Course # / Title:

CRN 26621, AET 4120 - Audio Mastering

Course Credit Hours:

1 hr.

Semester:

Spring 2009

Instructor:

Mr. Jim Kaiser

Instructor Contacts:

jimkaiser@comcast.net

Instructor Office Hours:

By appointment only

Class Location:

MCREMSB07 (Massey Center R.E. Mulloy Studios, Control Rm A)

Meeting Time(s):

3:30-4:45pm TR; one non-class time studio tour TBD

Final Exam:

Tuesday May 5th, 2009  3:30pm (Room B07)  Note: this is during last class.

 

 

Course Description: The study and practice of audio processing related to the replication and distribution of audio-based product(s) such as audio/video disc manufacturing and digital file transfers. This course provides concentrated in-depth study and practice designed to develop skills utilized in the final stage of audio preparation before mass distribution.

 

 

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

ú         demonstrate an appropriate mastery of the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of the discipline of audio mastering

ú         describe and implement basic procedures used in the audio mastering process

ú         demonstrate fundamental knowledge and basic skill manipulating professional mastering equipment

ú         recognize and appraise differences in audio programs using critical listening skills

ú         show an ability to apply creativity in the use of systems, components, and processes that enable audio mastering

ú         apply and interpret a technical vocabulary related to audio mastering

ú         demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively on topics  related to audio mastering

 

 

Performance Tasks:  During this course the student will:

ú          read mastering related supplemental articles and web-linked assigned reading

ú          discuss how developments in mastering technology have influenced music business trends

ú          observe a mastering session and apply course concepts by composing a written report

ú          assess the quality of recorded audio and recording techniques using critical listening skills

ú          identify processes in the encoding and decoding of digital audio, including bit depth, sample rate, etc.

ú         identify analog and digital formats used in audio mastering

ú         explain the advantages of the digital workstation for use in audio mastering processes

ú         identify production methods used during the mastering process

ú         recognize and explain the function of specific audio equipment used in the mastering studio

ú         establish proper signal flow in both the digital and analog domains

ú         identify and manipulate digital and computer interfaces during lab exercises

ú         demonstrate knowledge through creating a final master from a prepared mix project

ú         synthesize outcomes by creating: a) a final mastering project, and b) a class presentation of how recording technology is applied in a mastering context

 

 

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

ú         quizzes and test(s) based on lectures, assigned readings, and class listening examples

ú         written observation(s)/report(s) of audio mastering session(s)

ú         completion of regular lab-based, group and individual mastering projects

ú         completion and presentation of a final mastering project

ú         a comprehensive written & practical exam based on lectures, assigned readings, listening, and labs

 

 

 

Testing & Assignments:

 

Activity

Credit

Purpose/Description

1.  Quizzes                              (4 @30 pts each)

12 %

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 Test          (150 pts total)

15 %

Based on reading assignments, lectures and listening.  Comprehensive tests will assess the depth of the student’s knowledge of the topic. 

3.  Written Observation

 (150 pts total)

15 %

A formatted multi-page report demonstrates the application of knowledge gained from observing (1) mastering session.

4. Lab Project(s)

(180 pts total)

18 %

Collaborative mastering projects demonstrate the student’s ability to use lab mastering equipment. 

5. Final Mastering Project

(200 pts)

20 %

An individual mastering project demonstrates the student’s ability to master multiple songs using classroom/lab equipment. Accompanied by a verbal explanation of procedure, and graded using a rubric.

6.  Final Exam

(200 pts)

20 %

A comprehensive test of multiple-choice questions, short answers, and applied knowledge 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:

Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science, 2nd Edition, by Bob Katz (Focal Press)

Several blank CD-R’s will be needed for class projects.

All students are expected to prepare and contribute to class discussions.  Specific class activities, lecture notes, reminders, and reviews are updated frequently using Blackboard.

 

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 one or more mastering sessions at designated intervals with detailed reports will be required.   Additionally, all students will complete a final mastering project, along with various lab assignments.

 

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

 

Grade

Percent (GPA)

 

Grade

Percent (GPA)

A

94 (4.0)

 

C-

70 (1.7)

A-

90 (3.7)

 

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

B+

87 (3.3)

 

B

84 (3.0)

 

D+

67

B-

80 (2.7)

 

D

64

C+

77 (2.3)

 

D-

60

C

74 (2.0)

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

Class Schedule: 

 

Key Dates

Activity

Related Reading/ Further Details

Thu. Mar. 19

First Class / Introduction / The Role of the Mastering Engineer

Katz, Chapter 1

Tue. Mar. 24

Connections / Earientation / Wordlength & Dither (Lab)

Katz, Chapter 2, 3, 4 (Lab)

Thu. Mar. 26

Decibels / Monitor Quality  (Quiz)

Katz, Chapter 5, 6

Tue. Mar. 31

Putting An Album Together (Lab)

Katz, Chapter 7 (Lab)

Thu. Apr. 2

Equalization (Lab) (Quiz)

Katz, Chapter 8 (Lab)

Tue. Apr. 7

Test

Non-class time studio visit TBD

Thu. Apr. 9

Easter Break - NO CLASS

 

Tue. Apr. 14.

Dynamic Range & Compression (Lab)

Katz, Chapter 9, 10 (Lab)

Thu. Apr. 16

Dynamics / Noise Reduction (Lab) (Quiz)

Katz, Chapter 11, 12 (Lab)/Observation Report Due

Tue. Apr. 21

Making Better Recording (Loudness)

Katz, Chapter 14

Thu. Apr. 23

Top Processors / Analog & Digital Processing (Lab) (Quiz)

Katz, Chapter 13, 17

Tue. Apr. 28

Addn'l Mastering Techniques / High Sample Rates

Katz, Chapter 16, 20

Thu. Apr. 30

Jitter / Tips & Tricks

Katz, Chapter 21, 22 / Final Project Due

Tue. May 5

Final Exam  3:30 - 4:45 pm  B07 / Lab

 

 

 

 

 

Note:  Above subject to change except Final Exam