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Course # / Title: |
CRN 16887,
AET 1380.12 - 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. Kent
Walker., Ph.D.
candidate, M.M, B.A. |
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Instructor
Contacts: |
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Instructor Office
Hours: |
TBA –
Soon Via Blackboard |
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Class Location: |
MCREMSB25 (Massey
Center R. E. Mulloy Studios, Room
B25) |
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Meeting Time(s): |
12-12:50
MWF |
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Final Exam: |
Tuesday
December 16th, 2008 11am, 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 |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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) |
|
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. |
|
or |
12% |
|
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5b. Class Presentation (120 pts) |
|
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, 1.5%; 2 absences, 3%; 3
absences, 4.5%; 4 absences, 6%; 5 absences, 7.5%; 6 absences, 9%; 7 absences, 10.5%;
8 absences, 12%; 9 absences, 13.5%; 10 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. 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:
|
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:
|
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 19 – Fri |
TEST #1 & Observation # 1 Due |
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Oct 6-8 – Mon & Wed |
FALL BREAK – Watch
the debate. |
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Oct 15 -
Wed |
TEST #2 & Observation # 2 Due |
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Oct 17 – Mon |
Mix Lab CD Due |
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Nov 7 – Fri |
TEST #3 & Observation # 3 Due |
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Nov 26-28 Wed & Fri |
GOBBLE GOBBLE. I feel like I’m going to B-----. |
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Dec 5 – Fri |
TEST #4 & Observation # 4 Due |
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Dec 8 – Mon |
Last Day of Class – Final Projects Due |
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Dec 16 – Tues |
Final Exam 11:00 am B25 |
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DATE |
ACTIVITY |
ASSIGNMENT |
|
1 |
W |
Aug 27 |
Introduction |
Syllabus, Blackboard, class website |
|
2 |
F |
Aug 29 |
Overview;
Why is learning about technology important? The Birth of Recording (handout) |
Listening,
Reading – AOR |
|
- |
M |
Sept 1 |
LABOR DAY – NO CLASS
America On Record-Acoustic Era |
complete BOR worksheet |
|
3 |
W |
Sept 3 |
Where
did recording begin? |
BOR worksheet,
listening, observation examples |
|
4 |
F |
Sept 5 |
Historical
Perspective 1844-1937, Intro & Keys
to Understanding the Future (handouts) |
recording
timeline, listening |
|
5 |
M |
Sept 8 |
Acoustic
vs. Electrical Recording, Edison vs. Berliner |
Listening,
CHAPTER 1: The Ear |
|
6 |
W |
Sept 10 |
How
do we hear? Intro to Mix Project |
CH
1 PPT notes, spectrum tutorial |
|
7 |
F |
Sept 12 |
What
do we hear? Investigation of spectrum, let’s do the wave, loudness, the
dB, SPL |
CHAPTER
2: Physics & Psychophysics of Sound |
|
8 |
M |
Sept 15 |
Makeup
of sound; frequency, Hertz, harmonics, How does sound behave? |
CH
2 PPT Notes, tones tutorial |
|
9 |
W |
Sept 17 |
Equal
Loudness Principle, What would ALF do? Mix
lab review
TTAE Due |
Loudness
Perception Demos, Test Review #1 |
|
10 |
F |
Sept 19 |
TEST
#1 - Observation Report#1 Due |
CHAPTER
3: Acoustics & Psychoacoustics |
|
11 |
M |
Sept 22 |
Signal
Flow Icons, Signal Path of 20’s & 30’s
America On Record-Electrical
Era |
CH
3 PPT notes, Reverb Patent |
|
12 |
W |
Sept 24 |
Life
Cycle of a Sound, Difference between echo & reverb, Precedence Effect |
Listening |
|
13 |
F |
Sept 26 |
Is it (a)live or dead? Acoustics of a
Room, Sound isolation & studio construction |
CHAPTER
4: Microphones |
|
14 |
M |
Sept 29 |
Types
of Microphones; History &Use, historical perspective 1937-1940s |
CH
4 PPT notes |
|
15 |
W |
Oct 1 |
How
they work, What do they hear? Recording Project basics |
CHAPTER
13: Music Production |
|
16 |
F |
Oct 3 |
Microphone
characteristics |
CH
13 PPT notes, Mic tutorials |
|
- |
MW |
Oct 6-8 |
FALL BREAK – NO CLASS |
Watch the Debate |
|
17 |
F |
Oct 10 |
Basic
microphone techniques
TTEE
Due
|
Listening |
|
18 |
M |
Oct 13 |
Recording
Techniques/Process to the Mid 40s |
Test Review #2 (MELE No Class) |
|
19 |
W |
Oct 15 |
TEST
#2 - Observation Report#2 Due America
On Record-Digital Era |
CHAPTER
5: Mixers & Consoles |
|
20 |
F |
Oct 17 |
Mix Lab CD Due
Test Review, Recording Process Late 1940s, Early consoles |
CH
5 PPT notes |
|
21 |
M |
Oct 20 |
The
origin of the console, channel strip components, mix lab tutorial |
Listening, BOLP worksheet |
|
22 |
W |
Oct 22 |
Difference
between an aux send & insert , Birth of the LP (handout) |
CHAPTER
6: Analog Recording |
|
23 |
F |
Oct 24 |
Consoles
cont. Recording Techniques/Process 50s - 60's, Early Stereo |
CH
6 PPT notes, Listening, CH 6 Supplement |
|
24 |
M |
Oct 27 |
History
of the Tape Recorder, Recording techniques of the 1960's BOLP review |
CHAPTER
8: Signal Processing |
|
25 |
W |
Oct 29 |
Signal
Processing – EQ, Compression, Delay, Echo, Flanging & Phasing |
CH
8 PPT notes |
|
26 |
F |
Oct 31 |
Les
Paul “Chasing Sound” – video Part 1 |
Listening |
|
27 |
M |
Nov 3 |
Les
Paul “Chasing Sound” - video Part
2
|
Listening |
|
28 |
W |
Nov 5 |
Review,
NPR 100 Beach Boys "Good Vibrations", Final Recording Project review |
NPR
Top 100 Songs, Listening, Test Review
#3 |
|
29 |
F |
Nov 7 |
TEST
#3 - Observation Report #3 Due |
Time to plan & complete final recording
project |
|
30 |
M |
Nov 10 |
Test
Review, “The Making of Sgt Pepper” – video, worksheet (handout) TTDE Due |
CHAPTER
9: Loudspeakers & Monitoring |
|
31 |
W |
Nov 12 |
Loudspeakers/Monitoring;
General Considerations |
CHAPTER
6: Digital Recording |
|
32 |
F |
Nov 14 |
Intro
to Digital Audio – sampling & quantization, Nyquist theory |
CH
6 PPT notes, Supplemental PPT notes online |
|
33 |
M |
Nov 17 |
Meet
the Bits & Bytes; Mega, Giga & Tera, the digital process, to dither
or not to dither… |
Supplemental
PPT notes, Listening |
|
34 |
W |
Nov 19 |
Digital
Tape, DASH, R-DAT, MDM’s, ADAT, Digital interfaces,jitter, wordclock |
Supplemental
PPT notes |
|
35 |
F |
Nov 21 |
Instrument
& Computer interfaces, CD & CD-R basics |
Listening,
Supplemental PPT notes |
|
36 |
M |
Nov 24 |
History
of the MP3, Data compression, The DVD |
Listening,
Supplemental PPT notes |
|
- |
WF |
Nov 26-28 |
THANKSGIVING BREAK – NO CLASS |
Organize
all notes. Prep for Test 4 |
|
37 |
M |
Dec 1 |
DVD-A,
& SACD – where are they? Surround sound, DTS, Dolby Digital |
Listening,
Supplemental PPT notes |
|
38 |
W |
Dec 3 |
The
Digital Audio Workstation – advantages & disadvantages, Plugins vs.
hardware, Demo |
Listening,
Supplemental PPT notes, Test Review #4 |
|
39 |
F |
Dec 5 |
TEST
#4 - Observation Report #4 Due, Sample Final |
Complete final recording project report |
|
40 |
M |
Dec 8 |
Last Day of Class – Final Projects Due, Test
Review & Final Exam Review |
Finish
strong! Study for final exam |
|
41 |
T |
Dec 16 |
Final Exam – December
16th, 2008 11am, Room B25 |
Time
to call it a rap! |