Audio Recording Technology

Recording Rooms including Control, Studio, Isolation and Classroom

We have completed the extensive renovations and upgrades in our Recording Studio’s main Control Room and its Isolation Room! The centerpiece of this upgrade is the installation of a new Solid State Logic (SSL) 48-Channel Duality Fuse mixing console. This is SSL's top-of-the-line unit, and replaces the SSL AWS 900 console that resided in this Control Room since 2005. (The AWS 900 has been repurposed into our Isolation Room, which now doubles as a third Control Room and Lab). We rearranged some items in the Control Room, including redoing both equipment racks, all of the analog patchbays, and the loudspeaker monitoring systems. Both these rooms were completely refreshed regarding carpeting, paint, acoustical curtains, and their ceilings. Stay tuned for upcoming details, and follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CSNAudioRecording

Additional Information

See Fall 2024 Courses - CSN Audio Recording Technology Program below for full course descriptions and schedules!

The CSN Music Program offers 30-credit Certificate of Achievement in Music Business and Technology.

View our Music Degrees and Certificates.

Enrollment for the 2024 Fall Semester is going on NOW!
The first day of the Fall Semester is Monday, August 26, 2024.

PLEASE NOTE!
With two exceptions, our technically-related Audio Recording Class Sections listed below are scheduled to be held as "In Person" for our 2024 Fall Semester. (MUS 181 and MUS 281B will be 100% online in one of two possible orientations: With regularly scheduled Class Times, or without them).

Note:  We have one class section of MUS 239 that will be held online (Web-Remote). This is class MUS 239-1001 (MyCSN Class Number 86178). One class section of MUS 240 is also being held as a Web-Remote Class, MUS 240-1001 (MyCSN Class Number 86139).

We will also have our Open Labs available on Campus for the 2024 Fall Semester for students to use on a regular and scheduled basis every week.

Please email John Jacobson with any questions on the above, or anything at all concerning our Audio Recording Technology Program.


AVID USER CERTIFICATION

NEW!  The CSN Audio Recording Technology Program joins the Avid Learning Partner Program. In addition to our Certificate of Achievement in Music Business and Technology, students who pass our MUS 239 and MUS 240 courses are eligible to take the Avid Pro Tools 101 and 110 Exams free of charge through our CSN Program! (Upon passing the Avid Pro Tools 110 Exam students receive their Avid User Certification).


PLEASE NOTE!:

We will also have our Open Labs available for the 2024 Fall Semester for students to use on a regular and scheduled basis every week.

Please email John Jacobson at john.jacobson@csn.edu with any questions on the above, or anything at all concerning our Audio Recording Technology Program.

WHERE TO START TAKING COURSES

The first comprehensive Audio Recording Courses to enroll in are
MUS 231 “Recording Techniques I” AND MUS 239 “Virtual Studio Technology”.
MUS 239 is a required co-requisite for MUS 231. MUS 160 "Computer Music Technology I" is also one of our recording technology first-level Courses.

We also have a new Course for Djing! This is listed in our MyCSN system as MUS 120-2001 (89653) 
This also has no pre-requisite and is open to all (like MUS 160/231/239).

MUS 120 "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 120 "DJing"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 We   3:30 PM -  6:20 PM  2001 89653

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 160 "Computer Music Technology I"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 Wed    7:00 PM -   9:50 PM 2001 86177
 Tues/Thur    9:30 AM - 10:50 AM 2002 89694
 Thur   11:00 AM -   1:50 PM 2003 86189

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 181 "Business of Music"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
  TBA  Web-Online 1001 86133
  TBA  Web-Online 1002 86173
 Thur   2:00 PM -  4:50 PM (Web-Remote) 1201 86134
 Tues   2:00 PM -  4:50 PM (Web-Remote) 1202 86135

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 231 "Recording Techniques I"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
Mon   9:30 AM - 12:20 PM 2001 86152
Wed   3:30 PM -   6:20 PM 2002 86190
Thur   7:00 PM -   9:50 PM 2003 86191
Thur  11:00 AM -   1:50 PM 2004 86153

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 232 "Recording Techniques II"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 Tues   3:30 PM -   6:20 PM 2001 86154
 Wed   9:30 AM - 12:20 PM 2002 86155

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 239 "Virtual Studio Technology"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 Tues    9:30 AM - 12:20 PM (Web-Remote) 1001 86178
 Mon/Wed   11:00 AM - 12:20 PM 2001 89695
 Mon/Wed    1:00 PM -   2:20 PM 2002 89696
 Tues    7:00 PM -   9:50 PM 2003 86192
 Thur    3:30 PM -   6:20 PM 2004 89697
 Sat    9:30 AM -  12:20 PM 2005 86171

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 240 "Virtual Studio Technology II"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 Tues   1:00 PM -  3:50 PM (Web-remote) 1001 86139
 Mon   3:30 PM -  6:20 PM 2001 86207

MUS 262  "Progressive R&B Music Production"
Focuses on techniques used in creating Hip-Hop, Rap, Contemporary R&B, and related styles of music. Examples of devices used (may vary) include current Native Instruments Maschine, Avid ProTools, many software plugins, Korg Kronos X Workstation, top-level microphones, and also vintage equipment such as Akai S900/MPC2000, and many other samplers and synthesizers from the 1970's onward. Prerequisite:  MUS 231 with a grade of C- or higher.

MUS 262 "Progressive R&B Music Production"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
Tues  11:00 AM - 1:50 PM 2001 89654

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 281B "Business of Music II"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 Wed  2:00 PM - 4:50 PM  (Web-Remote) 1201 86136

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

MUS 285 "Advanced Recording Techniques"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 Thur  3:30 PM - 6:20 PM 2001 86140

MUS 292  "Audio Post-Production I"
An introduction to the technological and artistic applications of audio used for visual media. This course covers the basics of sound elements, audio formats, “digital conversions”, and strategies employed to address all of these. Topics and source materials experienced may include sound effect libraries, production music libraries and scored music, sound editing, on-location (“field”) audio, ADR, OMF files, “pre-dubs”, and 5.1 surround sound.  Prerequisite: MUS 240

MUS 292  "Audio Post-Production I"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 Mon  1:00 PM - 3:50 PM 2001 89698


We also are offering a private instruction lesson Course: MUSA 167-2701 (86269) "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.

Please check the MyCSN system concerning other required Courses/Classes for our Certificate: MUS 101 or 102, and COM 115.

View of the Main Control Room

The CSN Recording Studio Facilities have two fully equipped Control Rooms, a Studio large enough to accommodate a 50-piece orchestra, and an Isolation Room that doubles as a self-contained recording space students can use. Classes held in this area utilize all these rooms, and have a lab-to-lecture ratio of at least 2-to-1 to ensure students receive hands-on training on industry-standard equipment the same or similar to those in commercial facilities. A separate three Computer Station Lab in the Recording Studio area is used during classes and also as a "Drop-In Lab".

Our "Room N119" Computer Music Classroom/Lab for 12 students is a dedicated space with one computer station per student. With new Macintosh computers, our many courses in this Lab instruct students on Avid Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Apple Logic Pro X, and other software. Room N119 is also available for "Drop-In Lab" use.

In total, we have 19 Macs in the CSN Audio Recording Technology Program. All software (including our HUGE number of plugins) in Room N119 are also installed on all the Macs in our Recording Studio area, so students can move their projects easily from one computer or area on Campus to another one.

Our faculty has many years of experience in the audio industry, covering all aspects of audio production and with many notable credits.

We offer Class Sections on different days and times, including evenings and weekends. For course information (including a list of days and times for all the 2024 Fall Semester recording classes at CSN) Please see  Fall 2024 Courses - CSN Audio Recording Technology Program above.

Our 30-Credit Certificate of Achievement in Music Business and Technology has proven to be very popular both for students and for prospective employers. One-on-one Private Instruction is also available.

All recording classes and facilities are at the North Las Vegas ("Cheyenne") Campus of CSN. For Admissions and Registration, please use the links on the Admissions page or contact the Registrar’s Office at any CSN campus. (At the North Las Vegas Campus, the Registrar’s phone number is 702-651-4060).

For an overview and more details of what is available please click on the links directly below.

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

Control Room

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.


Trident Room

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 studion

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!


Isolation Room

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

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 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!


Computer Music Classroom/Lab

The CSN Computer Music Classroom/Lab (Room N119) 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 to facilitate adding items such as student's Flash Drives and other peripheral devices.

All software installed on all iMacs are exactly the same. 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. All computer stations also have the MakeMusic Finale music publishing software, used in our MUS 160 "Computer Music Technology I" Course along with Ableton Live and Apple Logic.

Ableton Live's "Push" hardware controllers are available as well, and used in our MUS 264 "Ableton Live" Course.

We have a great collection of added "plugin" software on all computers that function on all DAWs. These run the full range from software instruments ("Virtual Instruments" or "VIs") through all categories of signal processors like equalizers, compressors and limiters, reverbs, delays, mastering and so on. The software companies whose products we have (in most instances being bundles of their plugins consisting of many or most of their releases) include Waves Platinum bundle, Native Instruments Komplete, Softube bundle, SoundToys bundle, Arturia V Collection, KV331 SynthMaster, Lennar Digital Sylenth, and many more!

We use Dante digital technology in this room, using a Yamaha QL1 digital mixer to route the Instructor's and all Student's digital audio signals in any way that is needed or desired. "Dante" has become the current standard for transmitting digital audio in multi-room facilities, complex educational situations, and live sound. Dante sends digital audio using Ethernet connections (Audio over Internet, or "AoIP"); at CSN this is done using the CSN Network system. Students log into our Networked computers, and then view and use the Desktop of their designated Stations as if it is their own (they can even do things like customize their Desktop).

Each Station has a Focusrite RedNet AM2 for Dante headphone monitoring. All also have Focusrite Scarlett USB Interfaces with mic/line inputs that can be utilized to plug in any analog microphones or musical instruments (also for headphone outputs if needed). There is also a backup analog headphone system in place for all Stations that the iMacs can easily be switched over to in case of any CSN Network system issues.

There is a high-quality loudspeaker system in the room that is used to hear examples, demonstrations, videos, student works and whatever else is needed without using the headphone systems.

For instructional resources involving demonstrations and training on the computer software, showing video tutorials and so on in Room N119, we use both an overhead video projector onto a drop-down screen and a software feature called Apple Remote Desktop.

Room N119 is also available for "Drop-In Lab" use.

Control Room Mixing Board

Solid State Logic AWS 900
"SSL" is one of the premier manufacturers of recording consoles. Besides being widely used in educational institutions such as Full Sail University in Miami, the AWS 900 has proven popular with commercial recording facilities and project studios for artists around the world. This console is of the "Analog-Digital Hybrid" variety, using the same quality analog electronics used in SSL’s flagship Duality console, and in digital “focus” simultaneously acts as a HUI controller for DAWs (in our case primarily Pro Tools.) Analog features include SSL’s “E” and “G” Series EQ, stereo bus compressor, and assignable dynamics processing; DAW features control mixing, transport, plug-ins and many commonly used computer keyboard functions. Our AWS 900 has the AWS V4 Upgrade, the “Total Recall” feature, and has recently had new faders installed.
For more AWS 900 information go to www.solidstatelogic.com/products/aws and for a listing of some of the studios using this SSL console visit www.solidstatelogic.com/products/aws?tab=gallery

Control Room Left Side Equipment Rack

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) System
Mac Pro: Avid ProTools HDX-2/Logic Pro X/Ableton Live Suite/Native Instruments Maschine
ProTools is used as the primary system for recording, editing, processing and mixing. Included in CSN’s ProTools configuration are 2 HDX PCIe cards, Avid HD 16x16 audio interface (I/O), Apogee Symphony 16x16 I/O, Apogee Big Ben Master Word Clock, and MOTU MIDI Timepiece.  We now have full implementation of Audinate DANTE technology in our Control Room, with a FocusriteRed16Line (Dante-to-Pro Tools) interface and a Yamaha Rio 1608-D (mic/line signals-to-Dante for multiple uses) unit installed, and complete use of the Hear Technologies Hear Back Pro headphone monitoring system available (along with up to 16 individual analog headphone sends). In addition to the plugins that come with current Pro Tools versions, Universal Audio’s UAD2 Quad Omni package (including their PCIe card), Waves Diamond bundle and MANY more Waves plugins (most all of them!), Native Instruments Komplete Ultimate, iZotope collection of plugins (including their Advanced versions of applicable products), Softube Bundle, SoundToys Academic bundle, Eventide bundle, Lexicon bundle, Omnisphere 2, Arturia V Collection, Vienna Symphonic Library and Synchron, Vienna Ensemble Pro 7, EastWest Play with Gold/Diamond and other assorted Libraries, Cinesamples and Spitfire Libraries,  Steven Slate Drums SSD5, Slate Digital plugins, Melodyne Editor, a wide collection of plugins from Plugin Alliance, Arturia Auto-Tune, Sonnox plugins, MDW EQ, Speakerphone, Drumagog 5 Platinum, Lennar Digital Sylenth, KV331 Synthmaster, RPCV Predator-PL, Reveal Sound Spire, Applied Acoustics (AAS) bundle, Boz Digital Labs, Audionamix ADX VVC 3, and many more!

Besides Pro Tools Ultimate, we also have other DAW software installed in The Control Room: Apple Logic Pro X, Ableton Live Suite, and Native Instruments Maschine (with hardware controller). Maschine is used extensively in our MUS 262B "Progressive R&B Music Production " Course that primarily takes place in our Control Room.

All software (DAWs and plugins) are kept as current regarding their versions as possible, and once manufacturers updates have been verified to be reliable.

See the "CSN Audio Recording Microphone, DI Box, and Plugin List " button for a complete list of software in The Control Room. (Note: Like any studio we constantly add more, but this list is reasonably up to date.)

The current main computer in The Control Room is a Mac Pro 12-core with 3.06 GHz processors, 48 GB RAM, 512 GB Solid-State Drive for applications, 3) 1TB  SATA drives for data, and 2) optical drives. There are several external hard drives used for backing-up data. More than one video monitor is used, including a 50” high-definition screen.

Control Room large monitor view of Solid State Logic recording console channels

Analog Recording
Otari MX-80
This 24-track 2” reel-to-reel machine is in impeccable working order,  and operates at either 15 or 30 IPS (inches per second).  Both CB-124  Remote Control Unit and CB-120 AutoLocator are connected. A fully restored 3M 1/4" half-track machine also resides in The Control Room.

various pieces of equipment, including 24-track 2 inch reel-to-reel tape recorder

Monitoring
Genelec DSP with GLM software 5.1 system comprised of five 8250A speakers and two 7260A subwoofers, Yamaha NS-10Ms (near-fields), and Tannoy 15DMTs (far-fieds) are setup and selectable from the console. JBL 4208s, Event 20/20s, Adam F5s, and Auratone Cubes are also available. A Lynx Aurora 8 digital audio converter and Sound Anchor speaker stands are used for the Genelecs, which act as mid-field monitors. Bryston and QSC power amps, Mogami, Kimber Kable, and Blue Jeans Cable are generally used in the signal path from the SSL console to the other monitors. Primeacoustic Recoil Stabilizers are used with the Tannoys (far-field) and Yamahas (near-field).

Control Room Right Side Equipment Rack

Outboard Mic Preamps and Signal Processors 

Manley Voxbox        TC Electronics M3000
Grace Design m103 Channel StripLexicon PCM 80
True Systems Precision 8 Mic Preamplifiers(2) Empirical Labs Distressor EL8-X
API LunchboxEmpirical Labs Fatso EL7x
    API 512c Mic Preamp dbx 166A Compressor/Limiters (2) 
    API 525 Compressor/Limiter TC Electronics M-One
    API 550b Parametric EQ TC Electronics D-Two
    Chandler Little Devil Pre Amp Lexicon MPX 500
    Millennia HV-35 Microphone Preamplifier Yamaha SPX 900
    Great River 32EQ (“Harrison”) Yamaha E1010 Analog Delay
Lexicon PCM96 Surround Reverb/Effects ProcessorAntares Vocal Producer
EXR Exciter 

More outboard mic preamps and signal processors are available in The Trident Room.

Digital Recording and Playback Devices

Korg MR2000 1-Bit Digital RecorderDenon DVD-1930 Ci DVD/SACD player
Otari DTR-8 DAT machineTascam CD-200i CD/MP3/iPod player
Alesis XT-20 ADAT machines w/BRC (3) (from The Trident Room) Alesis Masterlink  (from The Nomad)

Keyboards and Controllers
(All below can also be used in The Trident Room)

Korg Kronos X-88 Synthesizer WorkstationMinimoog
Roland INTEGRA 7 SuperNATURAL Sound ModuleRoland XP-30 synthesizer
Native Instruments Maschine (used in The Lab as well) AND MANY MORE VINTAGE INSTRUMENTS!

See the The Trident Room for more keyboards, synthesizers and samplers - think “vintage”!

Digital Musical Keyboard

Other Cool Stuff
We have an iMac (the "Everything Else Computer") in The Control Room to handle other tasks as required during Classes and sessions.

Numark PRO-TT1 turntableAssorted reel-to-reel analog tape machines
(1/2” and 1/4”, of various formats and primarily used for archival/restoration project )
Nakamichi 610 phono preampVarious old and unusual signal processors
Tascam 302 Dual Well Cassette Deck

The Trident Room

Mixing Console
Trident Series 65
This is a classic analog English mixboard, with a separate monitor section design. It is a 32x16x2 configuration: 32 I/O modules, 16 channel monitor section (for group outs and signal returns or inputs), and a master stereo output. It also has 8 Aux Sends, 8 group Insert Sends and 4 Echo (FX) Returns, and is especially known for its “British” or “musical” EQ sound.

DAW Systems
Avid ProTools HD 3 Accel Ableton Live Suite, Apple Logic, Native Instruments Maschine - Waves DigiGrid DLS, Dante interfaces and Mac Pro
The Trident Room ProTools system is configured for 24 interface I/Os and runs the most current Ultimate software version. nterfaces presently are a Digidesign 192 and a Digidesign 96; 24 simultaneous inputs and outputs can be easily used with the Trident console, with additional ones added in various ways. There is also an Apogee Rosetta 800 that can be used for certain applications (such as dedicated multiple outputs of Native Instruments Maschine). For the HUI in The Trident Room, we have an Avid Artist Control and two Artist Mix control surfaces (20 faders total). A Digidesign MIDI I/O and SYNC I/O are also installed. Wordclock is provided by an Apogee Big Ben. The list of software (plugins) in the Trident Room is compatible to those in The Control Room. One or two video monitors can be used, including a 42" screen.

We are also incorporating more Focusrite RedNet Dante hardware devices to facilitate direct recording into the Trident Room from the Studio, Isolation Room, and any other location at the CSN North Las Vegas Campus that has Dante connections. These will also allow more inputs/outputs, and ease of transmitting signals to and from all of the other rooms used in our Audio Recording Program.

Retro version of the CSN Trident Room

Keyboards, Samplers, Drum Machines and Controllers
An array of vintage equipment, especially what we have come to refer to as The Retro Racks", are featured in The Trident Room:

Akai MPC2000Ensoniq Mirage (rack version)
E-mu Emulator II (with hundreds of sound discs!) Emu UltraProteus
Korg M1RRoland S-330
ARP OdysseyRoland D-110
Roland Super JX-10 SynthesizerRoland TR-626 Drum Machine
Yamaha DX7 II-DRoland D-50
Roland XP-30 synthesizer 

A MIDI keyboard controller or one of the keyboards in The Retro Wall are typically used for recording MIDI tracks in ProTools, and then trigger sounds in either “virtual” tracks in ProTools or route to any of the vintage collection instruments that accept MIDI. Additionally, the below keyboards and controllers are also available from The Control Room:

Yamaha 88-note MIDI KeyboardRoland Integra
MaschineMinimoog

Digital Recording and Playback Devices

Korg MR2000 1-Bit Digital Recorder (from Control Room) (3) Alesis XT-20 ADAT machines w/BRC
Sony PCM-2300 DAT machineCD Player

Outboard Mic Preamps and Signal Processors
Besides the 32 mic preamps in the Trident Series 65 console and a Presonus and a Symetrixpreamps are available. Our fully loaded API Lunchbox (with mic preamps, eqs and compressor) can be plugged into the Trident or DAW systems. A Yamaha SPX1000 is among several outboard effects processors in The Trident Room. An extensive list of Control Room outboard gear that can easily be moved for use in The Trident Room can be viewed in The Control Room description.

Monitoring
EV Sentry 100A’s are the main speakers in The Trident Room;original Auratone Cubes are also installed. The KRK subwoofer in The Trident Room is easily switched on and off as desired. JBL 4208s and Event 20/20s are available for alternate referencing sources.

Other Cool Stuff
Available for use in both The Trident Room or The Control Room

Numark PRO-TT1 turntable
Various old and unusual signal processors
Nakamichi 610 phono preamp

Assorted reel-to-reel analog tape machines (1/2" &1/4")
and Tascam cassette deck


…one last word 

The Trident Room’s design philosophy is to incorporate vintage gear with contemporary technologies. It is also setup to be flexible regarding changes and additions to the equipment in the room. Most interfacing between instruments, outboard gear and the ProTools system are done using simple connectors or DB25 cables on both ends; nothing is "hard-wired". Two new Neutrik DB25 patchbays and Mogami wiring are used for some analog interfacing and signal routing. The Trident Room will happily be a work in progress, and a space that will never be “Done!”

Isolation Room

The Isolation ("Iso") Room
Our Recording Studio Iso Room is to the right of our Control Room. As the Studio is to the left of The Control Room and with double-glass walls on either side, there are sightlines between the Studio and Iso Room. The Iso Room is about 9' x 11' and is acoustically neutral. There are three microphone inputs and one headphone send to and from to The Control Room (analog signals). Added to these, we have Dante hardware to add as many microphone and/or line level signals as needed from the Iso Room to The Control Room (or anywhere else on the CSN North Las Vegas Campus), and to provide multiple Hear Back Pro headphone mixes to the artists. There is a new Roland V-Drums TD-15 in the Iso Room.

The Nomad System

The Nomad
"The Nomad" is a portable and totally self-contained DAW recording system. It lives in the Iso Room; but can be moved to anywhere else it may need to go (hence its name!). One can think of the essence of this system as being an awesome home/personal recording setup. It is placed in a stock audio recording two-level desk that has been hot-rodded structurally.

In this configuration is a powerful Mac computer. An Apogee Symphony I/O is used for this system, and a Focusrite OctoPre MKII 8-channel preamplifier is used for mic or line input signals, having both analog and digital outputs.

Focusrite Dante hardware is also installed in The Nomad for integrating audio to anywhere else on the CSN Campus.

If assigning audio outputs to multiple analog outs is desired, two Dangerous Music 2-Bus16x2 Summing Devices can combine up to 32 interface/audio outputs to a single stereo output. This output can then be fed to inputs of the Alesis Masterlink in the setup, or any alternative 2-track recorder that we have.

The Nomad has a pair of Adam F5 self-powered monitors which fit neatly on the shelf of the desk. Signal routing for monitoring is managed by a Presonus Monitor Station.

Software on The Nomad contains all of those in our Computer Music Classroom Lab and The Storage Room Lab; there are also quite a few additional plugins. The DAW platforms are Avid Pro Tools, Ableton Live Suite, Apple Logic Pro X, ad Native Instruments Maschine.
We have a great collection of added "plugin" software on all computers that function on all DAWs. These run the full range from software instruments ("Virtual Instruments" of "VIs") through all categories of signal processors like equalizers, compressors and limiters, reverbs, delays, mastering and so on. The software companies whose products we have (in most instances being bundles of their plugins consisting of many or most of their releases) include Waves Platinum bundle, Native Instruments Komplete, Softube bundle, SoundToys bundle, Arturia V Collection, KV331 SynthMaster, Lennar Digital Sylenth, and many more!

Microphones

Condenser Microphones

Neumann U 87 Ai  (5)
Neumann TLM 103  (2)
Neumann KM 184  (2)
Neumann KMS 104 Plus  (1)
Microtech Gefell UM70S  (2)
Manley Reference Microphone  (1)
AKG C414 XLS  (2- Matched Pair)
AKG C 414 XLII  (2)
AKG C 414 B-ULS  (1)
AKG C451 B/ST  (2- Matched Pair)
AKG C 460 B  (1)
AKG C3000  (2)
AKG P420  (6)
Audio-Technica AT 5047  (1)
Audio-Technica 4033  (1)
Sennheiser MKH 416  (1)
Mojave Audio MA-100SP  (2- Matched Pair)
Peluso 22 47 SE  (1)
Lauten Atlantis FC-387  (1)
Shure SM81  (3)
Shure Beta 91A  (1)
Warm Audio WA-251  (2)
Warm Audio WA-67  (2)
Advanced Audio CM49  (2)
Earthworks PianoMic System  (1)
Placid Audio Carbonphone RU-80  (1)
CAD Trion 8000  (2)
C-ducer Tape CQS/8 Transducer System  (1- Affixed to Kawai 6‘ grand piano)
Sterling Audio ST31  (1)
Cascade V57  (1)
PZM Mics - Radio Shack - Made by Crown  (2- Rewired to balanced outputs)

Ribbon Microphones

AEA R44C (2- "Museum Quality")
AEA R84 (2- Matched Pair)
Coles 4038 (2- Matched Pair)
Royer R122V (1)
Royer SF-12 (1)
Royer 121 (2)
Royer R10 (2- Matched Pair)
Beyer M160 (2)
CAD Trion 7000 (2)

Dynamic Microphones

Neumann BCM 705 (1)
Sennheiser MD 421 (5)
Sennheiser e906 (2)
Shure SM7B (1)
Shure SM57 (6)
Shure Beta 52 (1)
Shure Beta 58 (1)
Shure SM58 (3)
AKG D-112 (1)
Solomon LoFReQ Sub-Kick (1)
ElectroVoice 644 (1)
"Oddball" Mics: HI-Z (1), LO-Z (3)

Kits

Audix DP7 Plus (8 microphones/Drum Kit microphone Kit)

Modeling

Antelope Solo (1)

Direct Boxes/Mic Activators/Reamps

Hazelrigg Industries VDI (DI) (1)
Radial Firefly (DI) (1)
Radial PZ-DI (1)
Radial J48 (DI) (1)
Radial PROD8 (8-Channel) (DI) (1)
Radial PROD2 (2-channel) (DI) (2)
Radial JPC (Computer/Smartphone DI) (1)
Handmade Passive DI (Jensen Transformer) (1)
Sescom SM-1A (DI) (1)
ProCo Sound DB-1 (DI) (1)
ProCo CB-1 (DI) (2)
Rolls DI (1)
DOD DI (1)
Radial McBoost (1)
Cloud Microphones CL-Z (1)
Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-2 (2)
Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 (2)
Radial Reamp JCR (1)

Plug-ins
As with any digital audio workstation (DAW) system, new plugins are always being added. This is especially true with ProTools HDX and its new AAX plugin format. The Control Room's present ProTools system is HDX2 v11.
This list of plugins is as current as possible. Some are AAX, many are Native (RTAS), and some (such as Melodyne Editor, Maschine, and Virtual Instruments) can also function as standalone programs.
Plugins are in alphabetical order. Our Universal Audio (UAD-2 Quad Omni) plugins are listed separately.

1-Band EQ III
4-Band EQ III
7-Band EQ III
Access Virus Indigo
AIR Chorus
AIR Distortion
AIR Dynamic Delay
AIR Enhancer
AIR Ensemble
AIR Filter Gate
AIR Flanger
AIR Frequency Shifter
AIR FuzzWah
AIR KillEQ
AIR Lo-Fi
AIR Multi-Delay
AIR MultiChorus
AIR Nonlinear Reverb
AIR Phaser
AIR Reverb
AIR Spring Reverb
AIR StereoWidth
AIR Talkbox
AIR Vintage Filter
AmpliTube 3
AudioTrack (Waves)
AVOX Choir
AVOX Punch
BF Essential Clip Remover
BF Essential Correlation Meter phase fixer
BF Essential Meter Bridge VU metering
BF Essential Noise Meter
BF Fairchild Bundle
BF Moogerfooger Bundle
BF Pultec Bundle
BF Voce Bundle
BF76 Compressor 1176 emulator
BNR LE
Bomb Factory BF-3A
Bruno/Reso
C1 (Waves)
C4 (Waves)
Center (Waves)
Channel Strip (based on the System 5 console)
Chorus
Click
Compressor/Limiter (Dyn 3)
Cosmonaut Voice
D-Fi
D-Verb reverb and ambience
DC Offset Removal
De-Esser (Dyn 3)
DeEsser (Waves)
Delay
DigiReWire
DINR
Dither
Doppler (Waves)
Doubler (Waves)
Down Mixer (5.1 to stereo fold down)
Driver
Drumagog 5 Platinum
Drumagog
Duplicate
Eleven Free (guitar amp emulator based on Eleven)
EMI TG 12413 (Abbey Road Studios)
Enhanced EQ
Enigma (Waves)
Eventide MP5 (Eventide)
Expander/Gate (Dyn 3)
Extra Long Delay II
Fairchild 660
Fairchild 670
Flanger
Focusrite ffd2/d3 (EQs and Compressor/Limiters)
Gain
Guitar Rig 5 Pro (Native Instruments)
H-Comp-Hybrid Line Compressor (Waves)
H-Delay Hybrid Line Delay (Waves)
IDR
Impact
Invert
IR-L Convolution Reverb (Waves)
JOEMEEK SC2 Compressor
JOEMEEK VC5 Meequalizer
L1 Ultramaximizer (Waves)
L2 Ultramaximizer (Waves)
L3 Multimaximizer (Waves)
L3 Ultramaximizer (Waves)
L3-LL Multimaximizer (Waves)
L3-LL Ultramaximizer (Waves)
Line 6 Amp Farm HD
LinEQ [Broadband & Lowband] (Waves)
LinMB (Waves)
Lo-Fi retro processing
Long Delay II
Maxim sound maximizer
Maxim
MaxxBass (Waves)
MaxxVolume (Waves)
MDW 3B AAX Parametric EQ (MDW/Massenberg)
MDW 5B AAX Parametric EQ (MDW/Massenberg)
Medium Delay II
Melodyne editor 1
Melodyne plugin 1
Melodyne studio 3
MetaFlanger (Waves)
Mod Delay III
MondoMod (Waves)
Moogerfooger 12-Stage Phaser
Moogerfooger Analog Delay
Moogerfooger Lowpass
Moogerfooger Ring Modulator
Morphoder (Waves)
Multi-Tap Delay
MV2 (Waves)
Normalize
Oxford R3 EQ [EQ + Filters] (Sonnox)
Passive EQ
PAZ (Waves)
PhaseScope
Ping-Pong Delay
Pitch Shift
Pitch
POWr Dither
PuigTec (Waves)
Pultec EQH-2
Pultec EQP-1A
Pultec MEQ-5
Purple Audio MC77
Q-10 (Waves)
Q-Capture
Q-Clone (Waves)
RC 24
RC 48
RChannel
RCompressor
RDeEsser
Recti-Fi harmonic synthesis
Reflecktor
Renaissance Axx (Waves)
Renaissance Bass (Waves)
Renaissance Channel V8 (Waves)
Renaissance Compressor V8 (Waves)
Renaissance DeEsser V8 (Waves)
Renaissance Equalizer (Waves)
Renaissance Reverb (Waves)
Renaissance Vox (Waves)
Reverb One
Reverse
Revibe II
RVox
S1 (Waves)
SansAmp PSA-1
SansAmp tube amp simulator
Saturation Knob
Sci-Fi ring modulator
Short Delay II
Signal Generator
Slap Delay II
Slightly Rude Compressor
Solid Bus Comp
Solid Dynamics
Solid EQ
Soundreplacer
Soundshifter (Waves)
Speakerphone 2
Summit Audio TLA-100A (Softube)
Supertap (Waves)
T-Racks 1.x EQ
Tel-Ray Variable Delay
The Finger
The Mouth
Time Adjuster
Time Compression Expansion
Time Shift time/pitch stretching
TL AutoPan panning effects
TL InTune digital tuner
TL MasterMeter oversampling meter
TL Metro versatile metronome
TL Space [Reverb]
Traktor’s 12
Transient Master
TransX (Waves)
Trim
TrueVerb (Waves)
Tune LT (Waves)
UltraPitch (Waves)
URS 1975-C
URS 1975-CLS
URS Strip
V-Comp (Waves)
V-EQ3 (Waves)
V-EQ4 (Waves)
Vari Comp
Vari-Fi speed shifter
VC 2A
VC 76
VC 160
Voce Chorus/Vibrato
Voce Spin
WavesTune Lite
X-Click (Waves)
X-Crackle (Waves)
X-Hum (Waves)
X-Noise (Waves)
Z-Noise (Waves)

Universal Audio (UAD-2 Quad Omni) ProTools Plugins

1176LN (Analog Classics)
1176SE (Analog Classics)
4K Buss Compressor
4K Channel Strip
Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder
bx_digital V2 EQ & De-Esser
bx_digital V2 Mono EQ & De-Esser
Cambridge EQ
Cooper Time Cube
CS-1 Channel Strip
dbx 160 Compressor
DM-1 & DM-1L Delay Modulator
DreamVerb
EL7 FATSO Jr/Sr
EMT 140 Plate Reverb
EMT 250 Electronic Reverberator
EP-34 Tape Echo
EX-1 EQ/Compressor
Fairchild 670 Compressor
Harrison 32C EQ
Harrison 32C SE EQ
Helios Type 69 EQ
LA-2A Limiter
LA-3A Leveler
Lexicon 224 Classic Digital Reverb
Little Labs IBP Phase Alignment Tool
Little Labs VOG Bass Resonance Tool
Manley Massive Passive EQ (STD & MST)
Moog Multi-Mode Filter
Moog Multi-Mode Filter SE
MXR Flanger/Doubler
Neve 1073 EQ
Neve 1073SE EQ
Neve 1081 EQ
Neve 1081SE EQ
Neve 31102 EQ
Neve 31102SE EQ
Neve 33609 Compressor
Neve 33609SE Compressor
Neve 88RS Channel StripPrecision Buss Compressor
Precision De-Esser
Precision Enhancer Hz
Precision Enhancer kHz
Precision Equalizer
Precision K-Stereo
Precision Limiter
Precision Maximizer
Precision Multiband
Pultec EQP-1A EQ
Pultec Pro EQ
RealVerb Pro
Roland Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble
Roland Dimension D
Roland RE-201 Tape Echo
RS-1 Reflection Engine
SPL Transient Designer
SPL Vitalizer MK2-T
SSL E Channel Strip
SSL G Bus Compressor
Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder
Trident A-Range EQ
UA 1176 Rev A (Classic Limiter Collection)
UA 1176 Rev E (Classic Limiter Collection)
UA 1176AE (Classic Limiter Collection)

Virtual Instruments

Native Instruments Komplete 9 Ultimate:

  • Kontakt 5 (numerous sample libraries covering most instrumental categories;
    new libraries added periodically!)
  • Reactor 5.6
  • Absynth 5
  • FM8
  • Massive
  • Razor
  • Reaktor Prism
  • Reaktor Spark
  • Retro Machines MK2
  • Monark
  • Skanner XT
  • Battery 4
Omnisphere
Sonik Synth 2
Native Instruments Maschine
(with Maschine controller; can be used in Control Room, Trident Room or Lab)

Arturia V Collection 3.0:

  • Mini V
  • Modular V
  • CS-80
  • ARP2600 V
  • Prophet V & Prophet VS
  • Jupiter 8-V
  • Oberheim SEM V
  • Wurlitzer V
  • Spark Vintage
  • Analog Laboratory
  • Analog Factory
Boom (drum machine and sequencer)
DB-33
Mini Grand
Structure Free
Vacuum
Xpand! 2
Sample Tank 2.x
Structure Free

Other Software 

Reason
Toast 10 Titanium
Genelec GLM/AutoCal (speaker management system)
YouSendit (Internet soundfile delivery service)
iTunes
Microsoft Office
Drive Genius 3
Firefox, Safari and Chrome Internet browsers

FACULTY AND COURSES

John Jacobson

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

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 Herbes

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 Hotchkiss

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 Johnson

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

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

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.

PLEASE NOTE!:

We will also have our Open Labs available for the 2024 Fall Semester for students to use on a regular and scheduled basis every week.

Please email John Jacobson at john.jacobson@csn.edu with any questions on the above, or anything at all concerning our Audio Recording Technology Program.

WHERE TO START TAKING COURSES

The first comprehensive Audio Recording Courses to enroll in are
MUS 231 “Recording Techniques I” AND MUS 239 “Virtual Studio Technology”.
MUS 239 is a required co-requisite for MUS 231. MUS 160 "Computer Music Technology I" is also one of our recording technology first-level Courses.

We also have a new Course for Djing! This is listed in our MyCSN system as MUS 120-2001 (89653) 
This also has no pre-requisite and is open to all (like MUS 160/231/239).

MUS 120 "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 120 "DJing"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 We   3:30 PM -  6:20 PM  2001 89653

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 160 "Computer Music Technology I"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 Wed    7:00 PM -   9:50 PM 2001 86177
 Tues/Thur    9:30 AM - 10:50 AM 2002 89694
 Thur   11:00 AM -   1:50 PM 2003 86189

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 181 "Business of Music"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
  TBA  Web-Online 1001 86133
  TBA  Web-Online 1002 86173
 Thur   2:00 PM -  4:50 PM (Web-Remote) 1201 86134
 Tues   2:00 PM -  4:50 PM (Web-Remote) 1202 86135

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 231 "Recording Techniques I"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
Mon   9:30 AM - 12:20 PM 2001 86152
Wed   3:30 PM -   6:20 PM 2002 86190
Thur   7:00 PM -   9:50 PM 2003 86191
Thur  11:00 AM -   1:50 PM 2004 86153

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 232 "Recording Techniques II"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 Tues   3:30 PM -   6:20 PM 2001 86154
 Wed   9:30 AM - 12:20 PM 2002 86155

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 239 "Virtual Studio Technology"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 Tues    9:30 AM - 12:20 PM (Web-Remote) 1001 86178
 Mon/Wed   11:00 AM - 12:20 PM 2001 89695
 Mon/Wed    1:00 PM -   2:20 PM 2002 89696
 Tues    7:00 PM -   9:50 PM 2003 86192
 Thur    3:30 PM -   6:20 PM 2004 89697
 Sat    9:30 AM -  12:20 PM 2005 86171

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 240 "Virtual Studio Technology II"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 Tues   1:00 PM -  3:50 PM (Web-remote) 1001 86139
 Mon   3:30 PM -  6:20 PM 2001 86207

MUS 262  "Progressive R&B Music Production"
Focuses on techniques used in creating Hip-Hop, Rap, Contemporary R&B, and related styles of music. Examples of devices used (may vary) include current Native Instruments Maschine, Avid ProTools, many software plugins, Korg Kronos X Workstation, top-level microphones, and also vintage equipment such as Akai S900/MPC2000, and many other samplers and synthesizers from the 1970's onward. Prerequisite:  MUS 231 with a grade of C- or higher.

MUS 262 "Progressive R&B Music Production"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
Tues  11:00 AM - 1:50 PM 2001 89654

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 281B "Business of Music II"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 Wed  2:00 PM - 4:50 PM  (Web-Remote) 1201 86136

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

MUS 285 "Advanced Recording Techniques"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 Thur  3:30 PM - 6:20 PM 2001 86140

MUS 292  "Audio Post-Production I"
An introduction to the technological and artistic applications of audio used for visual media. This course covers the basics of sound elements, audio formats, “digital conversions”, and strategies employed to address all of these. Topics and source materials experienced may include sound effect libraries, production music libraries and scored music, sound editing, on-location (“field”) audio, ADR, OMF files, “pre-dubs”, and 5.1 surround sound.  Prerequisite: MUS 240

MUS 292  "Audio Post-Production I"   Class Schedule for 2024 Fall Semester:
DayTimeSectionClass Number
 Mon  1:00 PM - 3:50 PM 2001 89698


We also are offering a private instruction lesson Course: MUSA 167-2701 (86269) "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.

Please check the MyCSN system concerning other required Courses/Classes for our Certificate: MUS 101 or 102, and COM 115.

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