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Course # / Title: |
AET 1380.05 &.06 Survey of Recording Technology |
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Course Credit Hours: |
3 Credit Hours |
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Semester: |
Spring 2009 |
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Instructor: |
David Tough, B.A., MBA |
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Instructor Contacts: |
(615) 554-6693 (cell), toughd@mail.belmont.edu |
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Instructor Office Hours: |
# 206 Sony Building, MW 11am-1pm |
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Class Location: |
MCREMSB25 (Massey Center R. E. Mulloy Studios, Room B25) |
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Meeting Time(s): |
1-1:50 PM MWF (Section 05), 2-2:50 PM MWF (Section 06), Jan 14-May 5 |
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Final Exam: |
Friday, May 8, 2-5 PM (04) |
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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 Outcomes: At the end of this course the student will be able to:
ú identify and recall significant events and individuals that have influenced recording technology from 1844 to the present.
ú describe and implement basic procedures used in the recording process.
ú recognize and appraise differences in audio examples using critical listening skills.
ú apply and interpret a technical vocabulary.
ú demonstrate fundamental knowledge and basic skill manipulating entry-level professional recording equipment.
Performance Tasks: During this course the student will:
ú read audio related supplemental articles and web-linked assigned reading.
ú associate recording devices, mediums, and their inventors chronologically in a historical timeline.
ú categorize facts from the acoustic, electrical, and digital eras.
ú identify microphone placement, characteristics, and miking techniques.
ú describe the power of the dB.
ú list characteristics of analog tape.
ú explain how multi-track recording changed the production of music.
ú explain the difference between a bit, byte, megabyte, gigabyte, and terrabyte.
ú relate the Nyquist Theory to the vibration cycle of a waveform.
ú list steps in the encoding and decoding of a digital signal.
ú list current digital formats.
ú explain the advantages of the digital workstation.
ú explain how the ear works.
ú describe the basic principles of auditory perception.
ú identify the properties of sound and how it behaves in a room.
ú plot differences in frequency and dB.
ú calculate harmonics, wavelength, and octaves using frequency.
ú differentiate the envelope of a sound from the life cycle of a sound.
ú recognize the time difference between delay and reverb.
ú recognize the effect of a signal that is in and out-of-phase.
ú identify recording methods used during the recording process.
ú describe how the phonautograph, phonograph, and the telegraphone work.
ú recognize and explain the function of specific audio equipment used in the recording studio.
ú practice signal flow.
ú describe how the speaker works.
ú describe how the tape recorder works.
ú explain the basics of digital audio.
ú calculate differences in bit word length, bandwidth of sample rates, and dynamic range.
ú identify digital and computer interfaces.
ú create a stereo mix from a pre-recorded 8 track multi-track project.
ú create a final recording project using classroom equipment, or
ú create a class presentation based on a product that demonstrates how technology is in a state of change.
Assessment Tools: During this course, outcomes mastery will be evaluated by:
ú short answer quizzes and multiple-choice tests based on lectures, assigned readings, and class listening examples.
ú written observations of studio recording sessions.
ú completion of a collaborative mix project.
ú completion of a collaborative final recording project or class presentation.
ú a comprehensive written exam based on lectures, assigned readings, and listening.
Testing & Assignments:
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Activity |
Credit |
Purpose/Description |
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1. Reading Quizzes (6@ 10pts each) |
6 % |
Based on reading assignments, lectures, and listening. 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. Comprehensive Tests (4 @ 100 pts each) |
40 % |
Based on reading assignments, lectures and listening. Comprehensive tests will assess the depth of the student’s knowledge of the topic. Each test is a series of multiple-choice questions. |
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3. Written Observations (4 @ 30 pts each) |
12 % |
A pre-formatted three-page report demonstrates the application of knowledge gained from observing (4) studio recording sessions. Grading is achieved by an observation rubric. |
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4. Mix Project (100 pts) |
10 % |
A collaborative group mix project demonstrates the student’s ability to use classroom studio equipment. Grading is achieved by a mix rubric. |
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5a. Final Recording Project (120 pts) |
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A collaborative group recording project demonstrates the student’s ability to record a song using classroom studio equipment. Accompanied by a three-page report documenting procedure, the report and mix are graded using a final project rubric. |
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or |
12% |
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5b. Class Presentation (120 pts) |
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In lieu of a final recording project, students will present a 10min PPT presentation accompanied by a five-page report of a product that demonstrates how recording technology is changing. Paper must cite a minimum of (5) references and use MLA format. |
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6. Final Exam (200 pts) |
20 % |
A comprehensive test of multiple-choice questions and short answers is used to measure the student’s composite knowledge of topics covered from lectures, readings, equipment use, and listening. |
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, 1.5%; 2 absences, 3%; 3 absences, 4.5%; 4 absences, 6%; 5 absences, 7.5%; 6 absences, 9%; 7 absences, 10.5%; 8 absences, 12%; 9 absences, 13.5%; 10 absences, the student will be dropped from the class with a failing grade (WF).
Materials:
Audio in Media, 8th Edition, Stanley R. Alten, Thomson, Wadsworth.
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 |
All test dates are noted in the class schedule. Quizzes may be unannounced. No makeup tests or quizzes will be given. The final test is a comprehensive exam. Test dates may be subject to change with exception of the final exam. No electronic devices of any kind maybe used during exams. Opportunity to earn extra credit in the amount of 4% may be given during the semester and added to your final grade.
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 sees 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.
Other:
Class Webpage: http://campus.belmont.edu/mb/AET1380/
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) Please keep all AET/music business course materials (including AET 1380 notes/handouts), even after you have completed this course.
Class Schedule:
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DATE |
DAY |
TOPIC |
ASSIGNMENTS |
HANDOUTS |
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14-Jan |
Wed |
Orientation & Introduction |
Read Handouts |
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16-Jan |
Fri |
Lecture 1 - Beginnings of Recording Pt 1 |
Tinfoil.com essay |
Handouts 1-4 |
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19-Jan |
Mon |
MLK Holiday - No Class |
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21-Jan |
Wed |
Lecture 2 - Basic Properties of Sound |
History Group Assignment #1 |
Observation requirements/rubric, |
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Tinfoil.com essay due |
Wished Learned in school, etc |
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23-Jan |
Fri |
Lecture 3 - How do we describe sound? |
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n/a |
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26-Jan |
Mon |
Lecture 3 - How do we describe sound? ctd |
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n/a |
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28-Jan |
Wed |
Lecture 4 - Beginnings of Recording Pt 2 |
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n/a |
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30-Jan |
Fri |
Lecture 4 - Beginnings of Recording Pt 2 ctd |
Fill in tutorial worksheets |
Project 1 - Tutorial Explanation |
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2-Feb |
Mon |
Lecture 5 - An Early Session |
Read 2nd half of 1925 handout |
n/a |
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Lecture 6 - Overtones, Phase, ADSR |
Audio in Media Ch 1/2 pp 1-22 |
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« pp summary of magnetic recording website |
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4-Feb |
Wed |
Lecture 6 - Overtones, Phase, ADSR ctd |
Magnetic Recording Summary Due |
n/a |
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Lecture 7 - Electrical Recording |
History Group Assignment #2 |
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6-Feb |
Fri |
Lecture 7 - Electrical Recording ctd |
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n/a |
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9-Feb |
Mon |
Catch up on Lecture/Listening |
History #2 Summaries Due |
Connections DVD |
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Review AIM Ch 1 - The Ear |
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11-Feb |
Wed |
Lecture 8 - Psychoacoustics |
n/a |
n/a |
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13-Feb |
Fri |
Lecture 9 - The Ear |
Read Handouts |
Ear Handouts |
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16-Feb |
Mon |
Lecture 10- Electrical instruments/1930s |
n/a |
n/a |
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18-Feb |
Wed |
Test Review |
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n/a |
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20-Feb |
Fri |
TEST #1 |
Read Audio in Media Ch 4/13 - Microphones/Music Production |
All microphone handouts |
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OBSERVATION #1 Due |
Read Handouts |
Test #2 review sheet |
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23-Feb |
Mon |
Lecture 11- Microphones - Intro & Design |
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25-Feb |
Wed |
Lecture 11- Microphones - Characterisics |
n/a |
n/a |
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27-Feb |
Fri |
Lecture 11- Microphones - Characterisics ctd |
Read Chapter 3 Audio in Media - Life Cycle of Sound |
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Lecture 11- Microphones - Polar Patterns |
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2-Mar |
Mon |
Lecture 11 - Microphones - Stereo, etc |
n/a |
Birth of LP Handout |
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Lecture 12 - Life Cycle of Sound |
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4-Mar |
Wed |
Lecture - 13 The LP |
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6-Mar |
Fri |
TEST #2 |
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n/a |
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OBSERVATION #2 Due |
n/a |
Short History of Multitrack studio |
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Mar 9-13 |
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Spring Break No Class |
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16-Mar |
Mon |
Lecture 14 - 40s/50s Recording |
Read Audio in Media pp 101-112 Analog Recording |
n/a |
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18-Mar |
Wed |
Lecture 15 - Analog Recording |
n/a |
n/a |
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20-Mar |
Fri |
Lecture 15 - Analog Recording ctd |
n/a |
n/a |
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23-Mar |
Mon |
Lecture 16 - Signal Processors |
n/a |
n/a |
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25-Mar |
Wed |
Lecture 16 - Signal Processors ctd |
n/a |
n/a |
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27-Mar |
Fri |
RCA Studio B Tours - Luke Gilfeather |
n/a |
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30-Mar |
Mon |
Lecture 16 - Signal Processors ctd |
Fill in tutorial worksheets |
Project 2 Handout |
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1-Apr |
Wed |
Review For Test 3 - maybe, maybe not…April fools! |
n/a |
n/a |
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3-Apr |
Fri |
TEST #3 |
Read Audio in Media Ch 5 - Consoles |
n/a |
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OBSERVATION #3 Due |
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6-Apr |
Mon |
Lecture 17 - The Audio Console |
Grade updates |
n/a |
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8-Apr |
Wed |
Lecture 17 - The Audio Console ctd |
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n/a |
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Lecture 18 - Trends in Sound Recording 50s-90s |
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10-Apr |
Fri |
NO CLASS - EASTER BREAK |
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13-Apr |
Mon |
Watch making of Sgt Peppers (if time) |
Complete Sgt Peppers Worksheet |
Roger Nichols Handout |
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15-Apr |
Wed |
Catch up day |
n/a |
Read Audio in Media 113-134 - Digital Recording |
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Discuss Brian Wilson/Phil Spector |
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Read Intro to MIDI |
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17-Apr |
Fri |
Lecture 19 - Digital Recording |
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20-Apr |
Mon |
Discuss Lab Project 2 |
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22-Apr |
Wed |
Lecture 19 - Digital Recording |
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24-Apr |
Fri |
Lecture 19 - Digital Recording |
Take Home Test #4 |
n/a |
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27-Apr |
Mon |
Lecture 20- Digital Audio Formats.ppt |
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Lecture 23 - The Future - Surround sound etc |
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29-Apr |
Wed |
Test #4 Due |
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n/a |
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OBSERVATION #4 Due |
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1-May |
Fri |
Review For Final |
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3-May |
Mon |
Catch up day |
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Final Exam |
n/a |
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Friday, May 8, 2-5 PM (Section 5) |
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Monday, May 11, 2-5 PM (Section 6) |
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Project #2 due, Extra Credit #2 due |
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