Course # / Title:	AET-1380 – CRN#: 20286 – 1380.10 Survey of Recording Technology
Semester:	Spring 2008
Instructor:	Rande Isabella, MM, BM
Instructor Contacts:	330-885-2138 (text when possible) / isabellar@mail.belmont.edu
Instructor Office Hours:	Tues. and Thurs. 12:30 to 1:45 – By appointment only.
Course Credit:	3 credit hours
Class Location:	Center for Music Business, Massey - Room B-25
Meeting Time(s):	Tuesday and Thursday 2:00pm to 3:15pm
Final Exam:	Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 2:00pm
Class Webpage:	http://campus.belmont.edu/mb/AET1380
Class Website:	Blackboard via your BIC account.

Educational Objectives of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business: 1) To provide a personalized, career-oriented and practical education that emphasizes leadership, innovation, private enterprise and entrepreneurship. 2) To equip students with the tools to think critically, communicate effectively, accept responsibility, make successful decisions, and prosper in diverse work environments. 3) To emphasize quality classroom instruction within the parameters of ethical Christian principles.

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 Learning Outcomes: The student will:

1. identify historical events throughout audio history and explain their significance

2. recognize key figures and describe how their contributions influenced the production of music

3. learn and apply a technical language for use in the music business industry

4. formulate a timeline of recording devices and mediums developed

5. know and evaluate how sound is produced

6. examine how audio recording devices work

7. listen and assess the quality of audio recordings and identify recording methods used

8. observe recording sessions and apply course concepts

9. demonstrate basic signal flow

Performance Criteria: The student will:

1. Listen, identify and associate characteristics of recording mediums in an historical timeline

2. Know and apply an audio technical vocabulary

3. List recording devices chronologically as they were invented

4. Consolidate important facts from course text, “America On Record”

5. Explain how the human ear works

6. Plot differences in dB and frequency, using the Equal Loudness Contour graph

7. Describe the power of the dB

8. Identify basic acoustic and psychoacoustic principles

9. Calculate harmonics, wavelength and octaves using frequency

10. Differentiate the envelope of a sound from the life cycle of a sound

11. Interpret related supplemental articles and web-linked assigned reading

12. Distinguish basic studio equipment and explain their function

13. Describe basic recording studio procedures

14. Identify microphone characteristics, placement and stereo configurations

15. Trace introductory signal flow

16. Name characteristics of analog tape

17. Describe how the tape recorder works

18. Explain how multi-track recording has changed the production of music

19. Describe how a speaker works

20. Demonstrate basic recording skills and operate classroom recording equipment

21. Write (4) studio observation reports applying and contrasting current course content discussed

22. Explain the basics of digital theory; sampling, quantization, anti-aliasing, dither, and data compression

23. Calculate differences in bit word length, bandwidth of sample rates, and dynamic range

24. Relate the Nyquist Theory to the vibration cycle of a waveform

25. Know the difference between a bit, byte, megabyte, gigabyte, and terabyte

26. List steps in the encoding and decoding of a digital signal

27. Explain differences in current digital formats

28. Identify digital and computer interfaces

29. List advantages of the digital workstation

30. As part of a team, create an 8-track mix from a pre-recorded multi-track project using classroom equipment

31. As part of a team, create a final recording project using classroom equipment, or

32. Create a presentation from a new idea, product, or concept demonstrating how recording technology is in a constant state of change

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.

Course Requirements:

Text & Materials:

1. Audio in Media, 7^th Edition, Stanley R. Alten, Thomson, Wadsworth. ** Try to locate the 7^th edition, since it includes a chapter on Analog Audio. Otherwise, you may use the 8^th edition.

2. America on Record; A History of Recorded Sound, 2^nd Edition, Andre Millard, Cambridge Press.

3. A class notebook/binder and several blank CD-R’s for class projects will be needed.

Attendance: Class attendance follows university policy as stated in the current Undergraduate Bulletin. Class participation is expected; attendance and absence will be noted.

Participation: All students are expected to prepare and contribute to class discussions. Specific class activities, topics, lecture notes, reminders, and reviews are updated weekly using Blackboard. Additional class readings and website links are available on the class website link noted above. Your grades will be posted on Blackboard regularly, as will announcements concerning this course. It is your responsibility to check Blackboard for announcements, etc.

Required Assignments: Reading and study of textbook chapter assignments as noted in the daily class schedule. Additional material given via handouts and class lectures on Power Point require an organized class notebook/binder. Observation of four recording sessions at designated intervals with detailed reports will be necessary. Additionally, all students will complete Part 1 of the lab tutorial and record a final project (Part 2 of tutorial) or prepare a collaborative presentation.

Honor Code: It is the responsibility of each student to abide by the Belmont University Honor Code. As members of the Belmont community, students, faculty, staff, and administrators are all responsible for ensuring that their experiences will be free of behaviors, which compromise value. In order to uphold academic integrity, the University has adopted an Honor System. Students and faculty will work together to establish the optimal conditions for honorable academic work. Following is the Student Honor Pledge that guides academic behavior:

“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.”

Grade Evaluation:

Exams 1 - 4	100 Points Each	Total = 400 Points
Studio Observations 1 - 4	25 Points Each	Total = 100 Points
Quizzes/Worksheets 1 - 4	25 Points Each	Total = 100 Points
Group: Lab Tutorial Pt. 1	80 Points	Total = 80 Points
Group: Final Project	160 Points	Total = 160 Points
Final Exam	160 Points	Total = 160 Points
		GRAND TOTAL = 1,000 Points

Grading Scale

Grading scale as per the current Undergraduate Bulletin located at: http://www.belmont.edu/catalog/undergrad2006jun/apolicy/ap_as.html

B+ = 870-899 C+ = 770-799 D+ = 670-699 F = Below 600

A = Above 930 B = 830-869 C = 730-769 D = 630-669

A- = 900-929 B- = 800-829 C- = 700-729 D- = 600-629

Methodology

Examinations will be graded electronically, using Scantron. Open-ended questions will be graded manually. Rubrics will be used to standardize grading of observations and group projects across all sections of this course. Specific criteria for this will be announced.

Extra Credit

An opportunity to earn extra credit is given twice during the semester. Prior arrangements must be made with instructor.

Date	Day	Topic	Activity	Assignments
1/10	Thurs	Orientation & Introduction	Syllabus, handouts,	Read handouts re: Phonographs. AOR: Chapter 1-3
1/15	Tues	AUDIO: Acoustic vs. electrical, Early Recording	Demo, PPT, listening	Read AIM: CH 1 "Sound and Hearing" (Ch. 1 & 2 in 7th Ed), AOR CH 4-5
1/17	Thurs	Physics of Sound, Hearing; Equal Loudness Contours, dB, SPL, Dynamic Range, Phase	PPT, listening	Handout: "Frequency Spectrum",
1/22	Tues	Frequency, Spectrum, Velocity, Wavelength, Masking, Timbre, Interference, ADSR	PPT, Critical Listening	Historical Timeline, Read Handouts on Building Blocks of Audio, Read AOR: CH 6-7
1/24	Thurs	Historical Timeline, Review for Exam	Listening, PPT	Sample test questions, study for test
1/29	Tues	TEST #1, Observation #1 Due	Lab Tutorial Demo	Handout: Lab Operations Worksheet / Studio B25 Signal Flow, AOR CH 8-9
1/31	Thurs	Lab Demo: Studio B25 Signal Flow	Lab: Demo, Lab Operations Worksheet	Read AIM:CH 2 (Ch. 3 - 7th Ed.) Acoustics & Psychoacoustics,
2/5	Tues	AIM:CH2 Acoustics: Precedence effect, Reverb, Echo/Delay, Noise, Surface Properties, Studio Design	Lab: Acoustics Tour	Read AIM: CH3 Loudspeakers and Monitoring (Ch. 9 7th Ed.), AOR CH 10-11
2/7	Thurs	Lab Operations Worksheet Due, Loudspeakers and Monitoring	Listening/demo, PPT	Read AIM: CH4 Microphones (p.58-72), (p. 43-57 7th Ed.) AOR CH 12-13
2/12	Tues	AIM:CH4, Introduction to Microphones; types, history, use, characteristics, Rec Techniques of 20's & 30's	Demo, PPT	Read AIM:CH 4 Microphones (p. 72-90), (p. 57-74 7th Ed.)
2/14	Thurs	Mic techniques: close, distant, spaced, coincident, near coincident; Mic design vs. performance, polar patterns, proximity	tutorial, listening, PPT	Microphone Worksheet, AOR CH 14
2/19	Tues	Lab Demo: Microphone Application	Lab: Hands On	Read & complete review to "Birth of LP"
2/21	Thurs	Review for Exam, Mic Worksheet Due, Birth of the LP	test review,listening,	Study for test
2/26	Tues	Test #2, Observation #2 Due, Lab Tutorial Part I Due / Evaluate Projects	test, Critical Listening	Read AIM:CH15 Music Production (CH13 7th Ed.), AOR CH 15-16
2/28	Thurs	Music Production, Rec Techniques of the 40's-50's	Critical Listening, PPT	Read AIM:CH 5 Mixers & Consoles, Signal Flow and other handouts
3/4	Tues	AIM:CH 5, Consoles, Signal Flow, EQ	test, PPT, listening	Read AIM:CH 8 Signal Processors, Analog Audio handouts
3/6	Thurs	Signal Processors, Analog Audio, Console Components	Lab: Demo, listening	Read AIM:7th Ed. ONLY: CH 6 Recording (pp 101-112),
Date	Day	Topic	Activity	Assignments
3/11	Tues	History of the Tape Recorder, Analog Recording, Les Paul DVD - 50's and 60's Recording	DVD, listening, PPT	Study for the test
3/13	Thurs	Review, TEST #3, Observation 3 Due	DVD / listening	Have a safe and enjoyable break…
3/18	Tues	Easter and Spring Break		(Thurs. Mar 20 - Sat. Mar. 29)
4/1	Tues	Lab Demo: Studio B25: Final Project Worksheet, DVD	Lab: Hands On	Handout: Final Project Worksheet, Read AOR CH 17- 18
4/3	Thurs	Making of Sgt. Pepper DVD, 60's and 70's analog recordings, Automation	DVD, listening	Read AIM CH 6, Digital Recording (p. 112-130 7th Ed.)
4/8	Tues	Basics of Digital Audio, sampling, quantization	PPT	Read Digital Audio Supplemental Handout
4/10	Thurs	Dither, Jitter, Digital mediums & formats, CD, DVD, SACD	PPT	Read Digital Audio Supplemental Handout
4/15	Tues	The DAW, Digital Interfaces, Software Comparisons and Plug-Ins	Lab: Demo, PPT	Don't forget to write your Final Project paper
4/17	Thurs	Final Project (Lab Tutorial Pt. ii) Presentations / Early Evaluations	Listening, Critical Evaluation	Study for Test, Prep Final Project
4/22	Tues	Test #4, Final Project Due, Observation 4 Due,	Exam, Listening	Handouts, study timelines
4/24	Thurs	80's to present Digital Audio Recordings, Tomorrow's Technologies	Comprehensive Timeline / Listening	Study for Final Fxam, Bring Questions
4/29	Tues	Last Day of Class: Final Exam Review	Comprehensive Review	Study for Final Exam
5/1	Tues	Final Exam: 2:00pm - (2pm Class)	Exam
5/5	Mon	Final Exam: 11:00am - (11am Class)	Exam

		Now go make some hits…		Please note: This AET1380 Spring schedule is subject to change

AET 1380 ~ Survey of Recording Technology

Lab Tutorial Part I ~ Instructions Instructor: Rande Isabella

Either a programmed tutorial or a self-guided worksheet will be made available to assist you in the operation of the studio. This tutorial assumes you have no recording experience and covers the basics of analog recording.

You are to select group members and submit your names to the instructor. No more than 3 students per group!! Due to the large number of students using the lab, you are encouraged to complete the Lab Tutorial as a group. Check the lab signup instructions on the bulletin board across the hall from the room. Select a time on the signup sheet. Signup early, and show up during your designated time. Complete Part 1 of the lab tutorial by midterm.

Complete Part 1 by recording your “mix” to a blank CDR (which you must supply). Before using the tape machine or handling tape, carefully follow instructions on the care and use of recording tape. The CDR Burner instructions are located within the studio log. One CD containing your mix (Part 1) labeled with the song title and the names of participants are due from each group the last class before midterm.

If you experience insurmountable difficulties, seek help at the front desk through a staff engineer on duty. Login with last names of all participants to assure you receive proper credit. Include names of all group participants on your CD when handing in. And by all means, be sure you play (verify) your CD before leaving your session.

Your grade will be taken from the quality of the mixdown you hand in on CD. Remember to balance tracks carefully and be sure the overall sound quality is appealing. Attention should be given to equalization, panning or position, stereo spread, depth of mix, reverb and dynamic range. Be sure the vocals are well positioned and of highest obtainable quality. Be careful to eliminate noise at the intro and ending, by using one of the methods discussed in class.

Final Recording Project (Lab Tutorial Part II) ~ Instructions

Your lab group, (or possibly a new group), may decide to complete Lab Tutorial Part II and produce a final recording project. This project must use multi-track recording or multi-track combined with MIDI techniques. You will have one 2 hour recording session, with which to complete your project.

You will be recording primarily to the Alesis HD24, a 24 track digital hard disk recorder. You may use the Otari 8-track analog tape machine, should you wish. However if you do, your recording may likely be erased upon leaving your session. Two criteria are necessary to qualify your recording as “multi-track”.

1. You must use a multi-track recorder or a recording program that allows overdubbing.

2. You must overdub at least one instrument or voice using one or more microphones.

NOTE: You must write a detailed report, describing the entire recording process. The report is to be a minimum of three double spaced pages in length, 12 pt. type, contain the same type of information documented in the observation and follow the observation format. Final project papers differ from observations in that they end up containing detailed information, i.e. reverb settings, EQ, panning, microphone placement, tracking, overdub and mix information etc., as well as specific applications discussed in class during the semester. If you have recorded, but are unsure of any of the content needed to write a comprehensive report, it is probably best to wait and complete another recording to document during the semester.

A completed Final Recording Project consists of:

1. A CD or cassette containing the recording

2. A detailed report describing the entire recording process

The recording can be original, although the song or subject need not be. It can be a hit song that you’ve always wanted to record or a song you wrote for a friend. You must take an active role as the producer, musician, engineer, or all of the above in the project. All recording sessions are to be held in Studio B25. NOTE: As a student of AET1380, you may not book Belmont Studio A, B, C, RCA-B or Oceanway. However, those of you with DAW or ProTools experience, may opt to book and perform editing within Studio D. To do this, you must first have permission from both the instructor of this course and the Studio Manager, Billy Prince.

Groups, made up preferably of three students to a group, may complete the project together handing in one CD and one report. Each participant will receive the same grade. While scheduling may at times be difficult, you are urged to take advantage of the facilities within Studio B25. Book your session early!!

Your project will be evaluated by:

1. the established criteria

2. the quality of the process, application and conclusion you describe in your report during the recording

3. the effort discernable through your report and through listening to your recording

4. your attention to detail and your ability to write effectively

All final projects are due the last day of class – No late turn-ins will be accepted. Your project will not be graded critically on the final quality of the music alone. The process of recording and experiences written about in your written report will comprise much of the grade. The primary purpose of the project is to have fun, while you acquaint yourself with the hands-on experience of recording. Enjoy the process! Past projects have included…

1. original songs

2. previous hits, various styles

3. vocal or instrumental solos

4. small vocal groups, bands

5. made up commercials

6. voiceovers, plays, poetry or readings with musical accompaniment

7. nature sounds mixed with free form music

8. use your imagination…

Presentation (in lieu of a Final Project) ~ Instructions

Instead of recording a final project, you may choose to prepare a presentation for class. This presentation is a collaborative group project just like the lab tutorial. It may be completed with the help of two other students in class of your choosing, not necessarily your lab tutorial partners. If you choose this, due dates for presentations will need to be selected in class after your first test and groups will be identified along with topics. Group participants receive the same grade. A PowerPoint presentation and an accompanying written report are necessary.

The purpose of the presentation is to share technological advances of interest, much like what this class is about. The history of recording is a fascinating timeline and is continually evolving. We are part of it. It will be your job to select a topic that makes you and others think “outside the box”. Present your findings in a brief 5-10 minute oral presentation for class. Past students have enjoyed preparing short PowerPoint presentations allowing class members to quickly grasp the topic of interest. Presentations are to be burned on a CD data disk to use on the classroom computer and projector. Very important! Please make arrangements with instructor to schedule time for your presentation. Plan on using your laptop and be sure your disk works properly before the day of your presentation. A minimum of a three page double spaced, 12pt typed report containing your findings with references, along with a short summary is required to complete your presentation. Pictures are a great addition. All sources need to be noted and credited in a bibliography.

Grading/Criteria:

1. Your oral presentation of 5-10 minutes, no longer please

2. Your PowerPoint visual presentation on a CD data disk (handed in at conclusion)

3. Your written report – your ability to share the information, quickly and in an entertaining manner. Be creative!

Please remember:

Group members receive identical grades. Extremely important!!! There are NO makeup dates. Presentations must be given on the assigned date. All group members should be prepared to give presentation. If one member is absent, other members must make up their part.

Observation Reports (4)

Qualified Sessions:

You are required to observe four recording sessions during the semester. Belmont University has many studios available and allows firsthand experience. Become familiar with the Studio Schedule link found on the class website. There are no closed sessions, however, due to space; a session may limit the number of observers present. Sessions may be observed at Studio A, B or C within the Massey building or Belmont RCA Studio B when available. Any previous participation in recording sessions may not be used. If you can arrange it, off campus sessions in a professional studio are valid for observation reports. Important! An observation must take place during the time and date assigned. You may not write about a session that took place previous to a due date or use any other student’s session data.

Content:

As a guide, use the studio observation heading format given below. During your visit, note what type of session it is, and what equipment is being used (console, tape recorder, microphones, outboard gear, speakers, instruments, etc.). Find out brand names and model numbers of equipment. No serial numbers, please! It is not necessary to list all the equipment found in the studio, only what it is being used during the session. Write about what takes place during the session keeping a watchful eye on the technical aspects of the session and how it applies to what you are learning in class. Do not dwell on how many takes it took the musician to complete an overdub or how competent an engineer was.

Session Data:

Important! Ask questions. Be courteous, respecting the time and assignment of the people involved. Key information can be gathered before or after the session more easily than necessarily during. As a starting point, describe what procedures were used in the setup, tracking, overdubbing, and/or mixing stages of the session. Initially, this is “what they did”. Write your report in anecdotal or narrative form. “The recording engineer did…Before the singer began her second take, I noticed the producer…etc.) Compose a rough draft and don’t be afraid to edit your work. Include in your observation descriptions of the procedure, applications of what you are learning in class, and a conclusion.

Technical Data:

Be specific. Be as technical as possible with your information. Your observations should increasingly use more technical data, as you learn it in class. To get the most from your observations, apply what you learn in class to the sessions you observe.

When you become fully familiar with the techniques and technical terms commonly used in audio, you should demonstrate your knowledge by including such information within the body of your later observations. Instead of writing that the engineer “EQ’d” the bass, try to find out exactly what sort of equalization was used and give as technical a picture as possible, such as +2 @3.5kHz .5 octave. Likewise, instead of saying the vocal was compressed. Try to see what settings were used on the compressor, such as 3.5:1 ratio, soft-knee, -6db threshold.

When discussing microphones, try to include specifics on how and precisely where they were set up. An example would be: Shure SM-57 top of snare 2” in from rim @45 degree angle with element facing center and 2” off drum. Describe stereo configurations used, in detail…..such as, x-y stereo configuration up 8’ off floor over drummer’s head with 2 AKG C451E condenser mics in cardioid patterns, each with 10db pads, left mic facing snare and right mic facing floor tom.

Submissions:

Pictures are great! Craft your observation so that it is not riddled throughout with your opinion, but rather facts. Check the accuracy of the information you have gathered. Your summary may include your opinions. The use of references is a great way to actively demonstrate you are applying what you are learning and looking for more. Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and type the report (double-spaced, 12pt) using a word processing program. A rough draft is not an acceptable form for submission. Reports should be a minimum of three type-written pages and stapled. Some reports may end up being longer, especially if there is a lengthy list of equipment or personnel. Such reports may easily run 4-5 pages.

Grades:

Each observation is due on the corresponding assigned test date found in your syllabus and is worth 25 points. Understand the report will be lowered a minimum of one letter grade if received after this date. Late is better than a zero, which is given when observations are missing.

Criteria for Grading:

Points are awarded on content, how well the observation is written, the number of applications made towards class material, how it is presented (neatness), when it is turned in, etc. It is understood that you are not in control of any session you observe. Some will seem smoother and be more organized than others. You will understand some more than others. Spend enough time at the session to gather all the information you need to construct a well-written report. Do not rely on others. If you are planning an off-campus visit, plan it early. Above all, enjoy them! Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t quite understand. Become excited about what you see and how it correlates progressively with the current class material covered. Notice how technology is used in each session you attend. The key to a great observation is applying the technical knowledge gained in class into your report. How you present your findings and the format – specifics/procedure/application/conclusion is your grade. Entertain me with your writing! Students continually comment how much they learn by taking the time to write a great observation. Besides, you never know who you will meet!

Observation Heading Format:

Identification

Name:

Section:

Due Date:

Observation #:

Specifics:

Date & Time of Observation:

Studio:

Type of Session:

Engineer:

Assistant Engineer:

Producer:

Musicians:

Additional Help:

Equipment List:

Console:

Tape Machine/Hard Disk System:

Speakers:

Microphones: (may include polar patterns, configurations, distances, angles, etc.)

Outboard Gear:

Additional Items of Interest:

Observation Heading Format:

Name:

Specifics:

Equipment List:

Console:

Procedure/Application/Conclusion: