Technology Requirements for Independent Recording and Production (IRP)

Technology Requirements for Independent Recording and Production (IRP)

Independent Recording and Production (IRP) is a tech-heavy major that relies on music technology hardware and software in order to produce music. Learning and mastering the skills and techniques to become proficient requires commitment to practice and independence in execution, and students must be equipped with the right technology tools to succeed. The Music Production and Engineering Department has established the following technology requirements to ensure that all students majoring in IRP have the necessary tools to create high-quality audio content using their own equipment.

Computer Requirements

All students majoring in IRP must own an Apple MacBook Pro laptop computer that meets specific standards established by academic leadership. Please review the pan-college entering student laptop requirements: https://www.berklee.edu/sts/macbook-pro

This is a Mac-based program. No Windows, Linux, or PC can be used. Intel-based Macs are not recommended and cannot be supported.

Hardware and Software Requirements

All students majoring in Independent Recording and Production must own the following hardware and software, broken out by course and semester:

IRP	Required before beginning IRP course:
SEMESTER 0
Avid Pro Tools Studio	MP-113: Accelerated Pro Tools
iLok	“
SEMESTER 1
Sony MV1 Headphones This make and model specifically**	MP-114: Critical Listening
Apple Logic Pro	IR-223: Audio and MIDI Production 1
4-mic preamp audio interface (e.g. UA Volt 476P)	“
Shure SM57 mic (minimum) plus mic stand, and XLR mic cable	“
25-key minimum MIDI keyboard	“
Two 1 TB-minimum hard drives; same make, model and capacity
Econ Technologies Chronosync utility software
SEMESTER 2
2 multi-pattern condenser XLR mics (same make & model; e.g. AKG P420), mic stands & XLR mic cables	IR-205: Recording Techniques
Melodyne Assistant	IR-224: Audio and MIDI Production 2
iZotope Music Production Suite 8 - Educational	IR-242: Mixing Techniques 1
Sony VME Software and custom HRTF profile	“
Addictive Trigger-XLN audio	“
SEMESTER 3
2nd dynamic (moving coil) microphone (for kick drum), plus mic stand & XLR mic cable	IR-346: Advanced Recording and Editing Techniques
Native Instruments Kontakt	IR-305: Record Production Projects
SEMESTER 4
Autotune Artist (or minimum EFX)	IR-331: Vocal Production Techniques

** NOTE: As of SP26, the MPE Dept is partnering with Sony to utilize their Virtual Mixing Environment (VME) software in IRP curriculum.

https://www.sony.co.jp/en/Products/create360RA/360VME/

Each IRP student beginning in IR-242 Mixing Techniques I will be custom-measured by the Studio Operations staff to create a personalized Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF) profile in Berklee’s Mastering suite (B256/160 Mass Ave.) This profile, when used with the Sony VME software and the Sony MV-1 headphones (specifically), will provide all students the ability to monitor their work as if they were seated in Berklee’s Mastering studio in the 160 Mass. Ave. building! This revolutionary technology provides a uniform listening experience in headphones to all IRP students and faculty regardless of physical location. For this reason, the purchase of the Sony MV-1 headphones is necessary as the technology will not work properly with other brands of headphones.

See the student discounts and accommodations page below for MV-1 purchasing information.

IRP student software and hardware discounts

Please refer to the following page for current Berklee student discounts and accommodations:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ihxcA1paqLuM_UFR573FMznD8RglvGXH6vfxBg1yIXo/edit?tab=t.0

Please contact the Music Production and Engineering Department at irpinfo@berklee.edu with any questions.