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Course # / Title: |
AET 2090 Audio Engineering 1 |
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Course Credit Hours: |
3 hrs. |
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Semester: |
Fall 2008 |
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Instructor: |
Ken Landers |
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Instructor Contacts: |
615-460-6174, landersk@,mail.belmont.edu |
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Instructor Office Hours: |
Mon 12PM-3PM, Tues 11AM-1PM, Weds 12PM-3PM 30 Music Square W. Nashville TN 37203 |
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Class Location: |
RCA Studio B, 1611 Roy Acuff Place, Nashville, TN 37203 RCA-B Office: 615-242-5167 http://campus.belmont.edu/rcastudiob/ |
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Meeting Time(s): |
Section Class Lab AET2090.02 9.30am-10.45am TR 1p-1:50pm MW |
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Final Exam: |
Section Date Time AET2090.02 Tuesday, 12/16/08 8-10am |
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.
Course Outcomes: At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
· demonstrate basic audio signal flow in the recording studio
· demonstrate competency in the use of studio microphone techniques
· demonstrate competency in the use of studio outboard equipment including spectral, dynamic, and time processors
· demonstrate recording session procedures for tracking, overdubbing, and mixing sessions
· demonstrate the applied skills of an assistant engineer
· demonstrate ability to function effectively in small groups
· demonstrate ability to identify, analyze and solve technical problems
· demonstrate ability to communicate effectively
· explain the recording process used at RCA Studio B in the late 1950s and early 1960s
Performance Tasks: During this course, the student will:
· prepare the recording studio for a recording, overdub, and mix session.
· assist and observe sessions completing individual session logs.
· organize relevant session data into industry standard project documentation
· describe a professionally recorded song through a written report.
· assess the quality of audio and recording techniques using critical listening skills
· synthesize outcomes by completing assigned recording projects.
· complete practical examinations demonstrating applied knowledge and skills in the recording studio.
· complete written examinations demonstrating knowledge gained from lectures, readings, and assignments.
Assessment Tools: During this course, outcomes mastery will be evaluated by:
· Written exams - Written responses comprising short answer and original short- and long-form essays and/or multiple choice responses.
· Practical exams – Common studio procedures are assigned and student proficiency is evaluated by instructor via a timed examination
· Assignments– Assignments and recording projects are evaluated by the instructor to measure student proficiency.
Testing & Assignments:
|
Activity |
Credit |
Purpose/Description |
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1. Assistant Engineer Assignments (2) |
10% |
Students translate details of recording sessions to industry standard documentation within a specified time. |
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2. Recording Projects (4) |
35% |
Provide practical application of course content outside class and lab. Includes two recording sessions and two mixing sessions. |
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3. Assistant Engineer Sessions |
10% |
Students are required to serve as an Assistant Engineer in any Belmont University studio completing a minimum of twenty (20) hours. Credit is given on an hourly basis. Each assistant hour will receive a credit of 5 points. Credit hours are logged via the CMB Studio Invoice database system. Students must be properly booked on the session and sign the invoice at the end of the session to receive credit. If two (2) assistants serve one session, each assistant will receive 1/2 credit. |
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4. Lab Participation |
10% |
Provide hands-on application of specific class content. |
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5. Comprehensive Written Tests (3) |
15% |
Based on current reading assignments and lectures, the written tests measure the knowledge base attained during the course. Each test includes short-answer essay and multiple-choice questions. |
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6. Comprehensive Practical Exams |
10% |
Assess the demonstration of functional ability using equipment in the RCA Studio B control room. Includes completing tasks within a specified amount of time in the presence of the instructor. |
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7. Final Exam |
10% |
Based on all reading assignments and lectures, the written test measures the comprehensive knowledge attained by the end of the course. Test includes short-answer essay and multiple-choice questions. |
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.
After four total absences, a student’s final grade will be reduced by 5%. After six total absences, the student’s final grade will be reduced 10%. After eight total absences (7 combined absences of class meetings and labs during Summer term), the student will be removed from the class roster and withdrawn from the class with a grade of WF. Absences are excused at the discretion of the instructor.
Cell Phones: Cell phones must be powered off during class and lab. Any use of a cell phone during class will result in an unexcused absence for that day.
Materials:
Required:
Audio Engineering 1 Workbook by Bulla, Janas, and Prince (15th edition)
Understanding Audio: Getting the Most Out of Your Project or Professional Recording Studio by Daniel Thompson, Berklee Press
6 Blank CD-rs with jewel cases
Recommended Reading & Links:
Audio in Media by Stanley R. Alten (7th Edition preferred, 8th Edition acceptable)
Make Mine Music by Bruce Swedien. MIA Press 2004.
www.dpamicrophones.com - Microphone University
http://www.rane.com/digi-dic.html - Rane Pro Audio Reference
http://aes.org/ - Audio Engineering Society
http://www.aesnashville.org/ - local AES Chapter
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 |
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.
Class Schedule:
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DAY |
DATE |
TOPIC |
READINGS |
LAB |
ASSIGNED |
DUE |
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R |
28-Aug |
Class Overview, Lab Assignments |
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No Lab |
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T |
2-Sep |
Studio Components & Basic Signal Flow |
UA: Ch 1-2 Lab: pp 1-5.3, 35-36 |
9/3: Setup (all students)
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R |
4-Sep |
Signal Flow symbols & Block Diagrams |
UA: Ch 3 Lab: pp 17-18 |
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T |
9-Sep |
Console Signal Flow & Architecture |
UA: Ch 4, p261 Lab: pp 35-47 |
Signal Flow |
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R
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11-Sep |
Console Signal Flow cont. Tracking Documentation |
UA: Ch 4, p261 Lab: pp 35-47, 9-15.8 |
Assisting Assignment-1 |
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T
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16-Sep |
Basic Mix from Channel & Monitor Sections Pro Tools Operations |
Lab: pp 40-47 |
Mics: Voc & Agt |
Project 1 (10/17/08) |
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R |
18-Sep |
Mic Design & Operating Principles |
UA pp14-22, 260-261, 265, 198 |
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T
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23-Sep
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Applied Mono Mic Techniques, Combining Mics to 1 track: Vocals, AGT, EGT, D.I. |
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Mics: Piano
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Assisting Asst-1
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R
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25-Sep
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Applied Stereo Mic Techniques: Piano, AGT |
UA pp 218-221
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Project 2
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Project 1
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T |
30-Sep |
Mic Techniques for Drums |
UA pp 218-221 |
Mics: Amps
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R |
2-Oct |
Written Test 1 & Prac Exam 1 |
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T |
7-Oct |
Fall Break |
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No Lab |
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R |
9-Oct |
Basic Acoustics |
UA Ch 5 |
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T |
14-Oct |
Audio & Electrical Theory |
UA Ch 6 Lab pp 19-22 |
Mics: Drums
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R |
16-Oct |
Audio & Electrical Theory |
UA Ch 7 Lab pp 19-22 |
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T |
21-Oct |
Sprectal Processors - EQ |
UA pp 25, 82-83 Lab pp 102-111 |
EQ
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Project 3 (10/20/08) |
Project 2 |
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R |
23-Oct |
Dynamic Processors |
UA pp 24-25, 84-85 Lab 112-129 |
Assisting Assignment-2 |
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T |
28-Oct |
Time Processors |
UA pp 26, 74-75 Lab pp 130-134 |
Dyn
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R |
30-Oct |
Written Test 2 |
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T |
4-Nov |
Applied Mix: Printing to Analog Tape |
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Mix: Rev + Analog editing
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Assisting Asst -2 |
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R |
6-Nov |
Loudspeakers & Listening |
UA pp 26-31, 207-217, 223-235, 315-333, 340 |
Project 4 |
Project 3 |
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T |
11-Nov |
Decibels |
UA Ch 8 Lab pp 22-26 |
Mix: Rev + Analog editing
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R |
13-Nov |
Decibels |
UA Ch 9 Lab pp 22-26 |
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T |
18-Nov |
Gain Stage & Operating Level |
UA Ch 11-12 |
Analog Tape Mach Calibration
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R |
20-Nov |
Analog Tape Recording |
UA Ch 13 |
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T |
25-Nov |
Digital Recording |
UA Ch 14 |
Open Lab |
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R |
27-Nov |
Thanksgiving Break |
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No Lab |
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T |
2-Dec |
Written Exam 3 |
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Practical Exam 2 Review
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R |
4-Dec |
Practical Exam 2 |
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T |
9-Dec |
Last Day, Listen to Projects |
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No Lab |
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Project 4 |