Course # / Title:

CRN 20312, AET 3190.01l, Audio Engineering II

CRN 20338, AET 3190.02l, Audio Engineering II

Semester:

Spring, 2008

Instructor:

Mr. Dan Wujcik, Instructor, B.S., M.M., Program Coordinator, AET

Instructor Contacts:

(615) 460-5625, wujcikd@mail.belmont.edu

Instructor Office Hours:

9:00-10:00am MWF, 11:00am-12:00pm TR – by appointment

Course Credit:

3 hrs

Class Location:

Center for Music Business, REMSB07

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

Final Written Exam:

Final Practical Exam:

Tuesday, April 29th, last day of class

CRN 20312, AET 3190.01 - Thursday, May 1st, 8:00am

CRN 20338, AET 3190.02 – Tuesday, May 6th, 8:00am

 

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:  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. ($30.00 course fee)

Course Learning Outcomes:  Students will:

ú         explain the function of specific components of the NEVE (Studio A), SSL (Studio B), and Toft (Studio C) consoles

ú         associate the operation, location, and relationship of similar component functions between consoles

ú         demonstrate satisfactory application of each console’s patchbay

ú         demonstrate signal flow between multiple locations using the central patchbay tie lines

ú         differentiate the location of specific studio A, B and C equipment in the central machine room

ú         explain the need for, and demonstrate a satisfactory calibration of the Studer 827 analog tape machine

ú         apply advanced miking techniques using condenser microphones

ú         demonstrate operation of the Studer 827 analog tape machine, RADAR hard disk recorder, and ProTools HD system

ú         perform basic audio synchronization

ú         conduct an analog to digital, and digital to digital transfer of tracks

ú         apply basic automation procedures using Flying Faders on the Neve console (Studio A), and Ultimation on the SSL console (Studio B)

ú         demonstrate basic and advanced signal processing (spectrum and dynamic), through use of consoles and external devices available

ú         demonstrate basic knowledge and use of delay, reverb, and spacial effects through use of hardware based external devices available

ú         explore advanced mixing through the introduction of sound localization, spectrum, dynamic, and spatial processing techniques

ú         satisfactory document and illustrate recording session information

ú         learn and apply a technical language for use within the music business industry

ú         assess quality of audio and recording techniques using critical listening

ú         create two recording projects confirming the use of gained knowledge, required individual and group experiences, and synthesis of quality audio recording principles

 

Performance Criteria:  The student should be able to:

ú         locate respective audio recorders, CUE amps, console power supplies, automation fader motors, ELCO wall panel connectors, computers and audio interfaces for Studios A, B & C in the central machine room

ú         know studio session procedures for securing microphones, stands, and supplies needed

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         satisfactorily connect multi-track audio recorders using ELCO multi-pin harnesses

ú         operate channel, monitor, and master section components of the NEVE, SSL, and TOFT consoles demonstrating advanced signal flow comprehension and application

ú         establish CUE sends using the NEVE (Studio A), SSL (Studio B), and Toft (Studio C) consoles monitoring with headphones and at the console

ú         know, repeat, and perform an accurate tape alignment calibration of the Studer 827 24 track tape machine including setting proper bias for type of tape used

ú         conduct (6) recording sessions during the semester; (2) each: tracking, overdub, and mix for two projects implementing satisfactory operation of equipment used to date

ú         express an accurate, advanced technical language

ú         satisfactorily operate multi-track audio recorders and autolocators for the:

a.     Studer 827 24 track analog tape machine

b.     RADAR 24 track digital recorder

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

e.     transferring files over the network 

ú         perform (2) project transfers; analog to digital, and digital to digital, demonstrating use of:

a.     ELCO transfer cabling

b.     Network applications

c.     Wordclock

d.     SMPTE

ú         practice basic automation using Flying Faders on the Neve console (Studio A), and Ultimation on the SSL console (Studio B)

ú         understand and apply equalization techniques using console parameters (pre and post tape) and available outboard equipment

ú         demonstrate satisfactory parameter settings and function of a compressor, limiter, gate, and expander by use of console DYN section and available outboard equipment

ú         demonstrate advanced dynamic processing by creating external keying, ducking, and de-essing by use of console KEY/GATE and available outboard equipment

ú         determine the accurate tempo of a song and calculate delay times in milliseconds

ú         investigate the need to change basic parameter settings in reverb, delay, and special effect hardware found in the studio

ú         demonstrate proper level setting of an effect send and return

ú         create stereo mixes demonstrating the use of: 

a.     the HHB CD-R Burner

b.     the Alesis Masterlink recorder

c.     mixing to ProTools and/or Nuendo software

ú         plan, organize, and submit approved documentation in (2) final project reports satisfactorily defining accurate recall of all session procedures

ú         perform (2) practical examinations certifying accrued knowledge and skill level achieved

 

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; strict attendance and absences in class and labs will be noted.  http://www.belmont.edu/catalog/undergrad2006jun/apolicy/index.html

 

B.  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.

 

C.  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:

 

DTesting:  Test dates are noted in the class schedule.  Quizzes are unannounced.  No makeup tests or quizzes will be given.  No electronic devices of any kind may be used during exams. A midterm, two quizzes, two practical exams, and a written final will be given.  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.

 

Credit will be given for:

 

Task

Percent (%)

1. (2) Quizzes: written or practical (unannounced)

6

2. Midterm exam: written, practical & documentation

18

3. Worksheets

6

4. Final exam: written & practical

22

5. Recording projects (grade based on technical aspects, not the music or performance)

20

6. Labs

13

7. Assistant Sessions

15

                 

E.  Basis of grade evaluation: Grading scale as per the current Undergraduate Bulletin. 

http://www.belmont.edu/catalog/undergrad2006jun/apolicy/ap_as.html

 

A   = 970-1000        B+ = 870-928         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

 

An opportunity to earn extra credit in the amount of 5% added to your cumulative average is given during the semester.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class Schedule Summary

 

Key Dates

Activity

Jan 10 –Thurs

Introduction

Jan 21 – Mon

MLK HOLIDAY

Feb 26 – Tues

Midterm Written Exam

Feb 28 – Thurs

Midterm Practical Exam

Mar 4 – Tues

Project 1 Due

Mar 20 - 30 R/S

EASTER & SPRING BREAK!!!

Apr 22 - Tues

Project 2 Due

Apr 29 - Tues

Final Written Exam - Last Day of Class

May 1 - Thurs

Final Practical Exam Section .01 8:00am

May 6 – Tues

Final Practical Exam Section .02 8:00am

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lab Schedule:

                       

CRN 20312, AET 3190.01 - 8:00 - 9:15am TR, LAB 11:00am-12:20pm MW

                        CRN 20338, AET 3190.02 - 9:30-10:45am TR, LAB 12:30am - 1:45pm MW

 

 

 

 

LAB

SCHEDULE

 

 

 

1

Basic Signal Flow

Jan 14

 

Studer 827 Basics

Jan 16

 

 

 

2

Large Session Setup  

Jan 21 (No Labs)

 

Studio A

Jan 23 (all)

 

 

 

3

Analog Tape Calibration

Jan 28

 

Full Alignment

Jan 30

 

 

 

4

Analog to Protools Transfer

Feb 4

 

Studio C, Protools Basics

Feb 6

 

 

 

5

Basic Dynamic Processing

Feb 11

 

Console/Hardware

Feb 13

 

 

 

6

Flying Fader Automation &

Feb 18

 

Synchronization

Feb 20

 

 

 

7

Small Session Setup-Studio B

Feb 25

 

               Radar Operations

Feb 27

 

 

 

8

Digital Transfers

Mar 3

 

Radar/Protools/Nuendo

Mar 5

 

 

 

9

Spacial EFX Processing

Mar 10

 

Tape & Dig Delay/Reverb

Mar 12

 

 

 

10

Advanced Dynamic Processing

Mar 17

 

Mixing Techniques

Mar 19

 

 

 

11

SSL Ultimation

Mar 31

 

 

Apr 2

 

 

 

12

Collaborative Team Mix

Apr 7

 

 

Apr 9

 

 

 

13

Practical Exam Practice

Apr 14

 

 

Apr 16

 

 

 

14

Bonus Lab

Apr 21

 

Practical Exam Practice

Apr 23


 

 

 

AET 3190 Spring 2008 Class Schedule (order subject to change)

 

 

 

 

1

10-Jan

R

Introduction: Syllabus review.  R.E. Mulloy Studios overview.  Tour of A & B, central patchbay,  wiring & equipment.  Assignment.

2

15-Jan

T

NEVE signal flow and I/O module.  Workbook overview.  Review of assignment.

3

17-Jan

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.

4

22-Jan

T

Analog Tape Machine Calibration - dBu  vs. NW/m.  Part 1: Repro & Sync calibration with test tape.  Operational procedure of the Studer 827.

5

24-Jan

R

Analog Tape Machine Calibration -Part 2: Calibrating bias & record levels.  Recording tones on master tape.  Documentation.  Pros & cons of analog tape.

6

29-Jan

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.

7

31-Jan

R

Studio C to A transfer, Basic editing in Protools. File management, NEVE mixdown.  Mixing to Pro Tools.  Use of normalization & bounce to disk.

8

5-Feb

T

Condenser microphones; Stereo Miking Techniques.  Mid-side, Blumlein.  Important phase considerations. Documenting placement.

9

7-Feb

R

Miking techniques cont'd.  RADAR operations.  Analog To Radar transfers. SMPTE Time Code, lock & chase synchronization. The SYNC I/O.

10

12-Feb

T

Dynamic Processors: Gates, Expanders, Compressors, Limiters.  Documenting settings.

11

14-Feb

R

Intro to computer Automation: Neve Flying Fader basic operations.  Setting up a simple mix.  Touch Record, Lock Record & Auto-match.

12

19-Feb

T

Flying Faders Cont’d.  RSI, the global master, grouping & linking.

13

21-Feb

R

Radar Operations cont'd. Transferring Digital formats - Radar to Protools, SSL Signal Flow, NEVE/SSL comparison,Tracking & Overdubbing on the SSL

14

26-Feb

T

Midterm Written Exam

15

28-Feb

R

Midterm Practical Exam

16

4-Mar

T

Project #1 Due  SSL signal flow reviewed; Digital formats cont’d. Radar to Protools and/or Nuendo

17

6-Mar

R

Mixing techniques, Spacial Effects processing. Analog Tape Delay, Use of Reverb.  Digital effects processors in A & B, Central patchbay connections to plates.

18

11-Mar

T

Midterm review. The practical use of EFX in mixing.  Using outboard gear effectively.

19

13-Mar

R

Advanced dynamic processing: external keying, ducking, de-essing.  Practical uses.

20

18-Mar

T

SSL Ultimation

 

20-Mar

R

Easter & Spring Break - No Class 3/20-3/30

21

1-Apr

T

Mixing Techniques cont’d.  Setup, headroom considerations, panning, EQ, depth perception, dynamics & EFX.  Documentation standards.

22

3-Apr

R

Class Mix Exercise in A & B

23

8-Apr

T

Using your head, your ears, and what you've learned. The overuse of compression.  Preparing for mastering.

24

10-Apr

R

Practical Final Exam practice session - Studio A

25

15-Apr

T

Practical Final Exam practice session - Studio B

26

17-Apr

R

Remaining current.  Article reviews.  Becoming a sponge.

27

22-Apr

T

Project #2 Due. Peer Listening Evaluation

28

24-Apr

R

Final Exam Review

29

29-Apr

T

Final Written Exam

 

 

 

Final Practical Exam - CRN 20312, AET 3190.01 - Thursday, May 1st, 8:00am

 

 

 

Final Practical Exam - CRN 20338, AET 3190.02 -  Tuesday, May 6th, 8:00am