Module 1 - Microphones and Setup: 

After a short intro we'll look at the essential foundational knowledge of recording, best practices and tips on getting started. When you have completed this module you'll be able to understand the difference between mic types, polar patterns and how to set up a good recording environment in your home studio. We'll take you through the approach and planning of the recording session, what to expect from session musicians and which order to get them in. All of which is vital to getting a great final result for a project.

Module 2 - Mic'ing Up Instruments:

Here we will mic up three different instruments; a Double Bass, Saxophone and an Acoustic Guitar. After completing this module you'll be able to pick between mono & stereo recording and why and where you would want to use them. We'll look in turn at each instrument and go through what techniques to apply to get the best results and avoid any bad recordings from happening. Using a considered and measured approach you'll be able to mic up any instrument and get good results.

Module 3 - Interfaces and Setting Up Cubase:

We’ll dive into Cubase and start looking at how to easily add or remove microphone inputs and even expand your recording capabilities by connecting multiple audio interfaces together using ADAT. The control room in Cubase is incredibly powerful but is often a stumbling block for many users so here you’ll learn to understand it and how to use it to best advantage in your recording sessions. Using this will enable you to have multiple different mixes being sent to separate outputs. All within a few clicks.

Module 4 - Cubase Control Room, Cue Mixes & Modes: 

Here you’ll further understand Cubase's 'Control Room' and how to use it to best advantage in your recording sessions. Setting up Cue mixes in just a few clicks is easy. There are plenty of recording options in Cubase and you’ll gain the knowledge necessary to pick the right one for the job, and know how to use it to best effect. You’ll learn how to use the metronome to it’s fullest extent, changing the sounds of it and even the timing patterns for very specific use cases. Lastly we’ll go through some pre-recording checks to minimize failed recordings.

Module 5 - The Power of Comping:

So now we have all our shiny new audio it’s time to get to work; step by repeatable step, you'll learn how to make it come together, ending in a professional and polished track.

Comping is the first stage and it really is an incredibly powerful technique to getting one amazing performance out of lots of different recordings. Here you’ll learn everything you need to know about comping vocals and instruments in Cubase, to get one energetic and outstanding take for the final mix.

Module 6 - Pitch & Timing Correction:

In this module you'll learn to go through and fine tune the comped parts. You’ll learn how to use Cubase's chord track to define the pitch correction parameters for the vocals which makes it super easy to tune them. You’ll learn how to take any performance and make it super tight using the extremely powerful ‘time warp’ function in the Cubase audio editor. You’ll learn to match up doubled vocal and acoustic guitar takes to get a super thick and wide sound and even learn about off line processing in Cubase to correct small errors in the performance.

Module 7 - Producing & Mixing Your Recorded Audio:

So once you have your awesome recording, you have gone through and selected the best bits, it’s all been pitch and timing corrected, and you have a big smile on your face because you know it’s AWESOME! Well now it’s time to bring it all together, process and mix it into a polished radio ready gem.

So in module 7 you’ll learn the essential processing techniques and FX chains to be able to get the most out of any recording.

With recorded audio you must exert control over the dynamics and frequencies using compression and corrective EQ. Once you have that, then you can make it more punchy, brighter, more up front, deeper; whatever is needed for your particular project. We’ll look at getting to a balanced place with compression, EQ, saturation, chorus, delay, reverb and other Cubase plug in FX and once you have the basic processes in place you can take it anywhere you like.

Bonus Videos - House Mix: 

Lastly, in the bonus videos we’ll look at a house mix we made with some of the recorded parts and we’ll go through the different stages of development, giving you a great insight into how the mix and the processing on our recorded parts developed over time. It's a great chance for Jon to show you his normal production process and the third party plug- ins and instruments used on this radio version that was released on Spotify, iTunes and others.