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Course # / Title: |
AET 2050 Basic Training: Use of the DAW |
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Course Credit Hours: |
1 Credit Hour |
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Semester: |
Fall 2008 |
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Instructor: |
Rande Isabella, M.M., B.M. |
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Instructor Contacts: |
(330) 885-2142 (cell), isabellar@mail.belmont.edu |
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Instructor Office Hours: |
Office Hours by Appointment (2pm-4pm, M&W) |
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Class Location: |
R.E. Mulloy Studio B-25 (and other studios) |
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Meeting Time(s): |
4:00-5:15 p.m., MW, Aug 27th - Oct 15th (13 class meetings) |
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Final Exam: |
none |
Course Description:
AET 2050. Basic Training: Use of the DAW (1). Prerequisite: AET 1380. An introduction to the study of digital audio through the use of the Digital Audio Workstation. Study will include foundational concepts in digital theory, computer operating systems, file formats, file management and basic audio processing using both the Mac and PC platform.
Course Outcomes: At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
ú apply terminology and theory, as related to the digital audio workstation.
ú demonstrate a basic ability to functionally use multiple operating systems and DAW platforms.
ú record a song using a MIDI sequencer and live audio overdubs.
ú record, mix, and author a song to a CD.
ú troubleshoot basic computer problems.
Performance Tasks: During this course, the student will:
ú learn digital audio vocabulary through reading, lecture and lab exercises.
o This terminology includes, but is not limited to the following terms: DAW, project/session, audio file, region, segment, render, deactivate or disable, activate or enable, cpu, dsp, edit list, playlist, timeline, marker, latency, master session, slave session, sources session, mix session, bit rate, sample rate, wav, aif.
ú apply audio-related functions on MAC and PC operating systems by:
o setting and identifying sample and bit rate of projects and audio files
o transferring tracks/files between operating systems
o learning basic computer related audio skills such as file management, screen size adjustments, cpu adjustments, buffer size adjustments
o demonstrating knowledge of the parts of the computer
ú Using Protools, Logic, and Samplitude, learn essential functions of audio production, including:
o working between edit and mix windows
o creating and naming a new session
o using different navigation commands
o learning essential keyboard shortcuts
o creating and naming a new session
o grouping tracks
o using markers and memory locations
o showing and hiding tracks
o routing various I/O setups
o transferring and backing up project files
o demonstrating knowledge of signal flow
ú Using Apple Pro Logic, learn and demonstrate basic MIDI sequencing and audio recording functions including:
o making a simple MIDI sequence, using virtual instruments
o setup inputs / outputs for recording
o add live audio overdub(s) to recorded sequence, monitoring with headphones
o adjust latency and buffer size
o use both transport functions and shortcuts
o playback combined MIDI sequence with recorded audio
o utilize dynamics and eq on at least one track
o transfer all tracks to ProTools
ú Using Digidesign ProTools, learn and demonstrate ability to edit and mix multi-track audio, including:
o separating, capturing and moving regions
o deleting and trimming regions
o split regions, adjust time and alter pitch of regions
o utilize zoom to splice audio; use window shade and crossfade features
o remove noises, pops, clicks and consolidate regions
o freely move from edit to mixdown windows
o apply basic volume automation
o using inserts, aux sends, and audio suite plug-ins
o apply dynamics and eq to a stereo master track
o change parameter settings in reverb and delay (manually and via automation)
o from multi-track audio source, bounce-to-disk (mixdown)
o transfer entire project into Samplitude
ú using Magix Samplitude, learn and demonstrate basic mastering and authoring functions, including:
o remix project using Samplitude features and plug-ins
o apply mastering plug-ins to stereo master
o setup for CD authoring of multiple songs
o match levels for consistency among songs
o apply program limiter and ceiling limiter to stereo master
o dither down when making16 bit master
o author CDs
ú read related, supplemental articles provided on Blackboard
ú complete two lab projects as part of a team, demonstrating basic knowledge and proficiency using digital audio workstation platform(s).
ú document and archive projects using appropriate NARAS standards with regards to digital file management.
ú know studio session procedures for securing lab time, microphones, stands, and supplies needed for exercises and projects
Assessment Tools: During this course, outcomes mastery will be evaluated by:
ú (6) Lab Exercises
ú (4) Competency Quizzes
ú Group Lab Project - Documentation and Procedures
ú Group Presentation
Testing & Assignments:
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Activity |
Credit |
Purpose/Description |
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6 Lab Exercises (weekly) |
50 % |
Hands-on exercises will demonstrate the student’s knowledge and understanding of the technology. Points are awarded for completion of the overall task, adhering to specific production elements within the instructions. Grading will be accomplished by the use of a rubric. |
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4 Competency Quizzes |
20 % |
Quizzes will be given to evaluate subject knowledge at strategic points throughout the course. |
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Group Lab Project (200 pts.) |
20% |
Project will demonstrate the group’s ability to record from start to finish using MIDI instruments, recorded audio, and vocals. Use of editing, plug-ins, and basic automation will be required. The completed project will be a mixed and mastered CD. Grading will be evaluated using a rubric. |
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Group Presentation (100 pts.) |
10% |
Each group will present their project to the class discussing the specific elements used in production. Presentation will be evaluated using a rubric. |
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. All absences are considered unexcused, unless excused in writing by the Provost. Each absence will result in the loss of 20 points (-2%) from grade. Four absences will result in an automatic withdraw failure (WF).
Materials:
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 |
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.”
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.
AET 2050 Class Schedule (subject to change)
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Date |
Class |
Activities |
Assignments |
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W- 27 Aug |
1 |
Class Intro; Syllabus Digital Audio review; Intro to DAW |
Lab Exercise #1 Assigned (VoiceOver / Spot) |
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1 Sept |
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Labor Day Holiday |
(i) |
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W – 3 Sept |
2 |
NARAS Guidelines for Music Production DAW Fundamentals; Terminology, Computer Hardware; Interface Issues Discuss skills needed for Lab Exercise #2 |
Lab Exercise #1 Due Lab Exercise #2 Assigned (Exploring the DAW – Worksheet) |
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M- 8 Sept |
3 |
ProTools Navigation and Basics |
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W-10 Sept |
4 |
ProTools Editing, Regions and Recording Discuss skills used in Lab Exercise #3 |
Lab Exercise #2 Due Lab Exercise #3 Assigned (Record Karaoke, Edit Vocal Composite) |
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M - 15 Sept |
5 |
ProTools EQ, Dynamics; Sends and AudioSuite Plug-ins; Groups |
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W - 17 Sept |
6 |
ProTools Mixing and Automation Discuss skills used in Lab Exercise #4 |
Lab Exercise #3 Due Lab Exercise #4 Assigned (Multi-Track Mixdown: Commercial Music) |
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M - 22 Sept |
7 |
Apple Pro Logic Navigation and Features; Recording and MIDI Sequencing Discuss skills used in Group Project |
GROUP PROJECT Assigned |
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W - 24 Sept |
8 |
Apple Pro Logic Editing and Mixing Discuss skills used in Lab Exercise #5 |
Lab Exercise #4 Due Lab Exercise #5 Assigned (Apple Pro Logic: MIDI Sequencing and Recording) |
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M - 29 Sept |
9 |
Magix Samplitude Navigation and Features; Advanced Features of Samplitude (Dan Wujcik – Instructor) |
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W - 1 Oct |
10 |
Review Exercise #5 in class Mixing and Mastering Techniques with the DAW; CD Authoring; |
Lab Exercise #5 Due Lab Exercise #6 Assigned (Create CD with tracks from live recording audiofile using Samplitude) |
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M - 6 Oct |
11 |
Windows vs. PC Using Multiple Digital Audio Platforms Audio Interfaces and Word Clock Additional DAW Platforms and Loop Based Software |
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W - 8 Oct |
12 |
FINAL GROUP PROJECTS / Group Presentation / Competency Exam |
FINAL GROUP PROJECT DUE Lab Exercise #6 Due |
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M - 13 Oct |
13 |
FINAL GROUP PROJECTS / Group Presentation / Competency Exam |
(last class – no final exam) |