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Course # / Title: |
CRN 10098, AET 1380.10 (section 10) and AET 1380.11 (section 11) Survey of Recording Technology |
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Course Credit Hours: |
3 hrs. |
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Semester: |
Fall 2008 |
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Instructor: |
Mr. Rande Isabella, M.M., B.M., Adjunct Instructor |
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Instructor Contacts: |
(330) 885-2142, isabellar@mail.belmont.edu |
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Instructor Office Hours: |
2:00-4:00pm MW, 3:30-4:00pm TR – by appointment |
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Class Location: |
MCREMSB25 (Massey Center R. E. Mulloy Studios, Room B25) |
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Meeting Time(s): |
Section 10: 2:00 – 3:15pm TR Section 11: 4::00 – 5:15pm TR |
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Final Exam: |
Section 10: Thursday, Dec. 11th, 2008, 2:00pm (Room B25) Section 11: Thursday, Dec. 11th, 2008, 5:00pm (Room B25) |
Course Description: A study of the major areas of recording technology as related to the music industry. The student receives an overview of analog and digital technology with attention to its innovations, history, and effect on the music industry.
Course Outcomes: At the end of this course the student will be able to:
ú identify and recall significant events and individuals that have influenced recording technology from 1844 to the present.
ú describe and implement basic procedures used in the recording process.
ú recognize and appraise differences in audio examples using critical listening skills.
ú apply and interpret a technical vocabulary.
ú demonstrate fundamental knowledge and basic skill manipulating entry-level professional recording equipment.
Performance Tasks: During this course the student will:
ú read audio related supplemental articles and web-linked assigned reading.
ú associate recording devices, mediums, and their inventors chronologically in a historical timeline.
ú categorize facts from the acoustic, electrical, and digital eras.
ú identify microphone placement, characteristics, and miking techniques.
ú describe the power of the dB.
ú list characteristics of analog tape.
ú explain how multi-track recording changed the production of music.
ú explain the difference between a bit, byte, megabyte, gigabyte, and terrabyte.
ú relate the Nyquist Theory to the vibration cycle of a waveform.
ú list steps in the encoding and decoding of a digital signal.
ú list current digital formats.
ú explain the advantages of the digital workstation.
ú explain how the ear works.
ú describe the basic principles of auditory perception.
ú identify the properties of sound and how it behaves in a room.
ú plot differences in frequency and dB.
ú calculate harmonics, wavelength, and octaves using frequency.
ú differentiate the envelope of a sound from the life cycle of a sound.
ú recognize the time difference between delay and reverb.
ú recognize the effect of a signal that is in and out-of-phase.
ú identify recording methods used during the recording process.
ú describe how the phonautograph, phonograph, and the telegraphone work.
ú recognize and explain the function of specific audio equipment used in the recording studio.
ú practice signal flow.
ú describe how the speaker works.
ú describe how the tape recorder works.
ú explain the basics of digital audio.
ú calculate differences in bit word length, bandwidth of sample rates, and dynamic range.
ú identify digital and computer interfaces.
ú create a stereo mix from a pre-recorded 8 track multi-track project.
ú create a final recording project using classroom equipment, or
ú create a class presentation based on a product that demonstrates how technology is in a state of change.
Assessment Tools: During this course, outcomes mastery will be evaluated by:
ú short answer quizzes and multiple-choice tests based on lectures, assigned readings, and class listening examples.
ú written observations of studio recording sessions.
ú completion of a collaborative mix project.
ú completion of a collaborative final recording project or class presentation.
ú a comprehensive written exam based on lectures, assigned readings, and listening.
Testing & Assignments:
|
Activity |
Credit |
Purpose/Description |
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1. Quizzes (6 @ 10pts each) |
6 % |
Based on reading assignments, lectures, and listening. Quizzes will assess the student’s knowledge of the topic. Quiz format is short answer or fill in the blank. |
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2. Comprehensive Tests (4 @ 100 pts each) |
40 % |
Based on reading assignments, lectures and listening. Comprehensive tests will assess the depth of the student’s knowledge of the topic. Each test is a series of multiple-choice questions. |
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3. Written Observations (4 @ 30 pts each) |
12 % |
A pre-formatted three-page report demonstrates the application of knowledge gained from observing (4) studio recording sessions. Grading is achieved by an observation rubric. |
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4. Mix Project (100 pts) |
10 % |
A collaborative group mix project demonstrates the student’s ability to use classroom studio equipment. Grading is achieved by a mix rubric. |
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5a. Final Recording Project (120 pts) |
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A collaborative group recording project demonstrates the student’s ability to record a song using classroom studio equipment. Accompanied by a three-page report documenting procedure, the report and mix are graded using a final project rubric. |
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or |
12% |
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5b. Class Presentation (120 pts) |
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In lieu of a final recording project, students will present a 10min PPT presentation accompanied by a five-page report of a product that demonstrates how recording technology is changing. Paper must cite a minimum of (5) references and use MLA format. |
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6. Final Exam (200 pts) |
20 % |
A comprehensive test of multiple-choice questions and short answers is used to measure the student’s composite knowledge of topics covered from lectures, readings, equipment use, and listening. |
Course & Classroom Policies:
Attendance & Participation:
Class attendance follows university policy as stated in the current Undergraduate Bulletin. Class participation is expected; attendance and absence will be noted.
http://www.belmont.edu/catalog/undergrad2008jun/apolicy/index.html
Points (%) will be deducted from the final grade for unexcused absences. 1 absence, 2%; 2 absences, 4%; 3 absences, 6%; 4 absences, 8%; 5 absences, 10%; 6 absences, 12%; 7 absences, 14%; 8 absences, the student will be dropped from the class with a failing grade (WF).
Materials:
Audio in Media, 7th Edition, Stanley R. Alten, Thomson, Wadsworth.
America on Record; A History of Recorded Sound, 2nd Edition, Andre Millard, Cambridge Press.
A class notebook/binder and several blank CD-R’s for class projects will be needed.
PLEASE NOTE: America On Record is a required purchase and is available in the BU bookstore. Audio in Media, 7th Edition is a recommended purchase and is no longer available from the publisher. [The primary difference between the 7th and 8th Edition is that the 8th Edition does not contain the chapter on Analog Recording.] You are encouraged to find a used text, or purchase individual chapters via ichapters.com at:
https://www.ichapters.com/tl1/en/US/storefront/ichapters?cmd=catProductDetail&showAddButton=true&ISBN=978-0-534-63046-1 The following chapters are covered in this course. 1) Ears, 2) Physics & Psychophysics, 3) Acoustics & Psychoacoustics, 4) Microphones, 5) Consoles & Control Surfaces, 6) Recording, 8) Signal Processors, 9) Loudspeakers & Monitoring, and 13) Music Production.
All students are expected to prepare and contribute to class discussions. Specific class activities, lecture notes, reminders, and reviews are updated frequently using Blackboard. Additional class readings and website links are available on the class website. http://campus.belmont.edu/mb/AET1380/
You are expected to complete reading and study of textbook chapter assignments as noted in the daily class schedule. Additional material given via handouts and class PPT lecture notes (available for print via Blackboard) will require an organized binder. A #2 pencil will be needed for quizzes and multiple-choice tests. Observation of four recording sessions at designated intervals with detailed reports will be required. Additionally, all students will complete a collaborative mix project, a final recording project, or a class presentation.
Grade Evaluation: As per CEMB policy, the grade assignment scale for this course is:
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Grade |
Percent (GPA) |
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A |
94 (4.0) |
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A- |
90 (3.7) |
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B+ |
87 (3.3) |
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B |
84 (3.0) |
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B- |
80 (2.7) |
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C+ |
77 (2.3) |
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C |
74 (2.0) |
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C- |
70 (1.7) |
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Final grades below 70 % will not apply to the major. |
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D+ |
67 |
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D |
64 |
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D- |
60 |
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F |
< 60 |
All test dates are noted in the class schedule. Quizzes may be unannounced. No makeup tests or quizzes will be given. The final test is a comprehensive exam. Test dates may be subject to change with exception of the final exam. No electronic devices of any kind maybe used during exams. Opportunity to earn extra credit in the amount of 4% may be given during the semester and added to your final grade.
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 sees to it that others abide by the spirit and letter of this Honor Pledge.”
Accommodation of Disabilities: In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Belmont University will provide reasonable accommodation of all medically documented disabilities. If you have a disability and would like the university to provide reasonable accommodations of the disability during this course, please notify the Office of the Dean of Students located in Beaman Student Life Center (460-6407) as soon as possible.
Class Schedule Summary:
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Key Dates |
Activity |
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Aug 27 – Wed |
Introduction |
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Sept 1 – Mon |
LABOR DAY – NO CLASS |
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Sept 18 – Thu |
TEST #1 & Observation # 1 Due |
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Oct 6-8 – Mon & Wed |
FALL BREAK – Watch the debate (live or on TV). |
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Oct 16 - Thu |
TEST #2 & Observation # 2 Due |
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Oct 17 – Mon |
Mix Lab CD Due |
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Nov 4 – Tue |
Get out and VOTE!!! (It is YOUR future being decided) |
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Nov 6 – Thu |
TEST #3 & Observation # 3 Due |
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Nov 26-30 |
GOBBLE GOBBLE...pass the pepto. |
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Dec 4 – Thu |
TEST #4 & Observation # 4 Due |
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Dec 8 – Mon |
Last Day of Class – Final Projects Due |
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Dec 11 – Thu |
Final Exam 5:00pm B25 |
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DATE |
ACTIVITY |
ASSIGNMENT |
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1 |
R |
Aug 28 |
Introduction - Why Is Technology Important? - The Birth of Recording (handout) |
Syllabus, Blackboard, class website, Discussion |
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- |
M |
Sept 1 |
LABOR DAY – NO CLASS |
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2 |
T |
Sept 2 |
Early Inventor / Entrepreneurs - America On Record-Acoustic Era |
BOR worksheet, listening, observation examples |
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3 |
R |
Sept 4 |
AUDIO: Acoustic vs. electrical, Early Recording |
Read AIM: CH 1 "Sound and Hearing" (Ch. 1 & 2 in 7th Ed), AOR CH 4-5 |
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4 |
T |
Sept 9 |
Physics of Sound, Hearing; Equal Loudness Contours, dB, SPL, Dynamic Range, Phase |
Handout: "Frequency Spectrum", |
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5 |
R |
Sept 11 |
Frequency, Spectrum, Velocity, Wavelength, Masking, Timbre, Interference, ADSR |
Historical Timeline, Read Handouts on Building Blocks of Audio, Read AOR: CH 6-7 |
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6 |
T |
Sept 16 |
Historical Timeline, Review for Exam #1 America On Record – Electrical Era |
Sample test questions, study for test |
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7 |
R |
Sept 18 |
TEST #1, Observation #1 Due |
Handout: Lab Operations Worksheet / Studio B25 Signal Flow, AOR CH 8-9 |
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8 |
T |
Sept 23 |
AIM:CH2 Acoustics: Precedence effect, Reverb, Echo/Delay, Noise, Studio Design |
Read AIM:CH 2 (Ch. 3 - 7th Ed.) Acoustics & Psychoacoustics, |
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9 |
R |
Sept 25 |
Mix Lab Worksheet; Loudspeakers and Monitoring |
Read AIM: CH3 Loudspeakers/Monitoring (Ch. 9 7th Ed.), AOR CH 10-11 |
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10 |
T |
Sept 30 |
AIM:CH4, Intro. to Microphones; types, history, use, characteristics, 20's & 30's Recording |
Read AIM: CH4 Microphones (p.58-72), (p. 43-57 7th Ed.) AOR CH 12-13 |
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11 |
R |
Oct 2 |
Mic techniques, Mic design, performance, polar patterns, proximity |
Read AIM:CH 4 Microphones (p. 72-90), (p. 57-74 7th Ed.) |
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- |
T |
Oct 6-8 |
FALL BREAK – NO CLASS |
Watch the Debate |
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12 |
R |
Oct 9 |
Lab Demo: Microphone Application |
Microphone Worksheet, AOR CH 14 |
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13 |
T |
Oct 14 |
Review for Exam #2, Mic Worksheet Due, Birth of the LP (handout) |
Read & complete review to "Birth of LP", Study for test |
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14 |
R |
Oct 16 |
Exam #2, Observation #2 Due, Mix Lab CD / Project Due / Evaluate Projects |
Read AIM:CH15 Music Production (CH13 7th Ed.) |
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15 |
T |
Oct 21 |
Lab Demo: Studio B25 (worksheet); Rec Techniques of the 40's-50's, Music Production |
Read AOR CH 15-16 |
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16 |
R |
Oct 23 |
AIM:CH 5, Consoles, Signal Flow, EQ; Early consoles |
Read AIM:CH 5 Mixers & Consoles, Signal Flow and other handouts |
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17 |
T |
Oct 28 |
Signal Processors, Analog Audio, Console Components -Final Project Worksheet (handout) |
Read AIM:CH 8 Signal Processors, Analog Audio handouts |
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18 |
R |
Oct 30 |
History of the Tape Recorder, Analog Recording; Les Paul “Chasing Sound” DVD – pt. 1 |
Read AIM:7th Ed. ONLY: CH 6 Recording (pp 101-112), |
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19 |
T |
Nov 4 |
Les Paul “Chasing Sound” DVD – pt. 2, 50's and 60's recordings; VOTE!! |
Study for the test |
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20 |
R |
Nov 6 |
Review, TEST #3, Observation 3 Due - America On Record - Digital Era |
Read AOR CH 17- 18 |
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21 |
T |
Nov 11 |
70's and 80's recordings, automation, analog vs. digital studios; (Sgt Pepper DVD) |
Read 70’s and 80’s Recording handouts |
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22 |
R |
Nov 13 |
Basics of Digital Audio, sampling, quantization; (Sgt Pepper DVD) |
Read AIM CH 6, Digital Recording (p. 112-130 7th Ed.) |
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23 |
T |
Nov 18 |
Dither, Jitter, Digital mediums & formats, CD, DVD, SACD |
Read Digital Audio Supplemental Handout |
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24 |
R |
Nov 20 |
The DAW, Digital Interfaces, Software Comparisons and Plug-Ins |
Read Digital Audio Supplemental Handout |
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25 |
T |
Nov 25 |
Review, TEST #4, Observation 4 Due |
Prepare for Test |
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- |
R |
Nov 27 |
THANKSGIVING BREAK |
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26 |
T |
Dec 2 |
Future of Recording Technologies |
Read Future of Recording Handout; Prep Final Project |
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27 |
R |
Dec 4 |
Final Project CD & Paper Due; Why Is Technology Important? (reprise) |
Prepare for Technology Discussion |
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28 |
T |
Dec 9 |
Last Day of Class: Final Exam Review; Observation #4 Due |
Study for Final Fxam, Bring Questions |
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- |
W |
Dec 10 |
Dead Day |
Put off procrastinating to another day! |
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x |
R |
Dec 11 |
Final Exam (Section 10 @2pm; Section 11 @5pm) |
Joy to the World!! |