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Course # / Title: |
CRN 10112, AET 3190.01l, Audio Engineering II CRN 11058, AET 3190.02l, Audio Engineering II |
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Course Credit Hours: |
3 hrs. |
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Semester: |
Fall 2008 |
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Instructor: |
Mr. Dan Wujcik, M.M, B.S., AET Program Coordinator |
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Instructor Contacts: |
(615) 460-5625, wujcikd@mail.belmont.edu |
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Instructor Office Hours: |
9:00-10:00am MWF, 11:00am-12:00pm TR – by appointment |
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Class Location: |
REMSB07, Center for Music Business |
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Meeting Time(s): |
AET 3190.01 - 8:00 - 9:15am TR, LAB 11:00am-12:20pm MW AET 3190.02 - 9:30-10:45am TR, LAB 12:30am - 1:45pm MW |
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Final Exam(s): |
Written Exam: Tuesday, Dec 9th, last day of class Practical Exam: CRN 10112, AET 3190.01 - Thursday, Dec 11th, 8:00am Practical Exam: CRN 11058, AET 3190.02 – Tuesday, Dec 16th, 8:00am |
Course Description:
AET 3190 Audio Engineering II (3) Prerequisite: AET 3090 and permission of instructor. A continuation of AET 3090, this course is an advanced study of the technical characteristics and performance of each component of the recording studio. Topics include advanced studio electronics and signal flow, computer-based digital recording and editing, analog and digital tape machine operations, automated console operations, condenser microphones, spatial signal processing, and the role of the audio engineer. The development of audio perception skills for recording engineers is emphasized. Lab hours required.
Course Outcomes: At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
ú demonstrate advanced signal flow comprehension and application through operation of the NEVE, SSL, and TOFT consoles.
ú associate the relationship of similar component functions between the NEVE, SSL & TOFT consoles.
ú demonstrate and describe the need for an accurate calibration of an analog tape machine.
ú plan, organize, illustrate, and document recording session information according to industry standards.
ú assess the quality of recordings using basic critical listening skills.
ú create two satisfactory recording projects using comprehensive knowledge gained, individual and group experience attained, and fusion of accrued abilities developed.
ú express an accurate, advanced technical language
ú perform (2) practical examinations certifying accrued knowledge, practical skill, and satisfactory level of proficiency.
Performance Tasks: During this course, the student will:
ú read related, supplemental articles, web-linked assigned reading, and required studio manuals.
ú follow and abide by CEMB studio session procedure protocol.
ú dramatize session setups in Studio A (large), and Studio B (small).
ú label console channel strips identifying tracks and EFX with auxiliary assignments used.
ú operate channel, monitor, and master section components of the NEVE, SSL, and TOFT consoles.
ú establish satisfactory CUE send levels using the NEVE (Studio A), SSL (Studio B), and Toft (Studio C) consoles monitoring at the console and with headphones.
ú demonstrate proper level setting of an effect send and return.
ú recognize the need to zero a console after each use.
ú explain the function of specific components of the NEVE (Studio A), SSL (Studio B), and Toft (Studio C) consoles.
ú demonstrate signal flow between multiple locations using each console’s patchbay and the central patchbay tie lines.
ú locate specific studio A, B and C equipment and satisfactorily connect multi-track audio recorders using ELCO multi-pin harnesses in the central machine room.
ú demonstrate autolocator transport operation of the Studer 827 analog tape machine, RADAR hard disk recorder, and the ProTools HD system.
ú perform an accurate tape alignment calibration of the Studer 827 24 track tape machine including setting proper bias for type of tape used.
ú demonstrate basic and advanced signal processing (spectral and dynamic), and basic use of delay, reverb, and spatial effects through use of hardware based external devices available.
ú conduct (6) recording sessions during the semester; (2) each fo: tracking, overdub, and mix for two projects implementing satisfactory operation of equipment used to date.
ú explore advanced mixing techniques through sound localization, spectrum, dynamic, and spatial processing.
ú demonstrate ProTools as a multi-track tape machine by: a. creating session files with tracks labeled (new or imported), b. identifying sample and bit rate of audio files in folder, c. transferring tracks/files between formats, d. recording, managing, and creating backup files, and e. transferring files over the network
ú perform (2) project transfers; analog to digital, and digital to digital, demonstrating an understanding and use of: a. ELCO transfer cabling, b. Network applications, c. Wordclock, d. SMPTE.
ú perform basic audio synchronization between RADAR and ProTools.
ú practice and apply the use of basic automation as applied to mixing using Flying Faders on the Neve console (Studio A), and Ultimation on the SSL console (Studio B).
ú understand and apply equalization using console parameters (pre and post tape) and available outboard equipment.
ú demonstrate satisfactory parameter settings of a compressor, limiter, gate, and expander by use of a console’s DYN section and/or available outboard equipment.
ú demonstrate advanced dynamic processing by creating external keying, ducking, and de-essing by use of console’s KEY/GATE section and/or available outboard equipment.
ú describe basic manufacturer and sonic differences between available studio outboard equipment.
ú determine the accurate tempo of a song and calculate delay times in milliseconds.
ú demonstrate and describe reasons to change basic parameter settings in reverb, delay, and special effect hardware.
ú create a balanced mix from an unfamiliar pre-recorded 24 track project in an assigned collaborative team.
ú create stereo full and track mixes demonstrating the use of: a. the HHB CD-R Burner, b. the Alesis Masterlink recorder, and c. mixing into ProTools and/or Nuendo.
Assessment Tools: During this course, outcomes mastery will be evaluated by:
ú quizzes (2) (multiple choice and short answer).
ú completion of assigned worksheets.
ú performance of lab assignments.
ú completion of assisting session hours
ú completion of (2) final recording projects.
ú a written midterm exam, documentation review, and team practical exam.
ú a written comprehensive final exam, and timed practical exam.
Testing & Assignments:
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Activity |
Credit |
Purpose/Description |
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1. Quizzes (2)
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6 % |
Based on reading assignments and lectures. 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. Worksheets (7)
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7 % |
Based on reading assignments. Worksheets emphasize student comprehension of reading assignments in preparation for class lectures and lab. Each worksheet is fill in the blank. |
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3. Midterm Written Exam |
9% |
Based on reading assignments, lectures and labs covered to date. Comprehensive midterm written exam will assess the depth of the student’s knowledge of the topic. Test is a series of multiple-choice questions and short answers. |
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4. Midterm Practical Exam |
9% |
Based on team performance of accrued skill scenarios covered to date. A collaborative group practical exam demonstrates the student’s ability to use classroom studio equipment in the Robert E. Mulloy studios. Grading is achieved by a practical exam rubric. |
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5. Documentation Review |
3% |
Recording session documentation and reference tones printed on analog tape according to industry specifications by the student and inspected by the instructor. Information is graded using a documentation rubric. |
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6. Recording Projects (2) (10% each) |
20% |
A stereo recording and detailed report demonstrating the student’s ability to track, overdub and mix using multiple studios formats, and classroom studio equipment. Documentation includes use of recommended NARAS standards and a redbook CD. Grading is achieved by a mix rubric and a detailed checklist. |
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7. Labs |
13% |
Provide hands-on application and practice of specific class content in preparation for recording projects. Grading is based on participation. |
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8. Assisting Sessions |
13% |
Student is required to serve as an Assistant Engineer a minimum of twenty (20) hours in the Belmont University studios and complete a minimum of (16) hours in the Mulloy Studio complex (Studio A, B or C). Credit is given on an hourly basis. Each assistant hour will receive a credit of 5 points. |
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9. Final Written Exam
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10% |
A comprehensive final test of multiple-choice questions and short answers. Used to measure the student’s composite knowledge of topics covered from lectures, readings, equipment use, labs, and listening. |
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10. Final Practical Exam |
10% |
assesses the functional ability of the individual student using studio equipment in the Robert E. Mulloy studios. Designated tasks are required to be completed within a specified amount of time in the presence of the instructor. Grading is achieved by a practical exam 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.
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). 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.
Assignments: All students are expected to prepare and contribute to class discussions. Specific class activities, topics, worksheets, and reminders, are updated weekly using Blackboard. Additional class readings and website links are available on Blackboard as well. You are expected to complete readings and worksheets as assigned. Additional materials given via handouts and class lectures require an organized class notebook/binder. You are expected to:
Testing: Test dates are noted in the class schedule. Quizzes are unannounced. A #2 pencil will be needed for quizzes and multiple-choice tests. No makeup tests or quizzes will be given. No electronic devices of any kind may be used during exams. Testing is comprehensive and includes all content and assigned reading to date. The final written exam is administered the last day of class. (2) Practical exams (competency based demonstrations of ability) are required; one during midterm, and the second, during the scheduled final exam time. This exam has a time limit. Each student will report individually at an assigned time. Practical exams may not be taken early, or during another class section. An opportunity to earn extra credit in the amount of 5% added to your cumulative average is given during the semester.
Materials:
1) Current edition of the Audio Engineering II Workbook (New Frontier Publishing). 2) Audio in Media (7th Ed.) by Stanley R. Alten (Wadsworth Publishing Co.). 3) Course handouts distributed in class and on class website (Blackboard). You are responsible for all information contained in the workbook and other readings assigned. Keeping a class notebook/binder and owning a three-hole puncher is highly recommended. 4) The following recording supplies are provided for you. a) 2-inch analog 24 track master tape b) (4) printable CD-R’s and c) hard disk space in studios A, B, & C. 5) You will need to provide: (a) (1) 3.5 inch 1.44 MB computer disk b) (1) DVD RAM disk for RADAR transfers ($7.00 from Mr. Prince) c) (2) blank CD-Rs for tracking mixes, and d) an external USB 2.0/firewire drive, or a USB flash drive for backups of your recording projects. Studio drives are periodically checked and cleaned. YOU are ultimately responsible for any lost files. Backup your material frequently. CDs are to be labeled using the Epson R200 printer and template(s) available on the desk lobby computer. Finally, you will need (2) «” binders and (2) boxes of clear sheet protectors for your project documentation reports.
Recommended Reading & Links:
1) Understanding Audio: Getting the Most Out of Your Project or Professional Recording Studio by Daniel Thompson, Berklee Press, 2) 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
PLEASE NOTE: Audio in Media, 7th Edition is a required 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:
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 Summary:
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Key Dates |
Activity |
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Thurs Aug 28 |
Introduction |
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Mon Sept 1 |
LABOR DAY HOLIDAY |
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Tues Oct 16 |
Midterm Written Exam |
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Thurs Oct 21 |
Midterm Practical Exam |
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Tues Oct 23 |
Project 1 Due |
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W/F Nov 26-28 |
TURKEY BREAK!!! |
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Tues Dec 4 |
Project 2 Due |
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Tues Dec 9 |
Final Written Exam - Last Day of Class |
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Thurs Dec 11 |
Final Practical Exam Section .01 8:00am |
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Tues Dec 16 |
Final Practical Exam Section .02 8:00am |
Lab Schedule:
CRN 10112, AET 3190.01 - 8:00 - 9:15am TR, LAB 11:00am-12:20pm MW
CRN 11058, AET 3190.02 - 9:30-10:45am TR, LAB 12:30am - 1:45pm MW
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AET 3190 Fall 2008 Class Schedule (order subject to change) |
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Date |
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Activity |
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1 |
Aug 28 |
R |
Introduction: Syllabus review. R.E. Mulloy Studios overview. Tour of A & B, central patchbay, wiring & equipment. Assignment. |
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2 |
Sept 2 |
T |
NEVE signal flow and I/O module. Workbook overview. Review of assignment. |
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3 |
Sept 4 |
R |
NEVE signal flow cont'd; monitor section, status indicators & internal patchbay. Use of adjacent rooms. Basic tracking on the NEVE. The headphone cue system. |
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4 |
Sept 9 |
T |
Analog Tape Machine Calibration - dBu vs. NW/m. Part 1: Repro & Sync calibration with test tape. Operational procedure of the Studer 827. |
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5 |
Sept 11 |
R |
Analog Tape Machine Calibration -Part 2: Calibrating bias & record levels. Recording tones on master tape. Documentation. Pros & cons of analog tape. |
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6 |
Sept 16 |
T |
Pro Tools as a multi-track recorder: Session setup, A/D transfers (Analog to Protools), basic file management, Studio C overdub session, & network file transfer. |
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7 |
Sept 18 |
R |
Studio C to A transfer, Basic editing in Protools. File management, NEVE mixdown. Mixing to Pro Tools. Use of normalization & bounce to disk. |
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8 |
Sept 23 |
T |
Condenser microphones; Stereo Miking Techniques. Mid-side, Blumlein. Important phase considerations. Documenting placement. |
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9 |
Sept 25 |
R |
Miking techniques cont'd. RADAR operations. Analog To Radar transfers. SMPTE Time Code, lock & chase synchronization. The SYNC I/O. |
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10 |
Sept 30 |
T |
Dynamic Processors: Gates, Expanders, Compressors, Limiters. Documenting settings. |
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11 |
Oct 2 |
R |
Intro to computer Automation: Neve Flying Fader basic operations. Setting up a simple mix. Touch Record, Lock Record & Auto-match. |
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12 |
Oct 9 |
R |
Flying Faders Cont’d. RSI, the global master, grouping & linking. |
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13 |
Oct 14 |
T |
Radar Operations cont'd. Transferring Digital formats - Radar to Protools, SSL Signal Flow, NEVE/SSL comparison. Tracking & Overdubbing on the SSL |
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14 |
Oct 16 |
R |
Midterm Written Exam |
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15 |
Oct 21 |
T |
Midterm Practical Exam |
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16 |
Oct 23 |
R |
Project #1 Due. SSL signal flow reviewed; Digital formats cont’d. Radar to Protools and/or Nuendo, Beginning Mixing techniques, Analog Tape Delay. |
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17 |
Oct 28 |
T |
Midterm review. Spacial Effects processing. Use of Reverb. Central patchbay connections to plates. |
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18 |
Oct 30 |
R |
The practical use of EFX in mixing. Using outboard gear effectively. Digital effects processors in A & B, |
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19 |
Nov 4 |
T |
Advanced dynamic processing: external keying, ducking, de-essing. Practical uses. |
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20 |
Nov 6 |
R |
Worksheet # 8; SSL Ultimation |
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21 |
Nov 11 |
T |
Mixing Techniques cont’d. Setup, headroom considerations, panning, EQ, depth perception, dynamics & EFX. Documentation standards. |
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22 |
Nov 13 |
R |
Class Mix Exercise in A & B |
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23 |
Nov 18 |
T |
Using your head, your ears, and what you've learned. The overuse of compression. Preparing for mastering. |
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24 |
Nov 20 |
R |
Practical Final Exam practice session - Studio A |
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25 |
Nov 25 |
T |
Practical Final Exam practice session - Studio B |
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26 |
Dec 2 |
R |
Remaining current. Article reviews. Becoming a sponge. |
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27 |
Dec 4 |
T |
Project #2 Due. Peer Listening Evaluation, Final Exam Review |
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28 |
Dec 9 |
R |
Final Written Exam (last day of class) |
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Final Practical Exam - CRN 10112, AET 3190.01 - Thursday, Dec 11th, 8:00am |
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Final Practical Exam - CRN 11058, AET 3190.02 - Tuesday, Dec 16th, 8:00am |
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