COURSE
SYLLABUS
Course Title: Audio
Engineering I
Course #: AET 3090
Credit Hours: 3
Semester: Fall 2006
Class Location: RCA Studio B,
Meeting Time(s): Section
1. TR 8:00AM – 9:15AM
Section
2. TR 9:30AM – 10:45AM
Labs: Section 1. MW 1:00PM - 1:50PM – Students will
attend on one day per week as assigned in class.
Section 2. MW 2:00PM – 2:50PM – Students will attend on one day per week as assigned in class.
Final Exam: Section 1. Thursday, 7 December 2006, 8:00 AM
Section
2. Tuesday, 12 December 2006,
8:00 AM
Instructor: Mr. Ken Landers
Contacts: Phone:
(615) 460-6174 Email: landersk@mail.belmont.edu
Mr.
Michael Janas, Studio Manager, RCA Studio B
(615) 242-5167 Email: janasm@mail.belmont.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Prerequisites: AET 1380 and permission of instructor. A detailed
study of the technical characteristics and performance of each component of the
recording studio. Topics include basic studio electronics and signal flow,
dynamic processing, basic microphone design, studio acoustics, basic session
procedures, and the role of the assistant engineer. Emphasis is placed on
developing logistical as well as audio perception skills for recording
engineers. Lab hours required. ($30.00 course fee)
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will gain a solid foundation in the recording studio through a combination of hands-on experience, lecture, projects, and readings. From a hands-on perspective, the student will engineer and mix multiple recording projects, assist on other recording projects, complete lab assignments. The student will gain the skills and knowledge to become a competent assistant engineer on a recording project. The student will also gain a thorough knowledge of the components that make up a recording studio and the uses of these components.
GOALS OF THE
The following objectives will be applied
toward course completion:
· To provide a personalized, career-oriented and practical education that emphasizes leadership, innovation, private enterprise, and entrepreneurship.
HONOR CODE: It is the responsibility of each student to abide
by the Belmont University Honor Code.
“In affirmation of the Belmont University Statement of Values, I pledge that I will not give or receive aid during examinations; I will not give or receive false or impermissible aid in course work, in the preparation of reports, or in any other type of work that is to be used by the instructor as the basis of my grade; I will not engage in any form of academic fraud. Furthermore, I will uphold my responsibility to see to it that others abide by the spirit and letter of this Honor Pledge.”
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Attendance: As per the current Undergraduate Bulletin. Students are encouraged to attend all class sessions. This class moves very fast and covers lots of material. There will be no make-up exams given. If a student has an excused absence (official notice from the provost) and misses an exam, the other exam grades will be averaged without that test.
2.
Materials:
a. Textbooks
i.
Audio in Media, 7th
Edition by
ii.
Make Mine Music by Bruce
Swedien. MIA Press 2004.
iii.
Audio Engineering I Lab Book
b. Project
Materials
i.
To be provided by student
1. 6 blank CD-Rs with jewel cases (do not use CD-A discs)
2.
22 manila envelopes with clasp (or
equivalent) to submit projects (it will contain your mix CDs & session
documentation)
ii. To be provided by RCA-B
1. Neato Labels for CD-Rs (create using the public access computer at RCA Studio B)
2. 2” analog tape
3. 1/4” analog tape
4.
Session documentation forms
(located in the black file cabinet in the Break Room)
3. Participation and Prepared Assignments: All projects are due at the beginning of
class on the date stated below in the class schedule.
a.
Assistant Engineering Assignment.
i.
Song Chart. This involves charting
song structure, identifying instruments and parts performed, and matching
timings to a CD or downloaded recording.
ii.
Lyric Sheet. Using a word processor, format the song
lyrics to match exactly what is on the recording. Provide boxes to the right of the lyric for
marking takes.
b.
RCA Studio B Song Analysis. Students will select a song that was recorded
at historic RCA Studio B in its commercially operational years 1957-1977. Students must verify the selected song with
Mr. Landers or Mr. Janas to be accepted for credit.
i.
Paper. Students will research the recording and
include the following information in a well thought out and executed short
paper (2 pages minimum). Students must provide the following
information: label, album song was released on, song title, writer(s),
engineer(s), producer(s), player(s) , and, if possible, recording format and
anecdotes regarding the session.
Citations must be in MLA form.
ii.
Song Chart. As above, in the Assistant Engineering
Assignment.
iii.
Lyric Sheet. As above,
in the Assistant Engineering Assignment.
c.
Historic Song Analysis. Students will select a popular song (charted
song in pop, country, rock, or similar charts) recorded and released prior to
1980. Otherwise, this assignment is
identical to the RCA Studio B Song Analysis.
The elements to be turned in include:
i.
Paper. As above, see RCA Studio B Song Analysis
ii.
Song Chart. As above,
see RCA Studio B Song Analysis
iii.
Lyric Sheet. As above,
see RCA Studio B Song Analysis
d. Projects. Students will do two
recording projects throughout the course of the semester. The project dates are found in the schedule
below. The project specifics are as
follows:
i.
General Requirements
1.
Engineers may not perform on their own sessions.
2.
Assistant Engineers may not perform on their sessions.
3.
Only currently enrolled AE1 students may assist on AE1
sessions.
4.
Scheduled Engineers or Assistant Engineers who do not show
up for confirmed sessions will lose one full letter from their final course
grade.
5.
Assistant Engineers who must miss a session must contact
the Engineer and make arrangements for a replacement. It is the responsibility of the Assistant
Engineer to find their substitute.
6.
Only AE1 Approved Microphones (dynamics only) may be used –
no exceptions.
7.
In a manila envelope, submit a mix CD and the session
documentation for each project on the due date.
ii.
Scheduling Session Time
1.
Reserve project session time in class. The sessions are considered on HOLD, and are
posted in RED typeface on the RCA Studio B Schedule website:
http://campus.belmont.edu/mb/studio/schedule.htm
2.
To confirm your session, complete a WORK ORDER (available
at RCA Studio B or online) and submit it to the RCA Studio B Manager.
3.
Once the work order is verified your session is posted in
GREEN typeface on the RCA Studio B Schedule website.
4.
Work Orders must be submitted no less than 1 week prior to
the first session.
5.
Requests to change session times must be submitted directly
to the RCA-B Studio Manager via email or written note.
iii.
Session Documentation
1.
CD Label & AES Media Insert: Use the Neato label listed above for the CD
and complete an AES Media Insert.
2.
Session Journal:
With a minimum one page per session, describe your recording process and
the events of the session.
3.
Track Sheet/Microphone List: The Track Sheet lists what you have recorded
on each track of the 2” analog tape. On
the backside is a setup sheet to list sound sources, mics, mic lines, and mic
preamps.
4.
Studio Layout: Show
the locations of each instrument in the studio during each phase of
recording. Include mic placement, layout
of mic lines and cue lines, baffles, etc.
You may need to use several sheets for each session.
5.
Session Recall Documents: Use the AES/NARAS recording maps
and the equipment recall documents to detail every control setting used during
each session.
6.
Credits: On a
separate sheet list every person who worked on or contributed to the
project: Client, Producer, Artist,
Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Musicians (and which instruments they played),
Vocalists, and Staff Engineer. Also
include all song credits including writer, publisher, and performing rights
organization.
7.
Cue Sheets: 1 Lyric
Sheet, 1 Chord Chart. Each sheet to be
notated with Tape Times for each section of the song and are to be used during
the session to help you locate the tape to different sections as needed.
iv.
Project 1: 8-track record & mix
1.
In one 3-hour session the student will record a vocal
accompanied by an acoustic instrument to the analog multitrack recorder and
then mix the tracks to Pro Tools using the channel side of the API
console. The student will burn two CD
copies of the finalized mix, turn one copy in with the session documentation to
the instructor and keep the other as a safety copy (backup).
a.
The song recorded may be an original composition or a
“cover” (previously released) song.
b. Recordings will consist of one or more
vocals accompanied by one or more acoustic instruments.
c.
No drum sets or amplified instruments may be used. Hand percussion is permitted.
d. Instruments and vocals may be “punched”
or overdubbed as needed.
e.
All instruments and vocals must be recorded using only
microphones (no direct boxes).
f.
The recording may not exceed 8 tracks.
g. Pro Tools Mix Information: After recording the mix, place a Fade-In at
the head of the song and a Fade-Out at the tail. Normalize the mix to -.5dB. Bounce to disc as a stereo interleaved,
44.1kHz, 16-bit BWF (Broadcast WAV) file, then print 2 audio CDs of your final
Pro Tools mix.
v.
Project 2: 16-track record & mix
a.
In two separate 3-hour sessions the student will record an
ensemble to the analog multitrack recorder and then, in a subsequent session,
mix the tracks to Pro Tools and an analog 2-track. The student will burn two CD copies of the
finalized mix, turn one copy in with the session documentation to the
instructor and keep the other as a safety copy (backup).
b. Note:
You may only record a “cover” (previously released) song. No original, unreleased compositions may be
used.
2.
Tracking Session
a.
You will have 1 session to record basic tracks.
b. Required Tracks: Drum Kit (bass drum,
snare drum, toms, high hat, cymbals), bass (electric and/or acoustic), Lead
Vocal, and at least 3 other instruments.
c.
You may add any other tracks you wish to complete the song.
d. You must record the rhythm section and a
“scratch” vocal simultaneously. The
rhythm section is to include at least a drum kit, bass, and either a guitar or
keyboard instrument.
e.
You may not use more than 16 tracks.
f.
You may use as many overdub passes as necessary to record
the parts.
g. You may bounce tracks in order to free
tracks for additional recording.
h. Direct Boxes (DI boxes) may be used for
bass only. All other electric
instruments must be recorded using amplifiers, speakers, and microphones.
3.
Mix Session
a.
You will have 1 session to mix the tracks and print the
final mix, simultaneously, to the analog 2-track and the Pro Tools System.
b. You may also use part of this session to
complete overdubs.
c.
Analog 2-track: Edit the head & tail of the mix with
white leader tape before and after it.
d. Pro Tools: After recording the mix, place
a Fade-In at the head of the song and a Fade-Out at the tail. Normalize the mix to -.5dB. Bounce to disc as a stereo interleaved,
44.1kHz, 16-bit BWF (Broadcast WAV) file, then print 2 audio CDs of your final Pro
Tools mix.
e.
Additional Assignments. The
instructor reserves the right to add assignments as he deems fit or
necessary. Any additional assignments
will be averaged into the Additional Projects/Papers section of the grade
evaluations.
4. Testing: Exam 1 – 19 September 2006
Exam 2 – 10 October 2006
Exam 3 – 9 November 2006
Final Exam – either 7 December 2006 or 12 December 2006 according
to section.
a.
The instructor reserves the right to add
unplanned or “pop” quizzes as he sees fit.
Any “pop” quiz will be averaged with Exams 1-3 and will not be worth
more than 5% of the Exam 1-3 grade.
b.
No make—up exams will be given. Students can only be excused from an exam
with proper notification from the provost.
In the case of excused, missed exams; the other exams percentages will
be adjusted accordingly.
5. Basis of grade evaluation: Grading
scale as per the current Undergraduate Bulletin.
a.
Itemized Credit
i.
Attendance & Participation 10%
ii.
Labs 10%
iii.
Exams 40% (Exams 1-3 = 25%, Final = 15%)
iv.
Recording Projects 20%
v. Assisting Hours 10%
vi.
Additional Projects/Papers 10% (Assistant Engineering Assignment =
2%; RCA-B Assignment = 4%; Historic Song
= 4%)
b.
Total Points (%) 100%
6. Class Schedule:
|
Day |
Class Topic |
Readings/Assignments |
|
24 Aug |
Intro to Class, Tour,
Assistant Engineering |
Assistant
Engineering Assignment Assigned. |
|
29 Aug |
Microphones; Physics
of Sound in Air |
|
|
31 Aug |
Microphones (cont)
Recording Basics |
|
|
5 Sept |
Microphones (cont),
Stereo Mic Techniques |
Assistant
Engineering Assignment Due. |
|
7 Sept |
Lines, Balanced v.
Unbalanced, Physics of Electrical Signals, Levels |
RCA Studio B Song
Analysis Assigned. Lab
Book; AiM 14-15 |