Name: Jessica Cook
Date: Jan 17, 2013
Time In: 11am
Time Out: 4pm
Lesson 5 & 6 & 7

Today my mentor Brad, and I went over lessons 5 thru 7. We went over the importance of the signal flow, and how the studio is set up. Brad went over and showed me the difference between the XLR and TRS connections. He explained to me the making of the connections and how they have their benefits. 

We took a look at both consoles that are in the studio. The Eurodesk MX9000 and the Yamaha 03D. He explained the difference between the two; the Eurodesk is a bigger console between the two, it is not the primary console in the studio but is just as important. The Yamaha is the primary console that we use, it is a multi level console that is very complicated. Brad has given me the console manual to go over but I believe not untilI actually get my hands on with it, i won't fully understand the feel of it.

Brad showed me a few of the microphones that he has throughout the studio. He showed me the difference between the Condenser and Dynamic Microphones, and we looked at the inside of one of the dynamic mics. We then took some time and worked with the SHURE SM58 and SM57. While we were having our session, we had an artist come by, Mike, who helped us listen to the difference of the mics. While Mike was playing the guitar, Brad and I were able to hook up his Steinberg Interface to my lap top and we went over recording a track on Pro Tools. Brad then let me take the interface with me home, until I receive the M Box. 
I wasn't able to record on both tracks so, Brad gave me the assignment to go home and record on both Tracks. 

Since we had Mike with us, we decided to lay down some back up vocals for his upcoming CD. Brad had me set up the studio, place the mic, set up the table, adjust the headphones, and checks volume levels. After recording vocals we did a few tracks of his guitar, during this process, Brad had me move microphones, and set up the other set of headphones. While Mike was practicing and getting comfortable, Brad showed me a lil more about the consoles, and how in depth they go.

My strengths in this session is that I like to learn and I understand better when the equipment is in front of me. When I am able to hook cables up and physically see where they are going. Because of this I have been leaning more towards wanting to be an Engineer, another thing that spikes my interest is working with live music, doing a concert or symphony. I am learning so much being able to be hands on.
My weakness is that I am unaware of all the terminology that comes with this industry. However, I am catching on, and getting use to everything in the studio each day that I am there.