Course # / Title:

CRN 20144, AET 1380.04 - Survey of Recording Technology

CRN 20147, AET 1380.07 - Survey of Recording Technology

Course Credit Hours:

3 hrs.

Semester:

Spring 2009

Instructor:

Mr. Kent Walker, Ph. D. Candidate, M. Mus., B.A.

Instructor Contacts:

(615) 460-5435, walkerkn@mail.belmont.edu

Instructor Office Hours:

1pm-3pm MWF  11am-12pm TR– by appointment

Class Location:

MCREMSB25 (Massey Center R.  E. Mulloy Studios, Room B25)

Meeting Time(s):

CRN 20144, AET 1380.04 -12:00-12:50pm MWF

CRN 20147, AET 1380.07 - 3:00-3:50pm MWF

Final Exam:

 CRN 20144, AET 1380.04 -Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 11 am (Room B25)

CRN 20147, AET 1380.07 - Friday May 8th, 2009 5 pm (Room B25)

 

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:

 

Activity

Credit

Purpose/Description

1.  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.

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.

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.

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.

5a. Final Recording Project

(120 pts)

 

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.

or

12%

 

5b. Class Presentation

(120 pts)

 

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.

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. 

AET 1380 COURSE PACK                          

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

 

 

All students are expected to prepare and contribute to class discussions.  Specific class activities, lecture notes, reminders, and reviews are updated frequently using Blackboard.  Additional class readings and website links are available on the class website. http://campus.belmont.edu/mb/AET1380/

 

You are expected to complete reading and study of textbook chapter assignments as noted in the daily class schedule.  Additional material given via handouts and class PPT lecture notes (available for print via Blackboard) will require an organized binder.  A #2 pencil will be needed for quizzes and multiple-choice tests.  Observation of four recording sessions at designated intervals with detailed reports will be required.   Additionally, all students will complete a collaborative mix project, a final recording project, or a class presentation.

 

Grade Evaluation:  As per CEMB policy, the grade assignment scale for this course is:

 

Grade

Percent (GPA)

A

94 (4.0)

A-

90 (3.7)

B+

87 (3.3)

B

84 (3.0)

B-

80 (2.7)

C+

77 (2.3)

C

74 (2.0)

C-

70 (1.7)

Final grades below 70 % will not apply to the major.

D+

67

D

64

D-

60

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DATE

ACTIVITY

Readings/Tasks

1

W

Jan   14

Orientation & Introduction

Info Sheet & syllabus

2

F

Jan 16

Review of syllabus, assignment guidelines, assignment rubrics, Introduction to the studio

 CP: pgs 4-8; pg 10

 

M

Jan 19

MLK day – no class

CP: 17, 86-91; AIM: 457-459

3

W

Jan 21

Introduction to the “players” in music production

AIM: 95-106; CP: 11a, 27-32

4

F

Jan 23

Introduction to equipment –Signal Flow, the console, channel strip components, mix lab tutorial

AIM: 106-109; 135-141

5

M

Jan 26

Patching, aux sends & inserts, mix lab tutorial

AIM: 1-6; 14-17

6

W

Jan 28

Makeup of sound; frequency, Hertz, harmonics, How does sound behave?

Readings from CP

7

F

Jan 30

Representing Sound (amplitude over time) –

Readings from CP

8

M

Feb 2

Devices of the Acoustic Recording Era (Phonautograph, phonograph, gramophone)

CHAPTER 1: Hearing

9

W

Feb 4

Hearing & the Ear, timbre and loudness

 

10

F

Feb 6

Listening Class

 

11

M

Feb 9

Review for Test #1 Observation Report#1 Due

CHAPTER 2: Acoustics

12

W

Feb 11

TEST #1

 

13

F

   Feb 13

Is it (a)live or dead? Acoustics of a Room, Sound isolation & studio construction

 

14

M

Feb 16

More on Reflection, Diffusion, & Absorption

CHAPTER 4: Microphones

15

W

Feb 18

Microphones – Operational Principle –Mix Lab CD Due

 

16

F

Feb 20

Microphones – Patterns

 

17

M

Feb 23

Microphones – Transducer Principle

 

18

W

Feb 25

Recording in the early electrical era

Readings from CP

19

F

Feb 27

Listening Class

 

20

M

Mar 2

Review for Test #2 Observation Report#2 Due

 

21

W

Mar 4

TEST #2 -

CHAPTER 2: Psychoacoustics

22

F

Mar 6

Spatial Hearing

 

 

 

 

Spring Break – March 9th – 13th

CHAPTER 15: Music Production

23

M

Mar 16

Stereo Microphone Techniques

 Readings from CP

24

W

Mar 18

Listening Class

 

25

F

Mar 20

The Analog Tape Recorder

CHAPTER 8: Signal Processors

26

M

Mar 23

Signal Processing – Spectrum Processors

 

27

W

Mar 25

Signal Processing – Amplitude Processors

 

28

F

Mar 27

Signal Processing – Time Processors

plan & complete final project

29

M

Mar 30

Les Paul “Chasing Sound” – video Part 1

Readings from CP

30

W

Apr 1

Les Paul “Chasing Sound” - video  Part 2 -

 

31

F

Apr 3

Observation Report #3 Due Review for Test #3

 

32

M

Apr 6

TEST #3

 

33

W

Apr 8

“The Making of Sgt Pepper” Part One – video, worksheet (handout)

 

 

 

 

April 9th-April 10th Easter Break – No Class

 

34

M

Apr 13

“The Making of Sgt Pepper” Part Two – video, worksheet (handout)

CHAPTER 3: Loudspeakers

35

W

Apr 15

Loudspeakers/Monitoring; General Considerations

CHAPTER 6: Digital Recording

36

F

Apr 17

Intro to Digital Audio – sampling & quantization, Nyquist theory

Digital Audio PPT notes

37

M

Apr 20

Meet the Bits & Bytes; Mega, Giga & Tera, the digital process, to dither or not to dither…

CHAPTER 17: Internet Prod.

38

W

Apr 22

Digital Tape, DASH, R-DAT, MDM’s, ADAT, Digital interfaces,jitter, wordclock

 

39

F

Apr 24

 Instrument & Computer interfaces, CD & CD-R basics

 

40

M

Apr 27

The Digital Audio Workstation – advantages & disadvantages, Plugins vs. hardware, Demo

 

41

W

Apr 29

Review for Test #4 - Observation Report #4 Due

 

42

F

May 1

TEST #4

 

43

M

May 4

Last Day of Class –Test Review & Final Exam Review

Final Projects Due (All extra credit observations due)

 

44

F

May 8

CRN 20147, AET 1380.07 – Final Exam, Friday May 8th, 2009 5 pm (Room B25)

 

45

T

May 12

CRN 20144, AET 1380.04 – Final Exam Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 11 am (Room B25)