Music Technology I"
NOTE: This course will be focusing on Ableton Live (including Ableton's Push Controller), and Apple Logic, and for 2-3 weeks possibly the music publishing software program MakeMusic Finale program in the 2023 Fall Semester. MUS 160 can be taken along with MUS 231 and MUS 239, or can be taken by itself. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if you are interested in learning about what different music software can do, and is the prerequisite for MUS 230/MUS 264/MUS 268, all of which are Electives on our Certificate of achievement in Music Business and Technology.

A hands-on oriented course providing a basic understanding of how music and computers correlate. Topics include sound/data management, MIDI, basic recording and editing, signal processing and music notation. Systems used include Apple Logic and Ableton Live.

MUS 181 "Business of Music"
A general survey course to provide the knowledge of music merchandising, management, publishing, contracts, copyrights, record production, concert promotion and manager selection.

MUS 198B “Special Topics - DJing"
In this course students will learn the tools they need to become a confident DJ. They will obtain comprehension and application uses of the popular Pioneer DDJ 400 Controller as well as its integrated Rekordbox computer software. Understanding beats and phrasing is essential in DJing, so concepts such as beat matching and timing will be discussed in depth. Applying EQ, filters and FX to the mix will also be covered in great length giving students the ability to create a seamless mix their audience will love.

MUS 231 "Recording Techniques I"
An introduction to audio recording including theoretical concepts, terminology, microphones, consoles, and use of analog and digital equipment. Includes hands-on training.

NOTE: The required co-requisite Course for MUS 231 is MUS 239. You either need to take MUS 239 the Semester you are taking MUS 231, or have previously taken MUS 239.

MUS 232 "Recording Techniques  II"
An intermediate course in multi-track recording techniques including discussions on session procedures, production techniques, tracking and overdubbing methods, and general equipment operation.  Prerequisite: MUS 231

MUS 239 "Virtual Studio Technology"
Explores the theory and application of hard-disc recording systems, focusing on Avid ProTools, from setup to mastering. Students have hands-on experience while learning concepts and techniques for proper functioning of MIDI, digital audio, I/O, plugins, etc. NOTE: This course uses Avid ProTools.

(Since our CSN Audio Recording Program is an Avid Learning Partner, students who take MUS 239 are eligible to take the Avid Pro Tools 101 Exam free of charge through us!)  

MUS 240 "Virtual Studio Technology II"
A continuation of MUS 239. Emphasizes advanced DAW usage, particularly ProTools. Students have hands-on experience with concepts and techniques including signal routing strategies, keyboard shortcuts, "power commands", editing, automation and other advanced DAW features. NOTE: This course uses Avid ProTools. Prerequisite: MUS 239

(Since our CSN Audio Recording Program is an Avid Learning Partner, students who take MUS 240 are eligible to take the Avid Pro Tools 110 Exam (after they have passed the 101 Exam), and the Avid Pro Tools User Certification Exam  free of charge through us!)

MUS 264  "Ableton LIve"
Provides a detailed study into the relationship between music production and computers. Topics include digital signal processing (DSP), software synthesis, plugins, computer audio hardware, and other components of the digital audio workstation (DAW). NOTE: This course uses Ableton Live. Prerequisite:  MUS 160

MUS 281B  "Business of Music II"
A continuation of MUS 181. Topics include starting a record label, recording budgets, record royalties, audits, legal agreements, and the future of the recording and music industry.  Prerequisite: MUS 181

MUS 285 "Advanced Recording Techniques"
A continuation of MUS 232. Emphasis on hands-on recording projects, digital multitrack recording, hard-disk editing, and mixdown techniques.  Prerequisite: MUS 232

We also are offering a private instruction lesson Course: MUSA 167-2701 (86195) "Synthesizer/MIDI”. While labeled for synthesizers and MIDI technology, lessons are structured individually for every student and can be on any Music Technology topic (specific hardware or software that we are able to accommodate). Total Instruction Time for the Semester is 7.5 hours.

The Control Room—This features an Avid ProTools (most current version) HDX-2 system, including a loaded Mac Pro, Avid HDX and Apogee Symphony interfaces, and much added software. We also have the Focusrite REDNET HD32R interface for using Dante audio with ProTools. Besides ProTools, current versions of Apple Logic Pro X. The console is the Solid State Logic AWS 900, with SSL’s SE & V4 Software Upgrade installed to bring it up to current specifications. Monitors are by Genelec, Tannoy, and Yamaha, with Event, Adam, JBL and Auratone available. Outboard gear includes API, Manley, Chandler, Empirical Labs, TC Electronics, Lexicon, Millennia, dbx, Great River, Yamaha and more. A Korg Kronos X-88synthesizer workstation is used for both its sounds and as a keyboard controller, and a Roland Integra-7 sound module and a vintage Minimoog lead an array of available hardware synthesizers and samplers. The Control Room has views into the Studio, the “Trident Room“, and the Isolation Room. Patchbay is Neutrik, with Mogami wiring throughout the Control Room. A Korg MR2000 1-Bit digital recorder and a restored 1/4" reel-to-reel analog tape machine are used for destination media when mixing “outside the box”. An Otari MX-80 24-Track tape machine with its Remote Controller and Auto-Locater is used for analog multi-track recording. DAT and ADAT (24 tracks with a BRC controller) are available for digital tape use and archival purposes, along with a disk record turntable. Complete details can be found in "The Control Room" button below.

The Trident Room—This is our "Second Control Room" and a music production space, adjacent to The Control Room. It features an Avid ProTools (most current version) HD3system with Digidesign and Apogee Rosetta interfaces, with added software and virtual instruments. An Avid Artist Control and two Artist Mix control surfaces can interface with this ProTools system. We also have implemented Dante audio technology in this room, using various Focusrite REDNET hardware units. Featured in The Trident Room is its namesake, a restored Trident Series 65 console. Loudspeakers are EV and Auratone, with other speakers available. Tielines connect to The Control Room, various outboard processors are available, and a Korg MR2000, an Alesis Masterlink and DAT machines are used for mixing “outside the box”. Many vintage musical instruments are present, including a Minimoog, ARP Odyssey, Akai MPC2000, and an Emulator E-II (with 100’s of discs!). Complete details can be found in "The Trident Room" button area below.

The Studio—This is an asymmetrical room with a high slanted ceiling, and large enough to accommodate up to 60 musicians. There are 32 analog mic inputs and up to 15 individual analog headphone sends available. When using these headphones sends Presonus HP4headphone amplifiers are utilized. Typically Audio-Technica ATH-M50 are used for headphones. Neutrik jacks and Mogami cabling are used for all mic and headphone runs. We also have added six Focusrite REDNET MP8R Dante mic preamps (providing another 48 signal sends to the Control Room or any other room in the Audio Recording Program), and besides the analog headphone sends mentioned earlier, we have the Hear Back Pro headphone mixers to provide each artist in the Studio the ability to set their own headphone levels. Musical instruments and equipment include two drum sets, plus a Pearl studio drum set available on request. Kawai 6’ grand piano, Fender Rhodes Suitcase electric piano, and guitar and bass amplifiers. Orchestral percussion instruments in this room can be requested for session use. The Studio has a moderate reverb time, with proper diffusers and absorbers. Being a college, there are enough music stands and chairs for even the largest orchestral or big band configurations!

The Isolation Room—To the right of and viewable from the Control Room, the Iso Room is large enough to comfortably accommodate a drum set or several singers. It is acoustically neutral, and has 3 analog mic inputs and one analog headphone send. Focusrite REDNET hardware are also included to provide additional microphone sends to the Control Room (or anywhere else at the CSN North Las Vegas Campus!), as well as providing additional headphone sends using Hear Back Pro monitoring stations.

The Nomad—Portable and totally self-contained, it resides in The Iso Room; but as its name implies can travel to wherever it may be needed. Two Dangerous Music 2-Bus 16x2 Summing Devices combine up to 32 interface/audio outputs of ProTools to a single stereo output. This output can then be fed to inputs of the Alesis Masterlink in the setup, or our Korg MR2000 1-Bit Digital Recorder can be brought in as an alternative 2-track recorder. The Nomad also has a pair of new Adam F5 self-powered monitors, which can be substituted with one of our other sets of near-field speakers. Signal routing for all of this, to provide monitor sends and communications to artist’s headphones, handle additional audio sources and so on is managed by a Presonus Monitor Station. The ProTools system also features an Avid Artist Control. The Artist Control is a hardware controller for ProTools with 4-faders, touch-screen, buttons and scrub-wheel, and uses Ethernet protocol for high-speed data transmission.  An Apogee Symphony I/O is used for this system. A Focusrite OctoPre MKII 8-channel preamplifier is used for mic or line input signals, and has both analog and digital outputs. Plugins include all present with "The Computer Music Classroom/Lab" below, plus Native Instruments Maschine. DANTE hardware is also installed in The Nomad's rig.

The CSN Computer Music Classroom/Lab—This room follows the concept of "One Computer Per Student". With 12 identical Student Stations, each position has a new iMac computer with a Solid State Drive and 16 GB RAM. All have a dedicated external 2TB Glyph Hard Drive, M-Audio Oxygen 49 MIDI Keyboard Controller, and a USB Hub. Software installed on all iMacs are identical. The Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software systems are all the most recent versions (or close to it, updates for these happen all the time!). These DAW platforms are Avid Pro Tools, Ableton Live Suite, and Apple Logic Pro X. The music publishing program Makemusic Finale is also installed on all computers. Plugins include Waves Platinum bundle, SoundToys bundle, Softube bundle, Native Instruments Komplete, iZotope, Arturia Collection virtual instruments, several new virtual instruments and more! Our Classroom/Lab is 100% DANTE, with redundant digital and analog systems in place.

"The Storage Room Lab"— The Lab has three identical iMac-based systems. The computers, software, and hardware ("peripherals") are the same as for our Computer Music Classroom/Lab to guarantee portability of DAW projects between these two rooms. Additionally, the three iMacs in this room have Native Instruments Machine software, with the hardware controllers available for use. Besides being used during classes, the Lab is available for independent student practice. Focusrite RedNet X2P 2x2 DANTE Audio Interfaces are employed on each computer.

The Recital Hall—Across the hallway from the recording studio area is the 125 seat, newly remodeled Recital Hall, which has mic and line sends to the Control Room. Audio form live concerts or video shoots can be recorded directly in the Control Room, and the Steinway Model B 7’ grand piano in the Recital Hall is available upon request for session recordings. The Recital Hall is wired for DANTE technology use to connect audio signals from it to any other area in our Program.

Microphones—CSN’s constantly growing selection of microphones includes models by Neumann, AKG, Coles, Royer, Audio-Technica, Peluso, Microtech Gefell, Beyer, Earthworks, Mojave, Lauten, Sennheiser, Shure and more. Radial, Sescom, ProCo Sound, and custom units are among the DI boxes available. A complete CSN Audio Recording Microphone and DI Box List can be viewed in a button below.

Miscellaneous—We have a huge selection of sound effects and production music libraries for students to use for Class and individual training...and more involved in what we have to offer!

John Jacobson is the Audio Recording Technology Professor at CSN. He has led this program since joining CSN in 1999, and has overseen the ongoing developments that have made the facilities and curricula at CSN comparable to those of top-level similar colleges. Prior to beginning at CSN, he worked at UNLV as an engineer, operated his own archival and forensic audio business, and was co-owner of one of Las Vegas’ premier recording studios, Oakdale Post Audio. John has been involved in every aspect of the recording studio business, and as an engineer has worked with clients and artists like Phil Ramone, IBM, Motown and Capitol Records, Martin Scorsese (“Casino” and “A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies”), Station Casinos, Penn Jillette (Comedy Central), Steve Cropper, Caesars Palace, Kenny Rogers, and many others. John is also a professional musician, in recent years playing for shows such as “Phantom–The Las Vegas Spectacular,” “Spamalot,” “Mama Mia” and “Hairspray,” playing for a church on an ongoing basis, and various other work. He is also a composer and arranger, and loves playing with the “toys” at the CSN Recording Studio! He is a member of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) and the Musicians Union of Las Vegas.

Jerome Eadeh is a percussionist and audio engineer born in Grand Rapids Michigan. During his childhood, it was said that Jerome’s style of percussion was “TOO LOUD” according to his parents and the neighbors. Of course, that only encouraged him because from there, Jerome continued with his drumming career performing in various bands, drum and bugle corps, teaching, and eventually into college. He obtained degrees from Western Michigan University and Indiana University, studying mostly classical music, but was soon picked up to include audio engineering to his musical arsenal when he was chosen to join the Production Services department of Indiana University. There, Jerome helped a completely analog production facility to move into the digital realm by introducing digital and non-linear audio and video to the department. After a short five years in Bloomington, he then set his sights on Las Vegas to soon take a career path with the newly formed Las Vegas Clark County Library District, where they were developing theatrical venues to provide live audio recording, performance, editing, and visual production services to the public. Soon after, Jerome became the Technical and Production Services Supervisor, running AV technical staff of as many as fourteen, designing systems, and consulting with various entities throughout Southern Nevada. With his own company, Customized Multimedia Projects, Jerome has performed as a percussionist and/or audio engineer for countless events and has taught audio and music composition to hundreds of students young and old. Currently, Jerome is on staff with the College of Southern Nevada to help bring excellence in audio performance to the students, and to mentor upcoming musicians/audio engineers so they can move the world into new frontiers of audio excellence.

Ron S. Herbes was raised in Ventura, California, from a family whose father was an Executive and the Director of Facilities at 20th Century Fox Film Corporation. At the age of 18 Ron started working for 20th Century Fox Film Corporation in the Film Editorial department. Ron joined the Motion Picture Editors Guild and started his 6 years of training apprenticeships, eventually working as an Editor of Film/Video, Sound/Audio, Producer and Sound Designer, excelling onto various other positions in and around the studios, spending over 20 years at Universal Studios, Disney, MGM and other major film studios in Hollywood. Ron has worked on hundreds of shows, holding various positions in Editorial, Post-Production, Production as well as a Producer. This includes iconic Television Series such as: “Miami Vice,” “Murder She Wrote,” “Alfred Hitchcock,” “New York Undercover,” and many more, and on Feature Films such as: “Rocky V,” “The Waterboy,” “Predator 2,” “Alien 3,” as well as “Rambo 3” and many more. After moving to Las Vegas, he went back to school to earn a degree in Digital Film and Videotape Production, and is currently enrolled to earn his Masters’s Degree in Business. In 2009 Ron held the position of Program Chair for Cinema & Audio Production at IADT. Ron was then offered a position to start a new Film & Television School as the Campus Director for a major Film College in Las Vegas. Ron is currently teaching as an Instructor for the College of Southern Nevada teaching in the music program. Most recently Ron has teamed up with Dámaris Morales, Vickie Rose Sampson, and an incredible Latin Director Noemi Morales, to form the company “DIAPASON LLC” which just finished producing an incredible new docu-reality show on the world’s music.

IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0378646/

Nik “Ink Well" Hotchkiss is an American multi-media artist and entrepreneur. He is known mainly for his work as a DJ/turntablist, producer and audio engineer. He spends his time producing for other artists as well as working on his own music released under the label Rhymesayers Entertainment. In 2005 he graduated with honors and a Recording Arts Degree from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. In the years following, he went on to earn a Masters of Entertainment Business Degree focusing on commercial recording studio operations. After college Nik spent 2 years in Nashville, Tennessee gaining experience working alongside some top writers and engineers before moving to Las Vegas on 07-07-07. For most of the past decade he has been a Chief Engineer at Nevada’s largest recording studio The Hideout. Nik has worked with more than 500 artists at all levels of the music industry. Notable musicians he has collaborated with include: Gladys Knight, Lil Baby, Swae Lee, Polo G, Moneybagg Yo, Atmosphere, Yandele, Riff Raff, Will.I.Am, Karol G, Jesse Royal, Abraham Mateo, Summer Walker, Blippi the Clown and CNCO. He is a member of the Audio Engineering Society and holds several technical certifications relating to audio/video production including Avid Learning Partner Certified Pro Tools Instructor. Since 2010 Nik has designed and taught courses in audio engineering for multiple national colleges and was a founding board member of B-Sharp, a non-profit organization providing music-production lessons to Southern Nevada high-school students through after school programming.

Kenneth Johnston has been teaching in the Fine Arts Department at CSN since 2014. He is a certified sound engineer with an expert level of experience. After graduating from the Center for the Media Arts, New York, in 1986 he opened his own recording studio. Kenneth brings real life insight into his classroom teachings learned from working in the music industry for over 30 years, with both seasoned veterans and many up-and-coming artists. He has worked on many notable Multi-Platinum projects. His expertise earned him recognition and a special Grammy award from the Recording Academy. He enjoys teaching and helping others develop the skills to become successful in the world of recording. Some projects and artists include: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Next, Jaheim, 3LW, Naughty by Nature, Queen Latina, Biggie Smalls, Jay Z and many more.

Josh O’Connor, Music Producer, Live Performer and Music Educator, has taught his vast knowledge of Electronic Music Production here at CSN. This Chicago native’s client list contains a Who’s Who in the music business including Justin Timberlake, Mya, Ciara, Fredro Star (Onyx), Eddie Kramer, Grey Advertising and The Minnesota Vikings just to name a few. Having worked in Sully Erna’s (Godsmack) Serenity Sound studio (Hollywood) allows Josh to relay and teach real life studio situations and techniques to students that prepare them for the real world. Josh has also been trusted by Industry leading software companies (Ableton) to teach Master Classes on their behalf. Josh has personally written the curriculum for multiple courses here at CSN including Progressive R&B Music Production (Mus 262) and Computer Music Technology I (Mus 160). Josh can also be seen teaching Recording Techniques II (Mus 232) and Virtual Studio Technology I (Mus 239).

Aaron Ramsey is a professional composer, percussionist, and audio engineer. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master’s degree from the Berklee College of Music. Proficient in various DAW’s such as ProTools, Logic Pro X, and Ableton Live, he worked as a computer lab tutor at the Berklee Boston and Valencia, Spain Campuses. While in Spain, Aaron was commisioned to score the soundtrack for the short film Copetin. It was recorded with the Budapest Art Orchestra, and featured at the Palm Springs ShortFest in 2014. He later conducted and recorded with a full orchestra at the world famous Air Lyndhurst Studios in London. Aaron was selected to attend the Society of Composers’ and Lyricists’ Mentorship Program in Los Angeles where he learned from well-known media composers such as Russell Brower (World of Warcraft) and Garry Schyman (Bioshock, Shadow of Mordor). As a solo percussion artist, Aaron composed and produced two albums of electronic music that he has performed in concerts with young musicians. These Incorporate his electronic tracks with live musicians, and incorporate synchronized visual projections. In January 2020, Aaron was contracted to compose and perform his music for the Google Cloud Accelerate conference opening ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for over 10,000 people. Currently, Aaron is an Instructor at the College of Southern Nevada, and is also employed by Clark County as a sound and lighting technician at the Winchester Cultural Center Theater in Las Vegas. He also scores, mixes and masters original music for Kino Lorber, a publishing company that releases short silent films restored by the US Library of Congress.

MUS 160 "Computer Music Technology I"
NOTE: This course will be focusing on Ableton Live (including Ableton's Push Controller), and Apple Logic, and for 2-3 weeks possibly the music publishing software program MakeMusic Finale program in the 2023 Fall Semester. MUS 160 can be taken along with MUS 231 and MUS 239, or can be taken by itself. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if you are interested in learning about what different music software can do, and is the prerequisite for MUS 230/MUS 264/MUS 268, all of which are Electives on our Certificate of achievement in Music Business and Technology.

A hands-on oriented course providing a basic understanding of how music and computers correlate. Topics include sound/data management, MIDI, basic recording and editing, signal processing and music notation. Systems used include Apple Logic and Ableton Live.

MUS 181 "Business of Music"
A general survey course to provide the knowledge of music merchandising, management, publishing, contracts, copyrights, record production, concert promotion and manager selection.

MUS 198B “Special Topics - DJing"
In this course students will learn the tools they need to become a confident DJ. They will obtain comprehension and application uses of the popular Pioneer DDJ 400 Controller as well as its integrated Rekordbox computer software. Understanding beats and phrasing is essential in DJing, so concepts such as beat matching and timing will be discussed in depth. Applying EQ, filters and FX to the mix will also be covered in great length giving students the ability to create a seamless mix their audience will love.

MUS 231 "Recording Techniques I"
An introduction to audio recording including theoretical concepts, terminology, microphones, consoles, and use of analog and digital equipment. Includes hands-on training.

NOTE: The required co-requisite Course for MUS 231 is MUS 239. You either need to take MUS 239 the Semester you are taking MUS 231, or have previously taken MUS 239.

MUS 232 "Recording Techniques  II"
An intermediate course in multi-track recording techniques including discussions on session procedures, production techniques, tracking and overdubbing methods, and general equipment operation.  Prerequisite: MUS 231

MUS 239 "Virtual Studio Technology"
Explores the theory and application of hard-disc recording systems, focusing on Avid ProTools, from setup to mastering. Students have hands-on experience while learning concepts and techniques for proper functioning of MIDI, digital audio, I/O, plugins, etc. NOTE: This course uses Avid ProTools.

(Since our CSN Audio Recording Program is an Avid Learning Partner, students who take MUS 239 are eligible to take the Avid Pro Tools 101 Exam free of charge through us!)  

MUS 240 "Virtual Studio Technology II"
A continuation of MUS 239. Emphasizes advanced DAW usage, particularly ProTools. Students have hands-on experience with concepts and techniques including signal routing strategies, keyboard shortcuts, "power commands", editing, automation and other advanced DAW features. NOTE: This course uses Avid ProTools. Prerequisite: MUS 239

(Since our CSN Audio Recording Program is an Avid Learning Partner, students who take MUS 240 are eligible to take the Avid Pro Tools 110 Exam (after they have passed the 101 Exam), and the Avid Pro Tools User Certification Exam  free of charge through us!)

MUS 264  "Ableton LIve"
Provides a detailed study into the relationship between music production and computers. Topics include digital signal processing (DSP), software synthesis, plugins, computer audio hardware, and other components of the digital audio workstation (DAW). NOTE: This course uses Ableton Live. Prerequisite:  MUS 160

MUS 281B  "Business of Music II"
A continuation of MUS 181. Topics include starting a record label, recording budgets, record royalties, audits, legal agreements, and the future of the recording and music industry.  Prerequisite: MUS 181

MUS 285 "Advanced Recording Techniques"
A continuation of MUS 232. Emphasis on hands-on recording projects, digital multitrack recording, hard-disk editing, and mixdown techniques.  Prerequisite: MUS 232

We also are offering a private instruction lesson Course: MUSA 167-2701 (86195) "Synthesizer/MIDI”. While labeled for synthesizers and MIDI technology, lessons are structured individually for every student and can be on any Music Technology topic (specific hardware or software that we are able to accommodate). Total Instruction Time for the Semester is 7.5 hours.