Course # / Title:            20279/20280; AET 1380 Survey of Recording Technology

Semester:                     Spring 2008 

Instructor:                    David Tough, B.A., M.B.A.
Instructor Contacts:      554-6693 (cell), toughd@mail.belmont.edu
Office Hours:                # 206 Sony Building, MWF 11am-1pm
Course Credit:             3 Hours
Class Location:            Massey B25
Meeting Time(s):          MWF 1-1:50 pm (Section 04), MWF 2-2:50pm (Section 05)
Final Exam:                  Friday, May 3rd, 2-5 pm (Section 04); Monday, May 5th, 2-5 pm (Section 05)

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:

• identify historical events throughout audio history and explain their significance
• recognize key figures and describe how their contributions influenced the production of music
• learn and apply a technical language for use in the music business industry
• formulate a timeline of recording devices and mediums developed
• know and evaluate how sound is produced
• examine how audio recording devices work
• listen and assess the quality of audio recordings and identify recording methods used
• observe recording sessions and apply course concepts
• demonstrate basic signal flow

Performance Criteria:

The student will:

• listen, identify, and associate characteristics of recording mediums in a historical timeline
• know and apply an audio technical vocabulary
• list recording devices chronologically
• consolidate important facts from course text, "America On Record"
• explain how the ear works
• plot differences in dB and frequency using the Equal Loudness Contour graph
• describe the power of the dB
• identify basic acoustic and psychoacoustic principles
• calculate harmonics, wavelength, and octaves using frequency
• differentiate the envelope of a sound from the life cycle of a sound
• interpret related, supplemental articles and web-linked assigned reading
• distinguish basic studio equipment and explain their function
• describe basic recording studio procedures
• identify microphone characteristics, placement, and stereo miking techniques
• trace introductory signal flow
• name characteristics of analog tape
• describe how the tape recorder works
• explain how multi-track recording changed the production of music
• describe how a speaker works
• demonstrate basic recording skills and operate classroom recording equipment
• write (4) studio observation reports applying and contrasting current course content discussed
• explain the basics of digital theory; sampling, quantization, anti-aliasing, dither, and data compression
• calculate differences in bit word length, bandwidth of sample rates, and dynamic range
• relate the Nyquist Theory to the vibration cycle of a waveform
• know the difference between a bit, byte, megabyte, gigabyte, and terabyte
• list steps in the encoding and decoding of a digital signal
• explain differences in current digital formats
• identify digital and computer interfaces
• list advantages of the digital workstation
• as part of a team, create an 8-track mix from a pre-recorded multi-track project using classroom equipment
• as part of a team, create a final recording project using classroom equipment, or
• 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:

A.  Attendance:  Class attendance follows university policy as stated in the current Undergraduate Bulletin.  Class participation is expected; attendance and absence will be noted. As per current Undergraduate Bulletin, attendance is taken each class starting on the 1^st class. The catalog states that, “when the number of absences for any reason exceeds four times the number of scheduled class meetings per week, the student is involuntarily dropped from the course with a grade of ‘WF.’ Appeal is to the Provost.”

B.  Materials: 

*Audio in Media, 7^th Edition, Stanley R. Alten, Thomson, Wadsworth.  

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

*All AET and BBA/Production Emphasis majors are expected to purchase for use in Audio 1 & 2.  Remaining students will have the option to buy chapters online via ichapters.com at $4 each.  Required chapters are: 1) Ears 2) Physics & Psychoacoustics 3) Acoustics & Psychoacoustics 4) Microphones 5) Mixers & Consoles 6) Analog Recording 7) Digital Recording 9) Signal Processing 10) Loudspeakers & Monitoring and 15) Music Production. 

A class notebook/binder and several blank CD-R’s for class projects will be needed. A calendar is also a good idea to keep up with the many class assignments, observations, tests, projects, etc.

C.  Assignments: Reading and study of textbook chapter assignments as assigned in class. Class lectures are on Powerpoint and can be printed out through Blackboard. Observation of four recording sessions at designated intervals with a detailed report will be necessary.   Students will be graded for group participation and attendance. Additionally, all students will complete a hands-on lab tutorial and prepare a collaborative presentation, or prepare a final recording project.

D. Testing: There are both four formal multiple choice tests and two reading quizzes in this class. All test dates are noted in the class schedule and are announced. Reading quizzes are unannounced. No makeup tests or quizzes will be given.  Final exam will be comprehensive, covering all the semester’s material.  Test dates maybe subject to change except final exam.  No electronic devices of any kind are to be used during exam

E.  Basis of grade evaluation:

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

A   = 970-1000        B+ = 870-92          C+ = 770-799            D+ = 670-699               F = BELOW 600                                               

A   = 930-969          B  =  830-869         C  = 730-769            D   = 630-669

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

Course Evaluation: Total Points           % of grade 

4 Scantron Tests (100 points ea)                                               =   400 Points                           40%

4 Studio Observations (37.5 points ea)                           =   150 Points               15%

2 Reading Pop Quizzes (25 points ea)                            =    50 Points                5%

Project 1 - Lab Tutorial                                                   =   50 Points                            5%

Project 2 – Recording/Paper or Presentation/Paper           =    70            Points                7%

Attendance (3 Points for class attended)                        =    50 Points                  5%

Participation (for group projects)                                                =   50 points                   5%

Final Exam                                                                    =   180 Points               18%

 GRAND TOTAL = 1,000 Points                     100%

Extra Credit: An opportunity to earn extra credit in the total amount of 4% added to your cumulative grade average is given twice during the semester.

F.  Other:

1. The B25 classroom will be treated like any other studio; NO food or drink permitted at any time, except bottled water with a cap.
2. I strongly encourage no internet surfing in class, those who surf for personal reasons usually do not do as good in the class, simply because they are not taking the material in.
3. Remember to fill out a course evaluation on BIC at the end of the semester so I can improve this course.
4. Keep all AET/music business course materials (including AET 1380 notes/handouts) so you can use them to study for your senior exit exam when you are graduating.

Class Schedule: 

Key Dates

	Activity
Jan 9– Wed	First day of class
Jan 14 - Mon	Tinfoil assignment due (participation grade)
Jan 21 – Mon	MLK Holiday – No class
Jan 23 – Mon	America on Record Group Summary 1 due (participation grade)
Feb 4 – Mon	America on Record Group Summary 2 due (participation grade)
Feb 18 - Mon	TEST #1 & Observation # 1 due
Feb 29 - Fri	Project #1: Lab Tutorial due
Mar 7 - Fri	TEST #2 & Observation # 2 due/Extra Credit #1 due
Mar 19 - Wed	America on Record Group Summary 3 due (participation grade)
April 7 - Mon	TEST #3 & Observation # 3 due
April 28 - Mon	TEST #4 & Observation # 4 due
April 30 - Wed	Dead day
FINALS	Project #2 Due, Extra Credit #2 due
(See finals schedule on pp 1)

Day-by-day class schedule

Class #1             1/9

Handout and discuss syllabus

Introduce Blackboard

________________________________________________________________________

Class #2                 1/11

Lecture 1 – Beginnings of Recording (end at Frequency)

Handouts:

AET 1380 Handouts 1-4

Assignments:

Tin foil.com – short description of what you hear, recording setup, etc for Class 4 participation grade

_____________________________________________________

Class #3                      1/14

Student introductions – if time

Review last lecture

Lecture 2 – Basic Properties of Sound

End of class - Form Groups and make Am on Record group assignment

Handouts:

Observation requirements/rubric

Wished Learned in school, etc

Prof Pet Peaves

AET Listening Catalog

Am on record group assignment #1

_____________________________________________________________

Class #4                                               1/16

Lecture:

Discuss observation process

Discuss tinfoil assignments

Review last lecture

Start Lecture 3 – How do we describe sound?

Listen:

Spectrum demo (white noise and big band)

Wash Post March

King of Bungaloos

2 charts 1890/1911 – compare S/N etc

_____________________________________________________________________

Class #5                                               1/18

Lecture:

Review last lecture

Finish Lecture 3 

Start Lecture 4

Listen:

dB SPL Demo w/65, 75, 85, & 95 (for dynamic range)

__________________________________________________________________

1/21 – no school, MLK holiday

__________________________________________________________________

Class #6                                               1/23

America on record group summaries due

Lecture

Discuss AOR summaries

Lecture 3

Handouts: Test 1 Review Sheet

__________________________________________________________

Class #7                                               1/25

Lecture:

Lecture 4

Discuss Project 1

Handouts:

Project 1 - Tutorial Explanation

________________________________________________________________________

Class #8                                               1/28

Lecture 5

Lecture 6 – Overtones Harmonics (1/2 lecture)

Assignments:

Read 2^nd half of 1925 handout

Group Read pp 1-22 Audio in Media (Ch 1/2)     

½ pp summary of magnetic recording website

Play:

Overtones demo

________________________________________________________________________

Class #9                                               1/30

Finish Lecture 6   - overtones demo

Start Lecture 7 – Electrical Recording

Collect magnetic recording summary

Assignments:

Am on record group assignment #2

________________________________________________________________________

Class #10                                             2/1

Lecture 7 ctd– Electrical Recording

Phase experiments

Play:

Connections DVD – 15 min

Loveable and Sweet     (compare)

Puttin on the Ritz

Swanee

Me and Man on Moon (if time)

________________________________________________________________________

Class #11                                             2/4

America on record group summaries due

Discuss AOR summaries

Catch up on any listening/lecture

Assignment:

Read Audio In Media Ch 1 – The Ear

________________________________________________________________________

Class #12                                             2/6

Lecture:

Lecture 8 – Psychoacoustics

Play:

Tones Demo (if not already played)

Waveforms Demo  (if not already played)

Harmonics Demo  (if not already played)

Noise Band Sequence:  5 bands  (if not already played)

Musical filter sequence: 5 bands  (if not already played)

Equal Loudness Tone Demo

_____________________________________________________________________

Class #13                                             2/8

Lecture 9 - The Ear

Handouts: The Ear Handouts

________________________________________________________________________

Class #14                                             2/11

Lecture 10 – Electric Recording Ctd

Watch parts of Moog DVD

________________________________________________________________________

Class #15                                             2/13

Test review

________________________________________________________________________

Class #16                                             2/15

Makeup day

________________________________________________________________________

Class #17                                             2/18

TEST #1

OBSERVATION #1 Due

Assignments:

Read Audio in Media Ch 4/13 – Microphones/Music Production

Handouts:

All microphone handouts

Test #2 review sheet

EC #1

___________________________________________________________________

Class #18                                             2/20

Lecture 11: Microphones – Intro and Design

Handouts:

Test 2 Review sheet

___________________________________________________________________

Class #19                                             2/22

Lecture 11: Microphones – Characteristics

________________________________________________________

Class #20                                             2/25

Lecture 11: Microphones – Characteristics ct’d

Play:

Professional microphone techniques CD tracks 1, 2, 4

Handout:

Extra credit assignment  #1

___________________________________________________________________

Class #21                                             2/27       midterm grades due

Lecture:

Lecture 11: Microphones – Polar patterns

Play:

Professional microphone techniques CD track 3/4

Other mic audio examples

Close miking v. distant miking audio examples

Puttin On The Ritz

Sent For You Yesterday

Assignments:

Read Chapter 3 Audio in Media – Life Cycle of Sound

_____________________________________________________________

Class #22                                             2/29

Project 1 Due

Lecture 11: Microphones – Finish lecture, stereo techniques, etc

Lecture 12: Life cycle of sound

Handout:

Birth of LP Handout

___________________________________________________________________

Class #23                                             3/3

Watch Tom Lubin video as mic review (optional)

___________________________________________________________________

Class #24                                             3/5

Lecture 13: The LP

Review for Test 2

___________________________________________________________________

Class #25                                             3/7

TEST #2

OBSERVATION #2 Due

Extra Credit #1 Due

Handouts: Short History of Multitrack studio

__________________________________________________________________

Class #26                                             3/10

Lecture:

Lecture 14: 40s/50s

Play:

Lover

How High the Moon

Confess

Sent for You Yesterday

Assignments:

Read Audio in Media pp 101-112 Analog Recording

Class #27                                             3/12 

Show Les Paul DVD – 12 min

Lecture:

Lecture 15: Analog Recording

Why talk about and learn?

Play: Analog Versus Digital (AB CD)

Handouts:

AOR group summary #3

Tours scheduled– RCA B                3/14

__________________________________________________________________

Class #28                                             3/17

Lecture 15: Analog Recording ct’d

Play:

Tutti Frutti – tape saturation

Assignment:

Read Audio in Media Ch 8 – Signal Processors

___________________________________________________________________

Class #29                                             3/19

America on record group summaries due

__________________________________________________________________

3/21 – no school, Easter holiday

__________________________________________________________________

3/24 – 3/28 no school, Spring Break

___________________________________________________________

Class #30                                             3/31

Lecture:

Lecture 16: Signal Processors

Play:

50s/60s signal processor examples

Other audio signal processor examples

___________________________________________________________________

Class #31                                             4/2

Lecture:

Lecture 16: Signal Processors ct’d

Play:

50s/60s signal processor examples

Other audio signal processor examples

Pink Floyd tape loop video

___________________________________________________________________

Class #32                                             4/4

Lecture:

Lecture 16: Signal Processors ct’d

Review for Test

Project 2 Handout

_______________________________________ ______________________

Class #33                                             4/7   advising week

TEST #3

OBSERVATION #3 Due

Assignment: Read Audio in Media Ch 5 – Consoles  ______________________________________________

Class #34                                             4/9 advising week

Grade updates

Lecture:

Lecture 17: Audio Console

___________________________________________________________________

Class #35                                             4/11 advising week

Lecture 17: Audio Console ctd

Lecture 18

________________________________________________________________

Class #36                                             4/14 advising week

Watch making of Sgt Peppers

Announce Extra Credit #2 (extra observation)

___________________________________________________________________

Class #37                                             4/16   advising week

Listening day:

Good vibrations

Blindfold Listening Test

Catch up on Listening examples

Handouts:

Roger Nicols Handout

"Impact of Low Cost Rec." (AES) handout

Mp3 Economy handout

Phil Spector (Be My Baby) Handout

TEC Hall of Fame Handouts (2)

Mix Technology Handout

Assignments:
Read Audio in Media 113-134 - Digital Recording

Read Intro to MIDI

http://www.harmony-central.com/Drums/EDW/Articles/MIDI-Introduction.html

___________________________________________________________________

Class #38                                             4/18 

Lecture:

Lecture 19 – Basic Digital

Lecture 20 – Basic Digital ctd

__________________________________________________________

Class #39                                             4/21 

Lecture:

Lecture 21 – Digital Audio Formats

Play:

Mijac examples

Give take home Test #4

4/23

4/25   Makeup days….

___________________________________________________________________

Class #40                                             4/28

Test #4 due

Review for Final

Play:

5.1 vs. stereo

___________________________________________________________________

Dead day                   4/30

___________________________________________________________________

FINALS                       5/1-5/6

Project #2 due, Extra Credit #2 due