Course # / Title:

CRN 26608, AET 2050, Basic Training: DAW

Course Credit Hours:

1 Credit Hour

Semester:

Spring 2009   

Instructor:

Rande Isabella, M.M., B.M.

Instructor Contacts:

(330) 885-2138 (cell), isabellar@mail.belmont.edu

Instructor Office Hours:   

Office Hours by Appointment (2pm-4pm, M&W)

Class Location:

REMSB23, R.E. Mulloy Studio B (and other studios)

Meeting Time(s):

4:00-5:15 p.m., MW,  Jan 14th – Mar 17th, 1st 8 weeks

Final Exam:

none

Class Website:                       Blackboard via your BIC account.

Course Description:

 

AET 2050, Basic Training: DAW.  Prerequisites: AET 1380.  An introduction to the study of digital audio through the use of the Digital Audio Workstation. A hands-on study of skills and techniques required for recording, editing, mixing and authoring, using the DAW.  Multiple platforms, including Digidesign ProTools, Apple Pro Logic and Magix Samplitude will be examined using both Mac and PC.

 

Course Outcomes: At the end of this course, the student will be able to:

·         apply terminology and theory as related to the digital audio workstation

·         demonstrate basic ability to complete recording projects and exercises using multiple operating systems of the digital audio workstation (DAW). 

·         function effectively on a team

·         record a song with a MIDI sequencer and live audio overdubs

·         edit tracks, add plug-in driven signal processing, and basic automation to song

·         fix and replace rhythm section tracks

·         mix, master and author a song to a CD

·         troubleshoot basic computer problems

Performance Tasks:  During this course, the student will:

 

·         know studio session procedures for securing lab time, microphones, stands, and supplies needed for exercises and projects

·         learn and apply a digital audio vocabulary through reading, lecture, lab exercises, and  audio-related functions using MAC and PC operating systems.

·         interpret related supplemental articles provided on Blackboard 

·         using ProTools, Logic, and Samplitude, learn essential functions of audio production software.

·         using Apple Pro Logic, learn and demonstrate basic MIDI sequencing and audio recording functions.

·         using Digidesign ProTools, learn and demonstrate ability to edit and mix multi-track audio.

·         using Magix Samplitude, learn and demonstrate basic mastering and authoring functions.

·         document and archive projects using appropriate NARAS standards with regards to digital file management.

·         synthesize outcomes by completing two lab projects as part of a team demonstrating basic proficiency using  digital audio workstation platform(s).

Assessment Tools: During this course, outcomes mastery will be evaluated by:

·         Performance on Lab Exercises (see rubric)

·         Lab Projects - Documentation and Procedures (see rubric)

·         In-Class Participation – Required

·         Individual Competency Examinations

Testing & Assignments:                                      Total Points         % of grade 
6 Lab Exercises @50 pts each                                          =    300 Points             30%
2 Written Exams (100 points)                                           =    200 Points             20%          VOX PROJECT (100 points)                                           =    100 Points             10%
GROUP RECORDING PROJECT (200 points)             =    200 Points             20%
2 Competency Exams       (100 points)                             =    200 points             20%
GRAND TOTAL =                                                         =   1,000 Points          100%

Course & Classroom Policies:

 

A. Attendance & Participation:  Class attendance follows university policy as stated in the current Undergraduate Bulletin.  Class participation is expected; attendance and absence will be noted.  All absences are considered unexcused, unless excused in writing by the Provost.  Each absence will result in the loss of 20 points (-2%) from grade.  Thus, five absences will reduce course GPA by one letter grade or 10%.  Eight absences results in an automatic withdraw failure (WF).

 

B.  Required Materials: 

The Musician’s Guide to Pro Tools, Second Edition by John Keane (McGraw Hill Osborne)

C.    Recommended Materials:

a.       Digidesign Pro Tools Version 7 Reference Guide – free download from http://www.digidesign.com\        

b.      ProTools 101 Manual (can be purchased at Amazon.com)

c.       ProTools Tutorial CD-ROM Course (available from Staff Engineers, to be used in DAW studios)                            

d.      Logic Pro Version 8 Manual – free download from http://www.apple.com/support/logicpro/ (on DAW Workstations

e.       Logic Pro Tutorial DVD (available from Staff Engineers, to be used in DAW studios)

f.       Magix SamplitudeVersion 10 Manual – free download from http://www.samplitude.com/eng/pdf/samplitude10_manual_en.pdf  (on DAW Workstations)

g.      Samplitude Tutorial (available on DAW Workstations)

h.      Blank CD-Rs and/or DVD-Rs as needed for backing up and turning in projects.

i.        Web Access.  Students will be required to access various informational sources on the internet.  Blackboard access (via BIC) is also necessary. Readings through Blackboard, online, or handouts

Optional:

A Firewire/IEEE-1394 drive (7200 rpm or better) will allow project portability and speedy backup.  FAT 32 drive format preferred as it works between Windows & MAC OS. Larger flash drive 1GB+ or more can also be used for project storage and transfer.

 

E. 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

 

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.

 

 

AET 2050 Class Schedule (subject to change)

 

Date

Class

Activities

Assignments

W – Jan 14

1

Class Introduction, Syllabus                                              Basics of the Digital Audio Workstation                              File Management; NARAS Standards;

 

W- Jan 21

2

Digital Audio Principles

ProTools Ch. 1 & 2

M – Jan 26

3

ProTools Navigation and Basics                                       Windows vs. PC  Pt. 1

Lab Exercise #1 Due ProTools Ch. 3 & 4

W – Jan 28

4

ProTools Editing, Regions and Recording                    Computer Hardware

ProTools Ch. 5     ProTools Tutorial

M – Feb 2

5

ProTools EQ, Dynamics;                                                      Sends and AudioSuite Plug-ins; Groups

Lab Exercise #2 Due     ProTools Ch. 6

W – Feb 4

6

Written Exam 1                                                     Advanced Functions of ProTools                                           Bass and Guitar Fixes

ProTools Ch. 7 & 8

   M – Feb 9

7

Vocal Comps                                                                      Interface Issues

Lab Exercise #3 Due ProTools Ch. 12

W – Feb 11

8

ProTools Mixing and Automation, Windows vs. PC  Pt. 2

ProTools Ch. 13

M – Feb 16

9

Review Group ReMix Projects in Class                              Basic Competency Exam

ReMix Project Due    ProTools Ch. 9

W – Feb 18

10

Apple Pro Logic Features                                           Navigation and File Storage                                        Recording and MIDI Sequencing

Lab Exercise #4 Due ProTools Ch. 10          Apple Logic Pro Tutorial

M – Feb 23

11

Apple Recording Procedures                                                FX Sends and Plug-Ins, Editing and Mixing

ProTools Ch. 11

W – Feb 25

12

Intro to Samplitude                                                                   Dan Wujcik - Instructor

Lab Exercise #5 Due  Samplitude Tutorial

M – Mar 2

13

Magix Samplitude Navigation and Features;                 Written Exam 2      

 

W – Mar 4

14

Mastering with Samplitude                                                  Audio Interfaces, CD Authoring; Digital Transfers and Storage            

Lab Exercise #6 Due

M – Mar 16

 

15

Advanced Competency Exam                       Additional DAW Platforms                                            Loop Based Software

FINAL GROUP PROJECT DUE