Sound Technology at South Plains College
South Plains College is a forerunner in sound technology training in the Southwest, and the program continues to be on the leading edge of technology in digital audio applications. The innovative, cost-effective program offers you the chance to use professional-grade audio and video gear as you train to be a multi-track recording engineer, studio producer or sound reinforcement technician. The program offers a superior educational environment featuring highly-skilled faculty and professional studios and sound equipment.
Many graduates of SPC's sound technology program are working as engineers and assistant engineers in multi-track recording studios and for touring groups requiring multi-track sound reinforcement. A number of SPC graduates have also found employment with production departments in local broadcast stations.
Others are providing services for contractors, traveling with entertainers as sound reinforcement technicians for live concerts, working in equipment sales, acoustic applications, manufacturing and installation of sound systems.
The College offers students interested in sound recording careers an intensive two year training program which awards an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program's studio complex provides "hands-on" training through numerous music and recording projects. Three professional multi-track studios give you the opportunity to do live recording using the same equipment and techniques found in commercial studios.
The success of South Plains College's sound technology program has garnered the respect and support of music and recording professionals throughout the nation. It has served as a model program for other colleges in the state seeking to offer similar training.
The Facilities
South Plains College maintains top-rated facilities for students enrolled in its sound technology program. The program is housed in the recently renovated Country Music Sound Technology Building and features three professional format multi-track recording studios. These studios, named after country music recording artists Tom T. Hall and Waylon Jennings, who have made significant contributions to the program, are the site for hundreds of student recording projects each year. Here, students receive hands-on experience in studio engineering, production and equipment maintenance.
The Tom T. Hall Recording and Production Studio
The flagship of the program is the Tom T. Hall Recording and Production Studio, a $500,000 versatile production center. Designed as a large sound stage to accommodate live performances with an audience, the studio houses the latest in audio, video and lighting equipment. It encompasses 3,700 square feet and features a computer enhanced acoustical design.
The heart of the audio recording system is a Sony automated 36-channel mixing console and 24-track recorder. Professional microphone gear and outboard equipment also complement the system. Newest acquisitions include a Studer Dyaxis digital workstation and DAT recorders.
On the video end, the studio features Sony recording and editing equipment, Grass Valley switcher, three Sony CCD cameras and Dubner graphics equipment. The facility enables you to gain practical training in the production of high-quality audio synchronized to high-quality video.
Waylon Jennings Studio
The primary training facility for students in the Sound Technology program is the Waylon Jennings Studio where the majority of the student projects are cut. In the control room, you can mix your recordings on an MCI 26-channel console. Recordings are made on a 24-track MCI recorder and are then mixed down to the final product on a two-track MCI recorder or DAT recorder.
Demo Studio
The demo studio is equipped with an Akai ADAM 12-track digital multi-track recorder and provides digital mixdown capabilities for student projects. Students make demo and master recordings in the lab that can later be finished in one of the 24-track studios.
Studio Facilities and Equipment:
Tom T. Hall Recording Studio
Digital Editor: Studer Dyaxis Digital Editor/Workstation
Console: Sony MXP-3036 Automated 36-channel
Multi-Track: Sony/MCI JH24-24 (2-inch, 24-track); Akai A-DAM Digital (12-Track)
Mixdown-Dupe: Sony APR 5003 (2-track with center SMPTE); Nakamichi DMP-100 Digital Processor; Tascam 122 Cassette; Panasonic SV-3700 DAT Recorder
Outboard Signal Processing: DBX 165 A's; DBX 166; De-Essor; DBX EQ; Gatex Noise Gates; Lexicon PCM 70; Yamaha Rev-7; Adams-Smith System 2600 Synchronizer
Microphones: Shure SM 58s; Shure SM-57s; AKG 451s; EV RE-15s; Countryman Direct Boxes
Monitors: UREI 811s; Yamaha NS 10M; White 1/3 Octave EQ; Crown Microtech 600; D:75s
Other Gear: Stage splitters for house, monitor, and recording
Waylon Jennings Studio
Console:AMEK Mozart (34-channel)
Multi-Track: MCI JH-24 (2-inch, 24 track)
Mixdown-Dupe: MCI JH-110-B; Technics 1520; Tascam 122B; Panasonic SV-3500 DAT
Outboard Signal Processing: Yamaha Rev-7; Mic/Mix XL-305 Reverb; Ursa Major Space Station SST-282; Orban 622B Parametric EQ; DBX 165 Compressor-Limiters, Yamaha SPX 90, Eventide Harmonizer
Microphones: Neauman U-87; Sennheiser 421s; AKG 452s & 414s; Sony ECM-50s; Shure Sm-58s & 57s; Electro Voice RE-20s & RE-15s; Beyer 160; Crown Pzm-30Ps
Monitors: Tannoy 12 DMT 20; Yamaha NS-10Ms White 1/2 Octave EQ; DBX-610 Autographic EQ; 2 separate headphone cue systems
12-Track Digital Demo Recording Studio
Console: Soundcraft (32-Channel)
Multi-Track: Akai A-DAM Digital 12-Track
Mixdown:Tascam 42 (2-track), Tascam Cassette, Panasonic DAT
Outboard: Alexis Midiverb; Countryman Type 85 Direct Boxes, Alesis Quadraverb, Yamaha RX-5 Digital Drum Sequencer, Roland S-550 Sampler; EMU Procussion
Monitors: Electro Voice Sentry 100s
Sound Reinforcement Equipment
Consoles: Peavey MK-IV-24 House Mixer; Peavey MK-IV-24 Monitor Mixer
Amplifiers: Crown PSA-1; Peavey 800; Peavey 400; Peavery 260C; Crown Nicrotech 1200, 600
Main Spearkers: 6 MSLI UPA-1, MSLI Subwoofer, UPA-aAS with EQ
Outboard: BBE Sonic Maximizers, Cassette; DBX 610 Autographic EQ, RTA; Alesis Quadraverb; White 1/3 Octave RTA
Monitors: Peavey 1245s
Microphones: Shure SM-57, 58; Shure wireless Beta 58/57; Country Man DIs
Sythesis Lab
Yamaha KX-77 Keyboard-Controller
TX-216 Modules (FM Digital)
Yamaha TX-81Z
Arp 2600 Analog Synthesizer
Kurzweil K2000RS Sampler
Roland D-550 Linear Synthesizer
Alesis Midiverb
Opcode Studio-3 MIDI Interface
JL Cooper MIDI Patchbay
Roland MX-16 Mixers
Opcode Vision Software
Opcode Galazy Editor/Librarian
Apple Macintosh SE
EMU Vintage Keys
Curriculum Pattern
Courses in SPC's sound technology program are designed to provide both the theory and practical experience necessary for employment in the industry. The learning environment also provides students the time and space to learn the craft. Students will learn the operation and application of highly technical equipment available in the market today, the capabilities of the equipment, and basic techniques for maintenance and repair.
The curriculum consists of 72 college hours of specialized course work spaced over a two-year period. The program emphasizes specialized areas which include the following.
Studio Production
A sequence of four courses relates to studio production. These courses include Introduction to the Studio, Studio Techniques, Production/Engineer I and II. The courses introduce students to the basics of the recording studio as it relates to the industry. They provide an overview of all areas of the studio and knowledge of how to operate the equipment via supervised recording. Plus, students get hands-on training in production and engineering techniques.
Studio Electronics
A sequence of two required courses and one optional third-level course introduces students to basic electronics as it relates to the audio industry and provides a background in trouble shooting and maintenance techniques. These courses include Electronics in Sound and Recording, Electronics Trouble Shooting and Electronics Seminar. SPC maintains a fully equipped electronics lab with test gear and service tools
.
Sound Reinforcement
Two specialized courses allow you to gain experience in controlling sound for live performances. In Sound Reinforcement and Reinforcement Seminar, students learn about acoustical environments, equipment set-up and operation and reinforcement techniques while applying these techniques to live student performances.
Synthesis
Two levels of music synthesis expose students to analog and digital synthesizers, sequencing and its applications to tape recording.
Synthesis equipment includes an Apple Macintosh computer with MIDI interface and Opcode Vision Sequencer Software.
Video Production
Sound technology majors will take a Performing Arts Production and Audio for Video course where they learn video production basics, editing for broadcast purposes and audio post production techniques specially tailored to the video media.
Other Courses
In addition to these sound technology courses, you may take additional courses which provide a firm foundation of related knowledge.
For a more detailed listing of the curriculum and course descriptions, please consult the current General Catalog. For more information about the Sound Technology Program at SPC, please write or contact:
Coordinator
Sound Technology Program
South Plains College
1401 S. College Ave.
Levelland, Texas 79336
Telephone: (806) 894-9611, ext. 271
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